Set against a volcanic crater lake and ringed by dramatic cone-shaped peaks, Lake Atitlán in Guatemala offers scenery that feels almost otherworldly. Our beautiful lakefront retreat center provides a peaceful base for both inner reflection and outward discovery. Over six days, you’ll take part in daily yoga classes and guided workshops that create space to reconnect with yourself while experiencing the region’s rich culture.

The retreat center features an expansive yoga deck with sweeping lake views, along with inviting common areas for relaxing and gathering. A pool, hot tub, spa, and sauna offer additional ways to restore balance in body and mind. You’ll also enjoy generous vegetarian buffet meals prepared with organic, locally grown ingredients. With limited road access, many of the small lakeside villages can only be reached by boat, helping preserve the area’s calm rhythm and sense of connection. Strong Mayan traditions remain deeply present here, and throughout the itinerary you’ll be introduced to local healing and spiritual wellness practices that reflect the region’s spirit of sustainability and abundance.

Book this 6-day Guatemala retreat starting at $2695 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details, and complete pricing in the drop-downs below.

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

Accommodations: 5 nights at an idyllic and sustainably-built retreat center
Transportation: Airport transfer to/from La Aurora International Airport (GUA), vehicle transit to/from included activities
Activities: Daily yoga and meditation, yoga props like bolsters, cork yoga mats & handmade yoga blocks, onsite sauna, opportunity to hike, visit local villages & natural pools, cacao and chocolate-making workshop, permaculture farm tour and waterfall hike, Mayan Fire Ceremony
Meals: Three meals a day, plus coffee/tea, two snacks, and dessert
Additional: Engagement session with our community partner + donation to their organization, Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure, dedicated Traverse host throughout trip, small group experience, max 16 people
Add-ons: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rock-climbing, hiking, acro-yoga & more

Daily Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE AND GATHER TOGETHER After your flight arrives no later than 1:00 p.m., transportation will take you from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City to your lodging above the lush surroundings of Lake Atitlán. Enjoy the scenic 3.5-hour drive through Guatemala’s mountainous landscape, then continue with a 10-minute boat ride to the private dock at the retreat center. Once you arrive, settle in and unwind. Your home for the week offers spacious rooms, private bathrooms, hot water, wifi, and balconies with views of the lake and volcanoes. In the evening, come together for a gentle 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 day with breakfast before joining a ceremonial experience guided by a Mayan Spiritual Guide. The ancient Mayan Fire Ceremony offers a meaningful way to explore the energy of your time together through the sacred Mayan calendar. With color, incense, flowers, offerings, and gratitude, you’ll take part in a beautiful ritual while setting intentions for the week ahead. 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 sacred Mayan calendar.

DAY 3: CACAO EXPERIENCE & TIME TO EXPLORE Start with a refreshing yoga class, then enjoy breakfast before heading to a local cacao women’s collective. There, you’ll be welcomed with a drink and learn about a project centered on local empowerment and regenerative practices. The experience includes a closer look at cacao production, its history, and its many uses, including its role in Mesoamerican culture, its cosmetic and medicinal potential, and its connection to permaculture and reforestation. You’ll finish by tasting cacao and sharing a traditional Guatemalan lunch. The afternoon is free for exploring San Marcos or San Juan, with options suggested by your Retreat Leader. As evening falls, gather for another yoga session and a thoughtfully prepared 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 walk, you’ll also learn about our Community Partner, WellKind. Afterward, enjoy a late lunch and some time to rest, connect with the landscape, or take a swim in the lake. In the evening, come together for an uplifting yoga session and dinner.

DAY 5: RELAX, HIKE, SWIM OR VISIT NEARBY VILLAGES After morning yoga and breakfast, the day is yours to spend as you wish. You may choose from hikes, water activities, or visits to nearby villages such as San Marcos, San Juan, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, and Panajachel. Onsite spa services are also available at the retreat center. Later in the afternoon, gather for your final yoga flow and a special closing yoga ceremony. Tonight’s Farewell Dinner offers time to reflect on the week and consider what you want to carry home with you.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE On the final day, the group departs together for the 4-hour drive back to Guatemala City, arriving at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) about 3 hours before the first flight. Plan your departure no earlier than 2:00 p.m. Everyone will be taken to the airport first, and if you wish to remain in Guatemala City longer, the driver can take you to another destination in the city for an additional fee, arranged in advance.

Group Trip Pricing

You’ll be paired with a roommate of the same gender unless you request your own 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 on site, including a 10-page personalized PDF report

Organized on-site: 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 joyfully 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 Atitlán in Guatemala and works as a freelance writer, editor, translator, interpreter, and yoga instructor.

Events in Guatemala

Events in Guatemala