Overview
Antigua is one of the most charming towns in Central America, known for its cobblestone streets and colorful Spanish colonial architecture. We'll begin the trip in Antigua, providing time to explore the lovely town that is full of historical buildings, excellent restaurants, high-quality Guatemalan coffee and markets with colorful, locally-made products. Antigua is the gateway to the Western Highlands of Guatemala and sits in the shadow of three nearby volcanoes that you can see in the distance as you walk around town. Antigua sits at a little over 5,000 ft (1,533 m), making it an ideal place to acclimatize before heading further into the mountains. We will offer movement classes in stunning, scenic locations as well as journaling sessions and other group activities. There will also be ample free time that you can use to explore this enchanting town or relax and recharge. From Antigua, we will head to the mountains where we will spend two days hiking up Acatenango, with an optional side hike one evening onto the slopes of Fuego, an active volcano. For those that prefer to watch Fuego's eruptions from a distance, our camp on the slopes of Acatenango provides incredible views of the puffing volcano, with truly dramatic views at night. This is a challenging hike, but our guides and trip leaders will be there for you every step of the way providing support. On the morning of the second day, we will wake up early for a sunrise hike to the peak of Acatenango, which tops out at 13,045 ft (3,976 m), taking in sunrise over the surrounding volcanoes and the blankets of clouds that often roll through. After hiking down, we'll spend the next two nights relaxing at a peaceful coffee farm located near Acatenango. You can take in stunning views of the mountainous landscape, stretch out your muscles and clear your mind in movement classes, and go on a tour of the coffee farm that includes a coffee tasting. If you are craving more activity and adventure, there are also options for mountain biking, horseback riding or more local hikes. As with everything, the people you share the adventure with truly make the experience. We will cultivate an amazing group of women to talk through shared experiences as entrepreneurs and business executives. The retreat's dual focus on adventure and personal growth provides time to clear your mind through movement, as well as reflect in group sessions and through guided journaling.
The Experience
Connect and Reflect
This retreat is designed for women who are founders, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. We'll have group activities, guided journaling sessions and mindfulness workshops. Throughout the trip, you can connect with other women who have similarly demanding schedules and bring a variety of shared and different perspectives and experiences. You'll have time to reflect on your past year and focus on goals and priorities for the coming year. This time is for you - to relax, recharge, reflect and grow your community of fellow women business leaders. It's also a time where you can challenge yourself and have incredible adventures in the stunning volcanic landscape in Guatemala!
Wandering the Streets of Antigua
Antigua is a relaxed, compact town that is full of charm and part of the beauty is wandering around and exploring the colorful cobblestoned streets. There are lovely cafes, rooftop views of the volcanoes, the colorful Santa Catalina Arch, churches and old ruins damaged by an earthquake in the 1700s. We'll provide our curated list of recommendations for markets, cafes, restaurants and sights so you can take things at your own pace. If you prefer to go with a trip leader, you can also join us as we stop by our favorite places!
Antigua Yoga Classes
After arriving in Antigua, we'll have private yoga classes in a lovely art studio with views out the window of one of the surrounding volcanoes. We will take the time to reset and stretch out any tension from sitting on a plane.
Where We're Staying (Antigua)
We will be staying in a comfortable and luxurious hotel in a restored colonial building in the historic center of Antigua. We're just a few blocks away from the iconic Santa Catalina Arch. Rooms have two queen beds or one king bed and an en-suite bathroom. There's a lovely roof deck where you can take in views of the town and volcanoes. There is also a small pool and lush central courtyard. Most rooms have fireplaces and four of the king rooms have a jacuzzi!
Acatenango Overnight Hike
Topping out at 13,045 ft (3,976 m), Acatenango is the third-highest volcano in Central America. This hike is challenging, but the experienced guides and trip leaders will be there for you every step of the way. We will hike up to basecamp on the first day of the hike, with an optional sunset hike onto the slopes of Fuego, an actively erupting volcano. For those that don't want to make that trip, not to worry, our basecamp will provide incredible views where you can watch the captivating eruptions as the sun sets, with truly incredible views after dark as the brightness of the eruptions is much more pronounced. After spending the night at basecamp, we will wake up early for a sunrise hike to the peak of Acatenango, followed by breakfast in camp and the hike down. It will be an epic journey and an accomplishment you will never forget! For those that aren't up for making the full hike, there is an option to get a 4x4 90% of the way to base camp. You can book this in "Trip Extras". As always, everything is option, so the hikes to Fuego and the peak of Acatenango are optional, you do what feels best for you! Either way, you will be able to have up close views of one of the most iconic peaks in Central America.
