Wild Awakening Retreat:

Essential Preparation Guide

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala | May 3-10, 2026

I'm thrilled you'll be joining us for this transformative journey at Lake Atitlan! This guide will help you prepare for our time together, ensuring you have everything you need to fully immerse yourself in this magical experience.

🎒 A Note on Luggage & Getting to Maestro Valley

Getting to Maestro Valley is part of the adventure! From San Marcos town center it's a short tuk tuk ride followed by a beautiful 10-minute hike along a natural trail with some uneven terrain. With this in mind, please pack smart:

A backpack or soft-sided bag is strongly recommended over a hard suitcase with wheels
Pack light enough that you can carry everything yourself comfortably
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for your arrival day
If you need support carrying your luggage on the hike to Maestro Valley, just let Renee know in advance and she will arrange assistance for you
Need an airport taxi? Renee can coordinate a trusted local driver for $130 each way — just indicate this in the form. You're also welcome to arrange your own transport independently

📅 Arrival — Sunday May 3 Check-in at Maestro Valley is at 3:00pm. The group will meet at 2:45pm at the top of Hippie Highway / basketball courts in the center of San Marcos. From there we'll take tuk tuks and hike together to Maestro Valley — your retreat adventure begins the moment we meet! 🌋

📅 Departure — Sunday May 10 Please check out of your room by 10:00am. We will close our retreat together with a closing ceremony from 10:00am–12:00pm at Maestro Valley. After that you are free to continue your journey.

✨ Optional: Join us for Ecstatic Dance at Gaia Dance Temple from 4:00–8:00pm on Sunday May 10 as a final celebration of our Wild Awakening journey together.

🌎 Travel Essentials

Passport with at least 6 months validity beyond our retreat dates
Flight itinerary saved in your phone
Taxi Service Confirmed to and from San Marcos ( I can set this up for you)
Travel insurance details (if you desire)
Credit/debit cards (notify your bank of international travel. You can easily take Guatemalan Quetzales money out of the ATM here in San Marcos which is what I do or use your card at most places. You will need cash for tuk tuks and local vendors.)
Medications in original containers with prescriptions
Basic first aid kit including pain relievers, band-aids, anti-diarrheal
Copy of passport (physical and digital)

💖 Health & Wellness

Probiotics/digestive enzymes (start taking a few weeks before travel especially to new countries)
Activated charcoal/or something you prefer for potential digestive issues.
Electrolyte packets to stay hydrated
Natural mosquito repellent
Biodegradable sunscreen if desired
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Reusable water bottle
Immunity support I recommend taking supplements when travelling to keep immunity up

👗 Clothing & Personal Items

Daily Wear:

Comfortable movement clothes for dance, yoga, and embodiment practices
Comfortable chill clothes for breathwork, sound healing, hanging out
Hiking/walking shoes comfortable for uneven terrain
Flip flops or sandals for everyday wear
Swimsuit
Light cover-up
Warm cover-up it gets chilly at night and in the mornings

Ceremonial/Special Occasion Attire:

Red outfit- if you have for fire ceremony
White outfits- if you have for opening/closing ceremony
Animal Print - leopard, snake - let’s make it fun!
Embodiment Photoshoot — Jen will be capturing your wild radiance! For our group shoot we love a cohesive aesthetic. Pack at least one outfit in each of the following vibes:
- Flowy & ethereal — think sheer fabrics, flowing dresses, movement pieces in neutral or earthy tones
- Your most magnetic goddess attire — whatever makes you feel most powerfully yourself
- Something sensual — lingerie, a bodysuit, or anything that makes you feel like the queen you are
Bring options and extras for our workshop sessions as well — Adornments, jewelry, scarves, and props are all welcome.
Get creative - let this be an opportunity to fully express yourself. Bring your playful fun outfits & adornments!

