YOGA RETREAT GUATEMALA 2027
About the retreat
From February 3rd to 8th, 2027, we will experience the magic of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala together. This retreat is open to every adult human. Whether you are a longtime yoga practitioner or have only attended a few classes (or even none at all). If the magic of this place speaks to you, then this retreat is for you.
We will start and end each day with a yoga class. During the day, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful surroundings. You can participate in the planned program or head out on an adventure of your own.
Included in the price:
Daily Yoga: Two classes per day—one in the morning and one in the evening.
Accommodation: 5 nights in a room of your choice (available on a first-book, first-served basis).
Meals: Delicious vegetarian and vegan brunch, dinner, and afternoon snacks. Water, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day.
Workshops: An additional session or workshop every day, tailored to the Element of the Day. You can find the detailed schedule in the program section.
Adventures: Daily excursions you are welcome to join.
Transfers: Transport from Guatemala City Airport, Antigua, or Panajachel to the retreat on Day 1, and back on Day 6.
Not included:
Flights: You can find my recommendations in the ‘About Guatemala’ section.
Insurance: Please ensure you have organized your own health and travel insurance.
Additional options:
Make your stay even more special with these wonderful offers. Please note that these are not included in the retreat price and are to be paid directly at Casa Floresta.
Body Massages: remedial / deep tissue / integrative and intuitive massage / thai massage modalities
Acatenango Combo Package: Have you ever dreamed of climbing a volcano? Guatemala makes this dream come true. You can find more details about this package in the ‘About Guatemala’ section.
4 elements
A lake surrounded by volcanoes: for me, there is no better place to experience the four elements than Lake Atitlán.
Whether it is the weaving and dyeing of cotton or cooking with beans and maize, seeing the Mayan people work with the gifts of the Earth can be truly grounding.
The vast blue lake invites you to take a swim or challenge your balance on a Stand Up Paddle board to connect with the depth of the element Water.
Not one, not two, but three volcanoes surround and complete the view. The massive force and Fire of nature is perceptible the moment you arrive.
The locals call it ‘el Xocomil.’ Every afternoon, the wind builds up over the lake and cleanses the area. This is a time that invites you to take a deep breath and welcome the element of Air into your body.
Where we stay
Lake Atitlán is located in the highlands of Western Guatemala, about three hours from the capital. There, we will call Casa Floresta our home for the retreat. Casa Floresta is a beautiful house right on the shores of the lake. It is only accessible by boat, which makes it incredibly tranquil and even more magical. If you wish to explore, local boat taxis make it easy to visit the other charming villages around the lake.
Rooms & Prices
We know that different people have different needs, especially when it comes to rest and sleep. This is why Casa Floresta offers a variety of room types. Take a look at the options below to find the perfect room for your stay.
The first six people to book will receive our Early Bird price. (2/6 left)
Sign Up
Would you like to join the retreat? I am delighted to receive your registration via this contact form.
Do you have questions or any doubts? Please feel free to reach out to me. I am more than happy to share my knowledge and help you with anything you need.
Please note: Submitting this form does not yet confirm your participation. I will reach out to you personally to confirm room availability. Your spot will be officially secured as soon as the deposit is paid.
Meet the team
Us, Lari and Guka work together, because we complete each other. And because we both love dogs.
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I am a mixture of Swiss and Chapina which is how people from Guatemala call themselves.
I have been teaching yoga for more than five years, and every class still teaches me something new in return. My core values are to make yoga inclusive for everybody and to help it fit seamlessly into your everyday life.
In addition to my 200-hour teacher training, I am also trained in Aerial Yoga and Yin Yoga.
