HIDDEN
TIDES
the
retreat
LAKE ATITLAN, GUATEMALA
January 18th-24th, 2026
7 days / 6 nights
explore the unseen rhythmic forces of the subtle body & the language of the botanical world through yoga, breath work, plant spirit meditation, dream work, ceremony & ritual... gently opening the doorway to altered states of consciousness
We'll be nestled into a retreat center immersed in the forest, just a 15 minute hike from the town of San Marcos on Lake Atitlán.
Lake Atitlán, known as the 'umbilicus of the world,' is revered in Maya cosmology as a sacred navel—a portal where the earthly and cosmic realms intertwine, offering a potent space for spiritual rebirth and connection to the unseen. Cradled by three majestic volcanoes, the lake is believed to hold powerful energetic currents, making it a place of deep transformation and visioning.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Inclusions on the Retreat
+ 7 days/6 nights of accommodation
+ Transportation to & from Guatemala City where the airport is located
+ 2 nourishing vegetarian meals & 1 snack daily
+ Unlimited tea available
+ Credit to the cafe on site to purchase additional food, juice & coffee
+ Wood fired sauna
+ Daily yoga & meditation
​+ Two Experiences Lead by Local Mayan Elders -- Traditional Mayan Fire & Cacao Ceremony, Tuj Ceremony - a sacred steam bath that symbolizes a return to the mother's womb)
+ ample space to rest & recharge, connect with others, hike & explore the land, or visit the local towns on the lake
+ 10% gratuity to staff at the retreat center
ACCoMMoDATIoNS
Shared Room
the bungalo dorm
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$1,875 per person
(1 spot left)
We have one bungalow dorm available for a small group or a solo traveler open to sharing space. This is a co-ed dorm.
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Built using natural materials like bamboo, cypress, adobe, and traditional bahareque (wattle and daub), the bungalows feature palm roofs and earthy, sustainable design.
The beds are cozy and inviting, with warm feather duvets, premium linens, and pillows, accented with Peruvian Shipibo fabrics and Guatemalan cushions.
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The dorm has 4 single beds. The property has several composting toilets and two main outdoor showers overlooking the lake.
Shared Room
the bungalos
$2,125 per person
The bungalows are the perfect shared spaces for deep communal transformation. Looking out over the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes, the shared cabañas have terraces and hammocks to allow you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
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Equipped with two queen size beds, the bungalows can accommodate 2-4 people, depending on how you utilize the beds.
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The property has several composting toilets and two main outdoor showers overlooking the lake.​
Semi-Private Room
the sunrise suites
$2,425 per person
The Sunrise Suites offer stunning views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes. Located beneath one of the yoga shalas, the suites provide a semi-private retreat with your own entrance and space, though you may hear activity from workshops or personal practice above. On some mornings, a meditation class is held in the shala at 6:15 am.
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Enjoy the serenity of the forest and breathtaking sunrises from your private terrace. Each suite features a queen-size bed, accommodating one or two people.
The property has several composting toilet and two main outdoor showers overlooking the lake. the lake.​
Private Room
the forest cabin
$2,625 per person
If you’re wanting privacy, the Forest Cabin is perfect for you. With gorgeous lake and volcano views, this cabin features a small terrace to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
Immerse yourself with the bird songs and vibrant forest that envelops this cabin to relax and feel the stillness within.
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The Forest cabin can accommodate two people with one full and one single bed inside, perfect for the solo traveler, a couple, family or friends to share.
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The property has several composting toilets and two main outdoor showers overlooking the lake.​
ShARED BATHRooMS
The retreat center has two outdoor showers overlooking the lake and surrounding volcanoes, offering a private yet scenic experience. Several composting toilets are scattered across the property — some allow you to poo with a view..! For those of you who are not familiar with what a composting toilet is... it's an eco-friendly, waterless system that naturally breaks down waste into nutrient-rich compost. Unlike flush toilets, it conserves water and reduces pollution, making it a sustainable choice for off-grid and environmentally conscious living... saving water one flush at a time.
