Guatemala

October 27-November 2, 2024

7 days and 6 nights in Gorgeous Guatemala

Experience Dia de los Muertos and Dia de Todos los Santos in Guatemala as you immerse yourself in a highly spiritual adventure in the colorful colonial city of Antigua and Lake Atitlán- the 'Mayan Garden of Eden'!

It was an absolute dream exploring these two regions of Guatemala recently, one that changed the way I saw the world and worked with my clients. I knew right away that I wanted others to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Our retreats in Guatemala have been similarly life-changing for everyone involved, and I am so thrilled to be able to offer them again! I have secured some very special private invitations customized just for our group so that we can go below the surface and immerse ourselves in the local and indigenous Guatemalan traditions for mental health.

From the endless rows of colorful buildings along cobblestone streets and open plazas, to the delectable Latin flavors of the food and the aroma of Guatemalan coffee, to the gorgeous textiles and artisan markets, the charming city of Antigua, Guatemala is an excellent place to have the first part our adventure! We then travel to beautiful Lake Atitlán, an ancient Mayan energy vortex with it's gorgeous green waters and 3 volcanoes with tiny villages surrounding the lake. Our time in Atitlán immerses us deeply into the local Mayan culture to explore indigenous healing practices at several sacred sites around the lake, while giving us an incredibly unique and special set of intimate experiences with local healers and their families as we share stories, food, and friendship. We will also have the privilege to be in Guatemala for Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, and Dia de Todos los Santos, All Saints Day, which hold very special opportunities to see how the Maya connect with their ancestors.

This itinerary made a lasting impact on my heart, and connected our last guests in an incredible bond- and I can't wait to share it with all of you! Learn about mental health in Guatemala through the most authentic local experiences, all while having fun and creating lasting friendships and memories. This week is sure to be one you won’t forget!

Highlights:

Experience indigenous healing practices in ancient and sacred locations including a Mayan fire ceremony for cleansing, a Mayan ancestor ceremony, a Cacao ceremony for enlightenment, and a closing ceremony connecting to the Lake
Experience the sacred holidays of Dia de los Muertos and Dia de Todos los Santos in Guatemala
Visit the largest open-air market in Central America for crafts, souvenirs, and food goods
Dine with local families in their homes to share in family recipes and stories
Receive a private Mayan cosmology life reading from our Shaman
Visit a women-run textile shop to see how dyes and fabrics are made from local plants
Swim in the gorgeous Lake Atitlán
Visit a generations-old coffee farm and participate in the process from bean to cup!
Learn to cook traditional Guatemalan recipes from local chefs that supports indigenous education and economic empowerment of the local community
Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Iximche
8 Continuing Education (CE) credits- click here for more info!
An afternoon with a local psychologist to learn about mental health in Guatemala

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This retreat is almost sold out and we have just a few spots remaining, so sign up and secure your spot today!

Book now!

Itinerary

Day 1: “Hola y Bienvenidos”- Welcome to Guatemala!

“Bienvenidos” means welcome in Spanish, the local Guatemalan dialect. Today, we arrive in the colorful colonial city of Antigua! Our retreat begins with an authentic Guatemalan welcome dinner at 6:00 pm to meet and greet your fellow travelers and share in some seriously delicious local food specialties! After dinner, take some time to settle in by visiting the hotel rooftop for spectacular city views, exploring the city, or tuck in to your hotel bedroom decorated with locally handcrafted tiles and decor ahead of your first full day tomorrow!

Day 2: All about Antigua

Today is a deep dive into all things Antigua as we explore the city, the people, and the coffee! We first begin with a típico, the typical Guatemala breakfast (one of my favorite breakfasts of all the countries I’ve traveled to!). After breakfast, we will have the opportunity to meet with a local female psychologist who will spend the morning teaching us about mental health in Guatemala. Here you will have the chance to learn and engage in a discussion on therapy, mental health access, and more! For the rest of the day, we embark on a private tour of Antigua and its surrounding regions. We will visit a a generations-old coffee farm, where we will learn about the process of making the famous Guatemalan coffee from bean to cup before tucking into lunch with the coffee farmer and his family at their hacienda (local home). We will also visit a locals-only market to see how the Guatemalans shop for food and textiles (and have some snacks and shopping time for ourselves!), and see the city from high above in an incredible lookout spot. Once we arrive back to the city, you’ll have the evening on your own to explore the city and try your hand at some local specialties for dinner as you like!