Because of my roots in Guatemala, I know the country and its people well. I am happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
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Guka is a passionate and experienced yoga teacher with over eight years of teaching behind her. Based in Zurich, she runs regular classes at her studios: Yoga Nest Oerlikon & Zentrum, while also leading trainings, special events, workshops, and retreats. She is deeply committed to her own growth as a lifelong student, constantly learning to better support everyone who practices with her. Guka has studied under Serhiy Horyachun for several years and is mentored by Michael James Wong, gaining inspiration from their guidance. She has a particular passion for the anatomy and physiology of yoga, which she has explored extensively through her PhysiYoga training and other certifications. As the lead teacher and author of the training manual for this 200-hour program, Guka blends her knowledge of Vinyasa, Hatha, Breathwork, Meditation and restorative yoga with a warm, inclusive teaching style. She believes yoga is for everyBODY and can’t wait to share her practice with you throughout this program.
Important notes
Deposit: To confirm your booking, a deposit of CHF 500 is required, payable to Larissa Greutmann. The deposit is non-refundable except in the case of illness (with a medical certificate).
Final Payment: The remaining balance is due three months before the retreat starts.
Minimum Participants: Please note that the retreat requires a minimum of 8 participants to take place.
Additional Options: Services like massages or sauna are not included in the retreat price and are to be paid directly on-site at Casa Floresta.
Insurance: I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance so you can enjoy your trip without any worries. Most standard insurance providers offer easy-to-book options. The health insurance is the participants responsibility.
Visa: Make sure you have all valid documents to enter the country and check the entry requirements to enter Guatemala and all the countries you travel.
Early Bird: The first six people to book will receive the Early Bird discount. This discount applies per person. For example, if one person signs up two people for a double room, it counts as two of the six spots.
Age: This is an adults-only event (18+).
Weekly schedule
Each day is dedicated to one of the elements. All activities listed below are included in the price. However, you are always welcome to skip a session or head out on an adventure of your own. Please feel free to reach out to me for more tips and local information.
DAY 1: ARRIVING
Opening Ceremony: We gather to start the journey. After we will explore Casa Floresta and have a nice first dinner.
DAY 2: EARTH
Activity: San Juan. Visit the beautiful town at the lake. There you can explore beautiful handcarfts in the market or visit el Mirador and enjoy the beautiful view. In small exhibitions you can learn about different products coming from that piece of earth such as honey, medical plants chocolate or coffee.
Workshop: Learn from a local artisan how cotton has been naturally dyed using the gifts of Mother Earth for centuries. You will even get to weave your own small piece of fabric.
DAY 3: WATER
Activity: Take a swim in the lake or use the SUPs to explore the tranquil waters and connect with the lake's depth. And enjoy a beautiful relaxing plant bath at Casa Floresta.
Workshop: Sometimes, being upside down is exactly what we need to change our perspective. In this Inversion-Workshop, Guka will show you how to make inversions accessible, safe, and fun.
DAY 4: AIR
Activity: Sunset Hike Tz'utujil-Trail. Note: We will adjust our schedule this day. We begin early with a beautiful, yet rewarding hike to watch the sunrise over the lake, feeling the fresh mountain air.
Workshop: Experience the transformative power of your own breath in this Breathwork-Session with Guka while enjoying the most stunning views.
DAY 5: FIRE
Activity: The Temazcal is the mayan sauna. It is considered a cleansing ritual. As in the sauna you will sweat in the heat of the temazcal.
Workshop: Maize is a sacred food in Guatemala. Legend says the gods created humanity from harina de maíz (corn flour). Learn the skillful hand movements used by locals to shape tortillas and toast them over the fire for our final evening together.
DAY 6: CLOSING
Extended Yoga Class & Farewell Brunch.
Program
Daily Rhythm: We have a curated program for each day, inspired by the specific element of the day.
But most importantly: You choose your own balance of activities and passivities. You are always welcome to skip a session and simply enjoy the beauty of Casa Floresta with a book or a podcast. This is your time.
A Glimpse into Your Day :
Please note that times and the order of activities may vary depending on the specific workshop or excursion.
8:00 Morning coffee
9:00 - 10:30 Morning practice (Hatha or Vinyasa)
10:30 Brunch
12:00 - 14:30 Day activity
15:00 - 16:00 Workshop
16:45 - 18:00 Evening Practice (Yin or Restorative)
18:00 Dinner
About Guatemala
Guatemala is a small but incredibly diverse country in Central America. Its size and variety make it a perfect travel destination. From two oceans and lush rainforests to towering volcanoes, colonial cities, and highland lakes, you can find it all here.
