Kawoq Forest
Retreat guest handbook
Dear Guest,
To best prepare for your journey at Kawoq Forest, we ask that you reflect on the three main principles that we live by.
Kawoq Forest is a living community gathering space, where we come together to live simply and in communion with the land, the culture, our bodies and the people around us.
We have three main principles that we live by to ensure that the culture of Kawoq Forest is respected and upheld by each new group that enters the space.
Our three main principles
Relationship
We want you to be aware of the sacredness of the land that you tread. The land of Kawoq Forest has been protected and tended to by the Maya people for over 30k years. It is the ancient power of this reciprocal relationship, of mutual care and of holy benevolence which permeates and graciously holds you in your healing and transformation.
We therefore encourage you to give back in all the ways that you can, whether it’s a physical offering to the land, a song, a prayer, or anything that brings you into direct relationship with the grounding beauty that it provides.
We ask that you reduce your footprint with eco-friendly products and leave spaces even cleaner and brighter than when you first entered.
We are also interested in developing relationships with YOU, and want our connection to be long-lasting and have our gathering space be somewhere that you continue to come back to.
Reciprocity
Kawoq Forest thrives on reciprocity of energy and connection. We hope that there is a reciprocal relationship between what the land, the culture and the people can provide for you and your group, and what you can also give back to them.
We hope that you feel the generosity of our staff and this space and that you are able to reciprocate through sincere words, financial support, physical offerings, or simply with a heartfelt smile.
We ask that you take the time to slow down and feel the impact that you have on the forest and the impact that your time at Kawoq Forest has on you and your group.
Reverence
We ask that each participant who enters Kawoq Forest reflect on the reality that they are entering a whole new ecosystem that might feel foreign to them. We have a hard working, indigenous Maya team that is dedicated to giving you the best experience possible, while also tending to their families and dealing with the unique complexities that come with living in a developing country.
Please show your utmost gratitude to them for committing their hearts and bodies into the service they provide, and please be sensitive to the requests that you make.
We ask that you be humbly curious, accepting & respectful of the culture unto which you are a guest, including the aspects that might challenge your comfort zones. We lovingly suggest utilizing the mindfulness practices of deep listening and witnessing as the ideal tools to learn how to navigate and interact with our workers and the people of Guatemala.
OBSERVING QUIET TIMES
Kawoq Forest is a place of tranquility and peace. We maintain quiet times from 9 pm to 9 am to respect the serenity of the natural setting and encourage inward reflection. Lights in communal areas will be switched off and silence is requested. Please respect and show kindness to all staff and other guests.
cooperating with the eco-infrastructure
To get the most out of your stay, we ask that you keep in mind that Kawoq Forest is in the mountains of Guatemala and the infrastructure is set up in right relationship with the Forest. Our showers are fresh spring water and solar-powered, so please keep in mind to shower in accordance with the sun for the hottest showers possible.
Staying in our charming forest hotel offers a unique blend of comfort and nature. You might encounter a few bugs during your visit, but rest assured, they are harmless when left alone. Remember, we are the guests in their home, not the other way around. Embrace the serene surroundings and let the gentle hum of the forest lull you into a peaceful state. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this natural haven, knowing that every creature plays its part in this vibrant ecosystem.
ECOLOGICAL CONSCIOUSNESS
Please be aware of leaving all spaces more beautiful than when you arrived. We request not to use plastic, or bring plastic bottles or plastic bags to the mountain.
Currently, there is inadequate waste management infrastructure for collecting and processing garbage, so it ends up in the forests and in Lake Atitlán. Please be a conscious traveler. If you bring it, please take it back home with you.
wellness services
Pamper yourself with amazing treatments and massages. You can speak to your retreat leader about scheduling a massage or you can book one on site when you arrive with our team. We have for 12 hours in advance notice.
MONEY & PAYMENTS
If you are enjoying your time with us and plan to extend your stay, we ask that you pay in advance for any extra days/weeks in cash or credit card. Kawoq Forest café bills must be settled upon departure.
There is an ATM machine in the town of San Marcos la Laguna at Super Tienda José behind the Libreria Arco Iris and beside the bridge of the dry river bed.
FOOD
We serve local organic produce whenever possible and prepare our delicious vegetarian meals with love. We can cater to certain dietary restrictions, such as vegan and gluten free, however, we are not a gluten-free kitchen.
Please advise your retreat leader of your needs as well as any allergies prior to arrival.
INTERNET
We have a co-working space available in Paz daily to encourage a productive and tranquil setting for work. We have wifi available for guests in communal spaces only for an additional fee that will be added to your Kawoq Forest tab to be paid upon checkout.
