Our Home In Santiago

We intentionally chose Santiago Atitlán as the home for this intensive. While other towns around the lake have become well-known destinations for international travelers and retreat communities, Santiago remains a vibrant Tz’utujil Maya town where local culture and everyday life remain at the center of the experience.

Set between the lake and the surrounding volcanoes, Santiago offers an opportunity to experience Lake Atitlán beyond the usual retreat setting. Traditional textiles, bustling markets, indigenous spirituality, family businesses, fishermen, farmers, and generations of Maya tradition are all part of daily life here. Our intention is not to separate ourselves from this environment, but to practice within it—to slow down, become familiar with the town, support local people and businesses, and experience something of the rhythm of life in Santiago.

The geology of the lake is extraordinary. Lake Atitlán occupies a massive volcanic caldera created by the Los Chocoyos eruption about 84,000–85,000 years ago. That eruption involved roughly 270–280 cubic kilometers of volcanic material. After the caldera formed, the volcanoes San Pedro, Tolimán and Atitlán grew within and along its southern margin. The lake itself is more than 300 meters deep, while the surrounding caldera walls rise dramatically above it.

So when you're practicing in the shala, you're quite literally sitting within the architecture left by an ancient volcanic collapse, looking toward volcan San Pedro with Atitlan and Toliman behind you

Accommodations & Retreat Setting

This is a non-residential intensive, giving you the freedom to choose the accommodations that best suit your needs and budget. A variety of private houses are available to rent directly on the retreat property, or you are welcome to stay anywhere in Santiago or the surrounding area. There are options available across a wide range of price points, and we are happy to offer guidance as you plan your stay.

The retreat property will be our home base throughout the intensive. In addition to our practice and gathering spaces, participants will have access to a temazcal, swimming pool, and jacuzzi, with canoe and boat rentals available for exploring Lake Atitlán during your free time.

Class Schedule

February 21 - March 5

Sunday
7:00-9:00am — Mysore
3:00-5:00pm — Asana Theory + Philosophy

Monday
7:00-9:00am — Mysore
3:00-4:30pm — Asana Theory + Philosophy

Tuesday
7:00-9:00am — Mysore 9:00-9:30am — Breath and Bandhas

Wednesday
7:00-9:00am — Mysore
3:00-4:30pm — Asana Theory + Philosophy

Thursday
7:00-9:00am — Mysore
3:00-4:30pm — Asana Theory + Philosophy

Friday
7:00-9:00am — Mysore