Day 3: Mayan Traditions

Today we get our first taste of the revered culture of the Maya as we immerse ourselves in not one but two ancient and sacred traditions. We will have one more típico before heading in our private transport to the infamous Lake Atitlán, a sacred Mayan energy vortex surrounded by 3 volcanoes and charming villages! You'll soon see why this lake earned it's nickname as the 'Mayan Garden of Eden'! On our way there, we will stop at the ancient Mayan ruins of Iximche with our private guide to learn about this ancient city and it's place in the Mayan world. Once we arrive at our hotel, we will take turns receiving a very special private Mayan cosmology reading with some of our Shaman hosts, or tatas, for the week. These readings will allow the tatas to interpret our energies according to the Mayan calendar, guide us to restore our personal balance, and introduce us to our spirit animals. They are an incredible honor to receive, and will set us up to understand the Mayan culture and our birthplace in the Maya universe for the rest of the week’s ceremonies! When you’re not receiving your reading, you can go visit the local town of Panajachel (known by the locals simply as ‘Pana’) via tuk tuk (at your own expense), or simply relax by the hotel’s dreamy pool and infinity jacuzzi. Dinner tonight is at our hotel with its world class Guatemalan cuisine overlooking the lake and its volcanoes.

Day 4: A Day in the (Mayan) Life

Today is all about immersing ourselves in the local lifestyles of the Maya who live around the lake! After breakfast we will take a lancha, the local boat, to the lakeside village of San Marcos for a very special private Mayan fire and ancestor ceremony while drinking a sacred drink of cacao (a ceremonial chocolate drink locally grown in Guatemala just for this ritual). Taking place around Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, this ceremony is powerfully moving, and it is a high honor to be invited here on this holy day of the Mayan calendar where the veils between the living and dead are at their thinnest. We will learn about how the Maya connect with their ancestors and the elements of nature, including fire and cacao, to promote healing of themselves and their communities. This ceremony offers a way to look at grief and loss that is uniquely healing! After the ceremony, we will have lunch and take a lancha to the neighboring lakeside village of San Juan. San Juan is known for its colorful street art and local crafts, and here we will visit a women-run textile market to learn how they make dyes from local plants and have the chance to purchase some seriously cool garments and souvenirs to support the local community. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the village, shop, and snap all the colorful photos, and then we return to Pana where the night is yours to explore the local town and dig into some new foods on your own!

Day 5: To Market, To Market

Get ready to expand those suitcases! Today after breakfast we head to the city of Chichicastenango, about 1.5 hours away from the lake. Chichicastenango, or ‘Chichi’ as the locals call it, is home to the largest open air market in all of Central America. This insanely colorful market sprawls through the winding cobblestone streets of the city, and we will have a private guide to show us each of its unique sections for foods, crafts, souvenirs, fabric, and more. We will also get the opportunity to see the local church, which hosts both Catholic and Mayan services- a truly unique sight to behold!- as well as a colorful multi-story cemetery where we will witness Guatemalan families honoring their departed loved ones in a very inspirational and meaningful way that will help shape how you address grief and loss with clients and in your own life!

Enjoy some free time on your own to shop and explore before meeting back up to visit the home of a local family of Mayan Shamans who will demonstrate their family’s version of a fire ceremony, traditional dancing, and lunch which consists of several family recipes. Here you will also have the incredibly unique option to participate in a private healing ceremony from a locally revered grandmother Shaman- this was unforgettable ceremony for me and our guests during our visit as she knew exactly how to heal me without any communication! Once we get back to the city the night is yours to explore and eat dinner at your own pace after our big day!

Day 6: Cooking and Caves

Today is the holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in Guatemala, and it is a very special day to be reconnecting with our ancestors. This morning we will learn how this beautiful holiday is celebrated uniquely here and experience the privilege of being here during this time! This afternoon we will head to the lakeside village of Santa Cruz for a cooking class at a local school that supports the education and economic empowerment of the local indigenous community. We will learn to cook a multi-course traditional Guatemalan meal and enjoy our efforts by dining on the school’s rooftop terrace with a killer view overlooking the lake and its volcanoes. After lunch, we have been invited to a sacred ceremony cave high above the lake where we will experience a private Mayan fire ceremony from a local Shaman. Learn how centuries of Mayan families made a journey to this exact cave to purify and connect to their Gods and ancestors- participating in this experience will surely be a memorable one! Following the ceremony, we will have a group dinner at our hotel, and then the rest of the evening will be on your own to relax.

