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 located in the mountains of Guatemala and the infrastructure is established in correct relationship with the Forest.

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

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 additional days/weeks in cash or by credit or debit card. Kawoq Forest's cafeteria bills must be settled upon departure.

There is only one ATM in the town of San Marcos la Laguna in Super Tienda José behind the Arco Iris Bookstore and next to the dry channel bridge. We recommend you make your currency exchange to local currency at the La Aurora International Airport, for several purchases in small stores you will need cash although there are also several that accept cards so you can take that into account.

FOOD

We serve local organic produce wherever possible and prepare our delicious vegetarian dishes with love. We can cater for certain dietary restrictions such as vegan and gluten free, however we are not a gluten free kitchen. Before your arrival, please inform the person in charge of the retreat about your needs and possible allergies.

Our menu includes tea from native plants at meal times as well as during the day. Coffee is NOT included but you can purchase it additionally in our cafeteria. Cafeteria hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Please respect the agreed meal times. Dishes are not kept for more than an hour. If you decide to skip a meal, please inform us at least 8 hours in advance.

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.

INTERNET

We seek an off-the-grid environment for a deep connection with the Being and the Forest, so internet access is intentionally reduced. However, we understand the dynamics of today's world and therefore offer specific options: We have Wi-Fi available for guests only in common spaces. If your retreat does not include Internet, the additional prices for it are:

  • $5 per day or $20 for up to one week

HEALTH

Our water is filtered and accessible for human consumption. While we take steps to ensure that drinking water is filtered and that 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 the water.

It is common for travelers in Guatemala to suffer from stomach upset, diarrhea and/or vomiting due to exposure to different bacteria. If you get sick during your time with us, we offer you local health staff options, whether it's a nurse* for containment and primary care to a private clinic* in San Pedro La Laguna.

*Remember that we depend on the availability of these services as they are not part of the Kawoq Forest offer.

However, you must take into account that medical services in the town are limited and we are in a mountainous area. Guests are responsible for any additional medical and transportation services.

We encourage you to regularly eat papaya seeds, probiotic foods like kimchi, add kombucha vinegar to your water, and take GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) and activated charcoal if you have a sensitive digestive system.

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.

WEATHER

They call Guatemala the land of eternal spring. The 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 (from November to April) and a wet season (from May to October) each year. July and August are also usually dry, with a break in rain. Please pack appropriately for stays during the wet season, as well as prepare for rain all year round

OFFICE HOURS

Our manager can assist you between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily to assist you at reception and access the safe. The office is closed outside of these hours.

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.

LAUNDRY

We offer laundry services on site for an additional fee.

Wash and Dry: $35 USD

Wash and Sundry: $25 USD

Hand wash and Sundry: $5 USD per piece ($8 USD per jean)

PACKING LIST

Recommendations regarding luggage - The hike to the forest takes 20 minutes and includes about 80 steps. Although we do have a porter service, we recommend planning your luggage to make the journey easier. Prioritise the use of backpacks or carry-on luggage.

What is the porter service? A porter is a local person who is willing to ease your load and help you carry your bags from the forest entrance to Kawoq Forest.

If you require this service, the prices are as follows:

Carry-on luggage (up to 20 pounds): $10 per bag.

Large luggage (over 20 pounds): $20 per bag.

Services outside of porter hours (7:00 AM - 6:00 PM): additional $20 per person.

Notes: 

  • The meeting point for this service is the entrance to the forest, we do not pick up or deliver luggage at any other point.

  • You do not have to pay the porters directly, but you can show your gratitude by giving a tip.

Towels and bed linens are provided at Kawoq Forest for our guests. Some recommendations of what you should bring are:

  • Loose comfortable clothes for yoga practice

  • Long pants and sleeves if you are prone to insect bites, as well as closed-toe shoes

  • Natural insect repellent

  • Hiking shoes and some option for rain shoes

  • Warm, comfortable clothing for the evenings (it can get cold at night, see Weather above)

  • A headlamp and spare batteries

  • A journal for self-reflection and note-taking

  • Wet weather clothing for stays during the rainy season, including a rain jacket and waterproof boots

  • Activated charcoal, grapefruit seed extract, oregano oil, probiotics for possible stomach upsets

  • Pepper spray (optional) for added safety while traveling

  • Organic/bio washing supplies (soaps, shampoos, etc.): Since Kawoq Forest operates on the principles of organic farming, we insist that our guests use ONLY eco-friendly and biodegradable bath and cleaning products. Lake Atitlan is an endangered lake and we hope to educate and promote the use of bio-cleaning alternatives around the lake basin. Non-natural soaps will be removed from the bathrooms.

  • A moon glass (for women)

SHOWER & WASHING SUPPLIES

Our rooms do not have private bathrooms. Compostable toilets, located near the rooms, allow us to take care of Lake Atitlán and generate compost for our gardens. If you have never used a compostable toilet, don't worry, you will find instructions inside.

