Immersions into yoga, meditation & self-discovery retreats held in the sacred spaces of the mystical Lake Atitlán
Yoga & Meditation Retreat Sanctuaries of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
The mystical energy of Lake Atitlán naturally facilitates unique meditation retreat immersions, those that are centered on healing and opening of the heart, connection to the ancestors, nurturing the soul with the surrounding beauty, remembering with the ceremonies and somatic practices with yoga and other modalities.
The beauty and stillness of the rain forest and the enchanting views of volcanoes and the lake help to slow down the nervous system and bring the attention inside for an inner spiritual journey.
Approach to Meditation
Our meditation practice is rooted in learning to peacefully co-exist with thoughts and emotions while simultaneously having the ability to deeply sense the mind and body. We have found that such an approach is significantly more meaningful, personal and connected.
It is advised to be very discerning with the use of technique-based or mechanical, repetitive meditations that are focused on quieting the mind as such approaches may lead to emotional disconnect.
More Than a Retreat
Each meditation retreat is facilitated with deep care and empathic connection to every participant. Our retreats are envisioned and structured with a syllabus to guide a profound internal journey toward authentic depth.
Our Philosophy
Learning cannot take place without freedom. While every retreat offers a structure, please feel free to make a retreat your own as you see necessary.
Retreat Structure
The following questions will serve as a structure for self-discovery and meditation work during a focused time together. We will inquire into these questions by directly witnessing the answers in the body, without relying on prior knowledge.
Prior to Meditation
- Perspective: Self-Improvement as a form of self-inflicted violence.
- Meditation is not about silencing the mind, on the contrary it is about learning how to listen to thoughts and understand them.
- Spiritual bypassing—a misguided form of spirituality—may deaden emotional access by falsely striving for a “neutral mind.”
- Entering into a living relationship with yourself – relating not to a mental construct of self, but to the actual, living human being.
- Giving accumulated knowledge its proper domain – is knowledge a “middle man” in relationships?
- Cultivating a mind that is free of internal conflict – no emotion possesses an internal split where a virtuous “better half” attempts to correct its inferior counterpart.
- Emotional Freedom: an emotion is able to flow without friction, telling its complete story without internal resistance..
- Recognizing oneself as a continuation of humanity.
- Understanding Self-Esteem / Becoming an independent thinker.
- Meditation – not a mechanical practice nor a technique.
Approaching Thoughts and Emotions
- Maturing the relationship to physical sensations.
- Does the mind look at thoughts the same way that it looks through the physical eyes?
- Does the mind need to project the thought outward (i.e., create a distance from itself) before it can fully examine the mental content?
- Is the distance between the image and the observer imagined?
- Are mental images actually three-dimensional and spatially organized?
- When an image is visualized, does it have width, height, length or depth? Is the space around it also visualized?
Understanding the Mental Construct of “Me”
- Is there a relationship between self-image and the nervous system?
- Observing how the self arises from memories.
- Witnessing the relationship between the thinker (self) and thoughts, emotions, feelings and sensations.
- Sensing how the brain manufactures artificial intelligence that is self-aware (the self).
- Considering the possibility that the nature of even the most intense thoughts and emotion may be more mechanical than living.
- Learning to deescalate the charge and importance of a thought-emotion-feeling-sensation.
- If the self is made of thought, is it actually alive?
- Does thought have a center that says “I”? Does this “I” have a human face / voice?
Troubleshooting / Fine-tuning Meditation
- Short meditation drills with check-ins, feedback and possible suggestions for course correction
- Exploration of inner experiences, witnessing wealth of information in the seemingly insignificant observations
- Partner Work: “Assisted Meditation” in the exploration of muscle tensions
Surrounding Beauty
Nature’s beauty is the nourishment for the soul – it provides the necessary energy for inner work
Why Lake Atitlán?
Set in the lush highlands of Guatemala and surrounded by majestic dormant volcanoes, we certainly regard Lake Atitlán as one of the world’s most spiritually charged destinations. The deep azure waters, rich Mayan heritage, and magnetic energy of this land offer profound support for inner work and relaxation. Beyond the breathtaking beauty of the lake itself, our retreat takes place high in the jungle canopy at the Kawoq Forest Retreat Center. We love this center for its profoundly nurturing container to unplug, rest, and reconnect.
