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 Guatemala City airport to Antigua?
As everyone will be arriving at different times, this transportation is self-arranged. Most travelers arriving into Guatemala City head directly to Antigua, so there are lots of options! It’s about an hour travel distance from airport to Antigua.
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). <— I recommend booking in advance.
Our Sunday night accommodation, Hotel Boutique Los Pasos, offers private airport pickup for 1-3 people for approximately $68. Email: reservations@hotellospasos.com
Private taxi: Contact Relaxicab to schedule (Martha is your contact): Whatsapp Number +502 3073 0413
Book a shared shuttle bus through Guatego; more affordable but takes longer and may not drop you off directly at hotel.
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Arriving Early to Antigua- how to book the same room?
If you are arriving early and would like to stay in the same room you’ll have during the retreat beginning on 10/11, you must book the Suite directly through Hotel Los Pasos.
If your goal is to settle into one room and stay there for your entire visit, be sure to reserve the same Suite category directly with the hotel.
*Reservations made through third-party websites or in a different room category cannot be upgraded, and you would change rooms on Sunday.
For reference:
Private room guests (single or couple): You are booked in a King Suite.
Shared room guests: You are booked in a Queen Suite.
Extra: Hotel Los Pasos has a lovely spa experience . They do fill up so if you want to book a spa session upon arrival, I recommend booking in advance.
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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 will be offered on 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 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 following morning/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 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.
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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What should I know before traveling to Guatemala?
Guatemala is an incredible country, but some aspects of travel may differ from what many guests are accustomed to in the U.S. Occasional interruptions in elecricity, hot water, internet, or transportation schedules can occur, even in high quality accommodations.
We encourage attendees to approach the experience with flexibility, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure. In my experience, travels tends to exceed expectations when I release the need for everything to be perfect. Guatemala’s culture, beauty, people and landscape are truly magical and leaning into what doesn’t feel like home is part of what makes it so special.
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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. 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/chicken 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 weather 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 during the “green season”. Plants are lush green and flowers are in bloom. Mornings are typically sunny and clear, with afternoon showers. Just in time for cozy reading, or sauna.
Please pack clothes for varied springlike weather described above. (swim suit, water/walking footwear like Chocos or Tevas, sweater, rain jacket)
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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 highly recommended. If you need to cancel your retreat last minute, you will not be issued a refund. Travel insurance can help offset this expense.
Many credit cards include travel insurance benefits so be sure to check your coverage details.
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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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