the way of
THE HEART
an immersive retreat in
LAKE ATITLAN, GUATEMALA
February 2027
7 days / 6 nights
February 21th - 27th, 2027
early bird - register by May 1st for $150 off
a journey into the heart guided by the elements
through yoga, meditation, plant communication, dream work, and local Mayan ceremonies, we'll journey with the natural elements into deeper alignment with our inner essence. We'll attune to the wisdom and perception of the heart, opening to the living intelligence of the natural world and the vitality already present within us.
We'll be nestled into a retreat center immersed in the forest, just a 20 minute hike from the town of San Marcos on Lake Atitlán.
Lake Atitlán, known as the 'umbilicus of the world,' is revered in Maya cosmology as a sacred navel, a portal where the earthly and cosmic realms intertwine, offering a potent space for spiritual rebirth and connection to the unseen. Cradled by three majestic volcanoes, the lake is believed to hold powerful energetic currents, making it a place of deep transformation and visioning.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Inclusions on the Retreat
+ 7 days/6 nights of accommodation
+ Transportation to & from Guatemala City where the airport is located
+ One piece of luggage carried up and down mountain upon arrival & departure
+ 3 nourishing vegetarian meals daily (larger breakfast & dinner, smaller sized lunch - option to add meat at your own expense)
+ $20 credit to the cafe on site to purchase additional food, juice & coffee
+ Unlimited tea available
+ Daily yoga & meditation
+ Wood fired sauna
+ Tuj Ceremony lead by local Mayan (Mayan tradition of a sweat lodge)
​+ Traditional Mayan Fire & Cacao Ceremony lead by local Mayan
+ Space to rest & recharge, connect with others, hike & explore the land, or visit the local towns on the lake
+ 10% gratuity to staff at the retreat center
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ACCoMMoDATIoNS
early bird - register by May 1st for $150 off
Bungalo Dorm
$2,025 per person
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We have one bungalow co-ed dorm available for a solo traveler open to sharing space with three other people. The view from this space is incredible, but you have to work for it and walk up many steep steps to get there.
The space is built using natural materials like bamboo, cypress, adobe, and traditional bahareque (wattle and daub), the bungalows feature palm roofs and earthy, sustainable design. The beds are cozy and inviting, with warm feather duvets, premium linens, and pillows, accented with Peruvian Shipibo fabrics and Guatemalan cushions.
The dorm has 4 single beds with shared bathrooms and outdoor showers overlooking the lake. Please note that if this space does not fill within 30 days of the start date, there is a small possibility that outside guests visiting the retreat center at this time may reserve a bed here.
Shared Bungalo
$2,425 per person
The shared bungalows are the perfect space for deep communal transformation. Looking out over the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes, the shared cabañas have terraces and hammocks to allow you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
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Equipped with two queen size beds, the bungalows can accommodate 2-4 people, depending on how you utilize the beds.
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All rooms at the retreat center utilize shared bathrooms and outdoor showers that are spread throughout the property, offering beautiful views overlooking the lake.
Semi-Private Suites
$2,225 per person
The Semi-Private Suites offer stunning views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes. They are considered semi-private due to their locations - one beneath the yoga shala and one below the bungalow dorm which requires walking up many steep steps, a climb that is rewarded with truly breathtaking view.
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Each suite has its own private entrance and dedicated space, offering a sense of seclusion while remaining connected to the life of the retreat center. Because of their location, you may occasionally hear movement, workshops, or personal practice happening in the spaces above.
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Enjoy the serenity of the surrounding forest and beautiful sunrises from your private terrace. Each suite features a queen-size bed and comfortably accommodates one or two people.
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All rooms at the retreat center utilize shared bathrooms and outdoor showers that are spread throughout the property, offering beautiful views overlooking the lake.
Geodesic Dome
$2,625 per person
Enjoy one of the Geodesic domes overlooking Lake Atitlán nestled in the forest. This unique and spacious dome offers a fantastic view of the stars at night. Accommodation flexibility is available with one king bed and a twin bed.
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All rooms at the retreat center utilize shared bathrooms and outdoor showers that are spread throughout the property, offering beautiful views overlooking the lake.​
Private Cabin
$2,825 per person
If you’re wanting privacy, the Private Cabin is perfect for you. With gorgeous lake and volcano views, this cabin features a small terrace to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Immerse yourself with the bird songs and vibrant forest that envelops this cabin to relax and feel the stillness within.
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The Private Cabin can accommodate two people with one full and one single bed inside, perfect for the solo traveler, a couple, family or friends to share.​
All rooms at the retreat center utilize shared bathrooms and outdoor showers that are spread throughout the property, offering beautiful views overlooking the lake.​
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Cielo Deluxe
$2,925 per person
Centrally located above our cafe and office, the Cielo is built into the cliff wall and serves as our most deluxe and luxurious space.
