Summer Solstice Celebrations in Guatemala with Gina Molinari
Your TourHero
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jun 17 - 23, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 - 12
Transportation
Van, boat
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Spirituality, yoga, nature, culture
Your Local Guide
Guides from Maya Cosmos Ascension will make your trip truly unforgettable. With a passion for creating transformational experiences that focus on a sustainable, cultural, educational, environmental and social approach, they pride themselves on offering a holistic experience in the Mayan lands. The team is equipped with valuable education, training and experience to ensure your safety and comfort in Guatemala and beyond. Genuinely friendly, passionate and eager to enrich your immersive experience, they’ll take care of the nitty gritty details for you and make your trip as smooth as possible.
Mayan culture, ancient architecture, and unparalleled natural beauty – this is Guatemala, and it will feed your spiritual needs on a spectacular journey that takes you to the charming UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua, into the lush Mayan highlands, and atop the crystalline waters of stunning Lake Atitlan.
You’ll spend seven days connecting with the landscape and yourself as you tour sacred sites, participate in spiritual activities, and celebrate the Summer Solstice on the lake. With daily yoga sessions and time for relaxation, you’ll leave this experience a new person – ready to face your fears, goals, and dreams.
Say yes to a once-in-a-lifetime experience and explore Guatemala with like-minded souls, as you welcome the beauty of the Solstice. Book now and secure your spot today!
Cancellation policy
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 up until April 17, 2023 for a refund, minus the deposit amount. After April 17, 2023, no refunds will be issued.
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 (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). 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
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jun 17 - 23, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 - 12
Transportation
Van, boat
Mayan culture, ancient architecture, and unparalleled natural beauty – this is Guatemala, and it will feed your spiritual needs on a spectacular journey that takes you to the charming UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua, into the lush Mayan highlands, and atop the crystalline waters of stunning Lake Atitlan.
You’ll spend seven days connecting with the landscape and yourself as you tour sacred sites, participate in spiritual activities, and celebrate the Summer Solstice on the lake. With daily yoga sessions and time for relaxation, you’ll leave this experience a new person – ready to face your fears, goals, and dreams.
Say yes to a once-in-a-lifetime experience and explore Guatemala with like-minded souls, as you welcome the beauty of the Solstice. Book now and secure your spot today!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Guatemala City & Antigua
- Arrive at Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City
- Group transfer from airport to accommodation in Antigua
- Check-in at Hotel Las Camelias Inn (or similar according to availability)
- Free time
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2 · Antigua & Lake Atitlan
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to Mayan Highlands
- Visit Iximche sacred site
- Travel to Panajachel
- Boat ride to San Marcos La Laguna
- Check-in at Eagles Nest Retreat Center
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Free time
- Community dinner
- Day 3 · Lake Atitlan
- Morning yoga session
- Community breakfast
- Free time
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Boat ride to San Juan
- Community visit
- Return to resort
- Afternoon yoga session
- Community dinner
- Day 4 · Lake Atitlan
- Morning yoga session
- Community breakfast
- Free time
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Free time
- Afternoon yoga session
- Temazcal experience
- Community dinner
- Group bonfire
- Day 5 · Lake Atitlan
- Morning yoga session
- Community breakfast
- Free time
- Summer Solstice sacred fire and cacao ceremony
- Afternoon yoga session
- Free time
- Community dinner
- Day 6 · Lake Atitlan & Antigua
- Morning yoga session
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Boat to Panajachel
- Transfer to Antigua
- Check-in at Hotel Las Camelias Inn (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Antigua walking tour
- Farewell dinner
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Group transfer to Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Guatemala, the heart of the Mayan world – get settled in the UNESCO city of Antigua with a group welcome dinner
Welcome! We’re thrilled to have you here with us in Guatemala for the Summer Solstice – the perfect backdrop for a harmonious celebration of nature and life. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua. Nestled in forested hills and surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala, this much-loved destination is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, well-preserved culture, and vibrant history. With plenty of ruins and colonial edifices to discover, enjoy an afternoon of exploration and sightseeing after checking into your accommodation.
When the sun sets, come together for a group welcome dinner to get to know your fellow retreaters and kick off this trip. Enjoy the delicious flavors of the country and prepare for a life-changing journey with like-minded souls.
Day 2
Visit the Iximche ruins as you travel to Lake Atitlan and enjoy a boat ride to your spiritual retreat center
Rise and shine on your first full day in Guatemala! After breakfast, we’ll pack up and hit the road towards our luxe retreat center in the countryside. Along the way, we’ll make a few stops in the Mayan Highlands, starting with the Iximche Mayan sacred site. This important and energetic place is where the ancient Mayans founded their last capital. We’ll explore its palaces, plazas, ball game court, the on-site museum, and its ceremonial fire space before venturing to Panajachel. Here, we’ll trade the van for a boat and cruise to the charming town of San Marcos La Laguna – the home of our retreat center. After check-in, you’ll have free time before an optional afternoon yoga session and dinner on the stunning grounds. Soak it all in at this peaceful lakeside sanctuary.
