It wouldn’t be hard to imagine spending months in San Marcos, taking in all the knowledge and teachings offered through workshops, classes, and from everyone you’ll happen across during your stay. If you’re only in San Marcos for a couple of days, you could drop in on yoga classes at Kaivalya Yoga School, and spend a morning or afternoon exploring the town’s National Park.
Kaivalya Yoga School
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Kaivalya is located up the hill on the main road, just a few minutes walk from town. Facing the Basketball Court, you’ll head left up the hill. Here, perched on the hillside facing Lake Atitlan, Kaivalya sits nearly hidden from the road. Walking the path uphill through the main entrance, you’ll pass the yoga classroom, a concrete platform with a roof covering it, surrounded by natural vegetation on all sides. Up the path further is the “Hostel”, where rooms are rented out to those participating in the 5-week yoga course, or in other workshops or programs. There are a handful of bedrooms, two bathrooms, a communal kitchen, wash area, and of course, hammocks.
Although the yoga classes are offered as part of a 5-week course, You are welcome to attend classes for any amount of time, from one day to the full 5-weeks. Classes are Q40/class, though the first day is free! Your first day you’ll be welcome to attend either the morning or afternoon sessions, or both, totally free. The morning class is split into meditation and yoga, and the afternoon, yoga and lecture. And the yoga is awesome. A series of sun salutations starts the class. Each pose flows into the next, without feeling rushed. After the sun salutations, a series of seven asanas are practiced in succession. As the class progresses throughout the 4-week cycle, each of the asanas are held for a longer amount of time. (So, if you’re dropping in on week four, and haven’t done so much as touch your toes since leaving home, don’t sweat it if you need to come out of the poses early. Though really, you’ll probably be fine.)
If you are interested in visiting for a few days, or a week, to join in the yoga classes, you can email to check on availability of rooms. Usually space is filled by students staying long-term, but you can always check. If a room isn’t available, check out the Sleeping Page for other options in San Marcos.
You can click on the photo above to check out photos of Kaivalya, or to find out everything you’ll want to know about visiting, retreats, schedules, classes, etc… Check out their website at
http://yogaretreatguatemala.com/
Reserva Natural: Cerro Tzankujil
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Walking toward the dock in San Marcos, if you take the last path to your right, you can follow signs for Cerro Tzankujil, a beautiful Nature Reserve that climbs the hillside just outside of San Marcos. There are a few trails you can walk, stopping at miradors (lookout points) and also at a couple of old Mayan sites. Don’t expect any large ruins, but do take time to appreciate the history of these sacred sites as you make your way along. You could easily spend a couple hours in the park, so bring snacks, or even lunch to enjoy during your visit. Also in the park you can access places for swimming. And kayak rentals (Q20/hour) are available as well. If the peace and quiet in San Marcos isn’t quite enough, head to Cerro Tzankujil. Walking the trails, swimming, and kayaking are all excellent ways to relax after a difficult day of yoga and meditation.
GETTING // GOING • SLEEPING • EATING • DOING
Take me back to LAKE ATITLAN // Take me back HOME