Made with bamboo, cypress and a palma roof, Cielo looks out over the forest to the stunning lake and picturesque volcanoes. Cielo has a low to the ground king size bed and sofa bed, antique Guatemalan furniture, Mayan fabrics and Indian textiles to embrace you into the Mayan culture. The space can also be transformed to host two twin beds instead of a king bed.
All rooms at the retreat center utilize shared bathrooms and outdoor showers that are spread throughout the property, offering beautiful views overlooking the lake.​
ShARED BATHRooMS
There are several composting toilets scattered through out the retreat center as well as many outdoor showers overlooking the lake and surrounding volcanoes, offering a private yet scenic experience.
For those of you who are not familiar with what a composting toilet is... it's an eco-friendly, waterless system that naturally breaks down waste into nutrient-rich compost. Unlike flush toilets, it conserves water and reduces pollution, making it a sustainable choice for off-grid and environmentally conscious living... saving water one flush at a time.
NoURISHING MEALS
Every meal is thoughtfully prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a nourishing and flavorful experience that supports your well-being throughout the retreat.
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A generous breakfast will be served around 9:30am, followed by a lighter lunch around 1:00pm, and a hearty dinner around 5:00pm. In addition, there is an on-site café where you’re welcome to order extra food or drinks using the retreat credit we've included in your stay.
All meals are prepared vegetarian. If you’d like to add meat, this is available for an additional $5 per meal, which would be deducted from your retreat credit included in the cost of the immersion.
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For all the coffee lovers out there, coffee is not included in the unlimited tea bar that will be available throughout the day. You’re welcome to order coffee from the café using your retreat credit or enjoy some in town during your free time.
THE HIKE INTo THE CENTER
please read
The retreat center is only accessible by foot, requiring a 20 minute hike through the forest to get there. The hike itself is pretty mild with some slight incline at a couple legs of it. However, the last leg of the hike at the entrance to the retreat center requires that you walk up many steep steps... it's worth it once you arrive!!
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We have bag service (for one piece of luggage) included in the cost of the retreat. If you'd like help with additional luggage, it's an additional $10 or $20 each way depending on the size of the bag.
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Once you arrive to the retreat center, there are many rock pathways that link up the cabins, cafe, and yoga shalas. Some of these trails have drop offs on the sides of them. The whole retreat center is nestled into the side of a mountain. If you struggle with balance or have difficulty walking up many steps, we would not recommend joining.
MEET THE FACILITAToRS
Mackenzie and Haylee have shared friendship since 2013, with their roots tracing back to Vermont. Both feel a profound connection to Guatemala - its land, culture, and people. They've spent meaningful time immersed in this region. This retreat marks the second time they are guiding a group to this lakeside sanctuary, a place that has become deeply special to both of them.
mackenzie rae
I will be holding down the yoga element of this retreat. I've been practicing yoga for about 16 years and teaching regularly for about 6 years. Yoga has been a life changing practice and grounding anchor through every season of my life both on and off the mat. I feel honored and deeply on purpose sharing this beautiful practice with people.
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I offer flows that are grounded yet fluid, strong yet soft, both creative and structured. I weave in yoga philosophy and metaphors that we can take off the mat into our every day lives. Asana, the physical practice of yoga, is just one element of yoga to explore. I am passionate about teaching yoga as a way of life... not just a physical movement practice.
I dove deep into yoga and the healing arts at 16 years old and have been studying and training in this realm for 16 years now. My teaching and space holding are deeply informed by my background in Internal Family Systems (parts work), somatic exploration, body psychotherapy, Family & Systemic Constellation work, dream work and energy medicine. This diverse foundation allows me to guide students through a rich, embodied experience that supports both personal exploration and collective healing. My background in energy medicine and Reiki is woven into my work through hands-on assists and by cultivating a grounded, intuitive, and energetically attuned space for growth and transformation.
haylee Lacroix
I will be guiding the morning meditations with cacao along with the Plant Communication workshop and the opening and closing fire ceremonies while gently weaving elemental connection throughout the week. Our primary plant spirit will be cacao, the revered heart medicine of this land and an ancestral ally within the Mayan lineage.
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I believe that as we open ourselves to the plants through our innate heart perception, we deepen our connection to ourselves, our higher consciousness and our inner wisdom. Through this relationship, we often discover a truer sense of self leading to empowerment, alignment, and support in what we are seeking on a soul level. All that is required is an open heart, a quiet mind, and a willingness to listen to the inner self and the intelligence of the plants.
With 18 years of experience in the healing arts, I am deeply honored and excited to share what I have learned and integrated along my journey. I look forward to igniting or deepening your connection to the plant world in the heart of the forest, beside a magically potent lake, surrounded by majestic volcanoes.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Morning Practice
Hatha Yoga & Meditation with Cacao
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Breakfast
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Workshop or Free Time
Plant Communication & Dream Work
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Snack
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Traditional Mayan Ceremony or Free Time
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Dinner
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Evening Practice
Yin & Restorative Yoga with Yoga Nidra
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WHAT To Do DURING FREE TIME?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the local towns around the lake, wander through vibrant markets, try different restaurants, or hike the scenic trails and nature preserve nearby.
