Set on the edge of a volcanic crater lake and framed by dramatic cone-shaped peaks, Lake Atitlan offers a setting that feels both expansive and deeply restorative. This lakefront retreat center provides a peaceful base for a week of inward reflection and outward discovery, with daily yoga classes and guided workshops designed to support connection, presence, and exploration of the surrounding culture.
The retreat center features a spacious yoga deck with sweeping lake views, along with shared areas that invite relaxation and conversation. Guests also have access to a pool, hot tub, spa, and sauna, creating plenty of space to unwind and rebalance. Throughout the week, you’ll be nourished with abundant vegetarian buffet meals prepared with organic and locally grown ingredients. Because road access around the lake is limited, many nearby villages are reached by boat, helping preserve the area’s calm pace and sense of seclusion. The region is also home to strong Mayan communities, and the itinerary includes opportunities to engage with local healing and spiritual wellness traditions rooted in indigenous culture and sustainability.
GROUP TRIPS: September 2026 & June 2027
STARTING AT $2695 per person
September 1-6, 2026 with Michelle Fajkus
June 12-17, 2027 with Michelle Fajkus
6-day Guatemala retreat with an experienced Retreat Leader
4-16 people
Trip Inclusions
DAY 1: ARRIVE AND GATHER TOGETHER After arrival no later than 1 pm, transportation will be provided from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City to your lodgings above the lush surroundings of Lake Atitlan. Enjoy the scenic 3.5-hour drive through Guatemala’s mountainous landscape before continuing by a 10-minute boat ride to the private dock of the retreat center. Once you arrive, settle in and relax. Your home for the week offers spacious rooms, private bathrooms, hot water, wifi, and balconies with lake and volcano views. In the evening, ease into the journey with a soothing yoga session, followed by a Welcome Dinner featuring fresh organic ingredients and Guatemalan flavors.
DAY 2: MAYAN FIRE CEREMONY AND CONNECTING TO PLACE Begin the first full day with breakfast before joining a ceremonial experience led by a Mayan Spiritual Guide. The ancient Mayan Fire Ceremony offers a meaningful way to connect with the energy of the week through the sacred Mayan calendar. Surrounded by color, incense, and flowers, guests are invited to make offerings, give thanks, and set intentions. An optional 20-minute personal reading with Tomas is also available, offering insight into your gifts, strengths, and challenges according to your nawal, or birth day in the Mayan calendar.
DAY 3: CACAO EXPERIENCE & TIME TO EXPLORE Start the morning with a refreshing yoga class, then enjoy breakfast before heading to an immersive cacao experience at the home of a leader in a local cacao women’s collective. After a welcome drink, you’ll learn about the project’s focus on empowerment and regenerative practices, along with the history, process, uses, and benefits of cacao. The experience also highlights cacao’s connection to Mesoamerican history, permaculture, reforestation, and traditional uses. You’ll then enjoy cacao and a traditional Guatemalan lunch before free time to explore places such as San Marcos or San Juan. In the evening, gather again for yoga and dinner.
DAY 4: MARKETS & LOCAL VILLAGES Another morning begins with yoga and breakfast, followed by a tour of organic gardens at a nearby farm and a hike to a hidden waterfall. During the outing, you’ll also learn more about our Community Partner, WellKind. After returning, enjoy a late lunch and time to rest, connect, or take a swim in the lake. The evening includes another uplifting yoga session and dinner.
DAY 5: RELAX, HIKE, SWIM OR VISIT NEARBY VILLAGES After morning yoga and breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Choose from hikes, water activities, local village visits, or onsite spa services at the retreat center. Nearby options include San Marcos, San Juan, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, and Panajachel. Later in the day, come together for your final yoga flow and a closing yoga ceremony, followed by a Farewell Dinner to reflect on the week and carry its insights home with you.
DAY 6: DEPARTURE On departure day, the group travels together to Guatemala City on a 4-hour drive, arriving at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) about 3 hours before the first flight. Plan your return flight no earlier than 2:00 p.m. Guests will be taken to the airport first, and those wishing to remain in Guatemala City longer may arrange an alternate drop-off in the city for an additional fee, provided this is organized in advance.
Group Trip Pricing
Roommates are paired by gender unless you request a private room.
STARTING at $2695 per person - double occupancy
+$395 - “My own room” option - private room with private bathroom
Add-ons
Mayan Astrology Reading: $75, 1.5-hour session with Michelle onsite, including a 10-page personalized PDF report
Organized onsite: Kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, massage, aerial yoga, sweat lodge ceremony
About your hosts
Michelle Fajkus is a writer, lifelong learner, yoga teacher, retreat leader, and creator of Yoga Freedom. She has been teaching yoga since 2002 and leading retreats since 2010. A left-handed Texan Gemini with Libra rising, she lives with her family on magical Lake Atitlan in Guatemala and works as a freelance writer, editor, translator, interpreter, and yoga instructor.
Michelle Fajkus
Tomas
Price
$2,695.00
Tue, Sep 1