While Spanish is the main language, there are more than 20 indigenous languages spoken throughout the country. The Mayan culture is not just found in impressive ancient ruins, but is very much alive in the everyday life of the people today.
Travel Tip: Since the capital can be quite chaotic due to heavy traffic, I recommend traveling directly to the retreat or starting your journey in the beautiful town of Antigua.
Getting Around
In Antigua, at Lake Atitlán, and in other tourist hubs, you will find many travel agencies where you can book shuttle buses. These are very reliable and the most common way for travelers to get around.
Another option is to rent a car. However, please keep in mind that the driving style and road conditions are quite different from what you might be used to in Switzerland!
How to get to Guatemala
There are several ways to fly to Guatemala City (GUA). My personal recommendations are:
Via Madrid: With Air Europa (a great European connection).
Via San José (Costa Rica) or Cancun: With Edelweiss (often the most convenient from Zurich).
Via the U.S. (e.g., New York or Miami): This is also an option, but remember that you will need to go through U.S. immigration (and may need an ESTA), even if you are only in transit.
Where to Travel
Depending on your schedule, you may want to explore the country before or after the retreat. Here are some of the most beautiful and iconic places to visit:
Antigua: Only 45 minutes from the capital, this stunning colonial town is filled with handicraft stores and rich culture. It’s also the perfect base for many excursions.
Lake Atitlán: This is where our retreat takes place, but you can always add a few days to explore a different village around the lake.
El Paredón: A surfer’s paradise on the Pacific Coast. It’s the perfect place to relax, and because of the nearby volcanoes, the sand is completely black.
Chichicastenango: Every Thursday and Sunday (Note: these are the main market days!), there is a massive market with handcrafted specialties. It’s also home to one of the most colorful and largest cemeteries in the country.
Semuc Champey: A true wonder of nature. In the heart of the jungle, you can swim in turquoise limestone pools, explore caves, or hike up to the "Mirador" for a spectacular view.
Río Dulce & Lake Izabal: In this region, people travel by boat instead of car. You’ll find lush waterfalls and relaxing hot springs. If you're lucky, you might even spot a manatee!
Flores & Tikal: Located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is famous for its colorful houses. From here, you can visit the breathtaking Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxhá, hidden deep in the jungle.
Livingston: Guatemala’s Caribbean coast is home to the Garifuna culture. It’s a unique place from a historical and natural point of view. The vibe is very authentic and basic—don’t expect luxury.
Belize: If you’re looking for white sandy beaches and turquoise water, Guatemala's neighbor is easy to visit. There are various islands (Cayes) to suit every need. You can fly there directly from Guatemala City.
Acatenango-Package
One of the country’s absolute highlights is climbing the Acatenango volcano. From the base camp, you have a front-row seat to its "brother" volcano, Fuego. Since Fuego is highly active and erupts several times an hour, you have the unique opportunity to see glowing lava—an experience that is truly indescribable.
There are many companies offering this 2-day hike, but I personally had the best experience with V-Hike. This company is run by a local family who has incredible knowledge of the volcano and the region. Because of this, we have a special offer for you:
As a participant of this retreat, you will receive a discount (details will be announced very soon) with V-Hike. We recommend booking the hike the 2. to 3. of february. This way, after your descent, you will be brought directly to the retreat.
The retreat is the perfect follow-up to the hike: the gentle yoga movements will help your body recover, while the peaceful atmosphere allows your mind to digest this intense and powerful experience.
Sign Up
Would you like to join the retreat? I am delighted to receive your registration via this contact form.
Do you have questions or any doubts? Please feel free to reach out to me. I am more than happy to share my knowledge and help you with anything you need.
Please note: Submitting this form does not yet confirm your participation. I will reach out to you personally to confirm room availability. Your spot will be officially secured as soon as the deposit is paid.