Your Guatemalan Journey

Tailor your retreat experience. Step into a world of cultural immersion and educational wonder.

STEP 1: DATE SELECTION

June 1–10
Family Savings Families who book the 20-day bundle save up to 30% on their trip!

STEP 2: ROOM SELECTION

Single Room

STEP 3: ADDITIONAL CHILDREN (ONLY FOR FAMILY SUITE)

None

Price Summary

Single Room

June 1–10, 2027

$2,400
Max 2 Guests
ESTIMATED TOTAL $2,400
SECURE

Secure your spot for June 2027

Limited availability

GENERAL INFORMATION

Ten days of work hard, play hard — and we couldn't be prouder to offer it. Once you're registered, you'll be added to our Registered Families' WhatsApp group where families are already swapping ideas, sharing preparation photos, and getting questions answered by our hosts before you even arrive.

A few things to keep in mind:

Lake Atitlan is a deeply traditional and conservative community. We are guests here — please dress modestly and carry yourself with respect for the people and culture welcoming you.

Bringing a small gift for the families we work with is optional but always appreciated. Think quality socks, a spare smartphone, children's toys, or a useful kitchen item.

Come ready to love Guatemala for what it is. Infrastructure is developing, and occasional water cuts, power outages, or spotty internet are part of life here — even at quality accommodations. Roosters, dogs, music, and fireworks at all hours are completely normal. Pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper, and pack an adventurous attitude no matter what.

Our goal is simple: you leave better. In every way.

The Full Itinerary…

Day 1

June 1, 2027
Welcome to Guatemala

Morning

Arrival in Guatemala City and shuttle transfer to San Juan La Laguna.
Check into Lake View Accommodations

Welcome charcuterie spread with fresh fruit, bread, cheeses, veggies, smoothies and juices. 

Orientation, review of guidelines and safety information.

Evening

Dinner/Ice-breaker: paired local "host" families come to accommodation to welcome you to get to know one another.

Day 2

June 2, 2027
Exploring our surroundings

Morning
Breakfast at lodging.
Rotating small group activities: 
Guided market tours and shopping for fresh produce
Tuk-tuk tours around town
Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Kayaking

Lunch

Evening
Spanish Immersion Classes: focus on conversational skills

Community Dinner at Hotel
Free time to enjoy the town

Day 3

June 3, 2027
Market Tour and Craft time

Morning
Breakfast at lodging.

Rotating small group activities: 
Guided market tours and shopping for fresh produce
Tuk-tuk tours around town
Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Kayaking

Lunch

Afternoon 1:00-3:30

Kids: Supervised craft time in art room​
Adults: Spanish Immersion Classes: focus on conversational skills, In-room massage timeslots available.​

Community Dinner at Hotel
Mayan History and Folklore told by Brigita Matzar

Day 4

June 4, 2027
Sweet Surprises

Morning
Breakfast at lodging.
Rotating small group activities: 
Guided market tours and shopping for fresh produce
Tuk-tuk tours around town
Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Kayaking

Lunch

Afternoon 1:00-3:30

Kids: Supervised craft time in art room​

3:30 Traditional Guatemalan Chocolate making demonstration. A HANDS ON activity!

Community Dinner at Hotel
A special live music presentation

Day 5

June 5, 2027
Final Round of Activities

Morning
Breakfast at lodging.
Final day of rotating small group activities: 
Guided market tours and shopping for fresh produce
Tuk-tuk tours around town
Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Kayaking

Lunch

Afternoon 1:00-3:30

​Kids: Supervised craft time in art room with teachers.
Adults: Optional Spanish Immersion Classes on deck/massage timeslots
​​
Community Dinner at Hotel

Day 6

June 6, 2027
Your Day, Your Way

Morning
Breakfast at lodging

Day completely open for individual families to explore and rest.
Families are encouraged to get in touch with their host families to organize outings to local gems.

Optional lunch served at hotel. Please let us know if you will be out for the day to ensure no food is wasted

Free evening

Day 7

June 7, 2027
Early Hike and Service Day

Morning
4:00am wake up for pickup ride to Indian Nose lookout point that overlooks all of lake Atitlan. Pancake breakfast and coffee served at summit.
​​​
Return - Morning of rest.