Weather Considerations:

🌦️ Weather in May at Lake Atitlán

May is warm, lush, and magical at the lake. Daytime temperatures typically sit in the 70s°F with occasional warmer days. Mornings are crisp and fresh, often beautifully clear with stunning volcano views. Early afternoons bring warmth but keep an eye out for afternoon wind that sweeps across the lake and can cool things down quickly. May also marks the beginning of the rainy season, meaning brief afternoon or evening showers are common — usually refreshing rather than all day. Nights and early mornings can drop into the upper 40s–50s°F so a warm layer and cozy socks are essential. Pack for all of it — you'll experience sun, wind, and rain all in one magical day! 🌿

Rain jacket/poncho (It may rain during this time)
Umbrella (nice to have here when it rains)
Sweaters, jacket, etc for cool/cold mornings and evenings
Sunglasses
Light scarf or shawl (multipurpose for different options)

Personal Items:

Journal and pen for reflection and integration
Earplugs (for better sleep, the highlands/town/dogs/roosters can be loud)
Headlamp or small flashlight
Small daypack
Toiletries
Menstrual products if needed
Personal altar items (optional - a small crystal, photo, or meaningful object)

🧘‍♀️ For Our Practices

Yoga mat (Mats are provided, but bring your own if preferred)
Fire & Flow Props ( silk fans, LED props, fire props, etc)
Small sacred items for our altar creation
Comfortable & fun clothes that make you feel good & expressive

🌱 Cultural & Environmental Considerations

🌺 Mayan Culture & Community Respect

San Marcos La Laguna is a predominantly Kaqchikel Maya community, with families who have lived here for generations and whose traditions long predate the town's modern spiritual identity. Behind the yoga studios and cacao ceremonies is a living, breathing indigenous village and we are guests here. Please move through it with that awareness.

A few things to keep in mind:

Dress modestly in town — Save your sensual attire and swimwear for the retreat venue
Ask before photographing — always ask permission before taking photos of local people, especially elders and children. A smile and a gesture goes a long way
Support local businesses — choose family-run shops and Mayan artisans for souvenirs, food, and supplies. Your quetzales make a real difference
Learn a few words — even a simple "Maltiox" (thank you in Kaqchikel) or "Buenos días" is always received with warmth
Move slowly and with presence — the pace of life here is intentional and unhurried. Let it soften you
Generosity of spirit — tip generously, smile often, and remember that we are visitors in a sacred landscape. Treat it and its people accordingly 🙏

Spanish phrasebook or app (Very useful. You can download Spanish to use offline in google translate app.)
Reusable shopping bag for market visits
Lake Atitlán sits in the volcanic highlands of Guatemala at 5,100 feet — while the climate is beautifully mild, it's still a natural environment where you may occasionally encounter spiders, scorpions, or other critters. This is completely normal and nothing to fear! A few simple habits keep you comfortable: shake out your shoes before putting them on, check your towel before using it, and keep your bag zipped when not in use. If you spot something, just let Renee or the Maestro team know and we'll handle it with love
Street dogs are a part of life around the lake — most are harmless but some can be territorial, especially at night. A few simple tips: walk confidently, avoid direct eye contact if a dog seems agitated, and don't run. For evening walks, carrying a small flashlight and a stick is helpful. When in doubt, walk in a group! Maestro Valley is a gated and secure property so inside the retreat space you can move around freely and comfortably. This is more relevant for independent exploration.
Water: Tap water at Lake Atitlán is not safe for drinking or brushing teeth. Drinking water will be provided at Maestro Valley — please use this for brushing and rinsing too. When exploring the village, always opt for bottled or filtered water.
Swimming: The lake is beautiful and many people swim in it daily — just check in with Renee first so she can guide you to the cleanest spots. Avoid swallowing the water, and as with any natural body of water, swimming is at your own discretion.

💻 Tech & Communication

Phone and charger
Camera if desired (the views are spectacular!)
Power bank for charging devices during outages
WhatsApp installed (we'll create a group for communication)

🔮 Emotional & Spiritual Preparation

Set your intentions for this journey
Consider journaling about what you hope to release, receive and welcome
Begin or deepen any practices that help you feel centered
Engage in the Magnetic course (if you are inside the container) to prepare for this journey
Trust that you are exactly where you need to be
Open your heart to the transformation that awaits

🚿 What's Provided at Maestro Valley

Linens and towels
Basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap)
Yoga mats and basic props
Drinking water
Three delicious meals daily
Spectacular views and magical energy!

💫 Pre-Retreat Recommendations

Hydrate well in the days leading up to travel
Start taking probiotics 1-2 weeks before arrival
Rest as much as possible before travel
Set intentions for your journey
Complete your Maestro Valley form & Higher Flow forms (will be emailed)
Begin to disengage from work responsibilities
Arrange for minimal disruptions during your time away

🧡 Final Notes

Remember that this is YOUR journey of awakening. While it's good to be prepared, also leave space for the unexpected magic that always unfolds at Lake Atitlan. Trust that everything you truly need will be provided, and anything you forget can likely be purchased locally.