Find Authentic Retreats in Guatemala

"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."

"I attended a two night ayahuasca ceremony in Australia and I can honestly say that the experience was life changing for me. As a 50+ woman with complex PTSD from unresolved childhood traumas and zero experience with psychedelics, I initially felt vulnerable and apprehensive, however I came with a curious mind and an open heart. Jaya and Hayley provided a nurturing container that I felt completely safe in, they are not people who’ve done a little bit of training in psychedelic therapy, this is their life’s work. Their years of experience, knowledge and commitment to helping everyone in ceremony was abundantly clear from the moment that we sat together. The ceremonies themselves were intense healing experiences that were thoughtfully guided with music, song, poems and prayers, creating a powerful flow and providing a strong connection to the medicine. It was a deeply spiritual experience for me (and I don’t consider myself particularly spiritual in my everyday life). The last few years I’ve worked consistently on my healing journey with breath and somatic work, meditation, yoga and traditional psychology, although I had made lots of progress, depression still plagued me and the results gained from those modalities alone, were nothing compared to what I experienced through the healing power of ayahuasca. I achieved a deep connection with myself, an understanding that had previously been elusive to me and insights that made my life make sense. I was able to unlock doors in my psyche and move old energy out that had been literally stuck for decades, allowing space for a more positive future. I departed the weekend full of love, light and joy. I will be forever grateful for the experience I shared with this beautiful community. If the medicine is calling to you, then trust that you’re in the right place and Forest Path is without doubt the community to support your journey."

"Jaya and Hayley are angels on earth transmitting love and light through music and medicine. They share wisdom and healing with grace and humility. It is an honor to receive such a sacrament in their noble presence. Their devotion is an inspiration to all of humanity."

"My time with Haley and Jaya was nothing short of divine perfection. If you are looking for a sign to move forward with an experience with Haley and Jaya, then this is it. My heart beats stronger and with more light due to my time with these two beautiful souls who embody the beauty way with an impeccability I have not seen before. I am deeply grateful and humbled to have had an opportunity to sit in ceremony with them. Blessings to all who come upon this review and to Haley and Jaya. "

"I just finished an Ayahuasca Immersion with the Forest Path. I first sat with them in 2021 for a ceremony and attended an immersion in 2023. There's so much I want to compliment: yummy & healthy food, a beautiful, tranquil, comfortable temple space, I enjoyed lovely accommodations next door at Casa Colibri, with the music/sound selections and presentation I feel I'm surrounded by healing frequencies, especially this year as Hayley and Jaya have continued teaching trainings - their dedication to the relationship between vibration and healing continues to provide a deep and transformative experience. Jaya holds a sage-like poetic wisdom that I appreciate - he will also make you laugh! Hayley is exceptionally organized, clean, tender, attentive to all the little details, a true divine light being when she sings. Her nurturing blossoms in song especially within harmonization. Their love is beautiful to behold and they bring others around them with great capacity for love. I felt welcomed, safe, supported and cared for. I enjoyed spending time with our group as everyone was genuine and kind. There was truly a lot of love and light in the room the entire immersion. I would recommend them to anyone who is curious to drink ayahuasca, who wants to experience the healing potential of plant medicine, who loves music and would benefit from more love and light in their life. "

"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! "

"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. "

"Look for my article ion my own personal experience in the New York Post (online edition), with a tentative publication of June 11, 2024. My frustration began with the absolute absence of their follow through on advising me on the subject of pre-existing intake of my RX, Paxil. I think I was the only Ayahuasca “virgin” in attendance (not 100% yet) and, if so, might should have been the one who they monitored or guided the most. Instead, I was abjectly ignored and not given any advice or guidance. Every single one of the staff were themselves in such an altered state of consciousness that they could not have been capable of being of service to even the resident kitty cat. I know, because I was as straight as a plank the entire retreat. One of the staff, Maria, came within inches of tumbling backwards off a 8-10 foot embankment while trying to FORCE me to go back inside the building (after I finally couldn’t tolerate one prolonged “song” of tortured wailing. The only participants that I witnessed puking and seemingly out of control were the staff. My assessment of the group of young people leading this organization’s ayahuasca retreat is they’re living the extremely altered reality of being the kids of some wealthy family and are PLAYING with this plant medicine. And, they couldn’t be bothered with even replying to my email of complaint about my experience. Doesn’t matter, already planning my trip to Peru. However, an estimated 5 million people will read my exposé on my experience with ForestPath. Peace to you❣️"

