The local village that holds Earth Lodge is called El Hato. This village sits up on the side of a mountain and is home to many Guatemalans who tend to work in the agricultural field, service industry or attend school. Due to their limited access to school supplies and children’s products, I recommend bringing donations. The village needs children’s shoes (new or used), basic school supplies, menstrual pads and children’s clothes.

The local shaman, Tz’ules, is a healer who will offer us a cacao ceremony, fire ceremony and Mayan astrology readings. Mayans are the indigenous people of Guatemala, México and other parts of Mesoamerica. It is important to recognize that not everyone you meet may speak Spanish nor English, and some locals may not identify as Guatemalan.

Out of respect for the land, your retreat includes a tip for all of the employees, most of whom call Guatemala their home and sustain jobs at Earth Lodge. We also will respect the culture by learning customs, such as wearing appropriate clothing when headed into downtown. It also may be nice to tip your massage therapist, the shaman, bus drivers, etc. Learning conversational Spanish is another way to immerse yourself into this living, breathing, beautiful culture that we get to share together.