Where We're Staying (Acatenango)
Accommodations on the Acatenango hike will be more rustic. We'll be staying in simple A-frames or cabin with bunk beds with mattresses. The cabins feature huge windows with a front-row view (a safe distance away) of the regularly erupting Fuego! The camp also features enclosed dining areas and outdoor areas by a fire pit with lounge chairs to stargaze and enjoy the volcano. An example of the cabin with bunks is here.
Down Time at a Coffee Farm
After challenging ourselves physically and mentally over the course of the Acatenango hike, it's time to unwind and relax. We'll spend the last two days of the trip at a coffee farm on the slopes of the volcano. The property has sweeping views across the volcanoes and surrounding area and each room has a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing sore muscles. There are decks and open spaces for practicing yoga and is a peaceful space to recharge as a group. At night, we can enjoy a cozy campfire with volcano views.
Where We're Staying (Coffee Farm)
This spot is incredibly picturesque - it's a luxurious hotel and restaurant in the middle of a coffee farm on the slopes of volcanoes. All accommodations are in standalone cottages with a private deck and jacuzzi. The rooms will have either queen or king beds and a private, en-suite bathroom. There are ample outdoor spaces for relaxing, a fire pit in the evenings and a restaurant and cafe with floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the views.
Coffee Tour and Tasting
While staying at a working coffee farm, we'll get the opportunity to tour the farm and see how coffee is produced. From growing in rich, volcanic soil to being harvested, fermented, dried and roasted. At the end of the tour, we'll get to sample some of the excellent coffee that Guatemala has become famous for!
Be Taken Care Of
Let us sort out all the details from the time you arrive until the time you depart. When you're traveling with Away Retreats, you'll be taken care of and can focus on relaxing, enjoying delicious food, connecting with other women and take time to reflect and recharge. We'll make sure all the details run seamlessly so you can just enjoy Guatemala's beauty!
What's included
What's Included
Pre-trip & Logistics Support
Transportation to and from La Aurora airport (GUA)
Yoga classes
Leadership seminars
Arrival gift
Acatenango Overnight Hike
Coffee farm tour and tasting
All meals (except 1 lunch and 1 dinner in Antigua)
What's Not Included
Roundtrip airfare to GUA
1 lunch and 1 dinner in Antigua
Travel insurance (we have recommendations for you to explore)
Any meals during traveling that take place before or after you meet the group
Specialty drinks (smoothies or alcoholic beverages)
Additional Activities or Spa Services
4x4 transport to Acatenango basecamp (hike alternative)
Gallery
FAQs
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are refundable for 10 days.
If cancellation occurs more than 120 days prior to the retreat start date, you will receive a 100% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel 90-120 days prior to retreat start date and receive a 50% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel 46-90 days prior to the retreat start date and receive a 25% refund, less the deposit.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations that occur 45 or fewer days before the retreat start date.
However, we CAN apply any amount paid toward a future AWAY retreat!
What is the payment policy?
A 25% deposit is required to reserve your spot on the retreat.
The remaining balance is due 120 days before the retreat start date.
Please reach out if you'd like to chat about a payment plan that might work better for you.
Is it okay to opt out of an activity?
It's so okay, we don't even call it "opting out".
We applaud you for doing what feels right for you.
Can my dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes! There are options for vegetarians, pescatarians, omnivores and carnivores alike.
Gluten-free diets can be accommodated as well.
Are vaccinations recommended or required?
You may read about the current CDC recommendations and guidelines here.
Is there WIFI?
Yes. While it’s nice to unplug from the outside world, many of us have lives at home that require some communication.
We understand. While in Antigua and on the coffee farm, there is WiFi in rooms and around the property. On the Acatenango hike, there is no WiFi and cell service will be limited, so it's a great chance to unplug!
May I see a list of available activities in the area?
If you'd like to schedule one of the many activities that are offered, we're here to help!
Check out the noncomprehensive list below:
- Massage/Spa Services
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
Do you recommend travel insurance?
As experienced travelers who’ve learned to expect the unexpected, we absolutely recommend travel insurance.
You'll receive our recommendations after signing up (or ask in advance!).
What is on the packing list?
You'll receive a packing list which will include things like:
✔ Swimsuit
✔ Layers for warmer days and cooler evenings
✔ Sun hat & sunglasses
✔ Hiking boots and comfortable walking shoes
✔ Activewear for excursions
...and not much else!