Activities
A journey to Lake Atitlán is an adventure like no other! The Seed offers the perfect setting to immerse yourself into the rich Mayan way of life and landscape.
Scheduling Notes for Group Leaders
Most tours and activities require at least 6 participants and have a 48- hour cancellation policy. (If there are fewer people, the rates will be higher.) Groups should book in advance, while individual guests can set up activities upon arrival. We are happy to provide packed breakfasts or lunches upon request.
After your second payment booking you can start organizing ceremonies and tours/activities for your group. 1 month before your retreat starts all this information needs to be confirmed.
During the retreat it is possible to help you arrange services but an additional $25 per hr fee for concierge services will be added to your bill.
For each ceremony or practice scheduled, please let us know how many people will participate.
During our high season (Oct to May), we recommend confirming the ceremonies and activities for your group retreat at least a month in advance. This is especially true of the Mayan Fire Ceremony, as the available shamans in this area are in high demand during this time of year and may not be available for late bookings.
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy for ceremonies and activities. When we confirm a ceremony, we are asking the shaman or ceremonialist to commit their time and turn down other potential clients.
San Juan La Laguna Tour
Take in the fine art of naturally-dyed and exquisitely handcrafted goods created by the talented Maya who inhabit this picturesque village. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the weaving and art cooperatives this pueblo is known for. Visit a medicinal herb garden and a trendy leather shop. This excursion is an excellent shopping opportunity, as well as a chance to learn about the unique artisan crafts of San Juan.
$50 per person
Santiago Atitlán
The tour begins with a scenic boat ride across the lake to Santiago. Visit Maximon, the patron saint and mysterious Mayan spiritual figurehead of Santiago. See a variety of traditional paintings, beadwork and handcrafted woodwork as you visit the fascinating historic sites of Santiago. This tour offers a rare and fascinating insight into this proudly independent village and the life of the modern Maya.
$55 per person
Visit Both Towns
Explore Santiago and San Juan in one day for an extended experience.
$60 per person
Prices include:
Length of excursion: 4-5 hours
Best time: 9:30am-2:00pm
Includes private boat and guide
Option to bring a packed lunch
Indian Nose (Rostro Maya) Hike
If you love adventure, the climb to the top of the Indian Nose is remarkable. The trip begins early in the morning with an early or packed breakfast and a tuctuc ride with your guide to the park. The hike up to the majestic peak takes about 2.5 hours. After a well-deserved break, you will descend in a vehicle down to the lake to be transported back to The Seed. This activity is only for those who are in excellent shape. Although a good pair of sneakers is adequate, this adventure is much more than a casual walk.
$75 per person
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Length of excursion: 7 hours
Best time: 6:00am -1:00pm
Includes boat transport , permits and guide
Option to bring a packed breakfast
Chichicastenango Market
Visit a famous marketplace in the land of the Quiche Maya. After a quick boat ride to Panajachel, you'll hop in a private van and drive for an hour through the fertile countryside. In Chichi, browse for handicrafts, candles, flowers and incense to find a special keepsake.
Market day: Thursdays 6+ people:
Tour with guide: $75 per person - Without guide: $35 per person
Length of excursion: 5-6 hours
Best time: 8:30am-3:00pm
Includes private boat & shuttle transport Option to bring a packed lunch
WORKSHOPS
Lema at San Juan
Experience the rich tradition of Mayan weaving in San Juan La Laguna! And learn about the process of growing cotton, dyeing with local plants, and weaving on traditional looms.
Details:
Private workshop:
Duration: 6 hours
$95per person - Natural dye and weaving workshop
$75per person - Natural dye workshop
Includes: All materials, lunch and can take home the piece you elaborate
Duration: 3 hours
$45per person - Natural dye workshop
Includes: All materials and can take home the piece you elaborate
Maya Fire Ceremony
A Mayan spiritual guide will share a traditional Mayan Day Count Fire Ceremony with your group. You will be encouraged to participate in this interactive earth-work ceremony. This ritual includes foundational teachings about the Mayan calendar day count and the co-creation of the sacred fire. In this colorful custom, you’ll use chocolate, candles, cinnamon, myrrh, copal (tree resin) and the appropriate herbs to honor the energies of each day in the Mayan calendar.
$45 per person.
Duration: 60- 120 min. and may be scheduled at 8:15 a.m. or 3 p.m.
Includes translator
Personal readings are available upon request before the ceremony for $30 per person
Sacred Heart-Opening Cacao
Journey home to your heart with Xicoy, the Cacao Spirit, one of the most playful spiritual guides in ancient Mayan cosmology. The Mayans have used cacao in ceremony for ages to connect with their hearts. We invite you to do the same in this sacred ceremony steeped in ritual and reflective heart circle sharing. Be warned: your heart will expand beyond your imagination, leading to pure bliss, laughter, joy and allowing more of who you are to shine through.
$45per person
Duration: 2 hours and may be scheduled at 11am or 2pm (Please eat a light meal beforehand).