Yoga & Meditation Retreat Highlights
- Depth
- Advanced Emotional Intelligence
- The Art of Subtle Inner Observation
- Understanding Emotional Freedom
- Living, Intimate Relationship with Oneself
- Individual & Group Practice
- Sensing into Physical Tensions
- Cognitive & Emotional Individuation
- Emergence of Sovereignty & Maturity
- Energetic Nourishment from the Land
- Cacao & Temazcal Ceremonies, Yoga
- Delicious, Wholesome Meals
Our meditation retreats offer a deeply nourishing experience, including daily yoga classes, delicious meals, breathtaking views, guided and silent meditations with facilitated deep self-inquiry dialogues rooted in self-exploration.
What to Expect
Retreat structured practice is perfectly balanced with ample free time for relaxation and personal reflection.
Guests stay in private, beautiful accommodations offering comfortable beds and unforgettable views.
All meals are nourishing, wholesome vegetarian/vegan, with special diets accommodated upon request.
The entire experience is rooted in the heart of the beautiful rain forest, and the mystical energies of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
Retreat Facilitator
Vova Kuperman
Vova aspires to become literate at being human. In early twenties he had a flashback to a childhood memory of being miraculously healed from a chronic illness by a touch of a hand. Years later, his thirst for answers took him out of software engineering and through many books, places, people, countries and experiences, eventually settling down to explore within.
With many years of an in-depth dedication to meditation, introspection, healing arts, and somatic practices, he continues to probe into the depth of existence. The direction of his work is set on maturing the capacity to sense with discernment into the subtle sheath of psycho-energetic imprints that span across mental, emotional, physical and energetic domains.
Further emphasis are attended to the extraordinary psychosomatic relationship between thought and matter.
For over a decade, he has been restoring hearts and sharing his findings via various modalities including developing emotional intelligence, rites of passage work, one-on-one and group self-discovery and meditation classes, retreats in remote wilderness as well as in the comfort of a meditation center. This work is his labor of deep love and the most sincere blueprint of his individuality.
” The health of Self-Esteem depends on the capacity to unbind and individuate the energetic system from the collective/peripheral thought influences. In this difficult task, developed discernment and navigation in the realms of energy are essential. “
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the approach to meditation at the retreat?
Our meditation practice is rooted in learning to peacefully coexist with thoughts, emotions, and sensations. We focus on deeply sensing the mind-body connection, and through the art of observation, we work to deepen our understanding of the incredibly subtle mechanism that we call ‘thought.’ We have found that this approach creates an experience that is significantly more meaningful, personal, and connected. While it shares common ground with many wisdom traditions, our practice is fundamentally secular, anchored entirely in direct observation and lived experience.
Is it necessary to have prior meditation experience?
We will explore meditation through the lens of entering into a living relationship with oneself (rather than through seeing one-self through the lens of self-image), assist the mind in discerning imagination from reality on the subconscious level and discover the ease in the nervous system when stress-driven thoughts and emotion dissolve without any external effort. Since this is not a skill that is cultivated through practice, no prior meditation experience is necessary.
Who is this retreat for?
Yoga, Meditation & Self-Discovery retreats in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala are envisioned for anyone with a sincere interest in the mind-body-energy realms. Because the approach is based on the natural capacity to feel, sense and observe, it is remarkably accessible to everyone—regardless of background.
Arrive with the intention to work sincerely and to pour your heart into discovering and developing an inner stamina and composure that is capable of holding, softly allowing and witnessing the arising and passing energies of what is named as thoughts and emotions.
What does a typical day look like during the retreat?
