Guatemala | 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training

Please review the following information as you begin to prepare for your Yoga Teacher Training Course in San Marcos, Guatemala.

LOCATION INFORMATION

This experience will be hosted at Arco Isis Sanctuary  a transformational retreat, garden sanctuary and coffee finca on the mountainside overlooking San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.

They are dedicated to rejuvenating holistic practices and healing modalities as well as preserving Mayan traditions and practicing sustainability and permaculture. Dive deep into the refreshing natural beauty of this stunning landscape. Within the vast, majestic horizons, you’ll find a deeper connection with your heart’s song and a rejuvenated sense of well being.

WEATHER

Lake Atitlan is known as the “Land of Eternal Spring.”  The weather is surprisingly hot in the sun and surprisingly cold in the shade.  During the Late Night and Early Morning hours it can get cold so please bring layers of clothing with you in order to adapt with the changing temperatures.

SITE CONTACT

Arco Isis Sanctuary  San Marcos, Guatemala

DIRECTIONS TO ARCO ISIS SANCTUARY

Arco Isis is located on Lake Atitlan in San Marcos la Laguna in Sololá State Guatemala.  It is approximately 4 hrs to drive from Guatemala City Airport to San Marcos La Laguna and approx. 2.5 hrs from Antigua to San Marcos La Laguna.

• We suggest to go from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua (Shared Shuttle $20 USD per person) and spend a night in Antigua. Then take a shuttle the next morning to San Marcos. Shuttle can be booked at any hotel or hostel (more info below.)
• The shuttle company from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua is located at a kiosk just before exiting the Guatemala City Airport.  Reservations are not required but they will wait for a group of 3 people minimum so you might need to wait a few minutes.  The shuttle runs between 6 am – 10 pm. 
• The same company offers trasnpoetation to Lake Atitlan for approx. $40 USD but they will need to wait for others who are interested in traveling there so we suggest to pre-book a shuttle below if going directly to the Lake.

• • Try www.Booking.com for hotels and hostels in Antigua (Selina’s is a popular and safe hostel, dorm beds are as low as $8 USD.)

Booking.com

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

• It is possible to book private cars/vans from Guatemala City or Antigua to San Marcos La Laguna.  Please contact Martha (speaks fluent English) at the number below:

         RELAXICAB  WhatsApp Number:  +502 3073 0413 (Martha)

• 1 person Q600
• 2 people Q700
• 3 people Q850

HOW TO BOOK A SHUTTLE

• Most hotels in Antigua can help to book your Shuttle to San Marcos, Lake Atitlan.  We suggest an 8-8:30 am shuttle which arrives around 1 pm (approx. $20 USD)
• You can also book directly with the information found below in the ‘Shuttle Company” tab below. Private transportation from the airport is approx. $100 USD. You can book private transportation directly from the Airport or your hotel in Antigua.

***Please note that the shuttle sometimes drops you off in San Pablo la Laguna which is the neighboring town to San Marcos La Laguna.  If that is the route, then the shuttle company will include a Tuk Tuk (for free) to take you the last 10 minutes to San Marcos La Laguna town center or to the Meeting Point Below***

***If your shuttle goes through Panajachel then you will need to take a taxi boat to San Marcos La Laguna. The final boat is at 7:30 pm and is usually very full if you are considering the last boat of the day we suggest to overnight in Panajachel and come in the morning. When arriving at the dock in San Marcos you will need to walk up to the main road to get a Tuk Tuk.  There are usually people at the dock that you can hire to carry you luggage to the Tuk Tuks.  Arco Isis can send someone to the dock to meet you but it will carry an additional fee***

SHUTTLE COMPANIES

You can also book your shuttle from GUA or Antigua to the lake with Xocomil Tours WhatsApp  +502 4937-2368 (Spanish Only) or with Itamati Travels +502-3049 5464

MEETING POINT: SHANGRI-LA COFFEE ROASTERY

The Meeting Point is the Shangri-La Coffee Roastery and store.  Their store sells many goods including kombucha, organic toothpaste & tooth brushes, snacks, etc.

• From San Marcos Shuttle Drop Off at the City center, take any Tuk Tuk (Q15 + more for baggage) and ask for the path to Arco Isis or Shangri-la Roastery.
• You might notice that many Tuk Tuks have an ARCO ISIS Bumper Stickers and those drivers will know where to go.
• From there our staff will meet you to carry your items up to the Sanctuary (Q50 tip for carrying luggage.)

There is a location for Sacred Paths Yoga on Google Maps. The course is NOT held at this location so please follow the above directions.

HIKING from the MEETING POINT to ARCO ISIS

• It is a 15 minute hike from the Meeting Point to the Arco Isis Sanctuary and the path is maintained but quite steep.  Please be sure to bring water with you on the hike up. Don’t forget to occasionally look back at the incredible views!
• The local staff at Arco Isis will help to carry all of your bags up to Arco Isis.  There is a minimum tip of Q50 for large bags. The tip will be added to your final bill when checking out at Arco Isis.
• Please do not attempt to hike up your first time, with all your luggage, without an Arco Isis Staff to guide you.

TUITION PAYMENT

It is important that everyone make full tuition payment before the training begins. Please remember there is a cost for Tuition and a separate cost for Room/Board (price varies).

If you still owe tuition or room/board payment, please contact us to reconcile your bill. Thanks for your prompt payments:  info@sacredpathsyoga.com

AIRPORT INFORMATION

• Fly to Guatemala City Aurora International Airport (GUA)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend travel insurance from World Nomads.  Check with your local insurance provider first to see if you are insured while traveling.

