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The Map to Enlightenment

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Up to 32 in group
Date
Feb 7 - 14, 2026

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

A Silent Meditation & Yoga Retreat
With Earle Birney & Nicole Flack



Discover a Time-Tested Path to Awakening
Did you know that Tibetan Buddhism has preserved a detailed and practical map for awakening—passed down pristinely throughout time? This retreat offers a rare opportunity to explore that map: a step-by-step path toward freedom from suffering and the cultivation of lasting happiness.

Join us for 8 days and 7 nights of deep practice in silence, supported by highly trained and experienced meditation teachers. Immersed in nature with breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán, you’ll be guided with care through meditation, yoga, and contemplative teachings designed to reveal clarity, insight, and your highest potential.

This is more than a retreat—it is a profound inner journey you will carry with you for the rest of your life.



What to Expect
Daily Yoga & Meditation

Morning Practice: Begin each day with meditation and yoga
Meditation & Breathwork: Guided meditations, pranayama, and visualization practices
Focused Training: Daily shamatha practice through the Nine Stages of Meditation, offering a clear and progressive path for stabilizing the mind

Sacred Silence

A supportive, guided silent container from Days 2–7
Freedom from screens, devices, and modern distractions
Space to rest deeply in the present moment—without worrying about the past or future

Nourishing Plant-Based Cuisine

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Lovingly prepared, healthy meals
Brunch and dinner provided daily

Nature & Beauty

Wake up surrounded by volcanoes, forests, and the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán
Time to reconnect with the natural world as a mirror for inner stillness
Learn how to harvest joy throughout your life

Integration & Community

Opening Day: Arrival, orientation, and community connection
Closing Day: Sharing, reflection, and a gentle transition back into daily life
Optional Integration Experience: February 14–17 nearby, including swimming, connection, and continued integration in community as you transition out of silence




Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is for anyone with a mind—from experienced meditators to curious beginners. Whether you are seeking clarity, depth, healing, or inspiration, you’ll find a supportive and skillfully guided environment to grow and thrive.



New to Silent Retreats?
You are exactly where you need to be.

A silent retreat can be a life-changing experience, offering insights that continue to unfold long after you return home. While participants remain in silence, the teachers provide continuous guidance, structure, and support throughout the journey. You will be held with care every step of the way.



What Does a Silent Retreat Look Like?

Day 1: Arrival, settling in, and connecting as a community
Days 2–7: Guided transition into silence, allowing for deep inner exploration and transformation
Day 8: Coming out of silence, sharing reflections, and closing the retreat with intention




Accommodations
Stay in comfortable, eco-friendly lodgings with stunning views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding mountains. Thoughtfully designed spaces invite rest, reflection, and a deep connection to nature—and yourself.



Investment
$2,500–$3,000
(Pricing varies based on accommodation selection)



Meet Your Guides
Earle Birney
Earle is a master teacher with over 30 years of experience. He completed a traditional 3-year, 3-month, 3-day silent retreat, the culmination of a 14-year advanced Buddhist studies program. He is the Head of Curriculum Development and Lead Teacher at the Yoga Studies Institute, reaching over 10,000 students annually through teacher trainings, retreats, and philosophy programs.
Nicole Flack
Nicole is a NYC-based meditation and yoga teacher deeply rooted in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. A RYT-500 yoga teacher, she has trained in Ashtanga, Tibetan, Iyengar, and Hatha Yoga. With over 12 years of meditation experience, Nicole translates timeless wisdom into accessible practices that help students live with clarity, joy, and compassion in modern life.



How to Register
Visit www.nicoleautumn.com/retreat
to reserve your spot and explore detailed schedules, accommodations, and additional information.



Questions?
Contact us at nicole@nicoleautumn.com
We’re happy to support you and make your retreat experience seamless and meaningful.

Earle and Nicole have the privilege of teaching students on retreat around the world and are honored to share this deep practice and wisdom with you in Guatemala. We look forward to welcoming you on this transformative journey.

Schedule

7.30-8.00am Meditation

8.00-9.30am Energizing Yoga Class

10.00-11.00am BRUNCH

3.00-4.30pm Restorative Yoga Class

5.00-6.00pm DINNER
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Kawoq Forest

Directions

Travel Tips:

Morning Travel Recommended. If you would like an escort service to Kawoq Forest once you arrive in the town of San Marcos, please arrange to take an 8-9am collective shuttle (Q100) from Antigua (or you can request a 9-10am private shuttle for Q800) in order to arrive with plenty of time. We are able to arrange an escort service up to Kawoq Forest from Circles Cafe 7 days a week.

Please inform our staff of your planned arrival date and we will have our escorts meet you promptly at 1pm at Circles Cafe. Please plan your travels accordingly, either spending a night in Antigua to make a morning shuttle, or stay in San Marcos la Laguna a night early. For your safety, LATE ARRIVALS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

Accommodation

Kawoq Forest is an eco-luxury wellness center nestled in the verdant Guatemalan highlands overlooking the azure waters of Lake Atitlán. This unique lake sits on an ancient, dormant crater surrounded by stunning volcanoes, rolling hills and small Mayan villages rich in culture and tradition. Kawoq Forest is a sanctuary for discerning travelers seeking solace, restoration and a sparkle of adventure. Terraced into the side of a cliff, Kawoq Forest is a twenty five minute hike up into the valley from Lake Atitlán. Kawoq Forest offers 16 accommodation options that combine eco-conscious materials like adobe, bamboo, cypress, and palm roofs, with luxurious local textiles and premium bed linens to guarantee a comfortable and sustainable stay. An open air community dining area, composting toilets, solar-powered showers, and three fully-equipped yoga sanctuaries make up the rest of the space.