"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! "

"Signing up with Forest Path for my 1st Ayahuasca experience was the best decision I've ever made. No one could have done it better than them. The group of facilitators really made sure everybody was taken care of. Everyone is highly knowledgeable about plant medicine, and full of words of wisdom, the live music was unmatched and everybody was full of love. Even just for 2 days together, I truly felt like I was part of a family that genuinely cares for each other. Much love!"

"I want to preface this review by saying this was my first time sitting with Ayahuasca and I was very nervous and tense going into the weekend. While I believe I had prepared well, I was still nervous about the unknown, how I'd feel and react to the medicine. I had a few chats with ISIS leading into the weekend, who helped comfort me and assured me everything was going to be fine. After the weekend I can confidently say I would do it again and maybe I didn't have to worry so much. Jaiaya and Hayley have created a warm welcoming space for people to come and heal. The ceremony itself was so so beautiful and the music they shared was incredible - the sheer amount of talent in that room from the instruments to the singing was something I've never heard before and music is one of my biggest passions. The experiences I had on the medicine were powerful and I took a lot away from them. The energy in the room and the people who came to retreat were all there as a community together. They took really good care of us, the food was amazing and overall it was a weekend I wish all of my friends and loved ones could experience. Whether this is your first time sitting or you've done it dozens of times, I'd highly recommend Forest Path!"

"I am so glad I chose Forest Path for my first aya immersion ceremony. I did 4 nights total with 3 ceremonies. I felt very safe and well taken care of by the entire team. Very important for my first time. Really really nice facilities. Great bathrooms near the temple. The temple is beautiful, right on the lake. I had so many wonderful break through sand this really changed my life. The food was excellent. The schedule was perfect. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you have decided to try aya, this is a wonderful place to start. You won’t regret it! "

"I was very nervous and scared before this ceremony as it was my first time sitting with Ayahuasca. I had many fears from what I've heard others say about their experience. I approached Ayahuasca very respectfully and slowly, asking her to please be gentle with me. She was extremely loving, delicate and gentle with me. She helped me realize that fear is darkness and we are beings of light. She helped me realize that I always have and always will be divinely protected and guided. As tears of pure love and joy fell down my cheeks I laughed all my fears away as I realized all of what she was saying. I am honored to have been able to sit down with Ayahuasca in such a beautiful place. The Icaros sounded divine, I am sure that angels were sitting with us as Letizia was singing. I have great respect and trust in Jaya and Hayley, having known them from before already, I knew this was the right place and time to sit with this divine magical medicine. I have been practicing meditation and yoga for years now, and I had just finished a month-long meditation course the day before the ceremony. I believe all of his helped. I encourage anyone looking for soul medicine to sit with Ayahuasca, specially in such a safe and secure environment as Casa Floresta. The only advice I can give is be sure to prepare yourself beforehand, to be respectful, come with an intention and ask her to be gentle, she will ! It took me almost a month to write this review. I took a long time to integrate. I am grateful beyond words and so happy to be able to tell others with all sincerity, there is nothing to fear but fear itself 💫 Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mafer 🪷🙏🏼💗"

"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."

"I had an amazing time at this retreat and it is more than what I could have hoped for! The organization and facilitation was impeccable with all the little details taken care of. The organizers and facilitators were devoted to providing the best experience to all participants. The location and view is magnificent! Big Thank You to all organizers and participants, I hope to be back again soon!"

