Journey through Antigua and Lake Atitlán on a 7-day women’s retreat designed for reflection, cultural immersion, and renewal.

Connect with culture, community, and yourself through mindful travel, artisan traditions, and restorative moments across Guatemala’s inspiring landscapes.

Guided by experts in women’s empowerment, this journey creates space to slow down, reconnect, and share meaningful experiences with a circle of women.

Trip Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Antigua while staying in a private colonial residence, where rooftop gatherings, shared meals, and meaningful conversations set the tone for connection and intention.
  • Learn the stories behind Guatemala’s sacred jade at Xibalba, exploring ancient Mayan symbolism before designing your own piece of jewelry infused with personal meaning.
  • Wander through Antigua’s cobblestone streets on a guided cultural walk, uncovering hidden courtyards, baroque facades, and the layered history that shapes this UNESCO World Heritage city.
  • Experience Guatemala’s living traditions at the vibrant Chichicastenango Market, where color, ritual, and ancestral spirituality intertwine in one of the most iconic highland gatherings in Mesoamerica.
  • Connect with women artisans in San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, learning the art of backstrap loom weaving and natural dyeing at Casa Flor Ixcaco, while supporting community-led initiatives.
  • Deepen your sense of grounding at Lake Atitlán through a medicinal plant workshop and a traditional temazcal ceremony, guided by local wisdom keepers overlooking the volcanic landscape.
  • Choose your own rhythm of restoration or adventure, from hiking the active slopes of Pacaya Volcano to indulging in a spa day or joining intimate retreat sessions designed for reflection and growth.

Our Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arrival, Intention & Ancestral Flavors

  • Arrive in Guatemala and settle into your private colonial residence in the heart of Antigua, where cobblestone streets and volcanic views set the tone for the week ahead.
  • As guests gather, we open with a rooftop welcome reception designed to ground the group in connection and shared intention.
  • Together, you’ll step into Guatemala’s culinary traditions during a hands-on cooking experience at Cuscun, learning to prepare local dishes while discovering the stories and ingredients that shape the country’s rich food culture.

Day 2: Symbolism, Storytelling & Creative Expression

  • Begin the morning wandering Antigua’s historic streets on a guided cultural walking tour, exploring hidden courtyards, baroque facades, and the layered history of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
  • After time to rest and integrate, dive into the ancestral significance of jade at Xibalba. Through a cultural lecture on Mayan cosmology and sacred symbols, you’ll learn the meaning behind the stones before selecting your own jade and designing a piece of jewelry infused with intention.
  • The day closes with a rooftop dinner experience that blends elevated cuisine with sweeping volcano views, deepening community through shared conversation.

Day 3: Choice, Reflection & Personal Rhythm

  • Today unfolds with space for personal alignment.
  • Choose to hike the active slopes of Pacaya Volcano and witness Guatemala’s powerful geology firsthand, or opt for restoration through yoga, meditation, or a spa experience within centuries-old monastery walls.
  • In the afternoon, gather for a guided retreat session, creating space for reflection, growth, and integration within the support of the group.

Curious to know more?

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Where We Stay

At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.

The Experience

Guided by psychologists Amy Ahlfeld, Psy.D., and Margaret Lee, Psy.D., this retreat blends cultural exploration with meaningful personal reflection. Longtime friends and colleagues from Northern California, they share a deep commitment to women’s empowerment, cultural learning, and transformational growth.

Amy specializes in women’s empowerment, life transitions, and self compassion, helping women navigate change with greater clarity, resilience, and self trust.

Margaret teaches multicultural psychology and integrates mindfulness into healing, personal growth, and cross cultural understanding.

Together, and in partnership with the award winning Heart of Travel team, they guide this inaugural journey designed to foster connection, reflection, and renewal.

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This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.

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How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

What is included:

What is not included:

Our prices reflect the true cost of creating regenerative, respectful, and thoughtfully curated travel experiences. That means fair wages for our local guides and partners, carbon-conscious operations, and deep-rooted collaborations with community-based projects.

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Expertly Curated Itineraries
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Fair Wages & Local Partnerships
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Regenerative Travel Practices
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Community-Based Experiences

Interest-Free Payment Plans

We know that meaningful travel is an investment—and we’re here to make it doable. That’s why we offer interest-free payment options designed to work for you—no hidden fees, no credit checks, and no third-party financing.

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Hear What People Are Saying

- Angela J

This was a fantastic trip and itinerary! I would have never thought I would've have had so much fun in Guatemala! The logistics worked--it was all about experiencing life on the local level... The hotels were fabulous! The guides were the BEST! So caring about our well-being and energized to ensure we had a great time every single day!

- Angela J

- Cynthia M 

Guatemala is beautiful and so full of warmth and culture. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable about the land, history, people, politics, social struggles and successes. The trip was the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and exploration of the local customs and the Guatemalan way of live. The ethos of sustainable travel & commitment to giving back to local communities is what all travel should be.

