Back to the Source
A spiritual rejuvenation retreat in the highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan.
Hosted by Adam Riklin and Mackenzie Barth
April 4-12, 2025
Together, we return to the source of who we really are.
We invite you to join us in the mountains of Guatemala for a retreat designed to help you connect with your inner goodness, so you can radiate out and be a light for the world.
We will support you in practices that help you soften into deeper knowing of yourself, move through transformation in a safe group setting, and be held by the beauty of nature in the process.
We, Buddhist and meditation practitioner Adam Riklin and Casa Awänímä founder Mackenzie Barth, are excited to unite a group of special people to share cherished tools, perspectives, and activities that have helped us most on our spiritual journeys.
Grounded in Earth, Rooted in Spirit.
From the Outside In: Living in Harmony with the Earth and Each Other
In this retreat, we begin by reconnecting with the original ways of living—those that honor the land, the Earth, and the interconnected web of life. In the lush valley of Tzununá, we practice living as the ancestors once did: in harmony with nature, rooted in respect for the local culture, history, and traditions of this sacred place.
Together, we will live communally, caring for one another and the world around us. By embracing the blueprint of human connection—living as a tribe, as one, as part of the whole—we rediscover the profound harmony and balance that comes from these ways of being.
Uncovering the Source of Who We Are
As we ground ourselves in the stability of the Earth and the nurturing embrace of community, we journey inward to reconnect with the essence of who we truly are. Beneath the layers of thoughts, conditioning, and modern distractions lies the higher self—the pure, unchanging source within us that has been there since the beginning.
Through intentional practices, workshops, and ritual, we will peel back these layers, revealing the divine essence that resides within each of us. In rediscovering our true selves, we awaken to the interconnected divinity that unites us all.
This retreat is an invitation to come home—to the Earth, to community, and to the deepest truth within yourself. It’s a remembrance of how we are meant to live: in love, unity, and harmony.
Why are we offering this retreat?
This retreat has emerged out of a strong friendship rooted in spiritual practice and a shared desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Our approach is to guide people into deeper relationship with the living world around them and the invisible world inside. We believe that when we come into harmony with our inner and outer environments, healing and well-being naturally occurs. We have a gentle, loving, and joyful attitude towards the spiritual path, and we love to build community with fellow seekers.
In this retreat, we’ll share our favorite resources that have supported us along our journeys, with the hopes that they may support you in your blossoming too.
Who is this retreat for?
Spiritual seekers who want to practice embodying their most vibrant, compassionate selves.
Those looking for tools to cultivate inner peace to navigate an increasingly complex and chaotic outer world.
People who wish to develop themselves personally and be in service to the planet.
Those who want to feel connected to a more joyful, meaningful, spiritual purpose in life.
People looking to cultivate community and authentic relationships with others on the path.
Retreat Activities
DAILY meditations & yoga
waterfall hike & lake swims
ceremonial temazcal
cacao ceremony
pranayama breathwork
shamanic mushroom JOURNEY
intro to buddhism
permaculture philosophy
ecstatic dance
art therapy
CYCLES & LUNAR WISDOM
journaling, reflections & integration
Sample Daily Schedule
7:30 - Wake Up
8:00 - Morning Practice: Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation
10:00 - Tea Break
10:30 - Spirituality Lecture / Wisdom Talk
12:00 - Lunch & Rest Hour
2:30 - Workshop
4:00 - Tea Break
4:30 - Workshop
6:30 - Dinner
7:30 - Nighttime Activity
9:00 - Wind-down & Sleep
The schedule is thoughtfully designed to invite harmony into the flow of our retreat. Each day, we dive deeper within ourselves and connect with our surrounding community. Guided by daily themes, we explore the balance between the outer and inner worlds, fostering an overall sense of harmony. Through yoga, Buddhist philosophy, permaculture, art, meditation, and more, we embark on an 8-day journey to experience our ultimate connection to the source.
Our Host Location: Casa Awänímä
Tzununá, Guatemala
Casa Awänímä has been built over the last 3 years with so much love, patience, and respect for Earth. You’ll get to learn how this space was developed, and you will receive the healing energy of a place tended to with so much care.
Accommodations
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Tzukasa Casita
A 1-bedroom garden casita with a large kitchen and lofted queen-sized bed overlooking the lake and volcanoes.
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Fuego Room
Cozy earthen bedroom with a sunrise view, private bathroom, outdoor deck & communal kitchen, located in the Main House.
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Agua Room
Fresh, comfy bedroom with a sunset garden view, private bathroom, outdoor deck & communal kitchen, located in the Main House.
