Retreat Leader Handbook

Thank you for hosting with us! If you have any further questions about hosting your wellness retreat with us, please contact our team at retreats@kawoqforest.com.

GETTING HERE

Where is Kawoq Forest located?

Kawoq Forest is nestled in the mountains of Xe-Abaj, above San Marcos La Laguna, surrounded by the peaceful embrace of the forest. To reach our sanctuary, you’ll take a scenic 20-minute walk from the picturesque village of San Marcos La Laguna. This walk not only leads you to our retreat, but also invites you to awaken your senses and begin a journey of disconnection from the outside world to reconnect with yourself.

Please note that this walk is the only way to access our sanctuary.

flight recommendations

Traveling from Guatemala City to San Marcos La Laguna takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. Check-in at Kawoq Forest is available until 5:00 PM. For this reason, we recommend that your flight arrives at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) no later than 11:00 AM. If your flight arrives later, we suggest planning to reach Kawoq Forest the following day.

If you're traveling from Antigua Guatemala, the drive to San Marcos La Laguna takes about 3 to 4 hours. Please ensure you depart no later than 1:00 PM to arrive on time for check-in. If you are unable to leave by that time, it will also be necessary to arrive the next day.

While the forest is safe, we strongly recommend that your first hike be done in daylight, especially if you’re carrying luggage or have never walked through the forest before. Arriving before 5:00 PM is essential.

We encourage retreat leaders to arrive a day early to settle in and be ready to welcome participants. If you’d like to stay additional nights before or after your retreat, please inform our Retreat Coordinator. Regular personal retreat rates will apply to those nights.

Important Note:
To ensure a smooth and safe arrival, we kindly request that all guests arrive no later than 5:00 PM. Remember: once you arrive at the lake, a 20-minute walk through the forest still awaits.

Hotel Recommendations Near La Aurora Airport

  • Hostal Novo

  • Quetzalroo

  • Hotel Dos Lunas

  • Hostal Villa Toscana

  • Mariana’s Petit Hotel

  • Adriatika Hotel & Residence

  • Hostal Donde Regina

  • Hostal L’Aurora Inn

  • Best Western Plus Hotel Stofella

  • Meraki Boutique Hotel

  • La Inmaculada Hotel

Hotel Recommendations in Antigua Guatemala

  • Hotel Mesón de María

  • Mesón Panza Verde

  • Hotel Convento Santa Catalina

  • Villa Santa Ana – Ricardo (Great for small groups, accommodates up to 10 guests and can be booked entirely)

  • You can also explore more options on Booking.com.

Departure Day Tip

We suggest scheduling your departing flight from Guatemala after 6:00 PM on the last day of your retreat (private transportation will be necessary to arrive on time), or plan to stay one or two extra nights to ease your travel experience.

Transportation Options

Kawoq Forest offers the following private transportation options:

  • Private Car – Up to 3 passengers: $150 per trip

  • Private Van – Up to 11 passengers: $210 per trip

  • Private Helicopter – Up to 5 passengers: Ask us for rates

These rates apply for transportation from Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala.
If you need transportation from another location, please contact us via WhatsApp at (+502) 3301-1835 to request a custom quote.

Transportation costs can be added to the group’s retreat invoice, or if preferred, charged individually to each participant.

There are also public shuttles and taxis available from Guatemala City and Antigua.
Please make sure to plan according to the check-in time at Kawoq Forest.

For individual coordination, participants can reach us via WhatsApp or by emailing info@kawoqforest.com.

Porter Service Options

We recommend guests bring a backpack (instead of rolling luggage) to make the walk through the forest easier.
However, we offer a local porter service to help carry your bags from the forest entrance in San Marcos La Laguna up to Kawoq Forest:

  • Carry-on bag (up to 20 lbs): $10 per bag

  • Large bag (over 20 lbs): $20 per bag

  • After-hours service (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM): Additional $20 per person

Important: The meeting point is the forest entrance in San Marcos.
We do not offer pick-up or drop-off of luggage at any other location.

The cost of this service can be added to the retreat invoice or charged individually to each participant.
Please do not pay the porters directly, but feel free to show your appreciation with a tip.Retreat Guest Handbook:

We have created a retreat guest handbook for your guests that you can send them with a packing list and additional information for them to be prepared to stay at Kawoq Forest.

SPECIAL NOTES about hosting with us

Important Information for Your Stay

Physical Requirement

The walk to the forest takes approximately 20 minutes and includes about 80 steps. While we do offer porter service, we recommend packing light to make the journey easier. Even with extra help to reach this beautiful destination, our porters cannot carry more than 25 lbs (11.3 kg) per person.

