“Here comes the sun” Yoga Retreat in Guatemala with Aliya

Your TourHero

About Aliya
Aliya teaches yoga, meditation, and energy healing practices that combine breathwork, qi gong, and reiki to create a moving meditation practice and strengthen the mind to muscle connection. Each class provides the space to take radical responsibility for your practice, carry gratitude off your mat and into the world, and to move emotions and intentions through your body. Aliya received her 200 hour YTT and Reiki Healing certification in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her practice is fueled by spirituality and Buddhist philosophies to create and maintain inner peace.

Aliya's Instagram

Duration

6 days · 5 nights

Travel Date

Mar 19 – 24, 2024

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

6 – 15

Transportation

Airport transfers; public water taxi (not included — please budget $5 per person)

Tour Price

USD 1,972

/ person

Your Fellow Explorers

Age range

18+

Travel interest

Healing, wellness, sacred ceremonies, sunrise yoga, nature

Fellow Travelers

Nicole

Lauren

Paige

Hailey

Brianna

Aliya

Your Local Guide

Due South Travels is a travel company that specializes in providing unique and authentic travel experiences in Guatemala. With core services that include travel planning and custom guided tours, Due South Travels prides itself on its ability to execute complete in-country travel experiences in an organized, safe, and efficient way. Their team of professional guides and local experts provide personalized attention to each traveler, ensuring that they have a meaningful and unforgettable experience in Guatemala.

Guatemala>“Here comes the sun” Yoga Retreat in Guatemala with Aliya

Embark on a 6-day transformative journey of self-discovery, healing, and connection in the heart of Guatemala. Nestled in the enchanting Lake Atitlán region, this retreat is a sanctuary for your soul, a space to align with your true essence and awaken to your highest potential. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of The Yoga Forest in San Marcos La Laguna, where every day brings a new opportunity for exploration, rejuvenation, and growth.

Your journey includes 5 nights at the tranquil haven and daily brunch and dinners to nourish you from the inside out. Ignite your spirit with sunrise yoga sessions, harmonize your energy with sound healing, and cleanse your spirit during a traditional temazcal ceremony. Connect deeply in a heart-opening Cacao ceremony, explore the majestic Guatemalan highlands on a guided hike, and surrender to the bliss of sharing circles. This is more than just a retreat, it's a journey into the heart of wellness, a dance with the divine, and an invitation to transform from the inside out. Join us for this unforgettable journey and discover the magic that unfolds when you connect with your true essence.

Cancellation policy

TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until December 5, 2023. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.

In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by December 5, 2023 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given. To change or cancel your trip, please email travelers@tourhero.com.

Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.

Your TourHero

Duration

6 days · 5 nights

Travel Date

Mar 19 – 24, 2024

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

6 – 15

Transportation

Airport transfers; public water taxi (not included — please budget $5 per person)

Guatemala>“Here comes the sun” Yoga Retreat in Guatemala with Aliya

Timeline

Day 1 · Panajachel & San Marcos La Laguna
Arrive at airport
Group transfer from airport to the dock at Panajachel
Catch public water taxi to accommodation (not included in price)
Check-in at The Yoga Forest
Free time — settle in, explore the property, connect with retreat companions
Welcome dinner
Day 2 · San Marcos La Laguna
Sunrise meditation & yoga
Brunch
Free time
Temazcal
Dinner
Releasing ceremony
Sharing circle
Day 3 · San Marcos La Laguna
Sunrise meditation & movement
Yoga session
Brunch
Free time
Dinner
Sharing circle
Day 4 · San Marcos La Laguna
Sunrise meditation & movement
Yoga session
Brunch
Free time
Dinner
Cacao ceremony
Sharing circle
Day 5 · San Marcos La Laguna
Sunrise meditation & movement
Yoga session
Brunch
Free time
Sound healing ceremony
Dinner
Sharing circle & closing ceremony
Day 6 · Departure
Meditation
Group pickup and transfer to airport for Lauren and Hailey
Sunrise meditation & yoga
Free time
Group pickup and transfer to airport for Aliya, Paige, Briana, and Nicole
Journey ends

Details

Day 1

Arrival & Embrace

Welcome, kindred spirits, to the start of your transformative journey. The moment your feet touch the sacred soil of Guatemala, you can feel the energy of the land welcoming you, its rich history and vibrant culture pulsating beneath your feet. You'll be picked up from the airport and whisked through the picturesque landscapes of this splendid country to Panajachel, a quaint and lively lakeside town. Here, board one of the public water taxis and prepare for a serene glide across the azure waters of Lake Atitlán to San Marcos La Laguna. Your destination is The Yoga Forest, a haven of tranquility and rejuvenation dedicated to wellness, nestled in the heart of Guatemala's enchanting Lake Atitlán region.