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I had an amazing time at this retreat and it is more than what I could have hoped for. The organization and facilitation was impeccable with all the little details taken care of. The organizers and facilitators were devoted to providing the best experience to all participants. The location and view is magnificent! It was hard to leave as my heart and my voice felt so open and I felt connected to my SELF as well as to the group that has become like a family!"

"Had a very beautiful time at Forest Path - the space held and create by Hayley and Jaya and the rest of the team was great - the physical location is amazing - and everything surrounding the retreat organized. Highly recommend - a much lighter, sweeter, ceremony experience as well, if that is what one is seeking"

"My stay at Kawoq Forest was so nice. This place has a real magic to it. The view of the lake is incredible and the yoga classes are special. The accommodations are very cozy and enjoyable as well. The food is prepared by a wonderful team of local Guatemelan women and it's so nourishing and tasty every time. If you're looking to unwind and cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment then I would highly recommend booking a stay at the Kawoq Forest."

"The facilitators did an amazing job holding space for the ceremony and everyone in it. The location was warm and inviting. We all had our place on mats in a temple, participated in the ceremony, sang many songs, listened to Jaya's wisdom throughout each night, and each person was free to creatively express themselves if they so wished. Everyone was friendly and accepting of all walks of life. If you're someone on the fence about doing a ceremony, rest assured that you will be in good hands with Jaya and Hayley. One of the best experiences of my life! I will be doing more with these folks in the future."

"En todos los sentidos excepcional. Me sentí muy segura y en momentos difíciles bien atendida. El ambiente muy acogedor. La música tocó mis fibras más profundas. El equipo muy bien organizado. Los cantos, los poemas y las oraciones propiciaron un entorno espiritual único. Las instalaciones para este tipo de actividades de 5 estrellas. Lo que más me impactó, que también toda la logística fue muy profesional. Me encantó la información que recibí de antemano y la posibilidad de tener una videollamada con alguien para aclarar cualquier duda. Lo puedo recomendar sin reservas. "

"I came back from the Yoga Forest feeling refreshed, realigned, and rejuvenated. I have a fresh perspective and feel very centered. My time at the Yoga Forest helped me to heal so much and I am feeling liberated. The people were warm and welcoming. The yoga classes were not too challenging but helped me to develop my skills immensely. I enjoyed learning from different yoga teachers and styles, as well as the daily workshops offered, which were all very interesting (e.g. Temazcal Sauna Ceremony, Fire and Cacao Ceremonies, Tantra for Women, Womb Dance, Sound Baths, etc.) The wellness sessions offered were also very wonderful, I did a reiki session and an energy healing massage. I loved that I had the ability to choose from local Mayan or Guatemalan providers as well as from foreigners. The staff were so kind, warm and welcoming. The experience was amazing and I will definitely be going back!"

"My ayahuasca retreat was probably one of the most trascendental experiences in my whole life. I kinda knew what to expect but my mind was blown. The Forest Path team is so knowledgeable and caring, I never felt at risk or doubting about what they were doing. The music they produce while doing it is just another level. It felt like being at a symphonic show. Please give yourself to try this experience with them. "

"My partner and I spent 10 days with the wonderful folks from the Forest Path family. We really enjoyed the time that we spent together. We learned a lot about native traditions from Peru and other traditions. We were inspired by the balance of influences that is woven together by the Forest Path team. It was challenging, illuminating and inviting. We are looking forward to the next opportunity that we have to spend time learning with these wonderful teachers. "

"This was such an incredible retreat, from the yoga to the facilities to staff to food and beyond. The space felt relaxing, spiritual, natural, welcoming and inspiring. Not only would I highly recommend this to anyone, I plan on returning. A truly special place that exceeded all expectations."