Packing Recommendations

We suggest using backpacks or small carry-on bags (preferably without wheels). Essential items to bring:

  • Flashlight

  • Insect repellent

  • Sunscreen

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Personal hygiene products (preferably organic and biodegradable)

Meals

We serve two vegetarian meals per day:

  • Brunch at 10:00 AM

  • Dinner at 5:00 PM

Herbal teas are included in your stay. Coffee is available at an additional cost:

  • Single cup: $4.00 | Milk: $0.50

  • Large pot (20 cups): $50 (available at special times)

  • 1L of almond or skim milk: $5 extra

Snacks: Available for retreat groups between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Please respect the agreed meal times. Meals are not stored for more than one hour. If you choose to skip a meal, kindly let us know at least 8 hours in advance.

For retreat groups, we can shift meal times 30 minutes earlier or later upon request—please coordinate this in advance.

Participant Registration

Our Retreat Coordinator will provide a registration form. We require the following details for all guests:

  • Email address

  • Room selection

  • Transportation info

  • Porter service requests

This ensures we can organize and deliver all services as expected.

Alcohol Policy: Alcohol consumption is not allowed on our premises due to its social impact on the community. Any violation will result in immediate cancellation of services.
Pets – Pets are not allowed on the property. Thank you for your understanding.
Lighting – Lights are turned off during quiet hours, which are from 9 PM to 7 AM.
Loud noises – We kindly ask that there be no loud shouting, high-volume music, instructions or conversations in a raised tone, or cathartic forms of emotional release during your retreat, in order to preserve a peaceful and quiet space for our guests.

Checkout protocol – We will add a base gratuity of 10% to your total bill at the end of the retreat. We encourage you to tip between 15% and 25% for exceptional service. You can leave your tip in local currency, pay with a credit card, or send it via PayPal (additional processing fees apply) or Zelle before your departure. Tips will be distributed among our local staff.

Important Hours
Check-in: From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM (Ask about late check-out options).
Reception: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Kitchen and housekeeping: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Bathrooms and Showers
Our rooms do not have private bathrooms. The compostable toilets, located near the rooms, help us care for Lake Atitlán and generate compost for our gardens. If you’ve never used a compostable toilet before, don’t worry—you’ll find usage instructions inside.

Our showers use fresh spring water and are solar-powered, so please plan your shower time according to the sun for the warmest experience possible.

At Kawoq Forest, we provide shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel made with 100% natural ingredients, carefully selected to care for both the forest and our health.

We currently have 6 bathrooms and 3 sets of showers on the property for shared use.

Additional Services within the Retreat Center

Laundry:

  • Wash and dry: $35 USD

  • Wash and sun dry: $25 USD

  • Hand wash: $5 USD/piece ($8 USD for jeans)

Children: Children under 10 years old must be under adult supervision at all times, and a responsibility agreement must be signed. The cost per night is $60 USD.

Sauna: Wet sauna designed to relax muscles, decompress, and cleanse the mind, body, and soul. Our sauna comfortably fits 8-10 people at a time, with an approximate session duration of 1 hour. Cost per session: $30 (up to 10 people at once)

Herbal Bath: For an additional cost of $30, enjoy an unguided herbal medicinal bath, ideal to complement your sauna experience. Includes chamomile, rue, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

Bonfire: We provide materials and assistance to light a fire for your group in our designated areas, subject to availability. Approximate duration: 1 hour. If additional time is desired, an extra session fee will be charged. Cost per bonfire: $30 USD

Flowers: Kawoq can arrange the purchase of seasonal flowers for $30 USD per 5 bouquets.

Mandala: Kawoq can arrange the purchase of seasonal flowers for $30 USD per 5 bouquets.

Small Mandala: Made according to the intention of the day, combining seasonal flowers, candles, and intention. Price: $40.00 USD (Size: 80 cm - 120 cm).

Large Mandala: A combination of seasonal flowers and offerings (cacao + candles). Price: $50.00 USD (Size: 190 cm - 230 cm).

Internet: We offer internet service in the reception area and Shala Paz.

Aerial Yoga: Currently, we have three installed fabrics for aerial yoga practice. To ensure proper space preparation, reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance. We do not have a permanent instructor for this discipline; the coordination of a teacher will depend on space availability and activity scheduling.

Crystal Bowl Rental for Sound Healing:

  • 1 hour: $15 USD (set of 3 bowls)

  • 3 hours: $25 USD (set of 5 bowls)

  • 8 hours: $70 USD (full set of 8 bowls)

  • Weekly package: $250 USD (5 days, 4 hours/day) (full set of 8 bowls)

Cancellation and Refund Policies for Stays

For Retreat Groups, the policies are as follows:

  • Cancellations within 30 days prior to the start of the retreat: no refund or future credit will be issued.

  • Early departures or late arrivals: no refunds apply.

For additional details on our policies, please visit the link to our policies.