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
San Marcos la Laguna is a small Mayan village on Lake Atitlán in the western highlands of Guatemala. It has become a Mecca for international travelers attracted by its beauty, tranquility and diverse options for spiritual exploration, cultural immersion and healing. Terraced into the side of a cliff, Kawoq Forest is a twenty minute hike up into the valley from Lake Atitlán that overlooks the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

Meals

Menu Types

At Kawoq Forest, we believe that food is a powerful source of nourishment not only for the body but also for the soul. Our vegetarian meals are a celebration of flavors, colors, and culinary artistry.

What's Included

  • Our Personal Yoga Retreat Rates are ALL INCLUSIVE of accommodations, two nourishing vegetarian meals, high-speed internet in communal spaces, daily meditation & yoga classes as per our Daily Schedule. Community sauna is included when available on Wednesday nights.

What's Not Included

  • Airport transfer, airfare, travel insurance, any additional services and food purchased outside of regular meal times and scheduled yoga classes.

Customer Reviews

4.81 out of 5.0 average rating

3.0
Verified logo
A Unique and Magical Escape at Kawok Forest
Kawok Forest offers a truly extraordinary experience for those seeking connection with nature and adventure. The trek to reach the retreat sets the tone, building anticipation as you journey on foot to this magical location. Nestled in the forest, the retreat feels like a hidden gem, and the setting—surrounded by breathtaking views of the lake and volcanoes—is nothing short of stunning.

However, it’s essential to approach Kawok with the right mindset. This is not a luxury resort; it's more akin to glamping in paradise. The cabanas, while charming, are rustic. Some are perched high on the mountainside, requiring good physical condition to access. The accommodations have a simplicity that complements the natural setting but come with challenges: gaps in the walls invite the local wildlife (yes, I had both giant spiders and scorpions as roommates), roofs are made of plastic, and rainy nights can be noisy. Shared bathrooms and showers, while offering incredible views, are more "back-to-nature" than comfortable, with cold water and limited pressure.

That said, the experience at Kawok is unforgettable. The staff are warm and attentive, and the food is delicious, nourishing both body and soul. If you're an experience seeker who values authenticity and immersion over creature comforts, Kawok Forest is absolutely worth visiting. Just come prepared for the adventure it offers, and you’ll leave with memories to treasure.

5.0
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Amazing experience
I really truly enjoyed my three days staying and Kawoq, wanted to stay more.
Staff extremely helpful and welcoming, and always with a smile. The yoga classes were amazing also, so different one to the other. Simply amazing, would definitely come back and do one week!

5.0
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Heaven
My husband and I stayed a few nights and Kawoq and we did not want to leave. The staff are so sweet, and take the best care of you. The location is beautiful and could not be more peaceful. Highly recommend to anyone staying at the lake.

5.0
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Un lugar, staff, cocina INCREIBLE!
Es la tercera oportunidad que me quedo allí y cada vez me gusta mas!
Me gusta mucho que estas dentro del bosque, arriba en la montaña donde solo entras en un estado natural y convives en paz contigo y con los demás!
La cocina y la comida siempre es espectacular, el estaff increible y los profesores de yoga muy bien!
Es un lugar altamente recomendable si quieres alejarte de distracciones y transformar tu vida a una vida consciente y abundante!
Espero visitarlos por cuarta vez y seguir llevando amigos y personas nuevas al lugar para compartir!

4.0
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Relaxing and beautiful yoga retreat set in the Guatemalan jungle.
I stayed at Kawok Forest for three nights and did a personal retreat. I stayed in one of their bungalow private rooms, which was very comfortable and had spectacular views of Lake Atitlan and surrounding volcanoes. I honestly could have sat and watched the view alone for hours it was extremely relaxing. The yoga classes were varied and challenging in different ways. I really appreciated the diversity of teachers and what they brought to my own personal practice. There is a great level of education amongst the teachers and I really feel like I improved in a lot of ways in my practice.

The food was excellent! Prepared by local Mayan/Guatemalan ladies each day. I always felt full and nourished after each meal and everything was extremely fresh and healthy. My only complaint is that dinner was served extremely early at 5pm. If you're not used to this or you get hungry later in the evenings- bring snacks and things to eat throughout the day as meals are only served at 10am and 5pm. They have a few things to purchase on top such as protein balls and smoothies but can be pricey.

The only reason I did not give five stars is because I feel having to pay for additional and typically free amenities was a little absurd such as: connection to wifi being $10 per 3 days, luggage portage, and any trips into town. I questioned the wifi and was told everybody should disconnect during their stay but sometimes that is not feasible as a traveller you may need to connect to wifi to plan further travels, book ferries, contact loved ones etc. Also the retreat is located on the side of a cliff up a mountain I think helping with your bags is a fair trade for hiking to your accommodation. Just thought they should keep that in mind when you compare prices with other accommodation on the Lake.

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