NoURISHING MEALS
Every meal is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a delightful fusion of taste and nutrition that supports your well-being. Everything is prepared with the loving hands of local women.
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Breakfast will be served around 10 am, with a snack between 12–1 pm, and dinner around 5 pm. During the midday free time, you’re welcome to explore the local town and enjoy a meal there. You can also stay at the retreat center and use the $45 credit included with the retreat to order additional food from the cafe on site.
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For all my coffee lovers out there... coffee is not included in the unlimited tea bar that will be available. You can order coffee at the café using your retreat credit or buy some in town during your free time. The cafe is open daily from 8am - 6pm.
MEET THE FACILITAToRS
mackenzie rae
I will be holding down the yoga element of this retreat. I've been practicing yoga for about 16 years and teaching regularly for about 5 years. Yoga has been a life changing practice and grounding anchor through every season of my life. I feel honored and deeply on purpose sharing this beautiful practice with people.
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I offer flows that are grounded yet fluid, strong yet soft, both creative and structured. I weave in yoga philosophy and metaphors that we can take off the mat into our every day lives. Asana, the physical practice of yoga, is just one element of yoga to explore. I am passionate about teaching yoga as a way of life... not just a physical movement practice.
I dove deep into yoga and the healing arts at 16 years old and have been studying and training in this realm for 16 years now. My teaching and space holding are deeply informed by my background in Internal Family Systems (parts work), somatic exploration, Family & Systemic Constellation work, dream work, energy medicine, and earth-based alchemical practices. This diverse foundation allows me to guide students through a rich, embodied experience that supports both personal exploration and collective healing. My background in energy medicine and Reiki is woven into my work through hands-on assists and by cultivating a grounded, intuitive, and energetically attuned space for growth and transformation.
haylee Lacroix
I will be weaving together herbalism, plant spirit meditations, and the subtle energies of inner transformation through flower essences, ritual, energy medicine, and shamanic journeying. Our focus will be on two of my favorite consciousness-shifting plants: mugwort and cacao.
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Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from renowned healers and teachers, including Rosemary Gladstar, Carole Guyett, Isa Gucciardi, Mayan elder Nana Marina and others. With their profound teachings, I have cultivated my own way of guiding others to connect with themselves, each other, and, especially, the plant realm.
I believe that the more we connect with plants, the deeper our connection to ourselves and higher consciousness becomes. Through this bond, we often find ourselves feeling at home, empowered, and aligned with what we seek on a deeper level. All it takes is an open heart, a quiet mind, and a willingness to listen.
With 17 years of experience in these healing arts, I am deeply honored and excited to share what I’ve learned and integrated throughout my journey. I look forward to igniting or deepening your connection to the plant world in the heart of the forest, by a magically potent lake, surrounded by stunning volcanoes. :)
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Yoga
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Breakfast
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Optional Guided Activity or Free Time
Snack
Traditional Mayan Ceremony or Free Time
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Dinner
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Evening Exploration
(meditation, yin yoga, plant spirit connection, breath work, acupressure)
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WHAT To Do DURING FREE TIME?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the local towns around the lake, wander through vibrant markets, try different restaurants, or hike the scenic trails and nature preserve nearby.
You’re welcome to stay on-site, relax, and soak in the jungle vibes. Enjoy a massage, facial, a traditional Mayan abdominal massage, reflexology session, or unwind in the sauna.
FAQ
PLEASE READ THoRoUGHLY
How do you access the retreat center?
To access the retreat center, you must hike 15-20 minutes through the forest (the hike is not difficult but you must be in good physical condition to attend this retreat). Some of the cabins require that you hike up many steps to access them.​​
What airport should we fly into?