Day 7: Closing Time

Today is the holiday Dia de Todos los Santos, or All Saints Day, in Guatemala, and it is a very special day to be honoring our ancestors. This morning we will take a lancha to the village of San Marcos where we will have the honor of participating in a private and sacred Dia de Todos los Santos closing ceremony curated by our Shaman host in a gorgeous lakeside location. The ceremony will include meditation, traditional music, and closing activities followed by a swim in 'Mama Atitlan' to purify our hearts and souls. This special time includes a ritual to give thanks to the land of Guatemala and the Lake for our shared time together. We will end our time sharing our experiences over a nurturing Mayan lunch to celebrate our journey across this week, and then it’s time to say adios as we make our way home with Guatemalan memories, friendships, and treasures in tow. Our retreat ends by 3:00pm, so make sure to note this for your departure plans!

Lodging

During our time in Antigua, Guatemala we will be lodging at Meson de Maria located in the heart of the city and just 2 blocks from the main square. This serene and charming 3-star boutique hotel is authentically decorated around a central open air solarium that is overflowing with beautiful plants and Guatemalan decor. Meson de Maria also has a rooftop with an incredible view of the city, as well as several gorgeous lounge areas to relax in, and their breakfast was my favorite in Guatemala! Our lodging in Lake Atitlán will be at the stunning lakeside Hotel Atitlán, a 4/5 star boutique hotel located 10 minutes from the lakeside town of Panajachel on a restored Spanish 18th century coffee plantation. This gorgeous hotel features some of the best views of the lake and its 3 volcanoes, especially from the pool and infinity jacuzzi! The hotel's grounds consist of several botanical gardens that showcase beautiful local flowers and offer several spots to stroll through and relax. Both hotels have massages and spa services available upon request (at your own charge).

Payment Info

Retreat Price: $3850 (SPECIAL OFFER: Early Bird Discount of $100 off until July 20!)

Pricing is based on double or triple occupancy. A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This trip requires a minimum of 5 guests to run.

In keeping with Great Minds Abroad's mission to support local women-run mental health charities, a portion of the proceeds from this retreat will go directly to Creamos. Creamos, meaning "we create" in Spanish, is dedicated to providing mental health support as well as education and workforce development to the women who live and work around the Guatemala City garbage dump to empower them on their path to a safe and healthy future.

Just a few spots remaining!

This retreat is almost sold out, so sign up and secure your spot today!

Book Now!

What's Included:

7 days and 6 nights at our hotel accommodations featuring air-conditioned rooms with private en-suite bathrooms
All hotel amenities including free in-room wifi, toiletries, daily fresh water, and cable TV. For Hotel Atitlán, your extra amenities include a private balcony overlooking the lake or the gorgeous hotel gardens and a pool area with an infinity jacuzzi.
All excursions, activities, and ceremonies
All ground transportation except return airport transfers (we are happy to assist in this arrangement if desired, pricing will depend on guest's return schedules)
Private welcome transfer from Guatemala City airport to our hotel in Antigua
All breakfasts and lunches, and 3 dinners
Fresh water at all meals (some meals will also include coffee, tea, or juice)
Tips for included meals, transport, excursions, and hotel staff
8 CE credits (click here for more info)
Charity donation to support Creamos non-profit

What's Not Included:

Airfare
Return airport transfers (we are happy to assist in this arrangement if desired, pricing will depend on guest's return schedules)
3 dinners during free time
Additional beverages including alcoholic drinks, coffees, teas, or soft drinks
Continuing Education (CE) certificate (optional add-on at check out for $20)
Optional activities including private Shaman healing
Travel insurance- this is mandatory for all guests. For more information see the FAQ below.

Payment Information:

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to secure your spot on this retreat. Check out options include payment of the deposit only, or you may pay for your trip in full. All payments are due 3 months before the date of departure.

