retreat
welcome
packet
All the info you’ll need for your trip…
** Save this webpage or print out & bring with you!
We are so excited to share this experience with you.
This retreat is an invitation into intentional living through movement, connection, culture, and nature. AlisaMarie first came to the lake at 16, and Kylie has been returning since 2017, drawn back year after year by its beauty and energy. Both felt a deep connection to this place—a pull to return and continue exploring all that it offers. We met here at Lake Atitlán in 2025 while teaching a YTT, and from that moment, it felt clear that we would one day co-create something together in this setting.
There is a quality here that is difficult to describe, yet deeply felt.
Our hope is that this week offers you space to slow down, reconnect, and explore both inwardly and outwardly in a meaningful way.
Before arrival, we will send you a link to join our WHATSAPP Group to connect the group together. Please download Whatsapp if you do not have this app prior to travel.
We will also send out a spreadsheet collecting your flight times so we can coordinate group shuttles/transport if you would like to travel with the group!
Please know we are here for you every step of the way… please do not hesitate to reach out about travel plans etc.
With love,
AlisaMarie + Kylie
quick links….
packing LIst
Clothing
Layers for warm days and cool mornings/evenings
Clothes to practice yoga in, clothes to wear for excursion days
Bathing suit and cover-up or sarong
Light jacket or rain layer
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Hat and sunglasses
Warm layer (sweater, fleece, or shawl)
Health & Personal Care
Prescriptions
Vitamins or supplements
Motion sickness support
Feminine care items
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Personal Items
VALID PASSPORT
Reusable water bottle (there will be filtered water stations at the retreat center)
Backpack for day-trips
Flashlight or headlamp
Journal & pen, books, headphones
Local currency (Quetzales) (…more info below on this!)
TRAVEL DETAILS & ARRIVAL
Getting There
Fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. From there, it's approximately 3–4 hours by shuttle to Panajachel (depending on city traffic), followed by a short boat transfer across the lake to Casa Floresta's private dock.
Check-in is between 2:00–4:00 PM. Opening circle is at 4:00 PM, dinner at 5:30 PM.
We recommend arriving early if you can.
Giving yourself a buffer day or two makes a real difference!
Option 1 — Arrive Early (Recommended)
Come 1–2 days before the retreat and use the time to explore, rest, and acclimate to the altitude. A few ways to do it:
Stay in Antigua for the night — it's about an hour from the airport, with great restaurants, markets, and a lively but safe atmosphere. Group shuttles to Antigua run every hour from the airport, or grab an Uber using the airport WiFi. From Antigua, collective shuttles to Panajachel depart as early as 9:00 AM — arrange yours the night before at any travel agency in town (they're everywhere). From Panajachel, catch the boat to Casa Floresta. We recommend grabbing a bite in Pana before heading across the lake.
Prefer to go straight to the lake? Stay in San Marcos La Laguna or Tzununa the night before. You can also contact Genevieve, the manager of Casa Colibri, directly at +502 4826 0471 to ask about availability the night prior to the retreat.
Option 2 — Same-Day Arrival
If coming the day of, plan to land no later than 8:00–9:00 AM to join the group shuttle and arrive comfortably before our 4:00 PM opening circle. We'll coordinate group transport based on everyone's flight details — send us yours after booking and we'll loop you in.
Transportation is paid directly to providers. Estimated cost coming soon.
If you're arranging independent travel, detailed instructions for reaching Casa Floresta on your own are below.
Departure Day
Final breakfast: 9:00 AM
Checkout: 10:00 AM
For departure, you may:
Book a flight after 6:00 PM (same-day travel), or
Stay an additional night near the lake or in Antigua/Guatemala City
We will arrange a group boat to Pana and help coordinate the departure shuttles based on everyones flights.
Shuttles typically depart the lake 5–6 hours prior to flight time.
Boat info
We will be coordinating a group shuttle and boat transfer on arrival day depending on everyone's travel plans … send us your flight details after booking and we'll loop you in.
