RETREAT FAQ
After purchasing your flight to La Aurora Airport and transporting to Antigua, all logistics will be handled for you! Get excited to rest and receive! Sam is available to answer any of your questions!
When should I arrive in Guatemala?
Please plan to arrive by October 11th into La Aurora International Airport (GUA).
Hotel check-in is at 3:00 PM. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may arrange early check-in or leave your luggage with the hotel, Hotel Boutique Los Pasos.
If your schedule allows, we highly recommend arriving a day or two early to enjoy Antigua’s vibrant culture, architecture, and surroundings. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you choose to arrive to Antigua earlier, you would need to book your own accommodations. You may check availability at our group hotel, Hotel Boutique Los Pasos (where we will meet and stay Sunday night).
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How do I get from the airport to Antigua?
Most travelers arriving into Guatemala City head directly to Antigua, so there are lots of options!
Transportation options include local buses, shared taxis, shuttle services, Ubers, or private drivers. Many hotels and airbnb’s can also arrange private transfers for you (the fastest and easiest way). <—this is my recommendation.
Our Sunday night accommodation, Hotel Boutique Los Pasos, offers private airport pickup for 1–3 people for approximately $65. Sam can help arrange this for those that are arriving on Sunday.
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What are the arrival and departure details?
Arrive in Guatemala by October 11th and stay one night in Antigua at Hotel Boutique Los Pasos. (already booked for you, included in your retreat cost.) You will have time to land, explore or rest.
An included breakfast and gentle morning practice with Sam will be offered on the hotel terrace. We will depart as a group from Antigua on the morning of October 12th and travel by private shuttle to Lake Atitlán.
From the time we depart together from Antigua, the retreat is designed to be a seamless and supported experience, with the details thoughtfully arranged so you can simply arrive and settle in.
On the final day (October 17th), group transportation back to Guatemala City is included.
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When should I book my return flight?
The best flights offered back to East Coast are late evening (red-eye) flights on October 17th or a flight the following morning or early afternoon (October 18th) from La Aurora International Airport (GUA).
On the final day (October 17), we’ll enjoy a closing morning at Lake Atitlán before departing in the late morning as a group.
Your final night at Barceló Hotel in Guatemala City is included, offering time to rest and slowly re-enter before travel. (shared shuttles to airport run every hour or you can book a private transfer or uber)
If you choose to book a same-day (Oct 17th) late afternoon flight, you will need to arrange private transportation from the lake early that morning (approximately $200) and will miss the closing portion of the retreat.
Due to risk of traffic between Lake Atitlán and the airport, this option is not recommended.
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Can I travel on my own before or after the retreat?
Yes, guests may choose to extend their time in Guatemala. Sam can point you to options, though any travel outside of retreat dates will be self-arranged.
If your schedule allows, it’s highly recommended to arrive a day or two early to explore Antigua, a vibrant and historic city with beautiful architecture, markets, and restaurants.
There is also much to explore around Lake Atitlán. You’re welcome to travel independently before meeting the group or extend your stay after the retreat. (transportation and accommodations would be self-arranged.)
(If you do not need group transportation back to Guatemala City on the final day, please let Sam know in advance.)
Is this retreat more focused on yoga/wellness or travel/excursions/Vacation?
As they say, it can be more about journey than the destination. As we make our way to Lake Atitlan, it’s an invitation to move through this country with awareness, respect, and curiosity. Guatemala has it’s own rhythm.
That said, once we are at the retreat center, this experience is rooted in practice, rest, and integration. We’ll share a group outing to San Juan La Laguna, (an option to book a tour visiting women’s weaving co-op, coffee & cacao, bee farm.)
While you have the option to boat taxi to other areas of the lake, you may miss practice offerings on retreat. For those wanting more travel or adventure, consider giving yourself a few extra days before or after retreat to explore.
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Will there be a way to coordinate travel with other guests?
Sam will create a community Whatsapp group as our group forms. A shared Google Sheet will be created where guests can add their flight details as they come together.
This makes it easy to coordinate arrivals, share transportation, and connect with others traveling at similar times.
*For Virginia residents, the best flights are out of DC and Richmond Airports.
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How will we communicate during the retreat?
A WhatsApp group will be created prior to the retreat so we can stay connected while in Guatemala.
Sam will be available on WhatsApp on Sunday arrival in case of travel delays, questions, or support while in transit.
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Is there WIFI at the retreat center?
Yes! Though you may choose to spend extra time digital free as you retreat.
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Can I come alone?
Yes. This retreat is designed to offer both connection and personal space, so you’ll have opportunities to meet others while also having time for yourself.
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Can I book a shared room if I’m traveling solo?
Yes, several guests attend solo and choose to book a shared room!
We will do our best to thoughtfully pair guests. If a suitable roommate is not available, you will have the option to upgrade to a private room or release your booking by July 11th.
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What level of yoga experience is required?
While it is expected you have some vinyasa yoga experience, all levels are welcome. Practices will include vinyasa, breath-work, meditation, and restorative sessions, with options so you can move in a way that feels supportive for your body.
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What kind of food will be served?
Chef Stacey and her team will offer nourishing vegetarian meals, prepared fresh with local ingredients.
Guests will have the option to add fish or meat for an additional cost (+$60 to retreat cost).
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Is alcohol included Or Available?
Our retreat at Lake Atitlán is intentionally alcohol-free to support rest, clarity, and nervous system regulation.
Guests are welcome to enjoy alcohol in Antigua or during free time outside of retreat center if they choose.
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What is the layout of the property like?
The retreat center is built into a hillside, with pathways and stairs connecting each space.
This terraced layout creates the expansive views across the lake. Guests should feel comfortable walking stairs and moving between levels. (Lake Atitlan’s weather is often referred to as “Eternal Spring”, so you won’t be walking in the sweltering heat, but you will get your daily steps!)
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What will the Weather be like?
Lake Atitlan’s weath is often referred to as “Eternal Spring”, with high mountain air. You can expect cooler mornings and evenings (50-60 degrees) and warm, mild temperature days (70s). We are coming at the tail end of the “rainy” season but typically described as the “green season”. Plants are lush green and flowers are in bloom. Mornings are typically sunny and clear, with late afternoon showers. Just in time for cozy reading, or sauna.
Please pack clothes for varied springlike weather described above.
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Do I need a passport or visa?
U.S. citizens only need a valid passport to enter Guatemala. No visa is required for stays under 90 days.
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return.
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Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not required but recommended. Many credit cards include travel insurance benefits so be sure to check your coverage details.
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Is there a minimum number of participants required?
Yes, a minimum of 10 participants is required for this retreat to run.
You will be notified as soon as the retreat is confirmed, or by July 1st, 2026 at the latest.
If you choose to book flights before the retreat is confirmed, we recommend purchasing a refundable or flexible fare.
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Is Guatemala safe?
Yes. Antigua and Lake Atitlán are two of the most visited destinations in Guatemala and are well known for welcoming international travelers.
As with travel anywhere in the world, it’s important to use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. You’ll also be supported throughout the retreat with organized group transportation and a trusted retreat center.
What if I have more questions?
Sam will be in touch with further information leading up to the retreat. You are always welcome to reach out with questions.
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