Welcome Packet
Ripples Retreat in Guatemala
February 7-14, 2027
Hosted by Seven Springs
Thank you so much for signing up for this immersive retreat. We can’t wait to share the magic of Guatemala with you!
Retreat Schedule
Our arrival day, Feb 7th, includes transportation from the airport to Antigua (about a 1 hour drive). We will spend two nights in Antigua to explore the vibrant colonial city including a traditional Maya crafts market, ancient Church ruins, and the Organic Permaculture project of Caoba Farms.
From there we will travel to Lake Atitlan, stopping at Iximché to explore ancient Maya temples and ruins. On the Lake, we will spend five more nights in the luxurious Casa Floresta located on the shores of the Lake.
Full Schedule
Sunday- February 7th: Arrive in Antigua
6:00 PM — Dinner
Monday- February 8th
8:30 AM — Breakfast
9:30 AM — Free Time
12:00 PM — Meet at Rincon Tipico for lunch
1:00 PM — Antigua Historical Tour & Traditional Market
3:30 PM — Leave for Caoba Farms
4:00 PM — Tour of Organic Farms
6:00 PM — Dinner at Caoba Farms
Tuesday- February 9th
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - Depart from Antigua
11:00am - Arrive at Iximché for Tour & Maya Fire Offering
1:30pm - Depart from Iximchė
3:00pm- Arrive to Lake Atitlan
3:15pm- Private boat to Casa Floresta dock
4:30pm- Opening Circle & Welcome
5:30pm- Dinner
6:30pm - Evening Yin
Wednesday – February 10th
8:15am - Grounding Yoga
9:15am- Light breakfast
10:00am- Ripples Workshop & Mayan Cosmology
11:30am- Brunch
1:30pm- Cacao & Maya Ceremony
6:30pm- Dinner
Thursday – February 11th
Lake morning and SUP
9:00am- Full Breakfast
10:00am- Leave for San Marcos
10:30am- Tour of Escuela Caracol
11:30pm- Workshop at Konojel with Pupusas
2:30pm - Return to Casa Floresta
2:45pm - Snack at Casa Floresta
3:30pm - Sauna Ceremony
5:30pm- Dinner
6:30pm- Evening Restorative with Sound Ceremony
Friday – February 12th
8:15am - Grounding Yoga
9:15am- Light breakfast
10:00am- Free time
11:00am- Brunch
12:00pm- Women's Weaving Association & Shopping in San Juan
4:30pm - Meet for Boat to Casa Floresta
5:30pm- Dinner
Saturday – February 13th
4:30am - Boat to Santiago
5:30am - Quetzal Hike & Tour
9:30am - Finish Hike
10:00am - Boat to Santa Catarina
10:30am - Brunch in Santa Catarina & Tour
12:30pm - Boat to San Antonio
1:00pm - Pottery & Painting Workshop
3:30pm - Leave for Casa Floresta
5:30pm - Dinner
6:30pm - Closing Ripples Workshop
Sunday – February 14th
8:00am- Breakfast
Free Time
11:00am - Check Out
What To Bring
All natural personal products (natural toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
Natural bug spray and sunscreen
Water bottle
Light hiking shoes and sandals
Bathing suit
Comfortable clothes, including light layers
Sun hat
Journal and pen
Open, caring attitude
Getting to Guatemala
Fly into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. From there we will arrange your transportation to Antigua!
Travel Logistics
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Lake Atitlán enjoys a temperate, springlike climate year-round, with warm days, cool evenings, and gentle mountain breezes.
February is one of the most beautiful times to visit, as it's part of Guatemala’s dry season; when the days are bright and sunny, the air is clear, and the evenings invite cozy layers and stargazing.
Expect plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures ideal for swimming, hiking, and relaxing outdoors amid the lake’s natural beauty.
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In Guatemala, there are two associated plug types: A and B. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, and plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
Guatemala operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Those are the same power outlets in the US- no need for a converter or traveling from there.
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Tourist visas are free for American citizens and many other nationalities.
You don't need to do anything beforehand to get your visa. The process is straightforward. When you arrive at the airport, you will fill out a customs form with your arrival and travel details.
We can also send this form to you beforehand if you'd like to fill it out a few days before!
The immigration agents and customs officers speak English and can help you upon arrival if you have any questions.
Please check the requirements for your nationality prior to traveling.
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Guatemala requires you to fill out an online immigration form for your arrival. We would suggest filling this out a few days before you arrive. Here is the link to the form:
https://cdn.c.sat.gob.gt/declaDelViajeroGt-web/pages/public/declaracionJuradaDelViajero.html -
If you are arriving before the retreat officially starts, we would recommend looking into staying at the follow hotels in Antigua:
Las Cruces, Porta Hotel Antigua, San Rafael, Casa Encantada, Hotel Soleil, Los Pasos, Mesón Panza Verde
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If you will be staying some extra days after the retreat officially ends, we would recommend staying at Kula Maya, a boutique hotel in San Marcos la Laguna
Responsible travel
Responsible Tourism & Cultural Respect
We invite you to journey not just as a visitor, but as a thoughtful guest in the region of Lake Atitlán- a place that holds deep significance for the Indigenous Mayan communities who live here.
Our retreat includes special experiences like a traditional Maya fire and cacao ceremony with Tata Walter, a visit to the women artisans of Kemó Women’s Weaving Association, and collaborative days with local nonprofits Konojel and Escuela Caracol.
These are not just activities, they are opportunities to connect, listen, support, and honour the land and community.
Here are a few helpful guidelines:
Arrive with openness and curiosity- ask questions, listen deeply, and be willing to learn!
Dress modestly and respectfully during village visits, ceremonies, and cooperative workshops- this shows honour for local customs.
Practice mindful photography: ask permission before photographing people or cultural spaces, and be respectful of sacred rituals and private moments.
When interacting with the weaving cooperative or visiting markets, look for authentic creations that support the artisans directly- your participation helps preserve traditional crafts and livelihoods.
During NGO visits and community-impact days with Konojel or Escuela Caracol, engage with humility and integrity.
Be aware of environmental impact: stay on marked paths, carry a reusable water bottle, and leave no trace- this landscape and lake are held sacred by many.
Support local economy: consider purchasing snacks, crafts, or items made locally.
Celebrate the cultural immersion with gratitude- offer heartfelt thanks, practice small gestures of respect (such as a smile, nod, or quiet acknowledgement), and reflect on how your presence can be a positive ripple, not just a footprint.
Thank you for bringing a spirit of reverence, responsibility, and authentic connection with you. Together we honor the land, the traditions, and each other.
What to Expect for Meals
At Casa Floresta, food is an integral part of the retreat experience: colorful, nourishing, and made with love. Each dish is crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients to support both body and spirit.
Chef Stacy Lewis brings her passion for clean, wholesome cooking to every plate, creating vibrant vegetarian meals with vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options available.
From sunrise smoothies to beautifully plated dinners, every bite is designed to nourish and inspire.
*You will have the option to add on chicken or fish at dinner for an additional $6 per meal.
About Casa Floresta
Casa Floresta, where we will be staying for 5 nights after Antigua, is a family-run eco-retreat center on Lake Atitlán, designed as a space for connection, creativity, and community.
With sweeping views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes, cozy cabins, a private dock, and a dedicated Temple space, Casa Floresta invites guests into a world of natural beauty and quiet reflection.
Tucked into the peaceful cove of Pasajcap, just around the bay from San Marcos La Laguna, you’ll find the perfect place to disconnect and reconnect.
Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might still have.
We’re so happy you’ll be able to experience this sacred land, and join us for this amazing cultural expereince!