Yoga Retreat & Exciting Volcano Hiking in Guatemala

Nov 18 to Nov 27, 2024

Show All photos
Yoga Retreat & Exciting Volcano Hiking in Guatemala
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

Best Seller

Overview:
With all the stresses of daily life adding up, it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking to stay at a yoga retreat on their travels. Yoga retreats are not just about improving fitness and strength, but about calming your mind and connecting you to your spiritual self.

Guatemala is known as the Land of Eternal Spring, for its active volcanoes, rainforests, ancient Mayan sites, Spanish colonial towns, and the iconic Lake Atitlan which is surrounded by gorgeous nature spots. With all this nature, you’ll be nestled in a landscape that exhales calmness and tranquility.

Imagine a deep, cobalt lake surrounded by dozens of tiny villages and looming volcanoes. That is Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. Its shores have been attracting hippies and hedonistic travelers for decades.

It is no secret that Guatemala grows some of the best coffee in the world. If you know a little about coffee, then you know that the best coffee grows at higher elevations.

Antigua Guatemala is known as the best-preserved Spanish colonial city in Central America. Stroll the cobblestone streets, lounge with the locals in Central Park on sunny afternoons, or hike up one of the volcanoes overlooking the city for amazing views. Antigua used to be the capital of Guatemala until a damaging earthquake caused a switch to Guatemala City. As harrowing as the earthquake must have been at that time, some of the remains of Antigua’s stunning colonial buildings still stand today.

About

9 nights accommodation

1 or 2 yoga or meditation classes per day

Yoga mats

3 vegetarian meals a day during our stay at the Yoga Retreat Center and Acatenango hiking trip

Acatenango Vulcano Sunrise hiking tour (overnight at the base camp) with a local guide

Indian Nose sunrise hiking with a local guide

Tzununa permaculture farm tour and Waterfall hiking trip 

Visit love probiotics

Sacred Mayan Cacao Ceremony

Entrance fees

National park fees

Airfare

Travel insurance (medical and trip cancellation) is mandatory to protect you in case of any unforeseen emergencies

Visa fees

Gratuities (recommended 10%)

Lunches, and dinners in Antigua

First night in Guatemala City

Boat tickets to Tzununa, Panajachel, or other towns (3 $)

Food:

What is traditional Guatemalan food?

Guatemalan cuisine is a fusion of flavors and cultures, reflecting a nation's rich history and diverse geography. Whether you're savoring the simplicity of freshly made tortillas, indulging in the complex flavors of pepián, or exploring the spice-infused world of chiles, every bite in Guatemala tells a story. So, when you visit this beautiful country, don't just travel; embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight and your heart brimming with the warmth of Guatemalan hospitality.

Traditional Guatemalan food is generally based on Mayan cuisine with Spanish influences. Dishes prominently include beans, chilies, and corn, which are abundantly cultivated along with a wide variety of agricultural products due to the country’s tropical setting, fertile volcanic soil, high rainfall, and warm temperatures. This ideal setting has helped make the country the birthplace of chocolate and home to the popular Hass avocado.

Regarding meats, beef, chicken, pork, and to a lesser extent turkey are frequently used as ingredients and often accompanied by rice and beans. They’re stewed, grilled, or fried, with some dishes having creamy sauces that work well with vegetables. As a result, Guatemala arguably has the most delicious cuisine among its neighbors in Central America.


Accommodation:

In Antigua, we will stay at the hotel where you can choose between a single or double room.

Our yoga retreat center is an awe-inspiring ecological resort and world-class event venue for the transformational growth of adventure travelers, artists, and digital nomads. We will have 3 vegetarian meals a day. You can choose between a single or double room. The rooms are simple, cozy, and rustic. The property has outdoor showers, a garden, and a sauna shared with other guests.

The base layer should wick sweat off your skin

I am not going to talk about underwear which should be comfortable every day, not only when hiking. But I want to talk about T-shirts. Wool is very popular: summer wool, merino wool, smart wool, old fashion wool, etc. If I'm honest, I don't go along with fashion trends easily, but buying myself a light, summer merino wool T-shirt was a very good idea.

When hiking with a backpack, your shirt must have sleeves. It is very uncomfortable to feel the backpack strap under a sweaty armpit on a warm summer day. A cotton T-shirt is not the best choice because it dries slowly. I recommend light wool or synthetic T-shirt for warm weather or a long-sleeved shirt for cooler weather. Choose materials that insulate, wick moisture, and dry quickly.

The same goes for socks. A hiking sock is crucial to prevent blisters. A hiking sock, unlike a cotton sock, provides significant protection against rubbing that your boot might cause. Low-cut socks are not a good choice for hiking, choose crew socks instead.