We recommend flying into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City the day before the retreat starts on January 17th, 2026. We suggest booking a room at the Barceló Hotel, as this is where we’ll be departing from the next morning to head to the retreat center. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle until 11 pm. If you’re unable to make the shuttle, Uber is available in the city—be sure to download the app before you arrive.
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You’ll be responsible for booking your own accommodations based on your arrival time and whether you choose to share a room with another attendee. The hotel offers a continental breakfast buffet for $10 in the morning.
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If you take a red-eye flight and land on January 18th, you’ll need to clear customs and reach the hotel by 10 am. To ensure you arrive on time, allow at least 2 hours from landing to get through customs, collect your bags, and travel to the hotel.
What expenses are excluded from the retreat?
+ Flights
+ Travel insurance (recommended)
+ Lunch in town (optional) if you want more than the provided snacks.
+ Additional services / tips
+ Shuttle service for your luggage to the retreat center is $10 each way or $20 each way for oversized bags (25 lbs+) or late arrivals (after 7pm). You also have the option to hike your bag in for free.
What else will be taking place at this retreat center?
In addition to our retreat, the center offers a few daily classes and workshops open to the public. With two spacious yoga shalas spread across the property, there’s plenty of room to accommodate both retreat guests and public class attendees. Please note that there may also be other guests staying on the property during your visit.
Is Guatemala safe?
Guatemala is a beautiful country, from the people to the culture to the landscapes, offering amazing experiences to any traveler. Safety is as much a consideration here as in any developing country you may visit or in any touristed area where economic disparity exists.
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While traveling and when visiting towns and villages, we advise mindfulness. Don’t flash expensive devices or carry large amounts of cash. Theft tends to be petty and opportunistic. Take care with your valuables and lock them away safely. During your stay at the retreat center, there is 24/7 security provided on the property as well as secure storage for valuables in the office safe.
Is there internet available at the retreat center?
Internet is not available in the cabins. It will only available in the common space.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
We highly recommend arriving on time and staying for the full duration of the retreat. However, if you need to arrive late or leave early, we can help arrange transportation at your own expense. For a smoother experience, we recommend arriving to the retreat center during daylight hours. Please note that no price reductions will be offered for shortened stays.
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Arrival: Check-in is available starting at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday January 18th
Departure: Check-out is at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24th
Should I fly out on the day that the retreat ends?
We’ll offer a private shuttle at 11:30am on Saturday January 24th from the retreat center to Guatemala City for those flying out that night or the next day. We recommend that you stay in Guatemala City that night and fly out the next morning so that you don't leave feeling rushed.
If you plan to fly home on Saturday, January 24th, allow at least 4 hours to get to the airport. For evening flights, we recommend booking no earlier than 6pm, unless you plan to pay for your own transportation.
2% oF PRoCEEDS
​will go to this local organization on the lake to support the planting of native trees and the creation of protective land barriers, helping to prevent greywater pollution and restore local ecosystems
PAYMENT TERMS & CANCELLATIoN PoLICY
+ Prices are per person
+ Add 3% processing/admin fee for credit cards
+ Payment methods: cash, check, or credit card (make checks payable to Mackenzie Rae)
+ Secure your spot with a $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit
+ Final balance due 90 days before start of retreat (October 20th, 2025)
Once you place your deposit we will email you to confirm your preferred room choice.
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If you cancel 90 days or more before the retreat start date, you will receive a refund minus the $500 non-refundable deposit. Trip insurance is recommended to protect your investment in case you need to cancel for covered reasons.
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Because of the retreat center’s refund policies, we are unable to offer refunds, transfers, or credits for cancellations made within 90 days of the retreat start date. We appreciate your understanding, as a great deal of time and effort goes into planning these retreats for you!
oTHER QUESTIoNS?
Email contact@mackenzie-rae.com and I would be happy to answer them!
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If you've never taken a yoga class with me and want to come to a class of mine before signing up for the retreat, reach out and let me know! If you've never been to the Bellingham Yoga Collective before, I can get you into one of my classes for your first time free.