Common Questions

Over the years I have led many group trips to Guatemala, and these are the most common questions I am asked. If you have questions that are not answered here, please reach out.

Activities

  • We’ll gather daily for workshops and rituals that invite us to observe, absorb, and relish all that is unfolding. This journey also includes excursions to vibrant villages, cooking classes led by local women, artistic and cultural activities, plenty of time for rest and relaxation, and opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Guatemala.

    Throughout the retreat, you’ll be able to take yoga classes, dance on beautiful open-air platforms overlooking the volcanoes, walk through villages, explore meditation, and swim in the lake. Also included in the retreat: a Mayan Fire Ceremony, art-making sessions, journaling and reflective prompts, opening and closing ceremonies, and excursions to the villages of Santa Cruz and San Juan where we’ll participate in cultural activities. If you’re super adventurous, you could even go cliff jumping!

  • There is a certain rigor inherent in the landscape and the travel and so you need to be in good physical and mental health to participate. If you have concerns about walking on cobblestone/uneven paths, climbing up and down stairs, or getting on and off the boat taxis, please get in touch. I’d be happy to talk with you about what you can expect.

  • Yes! You are encouraged to create the perfect week for yourself. Let your body and heart be your guides and participate whenever and however you are called. Everything is included in the retreat fee and nothing is required.

  • While each day will be different, you can expect that there will be a gentle movement or meditation session offered most mornings. Breakfast is typically served at 8:30 am, followed by an excursion or a mid morning activity. Lunch is at 1:00 pm. Most afternoons are intentionally unscheduled so you can experience all that Villa Sumaya has to offer. Some days we’ll gather again in the late afternoon, while other days we’ll have dinner at 6:30 pm and then get together for an evening program.

Packing

  • The weather is beautiful and typically in March we will enjoy sunny days and cool and comfortable nights. It is possible that we might also experience some light rain and wind in the afternoons, but this will not prevent us from being outside. Lake Atitlán is about a mile above sea level.

    Neither air conditioning nor heating is needed in Guatemala.

  • Your regular spring/summer clothes will be perfect for this journey, and your typical yoga/dance clothes will be all that is needed to participate in the movement classes. In the mornings and evenings you’ll probably want to wear a sweater. You will receive a packing list as part of your welcome packet.

  • In order to enter Guatemala, your passport must be valid for at least six months. If your current passport will expire prior to September 2, 2024, you will need to make arrangements to obtain a new passport. US, Canadian, and European citizens will receive a 90-day visa upon entry.. Citizens of other countries should check entry requirements.

  • The retreat center will have mats and props for us to use. Of course, if you would like to bring your favorite mat, you are welcome to do so.

  • Guatemala has the same electric current as the US, so no voltage adapters are needed. You can plug your phone charger directly in the wall. However, if you are bringing something with a three-prong plug, you will need a two-prong adapter.

  • Laundry services are available at the retreat center for about $4/pound. Keep in mind that you will need fewer clothes than you think on this retreat!

Health

  • We will enjoy delicious, vegetarian meals at the retreat center; fish and chicken options are available for an additional $8 per portion. If you have other dietary needs, please let us know. Typically the kitchen can accommodate vegan and non-gluten diets.

  • The water in Guatemala is non-potable, so we will be drinking filtered and bottled water throughout the entire trip. Unlimited drinking water, tea and coffee will be available at the retreat center.

  • When we are at the retreat center, the closest hospital is in Sololá, about an hour away. There are several hospitals in Antigua. We encourage all participants to purchase emergency medical travel insurance so that if a situation arises beyond what can be treated locally, you can evacuated for medical treatment.

    • You can not flush toilet paper in Guatemala. Instead, there will be trash baskets by every toilet.

    • There is no decaf coffee in Guatemala.

  • A lot of what's written about Guatemala can make it sound very scary, especially if you have never visited before. While violence and crime are certainly issues in Guatemala, they are problems that are generally isolated to certain areas and cities. We will not be spending time in any of these areas! For the majority of our stay, we will be in Santa Cruz La Laguna, a very friendly and safe community. The other towns we might visit during the retreat, such as Antigua and San Juan La Laguna, are also very safe tourist destinations.

    One of the reasons I have included airport transfer on March 1st and a private shuttle to the retreat center is because I want you to feel safe and well cared for.

Accommodations

  • While you shouldn't expect deluxe accommodations, it is likely that you will be surprised by the beauty and character of each room. At the retreat center you will have your own warm, comfortable bed (twin, queen or king), a western-style bathroom, and a private patio from which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake. Some rooms are cozier than others and some are newer than others, but all have a unique welcoming essence that will support your retreat experience.

  • The Maya Rose rooms require the fewest stairs and are closest to our primary studio and the dining room.

  • You will have access to wifi at Villa Sumaya. Please note that the internet is not always dependable and can be quite slow.

Other Questions

  • We will hire private vans and buses for long drives, and we will use both private and public boats to get around Lake Atitlán. During our excursion days, we might hire small, three-wheeled vehicles called tuk-tuks for short trips around town. Most of the time we will be on foot!

  • Thank you for your generosity! We won't be giving gifts directly to individuals; instead, a few weeks before our departure, we will ask our local partners what their greatest needs are and then I’ll share these "wish lists" with you. If you would like to contribute items from an organization's wish list or make a financial donation, it would certainly be appreciated.

    Also, as part of this retreat you will be supporting local organizations and families. A portion of the retreat fee will be donated to a food fund for mothers and widows. Also, we’ll be participating in community activities that honor and support the wisdom of women and the continued educational and economic development of youth and community leaders.

  • For more information about cancellations, please review the Participant Agreement. Here’s the cancellation policy:

    A $500 deposit is required to hold your space in the retreat, and this deposit is non-refundable.

    For cancellations made in writing before August 1, 2023, a full refund of retreat payments, minus the deposit, will be issued. For cancellations made between August 1, 2023 and November 1, 2023, a refund of 50% of retreat payments, minus the deposit, will be issued, or the registrant may choose to transfer their spot to another person they recruit without penalty.

    Final payment is due on November 2, 2023. For cancellations by the registrant after November 2, 2023, there is NO REFUND.

    Until February 1, 2024, the retreat payment, minus the deposit, may be transferred to another person that you recruit without penalty.

  • Guatemala is a beautiful country and if you have the opportunity to extend your stay, I encourage you to do it! I can not offer trip-planning advice, but I will provide a list of my favorite places upon request.