The middle layer should insulate

Of course, it all depends on the weather but you should always have a long-sleeved sweater or a fleece in your bag. I love fleece hoodies because I always forget my hat at home and they help to keep my head warm. I prefer light hoodies that breathe well. Pullover hoodies might be difficult to put on, so I prefer ones that have zippers.

Down-insulated jackets are my favorites because they are highly compressible and easy to pack in your bag, also down offers more warmth for its weight than any other insulating material.


The outer layer should shield you from rain and wind

The outer layer (or shell layer) protects you from wind, rain, and snow. Shells range from pricey mountaineering jackets to simple wind-resistant jackets. Most allow at least some perspiration to escape; virtually all are treated with a durable water repellent finish to make water bead up and roll off the fabric.

Your outer shell is an important piece in stormy weather because if wind and water are allowed to penetrate to inner layers, you can get really cold. Pit zips under the armpit are again important. The ideal would be lightweight, wind, and waterproof material but usually, if you want significant protection against the rain and wind then you might need to make a trade-off on weight.

Hiking pants

I think I would love hiking pants that can be turned into shorts by unzipping the long pant legs. Unfortunately, I do not have them yet. But I have several breathable, windproof hiking pants with ventilation zippers and I really love them. It is important for me that they also have pockets with zippers - the more the better. Otherwise, my keys, phone, and other things would disappear fast. The material of hiking pants is also crucial. Your pants should be lightweight, soft, stretchy, and windproof. I also have a pair for heavy rain. It is important that you do not have to take your boots off when you pull on your rain pants. That means a zipper on the side of the pants.

Hiking boots or shoes

One of the most important things you wear on the trail is shoes. Low-cut models with flexible midsoles are excellent for hiking on a warm summer day. I prefer lightweight, flexible, mid or high-cut hiking boots with a good grip. My boots are not 100% waterproof but they are water-resistant. Always wear your new shoes at home or on short hikes before going out on longer hikes. After hiking remove the insoles of the shoes and clean them properly. Remember to also reapply for a DWR treatment every once in a while.

I went on Pille's yoga and hiking retreat in Guatemala. It was an amazing experience, I experienced gorgeous nature, volcanic eruptions, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, cacao ceremony, waterfalls, boat rides, and much more. I traveled solo, but as part of this retreat, I never felt alone. I also loved Pille's yoga sessions. The retreat was a perfect way to explore a new country, connect with mindfulness, nature, adventure, people from around the world, and most importantly myself while being active and seeing the world and tasting amazing food. Pille is a beautiful soul and fun to travel with so I recommend this experience to anyone who wants to travel, explore, and be active.

- Natália Réka Ivánkó

"I spent 10+ days with Pille in Guatemala doing a hiking & yoga retreat. The hikes were crazy beautiful and the classes were great. There was room for everyone starting from beginner until advanced. Overall the retreat was very well organized including transportation, food & accommodation. I'd happily do it again. Thank you Pille!"

- Participant

Gallery
About The Host

We offer guided hiking tours from Molde, Norway. Pick up from your accommodation. Every day of the week different trip with amazing views over the fjords and snowcapped mountains. One of our popular hikes is to the Troll Church, limestone caves with a waterfall. We also organize Yoga and Hiking retreats. Come for the long weekend, seven days or even longer. Daily yoga and meditation classes in the local yoga studio and outdoors in the summer.

Itinerary

November 17

Arriving in Guatemala City. Book your flight to La Aurora International Airport (GUA)and your first night at the hotel, hostel, or apartment close to the airport. The first night in Guatemala City is not included in the retreat price but everybody must be in Guatemala City before Day 1. I am happy to advise you where to stay or if you want to extend your trip, where and how to go. If you have a transfer in the USA, remember to apply for a visa (Esta).

November 18 - Day 1

Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua City. First night in Antigua.

November 19 - Day 2

Antigua, acclimatization 1545 m.a.s.l., city sightseeing, relaxing after a long flight. Second night in Antigua.

November 20 - Day 3

Acatenango Volcano overnight hike

We depart Antigua early in the morning for a comfortable one-hour drive to the Mayan village of Soledad and the Acatenango trailhead. The drive from Antigua to the start of the Acatenango trek takes around 1 hour depending on traffic, police checkpoints, animals on the road, etc.

The 1525 m ascent winds its way up through four distinct ecosystems, starting with a tapestry of fertile agricultural fields where local farmers harvest corn, flowers, and snow peas. From there, the trail rises into an old-growth tropical cloud forest that harbors a diversity of flora and fauna and also provides hikers shade and comfort as they push up the steep slope. Emerging from the cloud forest, we enter a sparse high-alpine forest that reveals views of six other volcanoes, making it a great spot for a scenic trail lunch.