Cancellation Policy:

For cancellations made more than 3 months before departure, payment will be refunded in full with the exception of the $500 non-refundable deposit and less any and all applicable credit card transaction fees and costs. For cancellations made within 3 months of departure or less, all payments and deposits will be fully non-refundable due to advance reservations for retreat lodging and activities. Please note that this trip requires a minimum of 5 guests to run, and departure is not confirmed until 3 months before the date of departure. Great Minds Abroad reserves the right to cancel the departure with written notice to the customer prior to departure confirmation, and advises customers not to book any non-refundable reservations before this point. For COVID-19 related questions, please see the FAQ section below.

Single Room Supplement

Due to the boutique style of our lodgings, single rooms are available upon request depending on room availability for an additional charge of $550. All single rooms requests are honored in the order they were made in booking. You may request this option at the time of booking, and every effort will be made to ensure your request is met. If a single room can be secured for you, you will receive an additional email with further instructions and payment information.

FAQ

Q: Who can come on this retreat?

A: This retreat is designed for women mental health and healing professionals who want to truly immerse themselves in the local Guatemalan culture while expanding their professional horizons. This includes psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists and those in the physical health or spiritual healing professions. If you want to experience gorgeous Guatemala off the beaten path while making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime, this trip is for you! Experience with travel is not required! If your career isn’t mentioned and you’d like to inquire about joining this retreat, contact me here.

Q: Can I come if I'm flying solo?

A: Yes! Most of our guests are solo travelers. Great Minds Abroad empowers women to get out of their comfort zones through travel, and solo travel is the perfect way to do so! Because retreat group sizes are small and designed to be immersive, you will get to know your fellow travelers in no time! There will also be opportunities to meet with your fellow travelers through a pre-trip virtual happy hour, as well as a private facebook and whatsapp group. Single rooms may be available for an additional $450 depending on availability, or if you prefer, you can match up with fellow travelers to share a room and start the bonding right away!

Q: What type of food will be served? Are custom meal options provided? Are alcoholic drinks allowed?

A: Guatemalan cuisine can be familiar to other types of Latin food and consists of tortillas, beans, meats, vegetables, and stews. There will be a vegetarian option at all meals, and other dietary accommodations may be available upon request. Many of the restaurants we will attend should have alcoholic beverage options (not included in cost). Fresh water will be provided at each meal, and some meals will include coffee, tea, or juice as well.

Q: What will the weather be like on the trip?

A: Guatemala has two seasons- wet and dry. November is the start of the dry season, but right after the rains of the wet season, making it the perfect time to go because there will be less chance of rain but the foliage will be nice and green with gorgeous colorful flowers from the rains! In Antigua, the average daily high will be a pleasant 75°F and the average nighttime low will be 59°F. At Lake Atitlán, the average daily high will be a pleasant 78°F and the average nighttime low will be 56°F. Please keep in mind that the altitude of both locations is around 5,000 ft.

Q: What physical activity level is necessary for this trip?

A: Our schedule includes kayaking, as well as light walking around our destinations. Some of the paths and streets will be unpaved and therefore uneven to walk on. Please note that due to the nature of these destinations, some locations may not be handicap accessible. If you require a specific accommodation for this trip, please contact me to discuss prior to booking.

Q: What languages are spoken in Guatemala? Will I be able to converse in English?

A: The official language spoken in Guatemala is Spanish, as well as several varieties of Mayan dialect. Most Guatemalans can converse in English! A small phrase in Spanish goes a long way with locals, and for this reason you will receive a welcome packet closer to our departure that will include basic travel phrases for you to practice if you’d like!

Q: Will I need a passport for this retreat?

A: Yes, you will need a valid passport with at least one blank page per stamp (a minimum of two blank pages). It is your responsibility to ensure that you get your passport renewed ahead of time if it is set to expire! It is important to be aware that the wait times for passport renewals have increased since the pandemic, and it is therefore advised to start this process as early as possible! There is no need for a tourist visa on this retreat.

Q: What vaccines are required for this retreat?

A: It is recommended travelers are up to date on routine vaccinations such as MMR, DTP, and chickenpox before entering the country of Guatemala. It is also suggested that travelers additionally obtain Hepatitis A and B and Covid vaccines as a safety precaution. Proof of these vaccines are not required. For up to date information on vaccines, please visit the CDC website here.

Q: What should I pack?