Lunch

Afternoon
Community Service Electives: ​​
Pick up trash on the beach and give back to our host community OR
Help paint a home of a local family in need of a little renovation!

Day 8

June 8, 2027
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Morning
Breakfast served in kitchen
Paired local families arrive to take guests around town to their favourite spots, introduce them to friends, family, etc.

Guest families will be invited into local "host" family's homes for coffee and sweetbread to experience how local Guatemalans live. 

Toy share activity: guests present gifts they brought to share with their host families in return for their tremendous hospitality.

Meet and have lunch back at accommodations

Bonfire
Opportunity to share highlights.

Day 9

June 9, 2027
DAY OF REST AND RELAXATION

Early Breakfast​

Boat tour around the lake, swimming at San Marcos blue water nature reserve, visit ceramics factory in San Antonio, shop traditional textiles in Santiago Atitlan. 

Packed picnic lunch.
Boat ride back to San Juan

Final dinner at "Ancestral Delight"/Staff appreciation. 

Phrases learned in Spanish recited by participating children expressing their gratitude towards the staff or something they learned about the Country.

Day 10

June 10, 2027
Bittersweet Goodbyes

Early Breakfast served in kitchen

Final goodbyes

Shuttles leaving at 9:00am and 10:00am back to Guatemala City  

Everything You Need is Included

We've handled the logistics so you can focus on the connection and the culture.

Accommodations

Lake-view lodging in San Juan La Laguna for the duration of your stay. Rooms are comfortable and well-situated, giving your family a relaxing home base right on the shores of Lake Atitlan.

Local Transport4

All shuttle transfers are included — from your arrival in Guatemala City straight through to your departure. Getting around town is part of the fun, with tuk-tuk tours woven right into your daily adventures.

Guided Activities

From weaving with Abuela Concepcion to kayaking the lake, guided market tours, Spanish immersion classes, and hands-on chocolate making — every activity is thoughtfully led so your family can dive in and enjoy without the planning.

Excursions

A sunrise ride to the Indian Nose lookout, a full-day boat tour around the lake with swimming at the San Marcos blue water nature reserve, a visit to a ceramics factory in San Antonio, and textile shopping in Santiago Atitlan. These are the highlights you'll be talking about for years.

Daily Interaction with Local Families

Your family will be personally paired with a local Guatemalan family throughout the trip — sharing meals, exploring their favourite spots, and being welcomed into their home for coffee and sweetbread. It's the kind of connection you simply can't get from a resort.

On-Ground Guidance

Your hosts are with you every step of the way. From orientation on day one to a dedicated WhatsApp group before you even arrive, you'll always have someone to turn to — whether it's a question, a hiccup, or just a recommendation for where to eat.

Please Note: International flights and personal dinner expenses are not included in the package price.

Experience Culture Chalk

Peek into the life-changing moments awaiting your family.

Overview
Culture Chalk

Live the Language

Real conversations with real people in real moments

Build Confidence

Speaking Spanish because life here calls for it

Family Connection

Grow closer as a family through shared service and adventure

Cultural Immersion

Come as guests. Leave as community.

Frequently Asked Questions

La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

Anywhere from 3 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic.

Yes — shuttle transfers to and from San Juan La Laguna are included in your package.

Shuttles depart around 11:00am to give travelers time to recover from their flight while still arriving in time to settle in and enjoy the afternoon. Check your specific itinerary for exact times.

Yes. We recommend flying into Guatemala City the day before the retreat begins. The Hyatt or the In and Out Hotel are both solid options for an overnight stay.

We'll do our best to help, but unfortunately we can't hold the shuttle. We'll happily arrange a private ride for you at cost.

Every family is different, so we encourage you to do your own research based on your health history, ages, and comfort level. We do strongly recommend a policy that includes a "Cancel for Any Reason" clause.

We don't recommend spending extended time in Guatemala City beyond your arrival night. In San Juan and around the lake, you'll be in great hands.