San Marcos is a small town located on Lake Atitlan. It’s a beautiful lake with several volcanos within view. San Marcos has a significant indigenous population, of Mayan decent, who connect with travelers through the sale of their crafts and textiles. Though one of numerous towns, in the Guatemalan Highlands, San Marcos stands out with its unique focus on spirituality. It attracts a variety of travelers seeking to relax on the lake, receive a variety of holistic therapies, and take a series of distinctive courses.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala © Gennaro Salamone
Many of the activities and courses are connected to specific hotels. One of the most popular spots is Las Pirámides de Ka. Las Pirámides has inexpensive rooms (approximately $15) and an array of fascinating courses. The grounds are filled with vegetation and pyramid-shaped buildings that guests sleep in. Unlike a traditional hotel, guest of Las Pirámides are expected to be involved in their programs. They consider a stay there to be a full spiritual experience. The courses include The Mystical Kaballah, Lucid Dreaming, and an Introduction to Metaphysics. Every guest is expected to participate in the morning’s Hatha Yoga session. Non-guests are also allowed to attend for a small fee. San Marcos also offers classes in Reiki, reflexology, and massage therapy.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala © Mario Pleitez
If that’s feeling a bit too New Age, travelers also have a great time simply enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the lakeside community. The favorite pastime of the locals is taking a dip in the waters of Atitlan along with glaring at the volcanos in the distance. It’s also possible to participate in horseback riding, kayaking, or scuba diving in the area. Travelers who expect to have an extended stay have an opportunity to partake in Spanish lessons tailored to the individual.
Where is your favorite place for a peaceful retreat?
Feeling spiritual? Take in this photographic journey connected with enlightenment. Want to relocate to San Marcos for a longer stretch?
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
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Ella
That sounds like an amazing place. $15 a night. That’s a price I can deal with. My favorite peaceful retreat is either hiking in Colorado or the local Botanical Gardens. It’s a beautiful set-up and it’s always relaxing.
Lee
I’ve been through a lot of Central America, but missed Guatemala. I definitely want to get there and this will be on my list. My favorite place for a little relaxation was in Nicaragua. It was an island called ometempe. Your mentioning the volcanos reminded me of hwo nice it was as it has the same.
Steph
Beautiful photos. I could use a dip in that lake right about now. It’s freezing in the Northeast U.S. Skiing is my retreat. In Vermont.
Tabitha (From Single to Married)
wow, so beautiful! Hmmm… my favorite place for a peaceful retreat? I’d say anywhere in the mountains, preferably a little cabin where it’s nice and quiet.
Gennaro
@Ella
Believe it or not, there are even less expensive hotel. More expensive too with more amenities. Like the idea of Botanical Gardens as they’re in a lot of neighborhoods.
@Lee
It’s worth a visit. Guatemala is beautiful. Especailly the Lake area and Tikal
@Steph
I know. It snowed last night in NYC.
@Tabitha
Love that fresh mountain air.
Tim
Those are some interesting courses. I wouldn’t mind taking a swim in that lake either. When I want to get away from it all, I usually go for a run in the park early in the morning before it’s populated.
maiylah
a beautiful and peaceful place! wonderful shots! 🙂
Gennaro
@Tim
A lot of people using running as a way to unwind.
@maiylah
Thanks.
Seth
Las Piramides. That’s a unique place. I’m with the others, the lake a beautiful. And if there a cheaper places than $15 then it must be a deal to be in the town altogether.
Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com
reading the post and looking at the pics i already have been touched by the relaxation you write about here 😉
Kikolani | Blogging, Poetry, Photography
This is beautiful, and doesn’t sound too New Age for me. My peaceful retreat locally is a reflexology spa nearby my house… nothing is more peaceful than an hour long treatment while listening to Chinese meditation music and the sounds of water.
~ Kristi
Gennaro
@Seth
Guatemala is very inexpensive comparatively speaking.
@Alik
I’m glad about that.
@Kristi
That sounds like a comfortable place you found. I, too, enjoy the sound of running water for relaxation.
fly girl
Gorgeous photos! Peeking at Guatamala from Belizian pyramids is as close as I’ve gotten to the country but this makes me want to see more. I find the mountains of Jamaica as a very spiritual place.
Sire
Excuse me, if I am going on a holiday I don’t think I’ll be staying at Las Pirámides! The last thing I want is to be told what to do, I get far too much of that at home. The place itself seems nice enough, so perhaps another hotelwould be the go.
As for peaceful retreats, I reckon the best one I can remember was an Island just of Fiji, I think it was called Treasure Island. Now that was relaxing.
Gennaro
@flygirl
Belize is beautiful too. Never been to Jamaica, but it’s pretty popular and I’ve seen photos so I assume the same about it.
@Sire
Ha! I can definitely see why you’d want to do your own thing on holiday. I tend to fel the same way, but it’s nice if you are there for the courses. With a name like Treasure Island, I bet it delivered. Fiji isa paradise too.
Sire
I don’t know what it is like today, but 23 years ago it was really good. I daresay the Island itself wouldn’t have changed too much, but I’m not sure I can say the same for Fiji.
Gennaro
@Sire
Most of these islands are changed by development for the tourist industry. Some do it tastefully while others take away the character that brought in the original explorers. I’m with you in terms of preferring to keep a places character in tact.
Sire
Isn’t funny how sometime a new development takes away from the original charm, rather than adding to it?
Gennaro
@Sire
I think that often the case. It’s a tough situation. Locals have a right to make some profit from tourism, but they often take away from that original charm you mention. It’s best if a balance can be met.