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Colibrí Room
Spacious bedroom with a sunset and sunrise garden view, private bathroom, outdoor deck & communal kitchen, located in the Main House.
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Leo Room
Tucked away near the mountainside, this private cozy room features a queen bed, a desk and a small deck with a view.
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Montaña Room
Tucked away near the mountainside this ample bedroom has three twin-sized beds, a desk, and closets.
Meet Your Guides
Adam Riklin
Adam is has been traveling the world for more than 16 years exploring consciousness and spirituality.
He has invested many years exploring and practicing different philosophies and ways of life all around the globe, including Buddhism, Zen, Yoga, Non-dualism, Shamanism, Kabala, Psychedelics and others. He currently leads groups and 1:1 shamanic journeys.
“Spirituality has changed my life and now I want to help others to also live a happy life, with more joy and fulfillment. I’m here to pass on all the knowledge and tools that I’ve learned on my journey. Come join us for a life-changing experience.”
Mackenzie Barth
Mackenzie is the creator and steward of Casa Awänímä and a student of Mother Earth.
For the last several years Mackenzie has been traveling in Central and South America, observing life and learning directly from wisdom keepers of various native traditions. She was called to the fertile lands of Tzununa learn permaculture, align to an original way of living, and create a sanctuary for others to deepen their connection with Earth.
Her biggest passion is to help people develop a deep relationship with life and a spiritual recognition of themselves in all of nature.
Brooke Rene
Brooke has been traveling and diving into spiritual transformation for the past three years. She has a background in visual art and has utilized this creative spirit to guide herself and others in yoga, meditation, breathwork, art, self love and more. She has great passion for helping others see the love and beauty within themselves in order to live their most free and joyful lives. Each individual holds the essence of god and with the proper guidance they can come to see this within themselves.
Eliseo Perez
Eliseo, “Cheyo,” was born and raised in Tzununá and is the caretaker and guardian of Casa Awänímä. Cheyo is a devoted father and husband, community leader, and the Director of Compassion at his local church. He is passionate about sharing stories of Tzununá’s history and his Mayan Kaqchikel ancestry. He loves showcasing the beauty of Casa Awänímä and reminding people of the importance of loving, tending, and respecting La Madre Tierra.
What’s Included
Accommodations at Casa Awänímä for 8 nights
3 daily meals - healthy, freshly-prepared vegan meals with local ingredients (eggs from our chickens available too)
Coffee, herbal teas, and cacao
Facilitation and guidance from Mackenzie, Adam, and other facilitators
Daily wisdom talks and workshops
Daily movement, meditation and breathwork classes
Cultural tours and activities in nearby villages
Guided medicinal mushroom ceremony & integration support
Pricing Options
Prices listed below are inclusive of everything listed above. Not included is transportation to and from the lake.
Private Suite: $2200 USD
Tier 1 Room - Shared: $1600 USD (Tzukasa, Agua, Fuego & Colibri Rooms)
Tier 2 Room - Shared: $1300 USD (Montaña Room)
Glamping - Shared: $1100 USD (Canvas tent)
There are limited room types and are available on a first come, first serve basis.
We are offering a $150 USD discount for people who register before December 31!
Answers to Your Questions
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Accommodations, food, and all the activities and amenities listed on this page are included. Transportation to and from the property is not included, but we will support you with transportation logistics.
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The group will be capped at 15 people.
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Days are sunny and warm (average 76 F / 24 C) and nights are cool but still comfortable.
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We are located 3-4 hours away from Guatemala City Aurora Airport (GUA). You can take a taxi directly from the airport to our location, or you can take a taxi or shuttle to Panajachel, then a boat to Tzununa, and then a tuk tuk or car up to the property. Some groups decide to stay overnight in Antigua before coming to the lake, which breaks up the travel day and gives guests some time to enjoy beautiful Antigua. We are happy to help you coordinate arrival and departure for your guests with our trusted travel contacts.
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You may see red alert announcements online warning of Guatemala’s safety, but it is not the reality on the ground here. Especially in rural areas, like where we are located, it is generally very safe. Of course, it is still recommended to practice normal precaution like not walking alone at night and being aware of your surroundings, as there can be petty theft. The place with the most active crime is in Guatemala City, but we don’t recommend spending too much time there anyway.
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We ask for 50% payment (nonrefundable) to reserve your place, and the remaining 50% on arrival.
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The retreat will be hosted in English but Spanish and Hebrew translation will be available if needed.