Travel Booking websites: It is a good idea to book your flights as early a possible to receive the best prices. Flights that leave midweek can also be less expensive

• www.kayak.com
• www.cheapoair.com
• www.bookingbuddy.com

MONEY/ATM

• Arco Isis does not accept Credit Cards.
• You can access ATMs in Guatemala City, Antigua, Panajachel, San Pedro and San Marcos La Laguna (the San Marcos ATM is not very reliable and is often out of cash)  Please note that ATMs have high fees and limits to how much you can withdraw. Usually the equivalent of $150-200 USD is the max to withdraw.
• If you have cash (USD/ Euros), you can exchange at any bank (we suggest the banks for the best rate) or currency exchange tiendas but they will usually only except 100’s in perfect condition (any tear, pen mark or stamp will make the bill void in Guatemala)
• Make sure to contact your bank before you leave your country regarding your travel dates so you can access money from your bank/ATM.
• We recommend against travelers checks, as they are not accepted everywhere.
• We recommend against money exhange at the airport
• Approximate Exchange rates $1 USD = Q6 – Q7.5 Guatemalan Quetzales
• We suggest using Credit Cards wherever availble even if there is a fee as the exchange rate tends to be the highest when using your credit card.

CHECK IN

We will be reaching out with our Arrival Form to co-ordinate each students arrival time.  It is best to arrive between 12 pm – 4 pm on the first day of your course.  The Arco Isis staff will have a constant presence at the Meeting Point during this time.

On the first day of the training the schedule will be:

• 2 pm – Check In Begins at Shangri La Roastery Meeting Point
• 6 pm – Dinner
• 7 pm – Opening Ceremony

DEPARTURE

On the last day of the training we will finish by 10 am.  

DAILY SCHEDULE

Our daily schedule will generally be:

• 06:30 am – 08:30 am   Meditation. Pranayama and Asana practice
• 08:30 am – 10:00 am   Breakfast and Self Sadhana
• 10:00 am – 11:00 am     Spiritual Lesson, Intention of the day
• 11:00 am – 12:00 pm     Yoga Sutras/ Yoga Anatomy
• 12:00 pm – 01:00 pm    Special Topic
• 01:00 pm – 03:00 pm   Lunch and Self Sadhana
• 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm   The Art of teaching/ Art of touch
• 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm   Dinner/Self Sadhana
• 07:00 pm – 08:00 pm   Sacred Circle Satsung

DAYS OFF

Every 5th day is an off day.  There will be 3 days off during the training. Excursion options include:

• Cultural Tours
• Waterfall tours
• Volcano hikes
• Sunrise Stand Up Paddle Boarding (highly recommended!)
• Kayaking
• Massage/spa services
• Handicraft markets

All extra activities vary in price, most can be arranged on arrival or the day before your planned excursion.

SICK DAYS/MISSED DAYS

We will make arrangements to make up any missed days during the program. Typically, it is not a problem and you can get everything completed during the course.

BOOKS

There are a few required books for the program.

• SPY Yoga Teacher Training Manual – we will have it waiting for you at the training site.

• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (There are many authors to choose from we suggest translations by Dennis Hill, Nischala Joy Devi,  Satchittananda or Iyengar)

*Additional books that you may be interested in can be found on the SPY website

FOOD & WATER

The food provided is vegetarian, grown locally and organic when possible.

If you have certain dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know (i.e., gluten, dairy, nut preferences sensitivities or allergies.)

Water: Filtered water will be provided. In general, do not drink tap water in Guatemala without first purifying. Please use filtered water to brush your teeth.

HEALTH

We recommend you consult with your doctor prior to your trip to get any questions answered.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/guatemala

• Escort and Translator to Medical Facilities (Q650 per person)

WHAT TO PACK

Average temperature are 50F-80F or 10C-26C

• Refillable Water Bottle
• Bathing suits
• Hat (for Sun & Night Time Cold)
• Sunglasses
• Sun Block
• Biodegradable shampoo, soap, etc
• All-natural bug repellent (All Terrain, Herbal Armor and Burts Bees are great!)
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Warm Sweater, Poncho
• 5 yoga outfits
• T-shirts and shorts
• Hiking Boot/Shoes (lightweight)
• Headlamps and flashlights (a headlamp is needed!)
• Yoga Mat or Yoga Towel (there are mats at the retreat center however it is nice to have your own mat)
• White or other ceremonial dress
• Any snacks/superfoods you like between meals
• Musical Instruments
• Art Supplies
• Journal and pens.
• Course Textbooks – Our SPY Manual will be provided to you onsite.
• Combination Lock or Other Lock for Personal Security Locker.

SAFETY

While overall Guatemala is a safe country with very kind people there is a high rate of robbery and theft. In all parts of Guatemala do not walk at night alone or hike alone.  Groups of 3 or more are suggested.  If you are walking around outside of the Lake town centers, we suggest not to have valuables on your person. Your cell phone may be the equivalent of many months of normal work wages (to give you an idea of how people may be tempted.) Arco Isis has an amazing local staff that will help you to get around safely if needed.

• Escort to town (Q50)
• Escort and Translator to Medical Facilities (Q650 per person)

QUESTIONS?

If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by phone or email. Also, we would love to know how you found out about us, so when you send us your flight information, please let us know how you discovered Sacred Paths Yoga! We are looking forward to having you here, ready to embark on this life changing journey, shedding away our layers to become our truest self.

Namaste,

The Sacred Paths Yoga Family

info@sacredpathsyoga.com