Cooperation with Eco-Infrastructure:

To make the most of your stay, we kindly ask you to keep in mind that Kawoq Forest is located in the mountains of Guatemala, and the infrastructure of Kawoq Forest has a close relationship with the forest.

Staying in our charming forest hotel offers a unique blend of comfort and nature. You may encounter some bugs during your visit, but rest assured that they are harmless if left undisturbed. Remember, we are the guests in their home, not the other way around. Enjoy the serenity of the surroundings and let yourself be lulled by the gentle hum of the forest. Appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this natural paradise, knowing that every creature plays its role in this vibrant ecosystem. Some of the insects present in the forest include: spiders, scorpions, ants, bees, and wasps, which are the most common.

Feminine Hygiene Products:
We kindly ask for your help in reminding your participants, especially those who menstruate, that Kawoq Forest is committed to sustainability. We use composting toilets and practice recycling, so it is important for everyone to be mindful of their waste during their stay.

Regarding feminine hygiene products, we recommend more eco-friendly options, such as menstrual cups, reusable cloth pads, or organic cotton tampons. These alternatives help us reduce waste and contribute to our composting process.

Climate


Guatemala is known as the "Land of Eternal Spring." The weather in San Marcos La Laguna is typically very mild. Most days, temperatures range between 17-24°C, however, due to the altitude here at Lake Atitlán (1500m), the nights can drop as low as 8°C.
Guatemala experiences a dry season (from November to April) and a rainy season (from May to October). July and August are usually also dry, with a break in the rain. Please pack appropriately for stays during the rainy season, and be prepared for rain throughout the year.

Photography/Videography

If you wish to have a professional photographer/videographer document your retreat, you must request approval from Kawoq Forest.

The content must be reviewed by Kawoq Forest before being added to social media, and you will also be required to tag us when relevant @kawoqforest. We will also have access to and rights over the content.

What is expected when creating content at Kawoq Forest:

  • No cultural appropriation of any kind, including music and words used in the content when posting on social media.

  • No photos/videos of sacred altar spaces.

  • Consent is required before taking photos of the staff.

  • No photos or videos during yoga classes at Kawoq Forest or during workshops, unless authorized by the owner.

  • No photos/videos of the interior of accommodations while guests are staying in them.

  • Photos highlighting the beauty of nature and the diversity of people attending the Forest.

  • Consent is required before taking photos of other guests who are staying as personal guests of the retreat or walk-in visitors.

Some recommendations for local photographers:

  • Jas Gidalti
    Email: wellness@kawoqforest.com
    Portfolio: Behance
    Whatsapp: +502 4499-6868

  • Nehemias Sancoy
    Whatsapp: +502 4994 6203
    Instagram: nehemiassancoyphoto

On-site Content Creator: Please note that during your retreat, we may have an on-site content creator who will take photos and videos for documentation and promotional purposes for Kawoq, always respecting those who do not wish to be photographed. This content will be the property of Kawoq Forest. If you would like personalized photo sessions, you may hire the professional photography services mentioned above.

meal information

Menu
Here you can download a sample of our vegetarian and Guatemalan-inspired brunch and dinner menus. These meals are subject to changes and serve as examples.

We are a vegetarian kitchen and can accommodate gluten-free and vegan diets. However, we do have gluten in our kitchen, so it is not a gluten-free kitchen, nor nut-free.

We also offer the option to include a piece of chicken for an additional cost in the meals for those who wish. Please note that this request must be made at least 24 hours in advance, as it is not always possible to get fresh chicken in the village on the same day. We appreciate your understanding and planning.

We can accommodate meals half an hour before or after regular meal times if your group requires it according to your retreat schedule. Please confirm this in your itinerary and with our retreat coordinator.

Café Menu
Here is our café menu so your participants can purchase additional snacks and beverages during their stay.

Included Beverages
We provide water throughout the property for our guests, using eco-friendly filters to purify and clean our water. We also offer tea made with native plants. While we take the necessary steps to ensure drinking water is filtered and food is prepared safely and hygienically, we encourage you to take personal responsibility for your health while in Guatemala.

Please note:

We do not offer three meals a day as an upgrade option.

KAWOQ FOREST MAP

Please refer to this map if you receive any special requests from participants and would like to assign them a cabin that is closer to a bathroom or requires less walking from the common areas (subject to availability).

Extra Services

Events & Workshops – View our available workshops on our website [here].

Wellness Services – Explore our list of wellness offerings [here]. If you’d like to book individual wellness services for your participants, please email us at wellness@kawoqforest.com. Standard rates apply.

Ceremonies – Immerse yourself in sacred and transformative ceremonies. See the different options and pricing [here].

Cultural & Outdoor Activities
Find more information on our page [here]. Also, be sure to review our cancellation policies for these services.