Our showers are fresh spring water and solar powered, so please consider showering in accordance with the sun for the hottest showers possible

Feminine Hygiene Products

We would like to kindly inform those who visit us, especially those who menstruate, that Kawoq Forest is committed to sustainability. We use composting toilets and practice recycling, so it is important that everyone is aware of their waste during their stay.

As for 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.

Where is kawoq forest located?

Kawoq Forest is located on the Xe-Abaj mountain, surrounded by the serenity of the forest. To get there, you need to take a walk of approximately 20 minutes from the picturesque town of San Marcos la Laguna. This tour will not only take you to our refuge, but also invites you to activate your senses and begin a process of disconnection from the outside world to reconnect with yourself.

FLIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS

From Guatemala City, the trip to San Marcos la Laguna takes between 4 and 5 hours, depending on traffic. Check-in at Kawoq Forest is until 5:00 PM. Therefore, we recommend that your flight arrives at La Aurora International Airport (Guatemala City) before 11:00 AM. If your flight arrives after that time, it is ideal to arrive at Kawoq Forest the next day.

If you are traveling from Antigua Guatemala, the trip to San Marcos la Laguna is 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. Make sure to start your transportation no later than 1:00 PM to arrive on time for check-in. If this is not possible, it will also be necessary to arrive the next day.

The forest is safe, but it is essential that the first climb is done in daylight, especially if you have luggage and have never been through the forest. Therefore, it is important to arrive before 5:00 PM.

Important Note: To ensure proper and efficient service, we kindly request that the group arrive no later than 5:00 PM. Please remember that upon reaching the lake, there is still a 20-minute walk to the forest ahead of you.

hotels recommendations near La Aurora International Airport or in Antigua Guatemala that may be helpful are:

Hotel recommendations near the 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: Hotel Mesón de Maria, Meson Panza Verde, Hotel Convento Santa Catalina, and Villa Santa Ana-Ricardo (sleeps 10 and can book the whole place) good for small groups. Check out Booking.com options as well.

Departure day: We suggest scheduling your flight out of Guatemala either in the late afternoon or evening (after 6:00 pm) on the last day of the retreat (private transportation would be necessary to arrive on time), or staying an extra day or two.

Cancellation and Refund Policies for Stays

For Retreat Groups, the policies are as follows:

Early departures or late arrivals: no refunds apply

Important Information for Your Stay

Physical Demand: The hike to the forest takes 20 minutes and includes about 80 steps. While we do have porter service, we recommend planning your luggage to make the journey easier. Despite having additional help to get to one of the most beautiful destinations, our porters cannot carry more than 25 pounds.

Luggage Recommendations: Prioritize the use of backpacks or carry-on suitcases (preferably not with wheels). Essential items: flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and personal hygiene products (preferably organic and biodegradable).

Meals: We offer two vegetarian meals a day: brunch at 10:00 AM and dinner at 5:00 PM. We include tea in the price, but coffee is extra. Additional options:

  • Single coffee request: $4.00 per cup. Milk $0.50

  • 20-cup coffee maker: $50 (special hours). 1 liter of milk: $5 extra (almond or skim).

  • Snacks: Available for retreat groups between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

For Retreat Groups we can offer the meal 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after the mentioned times, please coordinate according to your activities.

Participant Registration: On the registration form provided by the Kawoq Forest Retreat Coordinator, we must have all the requested information: email, selected room, transportation information, porter service information to ensure that we will provide all the requested services.

Children: Children under 10 years old must be under adult supervision at all times and a waiver must be signed. The cost per night is $55 USD.

Alcohol Policy - Alcohol is not permitted on our premises due to the social impact on the community. Any violation will result in immediate termination of services.

Pets - We do not allow pets on the property. We kindly ask that you do not allow unowned dogs into our premises. Thank you for your understanding.

Lighting - Lights are off during quiet hours, which are 9am-9pm.

Loud Noise - We request that there be no loud yelling, loud music, loud instructions or talks, or cathartic forms of release during your retreat to preserve the peaceful and quiet space for our guests.

Important times

Check-in: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Check-out: 11:00 AM (Ask for late check-out options).

Reception: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Kitchen and cleaning: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Transportation options

Kawoq Forest offers the following private transportation options:

Private car: Up to 3 people, $150 per trip.

Private van: Up to 11 people, $210 per trip.

Private helicopter: Up to 5 people, ask for prices.

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

The cost of transportation can be added to the retreat account or, if you prefer, individually to the participants' accounts.

There are also collective transportation or taxi options from Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala. Make sure to coordinate based on the check-in time.

To coordinate transportation individually, participants can contact us via WhatsApp or email at info@kawoqforest.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly at info@kawoqforest.com. 

Let the Forest Embrace You!