FAQ

Accommodations:

What type of accommodations are provided?

• • • Single Occupancy (Double Bed)

    • Double Occupancy (Single Bed)

Can I request a specific roommate?

• • • Absolutely! Please email chaos2calm2020@gmail.com with your desired roommates first and last name. Once both participants have been approved and deposits have been received, we will ensure roommate pairing. 

Travel and Transportation:

What is the recommended airport for arrival?

• • • Guatemala City Airport (GUA)

    • All flight/customs experiences are your responsibility to cover cost

    • It is recommended that you complete the customs form prior to landing and departure. It is the same form for both. Here is the LINK

Is airport transfer included in the retreat package?

• • • Transfer to and from the retreat location will be provided

    • The ride to the lake is known to cause motion sickness. It is recommended that you have Gravol, peppermint oil or some other aid.

Are there any group travel arrangements?

• • • We will be taking a group outing midway through the week. Transportation will be provided

Itinerary and Activities:

Can you provide a detailed itinerary for the retreat?

• • • The detailed itinerary can be found on this site

What activities are included in the package?

• • • The Detailed list of activities can be found on this site

Is there free time for personal exploration?

• • • There will be free time to enjoy the retreat amenities such as the pool, kayaks and paddle boards. Additionally, massage services can be provided for a fee.

    • The nearby town of San Marcos is a 45 minute walk away.

Food and Dietary Concerns:

Can the chef accommodate specific dietary preferences or restrictions?

• • • Please email chaos2calm2020@gmail.com should you have any specific requests. We will do our best to accommodate individual needs and preferences

Is the menu vegetarian/vegan-friendly?

• • • Both vegan and vegetarian options will be available

How are meals organized during the retreat?

• • • There will be three homemade meals per day (except on days when we will be dining off-site)

Payment and Refund Policies:

What is the payment schedule?

• • • A $700 non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of retreat acceptance. A one-time payment, three or four month-payment plan options will be available

Is there a refund policy in case of cancellation?

• • • If you cancel more than 60 days before the retreat start date, you may use any payment made as a credit towards another retreat within one calendar year.

    • All retreat payments become non-refundable and non-exchangeable less than 60 days before the retreat start date.

Are there any additional costs not covered in the package?

• • • Optional day trips and massages

    • Any off site food or souvenirs 

    • Gratuity for retreat staff, drivers or guides

    • Accommodation booked before or after the retreat - It is recommended that you arrive on the 10th. If you do, we will head to Antigua which is the capital city of Guatemala and has a rich history. You will have the option of spending the night in a local Airbnb, having dinner and then leaving for the lake the following day. There will also be an additional tour for those who are interested in exploring this beautiful location. Any flights booked for departure on the 17th should be after 6 pm. You may want to stay in Guatemala city overnight and leave on the 18th. The cost for each night will be approximately $125 USD.

What is the Guatemalan currency and how much should I bring?

• The Guatemalan currency is the Quetzal (yes, also the national bird). Major credit cards are accepted in most places but you will want to bring some money with you. 

• You will need to order the currency from your bank or exchange office at least a week in advance.

• $1000 Q = $175 CDN and $127 USD (That is a good amount to have on hand)

Health and Safety:

Are there any health requirements or vaccinations needed for travel to Guatemala?

• • • None

What safety measures are in place during the retreat?

• You are staying in a gated area but the area is safe and very hospitable to tourists. You will also be with a people who are familiar with the area, customs and language.

How far is the nearest medical facility?

• There are hospitals and medical centres nearby.

Weather and Packing:

What is the weather like in Guatemala in May?

• • • May is the beginning of the rainy season in Guatemala.

    • The mornings and afternoons are sunny and warm while the late afternoon brings rain which can be heavy at times.

    • The temperature is also warm and pleasant, with highs of around 85-90°F in the Central Highlands

    • The days are relatively short in Guatemala. All year long, due to it's proximity to the equator, the sun sets around 6:30 pm.

Are there specific items to pack for the retreat?