Day 3
Wake up with a morning yoga session, visit the local community in San Juan, then close out the day on your mat
Wake up with the sun during a morning yoga session on the open-air terrace. Between the views and body movement, you’ll feel like a new person, ready to attack the day. You’ll have ample free time for breakfast and lunch before we head off on a boat ride to a local indigenous community in the town of San Juan. You’ll connect with the chief members and learn about their ancestral knowledge through their social projects, focused on preserving alternative and natural medicine, primitivist painting, natural dyeing, and much more.
Upon returning to the resort, stretch it out at an evening yoga class before dinner and reflect on a stellar day in this enriching natural paradise.
Day 4
Enjoy a free day at the retreat center to rest, relax, heal, and explore before a Temazcal experience and a group bonfire on the lake
After a restful sleep, wake up with our morning yoga session and choose your own adventures over breakfast with the group. You have a free and clear schedule, so the day is yours to command! Use this time to integrate all of the incredible experiences we’ve had thus far. Sit back, relax, and breathe in the tranquility of Lake Atitlan. You can book a holistic treatment, head out on the lake and explore, or simply hang back at the retreat center with a good book.
In the late afternoon, we’ll align with another yoga session before enjoying a rewarding Temazcal experience. Sweat out the toxins and release your stressors before dinner and a group bonfire after the sun sets over the lake. Today's experiences will prep us for a perfect Summer Solstice celebration.
Day 5
After a free morning to relax, close out the retreat with a Sacred Mayan fire and cacao ceremony to celebrate the Solstice
We’ll start the day with our morning yoga practice, aligning our minds, bodies and souls before breakfast and free time at the retreat center. Today, we celebrate the Summer Solstice, honoring the sun, the land, and the Earth itself with a Sacred Mayan fire and cacao ceremony. The fire helps us connect with the spirit of the ‘kakaw’, also known by the ancient Mayans as the ‘flesh of the Gods’. Cacao is considered a divine substance and medicine for your heart and soul. Drink up and give thanks to the universe for this unique and divine experience.
We’ll end our celebration with an afternoon yoga session to fully incorporate the energy of the day before a free night at the retreat center. Enjoy the resort amenities, connect with your group, and indulge in another scrumptious meal at the cafe. The Summer Solstice is a time to play. Let your heart guide you to a night of peace and fun!
Day 6
Journey back to Antigua for a historic walking tour and farewell dinner
We’ll say goodbye to this tranquil respite with one final yoga practice overlooking the lake and the mountains. After breakfast, we’ll pack up and hop on the boat to Panajachel for our return to Antigua. After we check back into the hotel, we’ll head out with a local guide on a historic walking tour to learn about this vibrant city and its history. From here, we’ll close out the night with a farewell dinner and reflect on all the joy we’ve shared. It’s your last night of the trip – soak it all in and live it up!
Day 7
Say goodbye to this spiritual odyssey in Guatemala
We’ve spent six incredible days in this ancient land, touring the sacred sites, local culture, and our inner landscapes. However, our journey has come to an end. After breakfast, take your group transfer to the airport and say goodbye to an epic spiritual adventure with new friends. We hope you leave here rested and rejuvenated, ready to return home with a new perspective of yourself and the world. Safe travels and be well!
Accommodation
Hotel Las Camelias Inn (or similar according to availability)
Located in downtown Antigua, the Hotel Las Camelias Inn features 19 comfortable rooms filled with beautiful Guatemalan furniture, fabrics, and decoration. All rooms are equipped with anti-stress beds, modern en suites, TV, cable, and Wi-Fi throughout for a hassle-free stay. The accommodating staff will ensure you have everything you need for a stellar experience. With lush garden courtyards and a delicious on-site restaurant, you won’t have to go far to rest, relax, and indulge. Room type: Double/twin room; shared occupancy.
Eagle's Nest Retreat Center (or similar according to availability)
The Eagle’s Nest Retreat Center in Atitlan is an awe-inspiring eco-resort and boho event venue for adventure travelers, artists, and digital nomads. This community of international and national visionaries live their dreams amongst the volcanoes above Lake Atitlan, offering a welcoming spiritual respite for all who seek growth and peace. The property features cozy dorms and private cabins, spacious terraces and common areas, and an open-air shala that will take your breath away. Enjoy the delicious healthy fare at the on-site cafe and sink into the chill vibes of this nature-inspired paradise. Room type: Double room; shared occupancy.
