Immerse in Yoga, Writing & Mayan Wisdom
Reconnect with yourself at Lake Atitlán—through yoga, breath, writing, nature, and the sacred rhythms of the Mayan calendar.
Gorgeous Lago de Atitlán has been my home since 2012.
With a vortex of infinite beauty that never ceases to inspire, her shimmering waters and volcanic embrace invite us to pause, breathe, and connect.
Reach for the heart of the sky, the heart of the earth, and your own boundless heart.
Retreat is not an escape; it is a gift we give ourselves—a space to grow, evolve, and remember who we truly are.
Through yoga, breathwork, bodywork, ceremony, and mindfulness, we slow down, deepen our breath, and reconnect with our essence.
Surrounded by lush flora and the mystical energies of the lake, we find both sanctuary and adventure—an opportunity for profound inner work and lifelong memories.
Why retreat?
To rediscover balance in mind, body, and spirit
To find clarity at a crossroads in life
To ignite and support deep transformation
To dedicate time and energy to healing
To step back from the daily grind and see the bigger picture
To walk the path of harmony, presence, and beauty
To cultivate meaningful connections through shared space, practice, and stories
Upcoming Retreats
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Heart Wisdom: Weaving Yoga & the Sacred Mayan Calendar
April 26-May 3, 2025
Villa Sumaya, GuatemalaStep into a transformative journey where yoga, mindfulness, and the ancient wisdom of the sacred Mayan calendar intertwine. Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlán at the world-class Villa Sumaya retreat center, Heart Wisdom invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your inner truth. Immerse yourself in rejuvenating daily yoga and meditation practices and experience the profound energy of two traditional Mayan fire ceremonies led by an experienced Mayan spiritual guide.
This retreat is an opportunity to realign with your heart’s wisdom, find clarity amidst life’s complexities, and embrace your highest purpose—all within a supportive, heart-centered community. Let the magic of Lake Atitlán, the sacred fire, and mindful practices guide you home to yourself.
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Traverse Guatemala: Yoga & Wellness Retreat
August 30-September 4, 2025
Villa Sumaya, Lake AtitlanEmbark on an unforgettable journey where nature, culture, and pure joy intertwine. Hike through lush landscapes, revitalize your spirit with daily yoga sessions, and awaken your senses in a heart-opening cacao workshop. Experience the profound energy of a sacred Mayan fire ceremony and connect with a supportive community of like-minded travelers. This retreat is an adventure for your soul, a celebration of life, and a deep dive into the beauty and wisdom of the sacred Mayan calendar.
Traverse Journeys is a purpose-driven travel company dedicated to creating meaningful, culturally immersive experiences that foster connection, personal growth, and global understanding. With a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and responsible tourism, their thoughtfully curated trips blend adventure, cultural exploration, and mindful practices to inspire positive change for travelers and the communities they visit.
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The Joy Path: 4th Annual Guatemala Yoga Journey
January 2026
Antigua + Tzununa, GuatemalaJoin Michelle Margaret Fajkus and Ash Fletcher for a heart-centered retreat blending yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, ceremony, and adventure. Set against the magical backdrop of Lake Atitlán, this immersive journey invites you to reconnect with your inner joy through daily yoga, guided meditations, sacred ceremonies, and thrilling local excursions.
Nourish your body, mind, and spirit while exploring vibrant Guatemalan culture and basking in the serenity of nature. Whether you seek deep rest, personal growth, or vibrant connection, The Joy Path offers a transformative experience to uplift and inspire.
Hola!
I’m Michelle Margaret, and I’m here to say that yoga has not only saved my life but shaped it in the most beautiful ways. And by yoga, I mean “yoga schmoga”—a blend of asana, pranayama, meditation, writing, and the sacred Mayan calendar. Thanks to these practices, I’ve managed not just to stay sane, but to truly thrive.
I’m an expat yogi, mother, partner, writer, poet, editor, translator, teacher, and retreat leader from Austin, TX. Somehow, in the blink of an eye, I’ve spent one-third of my precious human life living in Guatemala.
I’ve practiced yoga since 1993, taught since 2002, and led retreats since 2010. I now live with my sweet human and fur family on the shores of magical Lake Atitlán, where I work as a freelance writer, editor and translator. I also collaborate with two incredible retreat centers: Bambu Guest House in Tzununá and Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz.
Let’s retreat together
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“Michelle is a joy to retreat with. Her decades of experience in yoga and mindfulness combined with her unique understandings of the Mayan cosmovision and traditional breath work practices gives her offerings a rich and grounded feel. She has provided me with inspirations and insights to deepen my practice.”
– Ash
“I can’t even begin to describe what an incredible adventure I had on retreat with Michelle & Ash in Guatemala. They are both such kind, open-minded, & talented people; it is a joy to be led by them both in yoga & in learning the history & culture of a new place. I can’t imagine a better way to explore, or better people to be with, on retreat.”
– Caroline
“I have had several yoga sessions with Michelle, and even though I am a yoga noobie I always felt so encouraged and inspired after our sessions together. Michelle is an incredible yoga leader, patient, calming, authentic and kind.”
– Morgan