You’re welcome to stay on-site, relax, and soak in the jungle vibes. Enjoy a massage, facial, a traditional Mayan abdominal massage, reflexology session, or unwind in the sauna.
FAQ
PLEASE READ THoRoUGHLY
How do you access the retreat center?
To access the retreat center, you must hike about 20 minutes from town through the forest. It's a pretty mild until you reach the entrance to the retreat center which requires you to walk up many steep steps. ​​
What airport should we fly into?
We recommend flying into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City the day before the retreat starts on February 20th. We suggest booking a room at the Barceló Hotel, as this is where we’ll be departing from the next morning to head to the retreat center. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle until 11 pm. If you’re unable to make the shuttle, Uber is available in the city—be sure to download the app before you arrive.
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You’ll be responsible for booking your own accommodations based on your arrival time and whether you choose to share a room with another attendee. The hotel offers a continental breakfast buffet for $10 in the morning.
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If you take a red-eye flight and land on February 21st, you’ll need to clear customs and reach the hotel by 10 am. To ensure you arrive on time, allow at least 2 hours from landing to get through customs, collect your bags, and travel to the hotel.
What expenses are excluded from the retreat?
+ Flights
+ Travel insurance (recommended)
+ Additional services / tips
+ Recommended hotel stay upon arrival
+ Breakfast before the shuttle pick up on arrival day
+ Any additional transportation services outside of the 2 shuttles were offering
Is there any place to swim on site?
There is no designated swimming area on the retreat center property. During free time, you’re welcome to walk to the lake for a swim. Depending on the location, the walk to a good swimming spot takes approximately 30–40 minutes from the retreat center.
What else will be taking place at this retreat center?
In addition to our retreat, the center offers a few daily classes and workshops open to the public. With two spacious yoga shalas spread across the property, there’s plenty of room to accommodate both retreat guests and public class attendees. Please note that there may also be other guests staying on the property during your visit.
Is Guatemala safe?
Guatemala is a beautiful country, from the people to the culture to the landscapes, offering amazing experiences to any traveler. Safety is as much a consideration here as in any developing country you may visit or in any touristed area where economic disparity exists.
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While traveling and when visiting towns and villages, we advise mindfulness. Don’t flash expensive devices or carry large amounts of cash. Theft tends to be petty and opportunistic. Take care with your valuables and lock them away safely. During your stay at the retreat center, there is 24/7 security provided on the property as well as secure storage for valuables in the office safe.
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One important thing to note is that there are many stray dogs in Guatemala, including in this area. Our experiences with them have been positive; however, it’s helpful to be aware of their presence. For this reason, it is not recommended to walk to or from the retreat center after dark, as some dogs in the forest may be protective of their territory.
Is there internet available at the retreat center?
Internet is not available in the cabins. It will only available in the common spaces near the cafe & reception.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
We highly recommend arriving on time and staying for the full duration of the retreat. However, if you need to arrive late or leave early, we can help arrange transportation at your own expense. For a smoother experience, we recommend arriving to the retreat center during daylight hours. Please note that no price reductions will be offered for shortened stays.
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Arrival: Check-in is available starting at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday February 21st
Departure: Check-out is at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27th
Should I fly out on the day that the retreat ends?
We’ll offer a private shuttle at 11:30am on Saturday February 27th from the retreat center to Guatemala City for those flying out that night or the next day. We recommend that you stay in Guatemala City that night and fly out the next morning so that you don't leave feeling rushed.
If you plan to fly home on Saturday, February 27th, allow at least 4 hours to get to the airport. For evening flights, we recommend booking no earlier than 6pm, unless you plan to pay for your own transportation.
2% oF PRoFIT
​will go to this local non profit organization on the lake that supports the betterment and well-being of all dogs! From the streets to homes, they provide a transitional space for dogs to both heal, live, and receive optimal love and affection which is what is lacking in the streets today.
PAYMENT TERMS & CANCELLATIoN PoLICY
+ Prices are per person
+ Add 3% processing/admin fee for credit cards
+ Payment methods: cash, check, or credit card (make checks payable to Mackenzie Rae)
+ Secure your spot with a $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit
+ Final balance due 90 days before start of retreat (November 23rd, 2026)
Once you place your deposit we will email you to confirm your preferred room choice.
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If you cancel 90 days or more before the retreat start date, you will receive a refund minus the $500 non-refundable deposit. Trip insurance is recommended to protect your investment in case you need to cancel for covered reasons.
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Because of the retreat center’s refund policies, we are unable to offer refunds, transfers, or credits for cancellations made within 90 days of the retreat start date. We appreciate your understanding, as a great deal of time and effort goes into planning these retreats for you!
oTHER QUESTIoNS?
Email contact@mackenzie-rae.com and I would be happy to answer them!
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If you've never taken a yoga class with me and want to come to a class of mine before signing up for the retreat, reach out and let me know! If you've never been to the Bellingham Yoga Collective before, I can get you into one of my classes for your first time free.