"We had the privilege of joining the Forest Path family for 3 nights of medicine prayers in Guatemala. Their team is well studied, caring, talented and welcoming. We really appreciated their unique and loving approach to this type of event. My partner and I have attended many gatherings of this type and this was hands down the best experience that we have had. Following the events, we signed up for their retreat in Peru. We highly recommend everything that the Forest Path offers and we look forward to studying with them again. "

"Let yourself give you the gift of this amazing yoga retreat. ❤️ I feel very grateful for this week of connection, inspiration, spirituality and beauty. The view, the food, the places to stay (I stay in a private cabin), the beautiful humans that are the yoga teachers and the other travelers really uplifted the experience. I was'nt expected all of this, for me it was sincerely a beautiful journey. A huge thanks to all the workers at the Yoga Forest, you are incredible! Miss you guys already, thanks for the good vibes ☀️ Gracias, merci, matyox, thanks, grazie mille! 🥰 "

"I attended a Jewish Yoga & Meditation Retreat with Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles at the Yoga Forest. This retreat was awe inspiring and meaningful because of the magic at the Yoga Forest. The Forest Cabin that I stayed in was incredibly cute and spacious. I'm thankful that the staff put up a mosquito net right away which prevented critters from bothering me during the trip. I wasn't sure what to expect with the available food and I normally don't eat vegetarian but I was delightfully surprised by how delicious and filling each meal was. The compost toilets are much nicer than port-a-pottys and are fun adventure with a beautiful view. Carlos and Elena are the most beautiful teachers who really connected with our group. Make sure to attend a cacoa ceremony or womb dance because it's a great experience. Other teachers including Sanne and Michael really made us feel welcome. Highly recommend a reiki session with Sanne, she's got magical powers to help guide your energy as long as you go in with an open heart and mind. Make sure to pack in a backpack instead of a suitcase to make it easier on the porters helping guide you up the mountain. Also, go with a guide because it's easy to get lost on the 20-30 minute hike (it costs $6). Pack organic body wash products for the shower. I can't wait to go back to the Yoga Forest!"

"I recently experienced five incredible days at the Yoga Forest at San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala. The setting was breathtaking--in a tropical mountain forest overlooking beautiful Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes. The yoga and meditation sessions were transformative and meaningful. The instructors were vastly knowledgeable, non-judgmental, and happy to work with everyone at his or her level, whether a novice like me or experienced. I would like to give a special shout out to Carlos, Elena, and Michael, for bringing warmth, humor, beauty and genuine love for the practice to all they do. Finally, the vegetarian meals were incredibly delicious, healthy and filling. I wish I could eat this way at home. A few words of caution: to visit, you must be able and willing to undertake a somewhat steep 20-minute hike to reach the Yoga Forest (porters are available to carry up luggage), to handle lots of steps and on the short trails between the cabins and other facilities, and to use eco-friendly composting toilets (actually easier to get used to than I expected). It's absolutely worth it. My visit to the Yoga Forest will stay with me for years to come. "

"I was incredibly inspired by my experience with the Forest Path family. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and was struck by the immense beauty of the space. I was aware of so many intentional details to create a comfortable, connecting, and deeply sacred environment. And words can’t even begin to describe how spectacular the music was! What an impressive range of instruments and absolutely beautiful songs weaving together different traditions. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and I’m already looking forward to future time spent with the Forest Path family."

"I can't really put into words the experience with the Forest Path family. What I can say is that I felt incredibly supported, safe, and loved. After some ceremonies with the abuela in which I had strongly struggled, I met Isis and she sparked trust in me, I decided to go on a 4-day journey where we had 2 Lotus Rising ceremonies with Adrian Freedman, a close friend of the Forest Path family. It was transformative! The amount of love in the room was palpable, each song perfectly synced, Jaya and Hayley beautifully holding an ever-flowing rhythmic sacred space, while Adrian and Gabi led and guided us through our inner journeys, with all the assistants that feel like divine helpers, always cleansing, smoking, assisting, ever-present with hearts full of love and compassion. My relationship with la abuela drastically changed for good. I am forever grateful for this beautiful family and I hope to get back to the lake and see them again for many years to come. Viva Casa Floresta!"