The rates are as follows: $5/day, $10/3 days, and $20/week.
HEALTH
Our water is filtered and accessible for human consumption. While we take steps to ensure that drinking water is filtered and food is prepared safely and cleanly, we encourage you to take responsibility for your health in Guatemala. You can bring LifeStraw or similar equipment to purify water.
It is common for travelers in Guatemala to experience some digestive discomforts such as upset stomachs, diarrhea and/or vomiting from exposure to different bacterias.
If you do fall sick during your time with us, our wellness staff is available to offer palliative therapies. We encourage you to navigate your discomfort with equanimity and clear communication. As a wellness center, we have experience with traveler’s sicknesses and are best able to support your needs when we are made aware of them.
We can also facilitate medical health care options such as a personalized visit from a local nurse or an escort to a private clinic in San Pedro La Laguna. However, please be aware that medical services in town are limited as we are located in a rural, mountainous zone. Guests are responsible for any additional medical and transportation services.
Lastly, to prevent such scenarios, we encourage you to practice good hygiene, regularly eat papaya seeds, probiotic foods such as kimchi, add kombucha vinegar to your water, and take Grapefruit Seed Extract and Activated Charcoal if you have a sensitive system. (We kindly discourage our guests from eating street food).
OFFICE HOURS
Our manager can assist you between 9:30 AM-6 PM each day for reception assistance and access to the safe. The Office is closed outside these times.
WEATHER
Weather in San Marcos La Laguna is usually very mild. Most days the temperature is around 17-24 degrees Celsius, however due to the altitude here at Lake Atitlán (1500m), nights can be as low as 8 degrees.
Guatemala has a dry season (November to April) and a wet season (May to October) each year. July and August are often also dry with a break in the rains. Please pack accordingly for stays during the wet season and be prepared for rain all year round.
LAUNDRY
We offer laundry services on site for an additional fee. It is $35 USD for wash and dry, $25 USD for wash and sundry, and $5 USD per piece for hand wash and sun dry with jeans being $8 USD.
PACKING LIST
Luggage Recommendations - If you need porters for your group to carry their bags, there will be a $10 USD per bag. We do charge $20 USD per bag for oversized bags and late pickups from 7 pm - 7 am.
As mentioned earlier, there is a hike with steps to reach the forest, so we recommend bringing a backpack. If you do bring a suitcase, it is preferable that it be a carry-on.
Towels and bed linens are provided at Kawoq Forest for our guests.
Loose comfortable clothes for yoga practice
Long pants and sleeves if you are prone to bug bites, as well as closed in shoes
Natural insect repellent
Shoes for hiking and gardening
Warm comfortable clothes for evenings (it can be cold at night, see Weather above)
A head torch and spare batteries
An alarm clock
A journal for self-reflection and note taking
Wet weather gear for stays during the wet season, including rain jacket and rain boots (simple rain boots can be bought in nearby villages)
Activated Charcoal, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Oil of Oregano, Probiotics for possible upset bellies
Pepper spray (optional) for additional safety whilst traveling
Organic/bio washing supplies (soaps, shampoos etc.)
A moon cup (for ladies)
HYGIENE
Please wear shoes and keep clean feet at all times, especially in sacred spaces. Wash your hands regularly with filtered water and soap, especially before meals.
CAFÉ SPACE
We have raw and plant-based desserts, fresh fruit smoothies and juices, and delicious hot drinks and cacao available for purchase from 8 am-5:30 pm daily.
Our café space is small and easily becomes cluttered with personal items. Please be conscious of picking up your belongings and keeping them in your room, in your bag hung on the office wall hooks, or on the shelves there. Any loose items left in the café space will be put in our LOST & FOUND and are available for anyone to claim.
SHOWER & WASHING SUPPLIES
As Kawoq Forest operates using organic farming principles, we insist that our guests use ONLY organic and environmentally friendly bathroom and cleaning products that are biodegradable. Lake Atitlán is an endangered lake and we hope to educate and promote the use of bio cleaning alternatives around the lake basin. Unnatural soaps will be removed from bathrooms.
GIFT STORE
Our gift store is open from 9am-6 pm for purchase of sacred instruments, medicines, incense, clothing, and jewelry to bring a piece of Guatemala back home with you.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Kawoq Forest is committed to sustainability. We use compost toilets and practice recycling, so it’s important for everyone to be mindful of their waste during their stay.
For feminine hygiene products, we highly recommend more eco-friendly options such as menstrual cups, reusable cloth pads, or organic cotton tampons. These alternatives help us reduce waste and support our composting process. If they need to use disposable products, we kindly ask that they dispose of them in the bins provided, as they cannot be composted.