- Cynthia M 

- Alicia M

Epic ladies trip! Guatamala exceeded expectations with volcanos, spa days, and the most delicious food! Would highly recommend this trip! The guides were amazing and knowledgeable as well. Chiva & Charlie were friendly and always answered any questions we had. They also made accommodations for us as well.

- Alicia M

What to expect when booking!

Reserve Your Spot

Lock in your adventure with a deposit and a few quick details about who’s traveling. Choose the payment plan that fits your life—pay in full, split it in three installments, or spread it out monthly—and start counting down the days for your next adventure! 

Get Trip-Ready

As we get closer to departure, we’ll drop a Welcome Packet in your inbox loaded with need-to-knows: packing lists, weather tips, local customs, currency info, and any visa or entry forms you might need. You’ll also get steady pre-departure emails and the option to attend a pre-trip Zoom call with your Tour Leader to answer questions big or small—so you can show up confident and stress-free. Call recordings will be made available to all trip participants. 

Travel & Connect

A few weeks before our departure, you’ll be invited to a private WhatsApp group and PhotoCircle where fellow travelers, Heart of Travel Tour Leaders, and local guides start swapping intros, answering last-minute questions, and sharing playlists. Once on the ground, the Whatsapp group becomes your real-time hub for insider tips, updates, and reminders, and sharing the moments that make each trip unforgettable.

Keep the Journey Going

We keep every trip’s WhatsApp thread open long after the farewell hugs—because the stories, photos, and friendships shouldn’t end when the plane lands. Drop your best shots into our PhotoCircle, stay in the loop for alumni perks, and (coming later this year) join our online community designed to keep travelers and local partners connected between adventures.

How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

Get the

Interest-Free Payment Plans Available

Trip Protection Available

Your Questions, Our Answers

What's your cancellation policy?

Refund Policy: We'd hate to see you cancel but we know things can come up so we've created a policy that's fair to all 🙏🏽

  • Cancellation up to 24 hours after booking a trip: Fully refundable.
  • Cancellation 181 days or more before the trip start date: Loss of deposit; the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 100% of the trip deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 121 - 180 days before the trip start date: 50% refund, minus the deposit. Deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 120 days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed. Credit for a future Heart of Travel trip will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If you can’t make it on a trip but you find someone else who can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, you would be responsible for the transfer or cancellation fee.

*For a more flexible and generous cancellation policy be sure to add Heart of Travel Trip Protection, available at the time of registration only. 


Guaranteed Departures: We know how precious your travel days and dollars are. If you register for a trip and we don't hit the required minimum of participants - you have the option to transfer 100% of the funds paid over to another HOT trip of your choosing at any time. Or, you can opt to continue with the trip on the original dates, however, the itinerary is subject to small changes, and there will be an additional 15-20% surcharge based on the original trip price for a private tour, which can be customized further if desired.

Single Supplements: If you know you want your own space please upgrade to a single supplement at the time of booking. If you are traveling solo but open to a roommate we will do our best to match you with another travel. However, if HOT is unable to find a roommate for you, you will be responsible for paying the Single Supplement charge according to each trip

What do we mean by “Responsible Travel”?

We define a responsible traveler as someone who takes the time to develop a basic understanding of the culture, history, language, and socio-political climate of the host country through pre-trip research and educational activities that engage them with the local community during their time in that country. In addition, the Responsible Traveler seeks to support small business development by shopping at small, locally owned businesses and supporting independent artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs through meet and greets, as well as interactive workshops, classes, and demonstrations. Finally, a Responsible Traveler strives to minimize the negative impact of their visit on the environment and always considers animal welfare when planning their itinerary.

What does double occupancy mean?

Double occupancy spots are for people traveling with a companion OR for someone traveling solo who is open to being paired with another solo traveler of the same gender to share a room. When you sign up for a double occupancy spot, please indicate if you are traveling with someone and if so, who, and how many beds are needed in the room (1 or 2). In the event, there is an uneven number of double occupancy sign-ups, a trip participant may end up rooming with a Tour Leader for parts of the trip or will be given the option to upgrade to a single supplement if desired.

What does single occupancy mean?

Single occupancy spots are for travelers who want their own room and bathroom. This applies to solo travelers who are not traveling with a roommate and do not wish to be paired with another trip participant. To secure a single occupancy spot, please select the "single supplement add-on" at the time of registration. If you have any special requests for your room please let us know. 

What are "additional nights"?

Oftentimes travelers desire to add on an extra night of accommodation at the beginning or end of the trip. You can book additional nights through Heart of Travel by adding them to your cart at the time of registration. Likewise, they can be added later if you are unsure of your plans at the time of enrollment. Note the price is per room, not per person.

I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered to?

Heart of Travel is happy to accommodate all dietary restrictions and preferences. However, in certain destinations (mostly remote rural areas or small villages) specialty options may be limited. Therefore,  while we will always find a way to accommodate you, some meals may feel a little repetitive. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements or allergies and we'll pass the information along to your Tour Leader, as well as all hotels and third-party providers. It is also a good idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language in case you find yourself eating away from the group without the Tour Leader available to assist you.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about flights, packing, affordability or picking the right trip—just reach out.

No question is too small!

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