After lunch, we make the final push of the day and climb above the tree line into the fourth microclimate wind-swept and mystical volcanic terrain.

The campsite is already set up at 3600 m.a.s.l., so we do not need to carry any of the camping gear. The tents are for 2-3 people. Each tent has a pillow, – 6°C sleeping bag, an extra blanket, and a 5″ or 12cm comfortable mattress, under the tent is a waterproof carpet to isolate the cold from the bottom, also there is an extra tarp to isolate the cold from the top. They also provide a clean inner sleeping bag and the campsite has its outhouse.

Now we can relax, stretch, and take in the sweeping views of the Antigua Valley and Volcan Fuego before being served a hot dinner followed by coffee, tea, and marshmallows over the campfire. The campsite looks directly over Volcan Fuego, and your evening is spent splitting time between gasping at volcanic eruptions and staring into a mesmerizing sky full of stars above. Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America and has erupted more than 60 times in the last 500 years.

November 21 - Day 4

Wake up call at 04.00 am. We begin a 90-minute ascent up to Acatenango’s summit (3976 m) to watch the sunrise. It is a steep but rewarding climb through dwarf pine trees and gravel scree that leads to the top of the world. From the summit, we will find 360-degree views of  Volcan Fuego, the Antigua Valley, and the distant Guatemalan highlands that stretch to the border of Mexico.

Breakfast is at 8.00 at the base camp.

We are back in Antigua early afternoon (~1:00 pm) with plenty of time for a celebratory beer, cappuccino, or a siesta! Overnight in Antigua.

November 22 - Day 5

Shuttle to San Marcos La Laguna, to our yoga retreat location near Lake Atitlan, where we have lunch, an evening yoga class, and dinner.

Lake Atitlán sits at an altitude of just over 1550 meters above sea level. The surrounding Lake Atitlan is world-renowned for its Cacao and Coffee plantations.


November 23 - Day 6

Morning yoga class, breakfast, relaxing by the lake, paddleboarding or kayaking, lunch, evening yoga class, and Sacred Mayan Cacao Ceremony.

It was believed that the gods gifted cacao to the people directly. The scientific genus name for cacao is theobroma, which translates to “Food of the Gods,” and the Maya believed that cacao was a key ingredient in restoring balance and connection to the divine.

November 24 - Day 7

Morning yoga class, breakfast, hike to Tzununa permaculture farm, Love Probiotics, and a short hike to a local waterfall. Evening yoga and dinner at the retreat center.

Love Probiotics produce healthy, live, locally sourced, fermented probiotic foods and beverages (various types of raw sauerkrauts, raw vinegar, organic black, green, and white tea kombuchas, ginger beer, sparkling water kefirs, jun tea, organic kefir yogurt, Lacto-fermented hot sauce, super-food bliss balls, sourdough bread and more!), and they also offer a variety of hands-on fermentation workshops.

November 25 - Day 8

Morning yoga class, breakfast, option to visit Panajachel, evening yoga, and dinner at the retreat center. If you prefer a peaceful day with your favorite book, you can stay at the Eagle's Nest yoga resort or by Lake Atitlan.

Panajachel, known as Pana, has several restaurants featuring local and international cuisine, coffee shops, street food vendors, and more. The town's main street, Calle Santander, is where visitors can shop for textiles and artisanal pieces handmade by indigenous people from around the lake. Panajachel offers a spectacular view of the San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán volcanoes. If paragliding is on your bucket list, you can fulfill your dream here with experienced instructors.


November 26 - Day 9

Indian Nose Sunrise hike with a local guide, brunch, dinner, relaxing, and evening yoga at the retreat center.

The Indian Nose is the mountain on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlan. Also called Mayan Nose or Face, this 2550-meter-tall mountain presents one of the most rewarding climbs of Lake Atitlan. In addition to viewing the sunrise over a chain of volcanoes and then onto the pristine waters, this climb provides excellent views over the San Juan and San Pedro la Laguna villages. The climb takes about 30-45 minutes. The peak is at just over 2200 meters elevation.

November 27 - Day 10

Morning yoga, breakfast, and transfer 4 hrs to the La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City and say goodbye.

Location
Things to keep in mind

We ask for a deposit of 300 USD per participant to reserve your spot in this yoga hiking retreat.

The remaining balance should be paid 60 days before the retreat starts.

Cancellation less than 60 days before the start of the retreat: 100% cancellation fee (no refund)

Fees are completely non-refundable and non-transferable.

The quetzal is the currency of Guatemala, named after the national bird of Guatemala, the resplendent quetzal. In ancient Mayan culture, the quetzal bird's tail feathers were used as currency. It is divided into 100 centavos or len in Guatemalan slang. The plural is quetzals. There is no ATM or bank in the smaller places.