Included
- 2 nights at Hotel Las Camelias Inn (or similar)
- 4 nights at Eagle's Nest Retreat Center
- Shared occupancy in accommodations
- All breakfasts & dinners
- Airport, accommodation & activity transfers (includes boat rides)
- 1 group arrival airport transfer
- 1 group departure airport transfer
- High profile tour leader in English & experienced local guides
- All activities & tours listed in itinerary
- Twice daily yoga sessions at retreat center
- A yoga shala for your private use at any time at retreat center
Not included
- Flights
- All lunches
- All drinks at restaurants
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
- Gratuities
- Antigen or PCR COVID test (if applicable)
- Travel/health insurance
Available add-on
Single room upgrade
Looking for more privacy? Upgrade to a single room for the duration of your time in Guatemala.
Price: USD 600
6 spots left
San Pedro volcano hike
Enjoy a guided hike at the San Pedro Volcano. (Please note: There is a 6-person minimum for this add-on to run.)
Price: USD 65
12 spots left
Sunrise paddle board tour
Wake up with the sun and get your body moving on Lake Atitlan during a sunrise paddle board tour. (Please note: There is a 6-person minimum for this add-on to run.)
Price: USD 50
12 spots left
Cooking class with lunch
Learn about the flavors of Guatemala and the history of the country through cuisine during a cooking class with lunch. (Please note: There is a 6-person minimum for this add-on to run.)
Price: USD 35
12 spots left
Cancellation policy
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 up until April 17, 2023 for a refund, minus the deposit amount. After April 17, 2023, no refunds will be issued.
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 (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). 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.
- The tour will focus on the city’s art, culture, and great history. Come across Antigua’s most emblematic places! - Pixabay: jeisonpicture
- Back in the charming city of Antigua, you’ll be taken on a walking tour to explore the cobbled streets. - Pixabay: vhcardenas
- Built in the 17th century, the Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most distinguishable (and iconic!) landmarks in Antigua. - Maya Cosmos
- Encounter indigenous communities and experience authentic local culture — all amidst a gorgeous backdrop of mountains in the distance. - Maya Cosmos
- Single supplement add-on - Unsplash: Rhema Kallianpur
- We'll close out the night with a group bonfire to honor the elements and our personal transformations. - Unsplash: Cailin Grant-Jansen
- Come together tonight for another incredible meal. - Unsplash: Annie Spratt
- Hotel Las Camelias Inn - Hotel Las Camelias Inn
- Hotel Las Camelias Inn - Hotel Las Camelias Inn
- Wake up with a morning yoga session overlooking the lake. - Facebook: Eagle's Nest Retreat Center
- Eagle's Nest Retreat Center - Facebook: Eagle's Nest Retreat Center
- Eagle's Nest Retreat Center - Facebook: Eagle's Nest Retreat Center
- Eagle's Nest Retreat Center - Facebook: Eagle's Nest Retreat Center
- Detoxify the body and clear the mind in the retreat's Temazcal. - Facebook: Eagle's Nest Retreat Center
- Rest, relax, and integrate all of our spiritual work. - Facebook: Eagle's Nest Retreat Center
- Experience a Sacred Mayan fire and cacao ceremony -- a medicinal ritual for your heart and soul. - Facebook: Eagle's Nest Retreat Center
- Add-on: San Pedro Volcano hike - Wikimedia Commons
- Add-on: Sunrise paddle board tour - Unsplash: Jason Blackeye
- Add-on: Cooking class with lunch - Pixabay: Cparks
- Arrive at the town of Panajachel, located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, and embark on a boat ride across the lake’s crystalline waters to reach the small and picturesque town of San Juan La Laguna. - Unsplash: Arturo Rivera
- Nestled in forested hills and surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala, Antigua is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, well-preserved culture, and vibrant history. - Pexels: Saulo Zayas
- Wake up to the beauty of the lake and prepare to celebrate the Solstice in paradise. - Pixabay: JancickaL
- Your travels from Antigua will lead you to Lake Atitlán - a tranquil respite in the heart of Guatemala. - Pixabay: marcoreyes
- Get settled at your boutique hotel and enjoy some free time to get acclimated. - Unsplash: Parker Hilton
- Wander the colorful streets and soak in the local culture. - Unsplash: Emil Diallo
- Tonight, come together for a welcome dinner and get to know the group. - Pixabay: mosiunterwegs
- On the way to Lake Atitlan, we'll stop in the Mayan Highlands at the Iximche sacred site to explore its history and divine connections to the Mayan civilization. - Wikimedia Commons