A: You will receive a welcome packet closer to our date of departure containing a packing list, as well as all the relevant trip information and fun additions to make your retreat magical!

Q: What type of currency is used in Guatemala? Are credit cards accepted? Are ATM's available?

A: The local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), which is roughly converted to USD when divided by 10 (100 GTQ = 12.9 USD as of May 2024). Credit cards are accepted at major business locations, but many market stalls, artisans, and transportation options around the lake are cash only. ATMs are located throughout the city of Antigua, including several right near our lodging, but are more sparse around the lake so it is recommended to plan ahead and take out cash before this portion of our trip. Additionally, most Guatemalans will appreciate receiving tips in GTQ as it can be hard to exchange USD around the lake (all of your tips are included on this trip except for optional activities and dinners during free time). If you are planning to exchange your USD for GTQ, it is recommended to bring crisp, clean and brand new bills.

Q: Can I earn continuing education (CE) credits for participating in this retreat?

A: Yes! Great Minds Abroad has partnered with the Maryland Psychological Association to provide eight (8) continuing education (CE) credits for this retreat. Furthermore, these credits will satisfy the diversity and cultural requirements of licensure if needed- a real win-win! Check out more information here!

Q: Can this retreat be considered as a tax-write off?

A: Yes! Because this trip provides continuing education (CE) credits, you can count a portion of your retreat as a business expense. It is recommended that you consult with your tax accountant to determine which portions of the trip are eligible. Going on your dream trip that you can ALSO expense makes this retreat even dreamier!

Q: Will I need travel or trip insurance?

A: It is MANDATORY that all travelers hold a travel insurance plan ahead of their scheduled departure to cover expenses such as medical issues during your trip, trip interruption or cancellation, or lost goods. This is not included in the retreat price. Emergency evacuation coverage is not required for this retreat, but you may purchase a policy if desired.

Q: What airport should I fly into and out of?

A: The closest airport is La Aurora International Guatemala Airport (GUA), which is located in Guatemala City approximately one and a half hours to our lodging and start point in Antigua. It is suggested that travelers arrive at a minimum of four hours ahead of the retreat start time at 6:00 pm to allow for customs and airport transfers. Airport transfer from GUA to our hotel in Antigua is included in the retreat price, and pick up coordination will be arranged closer to the retreat date. GUA is also the closest airport to fly out of from our retreat end at Lake Atitlán about 3 hours away (without traffic), and while return transfers are not included in the retreat price we are happy to assist in their arrangement for you. Our retreat will end in the afternoon by 3:00 pm, and it is strongly recommended that you pick an evening departure if flying out on the last day to account for travel time and customs.

Q: What is your COVID-19 policy for this retreat?

A: The safety of both the guests on this retreat as well as the impact of our travels on the local communities are the highest priority. Several measures have been implemented to ensure this retreat runs safely, including a smaller group size, small lodging size where possible, private dining and events wherever possible, and focusing on disinfection and good hygiene practices at our lodging, restaurants, and private transport vehicles. Some if not all local guides, drivers, experts, and hotel staff are fully vaccinated as well. Sanitation items and masks will also be provided as needed. All efforts will continue to be made to remain up to date with the latest information on the COVID-19 statistics and vaccination procedures in Guatemala, as well as pandemic-related events around the world.

As of June 2023, travelers to Guatemala are no longer required to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and there will no longer be required testing in airports or other facilities in Guatemala. The CDC continues to recommend the vaccine as a safety precaution, but proof of vaccination will not be required for this retreat. Please note that due to changing guidelines, a negative COVID-19 test may be required to travel on this retreat.

You may cancel your reservation at any time, for any reason, more than 3 months before departure to receive a full refund less the non-refundable $500 deposit and less any and all applicable credit card transaction fees and costs. Should the risk of traveling on this retreat outweigh the benefits, this retreat will be rescheduled to a later date and you will have the option to move your reservation or receive a full refund less the non-refundable $500 deposit and less any and all applicable credit card transaction fees and costs. Please note that there may be slight pricing differences for a rescheduled departure due to changing costs on the ground, and all efforts will be made to reduce these costs when possible.

Q: What are the Terms and Conditions for booking? What about the Privacy Policy?

A: Both of these documents can be found on the Legal Hub section of the website.

Guatemala - October 27-November 2, 2024!