Clothing:

• *** You might want to bring something for the final ceremony...a white or off white outfit...or anything that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful***

• Lightweight, breathable tops and bottoms

• Comfortable activewear for yoga and other physical activities

• Swimsuit

• Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

• Hat and sunglasses

• Comfortable walking shoes 

• Sandals or flip-flops

• Rain jacket or poncho (May is part of the rainy season)

Toiletries and Personal Items:

• • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Prescription medications and a basic first aid kit

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Camera or smartphone

  • Portable charger/power bank

  • Adapters for electronic devices

  • Journal or notebook

  • Reading material or e-reader

  • Travel pillow and earplugs

Documents and Essentials:

• • Passport and a photocopy of important documents

  • Travel insurance information

  • Local currency and a credit/debit card

  • Emergency contact information

  • Any necessary travel visas (A visa is not required for Canadian or American citizens)

Optional Items:

• • Light backpack for day trips

  • Travel-friendly snacks ***If you have some favourite snacks, you might want to bring something to munch on throughout the week.

Is there a dress code for any activities?

• Dress comfortably. You may choose to wear something special for the final ceremony. 

Local Culture and Customs:

Are there any cultural sensitivities or customs to be aware of?

• The bombas, which are made with gun powder, are usually set off by church members around the lake. If you hear a loud noise throughout the day, there is nothing to be concerned about. They are meant to shake up the living and worry the dead. 

• There are a lot of dogs in the area and although none will be on the property (unless they belong there) you are bound to hear some barking at night. The dogs are used to being around people and are not likely to come up to you. It is still recommended that you not approach them.

How should participants interact with the local community?

• Smile and be friendly. The locals are warm and hospitable. There are many who may not speak Spanish though as the Indigenous Mayan people live in the area.

Are there recommended phrases in Spanish for basic communication?

• • • Greetings:

      • Hello: Hola

      • Good morning: Buenos días

      • Good afternoon: Buenas tardes

      • Good evening/night: Buenas noches

    • Common Courtesies:

      • Please: Por favor

      • Thank you: Gracias

      • You're welcome: De nada

      • Excuse me: Perdón / Disculpe

    • Getting Around:

      • Where is...? - ¿Dónde está...?

      • How much is this? - ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?

      • I need a taxi - Necesito un taxi

      • Where is the bathroom? - ¿Dónde está el baño?

    • Food and Dining:

      • I would like... - Me gustaría...

      • The check, please - La cuenta, por favor

      • Delicious - Delicioso

      • Can I have the menu? - ¿Puedo ver el menú?

    • Numbers:

      • 1: Uno

      • 2: Dos

      • 3: Tres

      • 10: Diez

      • 100: Cien

    • Emergency Phrases:

      • Help! - ¡Ayuda!

      • I need a doctor - Necesito un médico

      • Where is the nearest hospital? - ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?

    • Basic Conversation:

      • What is your name? - ¿Cuál es tu nombre?

      • My name is... - Mi nombre es...

      • How are you? - ¿Cómo estás?

      • I don't understand - No entiendo

    • Shopping:

      • How much does this cost? - ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?

      • Can I pay with a credit card? - ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta de crédito?

      • I'll take it - Me lo llevo

Payment Methods:

What payment methods are accepted for the retreat?

• • • Payments can be made through Square and all major payment types are accepted

Can I pay in installments?

• • • • One, three or four-month payment installments will be accepted

Is there an option for a group discount?

• • • No

Preparation and Recommendations:

Are there any recommended readings or preparations before the retreat?

• • There aren't however, if you do some research, know that the local political climate is not dangerous or problematic for tourists especially on the lake.

Should participants bring any specific items or equipment?

• • • Beyond the recommended packing list, nothing specific is required

What advice do you have for maximizing the retreat experience?

• • • Be curious, flexible and open-minded. Come with an open-heart and be ready to embrace new experiences, people and cultures. Candice and Chivonne are experienced retreat facilitators and will do everything in their power to make this an incredible experience for you. Be mindful that itinerary details may shift and decisions will be made to support the group. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at chaos2calm2020@gmail.com