Upon check-in, feel free to unwind after a day of travel — take a gentle stroll around the property, acquainting yourself with the pockets of peace that you'll call home. Feel the energy of the place seeping into your being, grounding you in the present moment, and sparking that divine connection within.

As the sun begins to lower its gaze, we'll gather for our first community dinner. As we relish in a hearty meal this evening, you'll start to feel the bonds of this sacred community forming, a sense of shared purpose and connection that will only deepen as your journey unfolds. Celebrate the start of a transformative experience like no other, where sacred ceremonies, and the divine energy of our surroundings will heal and empower mind, body, and spirit.

Day 2

Embrace the Dawn, the Divine, and the Deep

As the first rays of sunlight paint the morning sky with hues of warmth and promise, your second day of transformation begins. Rise with the dawn and join Aliya for a sacred yoga and meditation session. In the cool embrace of the morning air, allow the day's first light to illuminate your practice. Sync your breath with the rhythm of the awakening world around you, creating harmony within and without.

Following this serene morning practice, we'll gather for a nourishing brunch. Let each bite fuel your body and spirit for the day ahead, while you enjoy the companionship of your fellow seekers. After brunch, you'll be able to enjoy some free time at leisure. Allow yourself to wander and wonder in the blissful surroundings of our wellness retreat. Connect with nature, with your companions, with your inner self.

As the afternoon sun starts to wane, prepare yourself for the immersive experience of a Temazcal ceremony. This ancient Mesoamerican ritual, conducted in a traditional sweat lodge, is a purifying journey that cleanses your body, mind, and spirit, releasing any blockages and paving the way for renewal.

After dinner, participate in a releasing ceremony, whereby we invite you to consciously let go of what no longer serves you, opening space for new energies, experiences, and wisdom to enter.

Day 3

Rise, Revel, and Restore

As the new day unfurls its golden splendor, your transformative journey continues. Begin your day in the sacred communion of body and mind with morning meditation, movement and yoga. Feel the day's first light infuse your heart with a vibrant energy, while the serene backdrop lends a touch of the divine to your practice.

After a day free of responsibility, share stories over dinner as dusk begins to drape its gentle veil over the day. Finally, we'll come together for a sharing circle to close the day.

Day 4

Serenity, Space, and Sacred Cacao

Greet the dawn of your fourth day with a serene morning meditation and movement session. As the gentle light of dawn graces the sky, let it illuminate your inner landscape, guiding you into a state of deep peace and connection. Following this tranquil morning practice, we'll enjoy a delicious brunch. Then, the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure.

As the afternoon sun gives way to the softer hues of evening, we'll gather once again for a shared meal. Let the simple act of enjoying nourishing food together deepen the bonds of our shared journey! We'll then close the night with a sacred cacao ceremony. Cacao has been revered by ancient cultures for its heart-opening properties, serving as a bridge to the divine and guiding users into a space of deep introspection and connection.

Day 5

Harmony, Healing, and Sound

On the final full day of your transformative journey, rise with the sun once more and embrace the divine energy of a morning meditation and movement session. Awaken your body, focus your mind, and ignite your spirit as you move through each pose. After brunch, indulge in some free time — explore the grounds, work on your own practice, or forge stronger bonds your fellow retreat companions.

As the day unfolds, gather for a sound healing ceremony. This practice uses the power of sound and vibration to restore harmony to your body, mind, and spirit. Be guided into a state of deep relaxation and healing. And finally, after one last dinner together, we'll partake in a sharing circle. We'll then initiate our closing ceremony to celebrate your journey and honor the transformations, realizations, and connections that have unfolded over the past days.

Day 6

Goodbye & Journey On

We've come to the last day of our retreat — we hope you have had a wonderful journey connecting with yourself and with the sacred energies of Guatemala. After one last breakfast this morning, it’s time to leave the hotel behind and depart for the airport. We hope to see you again — travel safe!

Accommodation

The Yoga Forest
Discover a haven of tranquility and rejuvenation at The Yoga Forest Retreat Center, nestled in the heart of Guatemala's enchanting Lake Atitlán region. This eco-conscious sanctuary offers an immersive experience in nature, with thoughtfully designed accommodations that blend seamlessly with the lush surroundings. Each room features cozy furnishings, locally-sourced materials, and breathtaking views of the lake and majestic volcanoes.

