Yes. Your passport must be valid for six months after your departure date.

Yes. Enrich Your Alma requires travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads. It must be purchased before leaving your home country.

Here are three main options:

1. Use Wi-Fi + WhatsApp: Free, reliable in most areas with internet, not the most dependable if you want service between places without wifi.

2. Get a local SIM card: Costs $10–$20 for the SIM + $5–$10 for prepaid credit ("saldo"). Only get a prepaid plan, not a monthly one! Your phone must be unlocked.

3. Add a travel plan through your current provider: Check for roaming fees before you go.

Guatemala City. Flights into Antigua are generally more expensive, but maybe worth the peek.

You’ll fly into La Aurora International Airport (Guatemala City), if you arrive in our allotted times we will provide a free shuttle or car transportation from the airport or Antigua. If not, there will be an extra cost to take a shuttle or private taxi to Tecpan, that we can support you booking.

From the lake to the airport: its 3.5 hours with no traffic up to 6 or more with traffic- least traffic is the middle of the night.

There is WiFi but it is not always as reliable as in the US or Europe.

Shaela will create a WhatsApp group for updates, travel coordination, and announcements. Message her to be added.

ATMs or Banks often offer better exchange rates than airport cash currency exchanges. However, only use cards that do not charge high foreign transaction fees, and deny all conversion rates at the ATM. Accepting the ATM’s conversion rate you will lose money.

Yes! Let your bank know you’re traveling to avoid your card being blocked.

Some places in Guatemala and around the lake charge 3–5% extra for credit card use. Cash is the most economical and widely accepted.

Yes, inside the airport and at the café near the exit. Once you leave the airport building, the Wi-Fi stops working. Arrange communications before stepping outside.

Many locals are kind, and we have had wonderful experiences, but it’s best to be street smart as well:

• Walk in pairs/groups in San Marcos

• Use a money belt

• Keep sentimental items at home

• Always be aware of your bags and belongings

• don’t walk places at night that you don’t see women and children walking in

We will provide filtered water at the retreat centers- be mindful not to drink water out of the tap unless you are certain it is purified. In general in 3rd world countries always drink filtered or bottled water.

• Pack layers for cool nights and warm days (high-altitude climate).

• Bring a swimsuit and light towel for temezcal or swimming.

• Comfortable shoes and optional ceremonial clothing.

• Money belt for cash and passport.Item description

• Up to 50% refund for illness/weather/unforeseen events.

• The non-refundable portion can be credited toward Shaela’s online offerings or sessions or future retreats.

• If your spot is filled by another full-paying guest, up to 80% may be refunded depending on circumstances.

Basic health awareness is key: bring any personal medications, avoid lake water ingestion, eat clean food, and drink purified water. Consult with your doctor for any further inquiries.

There is only one ATM in San Marcos, and it may run out of cash or be down due to power outages. Please bring sufficient cash before arriving at the retreat center, especially if you'd like to buy local goodies.

The water is beautiful but not always clean. Avoid getting water in your mouth. Shaela swims ceremonially and takes charcoal afterward as a precaution or papaya seed elixir- that we will have made and prepared for everyone.

Many people do, but pairing up in towns (especially at night) is best for safety. If unsure, travel with someone else from the group or coordinate via WhatsApp.