Here is what the schedule looks like for a full day during the retreat:
- 7:30am – Community Meditation (optional)
- 8:00am – Yoga class 1.5 hours (optional)
- 9:30am – Breakfast
- 11:00am – 30 Minute Silent Meditation
- 11:30am – Guided Self-Discovery / Introspection
- 1:30pm – Lunch & Free Time
- 2:00pm – Space for 1-on-1 check-ins (optional)
- 3:00pm – 1 hour Silent Meditation / Yoga Class 1.5 hours (optional)
- 4:30pm – Guided Self-Discovery / Introspection
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7:00pm – 1 Hour Silent Meditation
- 8:00pm – Check-in / Guided Self-Discovery / Introspection / Meditation
Can special diets be accommodated?
Absolutely! While meals at the retreat are primarily vegetarian, options such as vegan or gluten free can be easily accommodated. Please be sure to specify dietary needs on the registration form.
Where is the yoga & meditation retreat hosted?
Our main hub in Guatemala is located in the remote town of San Marcos La Laguna at the mystical Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes. The beautiful Kawoq Forest Retreat Center is situated above the lake, offering breathtaking views. It takes about 20 minutes to hike up the mountain to reach it. Porters are available upon request for help with luggage.
A shuttle between Guatemala city and the retreat center is provided. Travel time by shuttle is approximately 4 hours.
Financial Accessibility
We are committed to making this deep work accessible to all who are sincere in their inquiry. To support this, we utilize a tiered pricing model—ranging from a supported rate to a scholarship-funding rate. Please consider your contribution not as a transaction, but as a heart offering to support something that is meaningful to you. Our yoga & meditation retreats in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala start at $1,900 which includes room & board and an adventure of a lifetime!
If offered tiers are not accessible and you are passionate and serious about this work, please reach out for a partial scholarship.
Feedback from Past Participants
Kelly W.
Read moreMeditations, self-discovery and retreats with Vova have gifted me the missing pieces in life. Even though I’ve meditated for 12 years, have tried countless techniques and modalities and have worked with 100s of healers, shamans and doctors desperately searching for ways to relieve unexplainable pain and suffering, it’s only been working with Vova that I’ve started to embody a sense of freedom. His unique approach guides you to actually experience truth and to see the mechanisms in the brain and body that keep you trapped. He supports you to explore the deepest parts of yourself where integration and wholeness occur.
Vova has the insights, authenticity, power and compassion of the most renowned spiritual teachers of all time. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not immensely grateful to have the honor to work with him. I look forward to when the world discovers his work and many people receive the profound benefits I have.
Erin S.
Read moreVova is a uniquely skilled guide through the journey of self-discovery. He teaches from a place of direct experience and deep knowing, while honoring the experiences of others. After 20+ years of meditation and yoga, Vova’s retreat led me to a deeper meditation practice and knowing of myself than I’ve experienced before, with teachings that have lasted far beyond the end of the retreat.
Snezhana Y.
Read moreI've done many meditation retreats with Vova in the last thirteen years. I feel grateful to Vova daily for every meditation retreat and session, support, guidance and invitation to awaken my heart and soul. Vova's resolve to help others is unshakeable. His heart and wisdom are infinite.
Natasha N.
Read moreI attended the previous retreat and I can say that it is life changing. Each day was a profound journey into the depth of self – meeting with my own inner world on the level I have not experienced before. I recommend making this gift for yourself and attending one of these retreats.
Ulana M.
Read moreThis retreat was a nourishing and grounding experience and gave me space to recharge and reconnect with myself.
Eleanor N.
Read moreI had an incredible experience and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat. The atmosphere is serene and welcoming, perfect for those looking to unwind and focus on their well-being. I was particularly impressed with their meditation and mindfulness practices, which helped me achieve a deep sense of relaxation and clarity.
Olya P.
Read moreI went to this retreat past spring. The amount of feelings and emotions that I found in me surprised me. I had a very nice self discovery experience! Vova, and also everyone in the group helped me with that. The mountains are so beautiful! Nice trails. Very good food. We also were able to go to nearby hot springs. Would love to go there again!
Upcoming Yoga, Meditation & Self-Discovery Retreats in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
August 2026
8-Day Yoga, Meditation & Self-Discovery Retreat : This Being Human - Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Past Retreats
January 2026