The Yoga Forest is dedicated to wellness, offering a range of facilities tailored to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Indulge in revitalizing yoga and meditation sessions in the serene open-air shalas, unwind at the natural spa with rejuvenating treatments, or take a moment to reflect in the peaceful meditation gardens and hammocks. At The Yoga Forest, every aspect of your stay is designed to help you embrace serenity, deepen your connection with nature, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Room type: Quadruple rooms and double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin beds.

Included

5 nights at The Yoga Forest
Shared double occupancy in accommodation
All breakfasts (brunches) and dinners
All activities descibed in the itinerary (including one cacao ceremony, one temazcal session, one sound healing ceremony, and one guided hike)
One group airport arrival transfer
One group airport departure transfer

Not included

Flights
All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions
Cost for public water taxi (each guest should budget $5 per person)
Optional add-ons
Travel insurance
Gratuities

Available add-on

Single supplement room upgrade for the entire retreat

Want a little more privacy during your retreat? Select this single supplement add-on and have a room all to yourself.

Price: USD 150

18 spots left

Stand-up paddleboard tour or kayak tour (2 hours)

Enjoy some time on the lake with a stand-up paddleboard tour or kayak tour.

Price: USD 51

15 spots left

Cooking class and beading workshop (4 hours)

Learn how to prepare a traditional Guatemalan meal using indigenous herbs, spices, and vegetables, taught by local women. All options can be made vegetarian upon request! Then, you’ll practice beading using colorful seed beads that are typically used in crafting by the Mayan women to make bracelets, necklaces, ornaments, etc.

Price: USD 80

15 spots left

Weaving class (3 hours)

Work with a local woman to learn her craft of backstrap loom weaving. You may be able to finish a small project and of course you take home your work.

Price: USD 29

15 spots left

Cultural circuit (4 hours)

Guests can choose from two of the following five activities on offer: temazcal, coffee cultivation and preparation, tortilla making, mushroom growing, and weaving.

Minimum 3 people.

Price: USD 72

15 spots left

Cooking class with market visit (3.5 hours)

Meet your local guide and take a trip to the market to gather your ingredients to prepare a local meal. You’ll help prep and cook a traditional dish alongside community members and then enjoy a filling lunch. Can be made vegetarian.

Price: USD 29

15 spots left

Mayan ceremony with tree planting (1.5 hours)

Your spiritual guide will lead you up the slopes of Rostro Maya where you will visit a ceremonial altar and learn about the Mayan spiritual practices that have been carried on for generations. One practice that has fallen to the wayside is the planting of a tree after a ceremonial blessing, which asks for bountiful harvests and is an ancient tradition that the guides of San Juan La Laguna would like to continue. This is a unique event where you’ll get to plant the tree after the spiritual fire ceremony and ask for blessings.

Minimum 3 people.

Price: USD 37

15 spots left

Natural dye process with weaving demonstration (1 hour plus lunch)

Visit a women’s weaving cooperative to understand the art of backstrap loom weaving, a tedious and time-honored traditional craft. You will observe a natural-dye demonstration and the process of weaving, and then sit and enjoy a local lunch prepared by the ladies.

Price: USD 30

15 spots left

Walking tour of Antigua

Join us for an optional walking tour of the historic center of Antigua. This colonial city is celebrated for its Spanish architecture, but there is also a dark history that arrived with the Spanish invasion, and you’ll hear about the Mayan culture, geography, and timeline of the settlement of the area. This tour is two hours long and involves approximately one mile of walking on cobblestone streets. Your local, bilingual guide will be pleased to suggest some places for shopping or dining also.

Price: USD 25

15 spots left

Pre-trip extension: One night at Hotel Casa Noble (Transfer included)

Book one night at Hotel Casa Noble in Antigua before the first day of the trip. This is a clean, no-frills budget option, centrally located near all the amenities you might need in Antigua (banks, grocery stores, park, restaurants). (Please note that this is the price per room; 2 people can split a room.)

Transfer included.

Price: USD 138

Sold out

Post-trip extension: One night at Hotel Casa Noble (Transfer included)

Book one night at Hotel Casa Noble in Antigua at the end of the trip. This is a clean, no-frills budget option, centrally located near all the amenities you might need in Antigua (banks, grocery stores, park, restaurants).

Transfer included.

Price: USD 138

Sold out

(March 16) Private transfer from Antigua to San Marcos la laguna

Price: USD 169

Sold out

(March 18) Private transfer from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua

Price: USD 56

Sold out

(March 14) Private transfer from La Aurora International Airport to Somos Hostal in Antigua

Price: USD 50

Sold out

Cancellation policy

Image & Video Credits