Getting to Casa Floresta from Panajachel
Once you're in Panajachel, you have two options to get across the lake:
Private Boat — Q250+ (~$32) total, or up to Q25 (~$3.50) per person for larger groups. Recommended driver: Esteban — WhatsApp +502 4598 2482. Great option if you're arriving with others from the group.
Public Boat — Q25 (~$3.50) per person. Boats leave every 15–20 minutes in both directions. Tell the driver "Casa Floresta, Pasajcap" to be dropped at our private dock, or "Casa Colibri" if you're staying there the night before.
Getting to Casa Floresta from San Marcos or Tzununá
If you're already on the lake the night before, you're just minutes away.
Public Boat — Q5–10 (~$1). Boats run every 15–20 minutes. Tell the driver "Casa Floresta, Pasajcap" — it's only about a 3-minute ride, so sit near the front, have the correct change ready if you can, and keep an eye out for the dock.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly encouraged. Your policy should include: Medical coverage abroad & Trip cancellation and interruption. We recommend WorldNomad.
Currency & Payments
Local currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) - called ‘Q’ for short!
USD is sometimes accepted; small bills are recommended
ATMs:
Limited and not always reliable near the lake (A few in PANA, 1 ATM in SAN MARCOS!)
We recommend withdrawing cash in Guatemala City or Antigua (or ask your shuttle driver to stop at a gas station on the way!)
Health Considerations
Stomach Sensitivity
Digestive upset can be common while traveling. We recommend:
Bringing supportive remedies or supplements (supportive to have activated charcoal!)
Staying hydrated
Bring electrolytes
Being mindful with restaurant and street food choices!!
Local pharmacies and herbal remedies are available. We will also visit a local apothecary during the retreat.
Medical Care
Travel insurance is encouraged in case medical care is needed. We
Nearby travel recs
Hotel Recommendations near Airport: Westin Camino Real, Barceló, Tikal Futura, Hostal Villa Toscana, Adriatika Hotel & Residence, La Inmaculada …ALSO Tons of airbnb’s
ANTIGUA:
Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and an easy stop on your way to the lake. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, incredible coffee, and a food scene that will genuinely surprise you... Plan to spend at least a night or two here if you can!
Hotel Recommendations in Antigua (recommended by casa floresta staff!): El Convento, Hotel Museo Spa Santo Domingo, Los Pasos Boutique Hotel & Spa, Mesón Panza Verde, TONS of airbnb’s
Restaurants in Antigua:Samsara, Frida’s for tacos, Coaba Farms for experience/vibe, 27 Adentro, Comocomo, Samsara (veg)
SAN MARCOS LA LAGUNA:
(your home base… walkable from Casa Floresta)
San Marcos is a short stroll down the shore and has a strong community of healers, artists, and wanderers.
Circles Cafe & Nectar ArtCafe, Hidden Garden - coffee, brekkies & treats
Lush - gorgeous jungle vibe with vegan/vegetarian food
Casa Kula - boutique hotel w/ a yummy restaurant (there’s also a spa & epic spa circuit!!)
Samsara - yummy veg/vegan food in town
Tul & Sol - lakeside, more Guatemala type cuisine
Hotel Recommendations in San Marcos: Kula Maya Boutique Hotel & Spa (lakeside, restaurant, spa & pool), Lush Atitlán … & tons of airbnb’s!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the water safe to drink?
Filtered water is provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle.
Will there be enough food and protein?
Meals are nourishing and balanced. Please share dietary needs in advance.
What type of electricity is used?
Same as the United States. No adapters needed.
Do I need a yoga mat?
Mats and props are provided. You may bring your own if preferred.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, though we encourage intentional time to unplug!
Is the retreat accessible for mobility limitations?
The property includes stairs and uneven paths. Please reach out with any concerns.
POLICIES
Deposit is non-refundable and transferable to a future Burn & Bloom retreat
By registering, you agree to the full cancellation policy
You may transfer your spot to another guest with advance notice
FINAL NOTE….
Come as you are.
There is nothing you need to prove here… only space to explore, connect, and be!