Into the Mayan Forest

An immersive experience in craft, culture, and a more connected way of living

[  the SETTING  ]

Based at La Reserva Itzá, a rewilding campus set between lake, forest, and ruins, days unfold at a natural pace — through hands-on work, time in the forest, shared meals, and quiet moments to take it all in. Accommodations are simple and beautiful, thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with a close connection to nature.

This immersion is about stepping into a deeper, more adventurous way of experiencing the jungle — not as an observer, but from within, where craft, culture, and conservation are part of everyday life. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of connection — to the work, to the land, and to a slower, more intentional way of being.

[  Trip Dates  ]

October 14 - 18, 2026

[  Cost  ]

$2,250 Solo Traveler in Private Room

$4,250 Couples living the experience together

[  the itinerary  ]

  • Upon arrival in Guatemala City, you’ll be picked up and escorted to Zone 4, the city’s creative district.

    We’ll gather for dinner at Mercado 24, one of Latin America’s 50 Best restaurants, where the menu is shaped daily by ingredients sourced directly from the market.

    Overnight at Good Hotel, a social-impact hotel and a comfortable landing before the journey ahead.

  • A short flight takes us north to Petén, landing in the jungle town of Flores. From there, we cross Lake Petén Itzá by boat to the village of San Andrés, and continue by dirt road into the forest to La Reserva Itzá — our home for the next few days.

    We walk the land, hear the story of the reserve, and meet the Itza Wood team. The afternoon unfolds with a guided jungle walk, where we begin to understand the landscape — identifying fibers, medicinal plants, and native tropical woods.

  • After a traditional Guatemalan breakfast, we head into the forest to harvest natural fibers and learn the foundations of vine weaving with the women of the Fibras de la Selva association, whose work is rooted in the surrounding forest.

    Lunch is shared with the team, centered around tortilla-making, conversation, and stories of life in Petén. The afternoon remains intentionally open — time to rest, write, catch up, or explore the 700-acre reserve. Swim, hike, or simply observe the forest from our decks.

  • We depart the reserve to visit Yaxhá, an ancient Maya city set between lakes and jungle. We explore temples, pathways, and plazas, ending the day watching the sun set over the lake. 

    That evening, we return to La Reserva Itzá for our final night together, with time to pack, prepare for departure, and reflect on what was seen, learned, and experienced.

  • A mid morning departure takes us back through the forest to Flores airport, and onward to Guatemala City, arriving by noon. Please book flights out of Guatemala city, no earlier than 2 pm. 

    You’ll leave refreshed, carrying a deeper connection to the jungle with you as you go back to civilization.

[  WHAT'S INCLUDED  ]

All accommodations, meals throughout the journey, domestic flights between Guatemala City and Petén, and local transportation. Guided experiences, workshops with artisans, and all activities outlined in the itinerary are included.

[  Additional Expenses ]

International flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included. Alcohol, gratuities, and any services beyond what’s outlined in the itinerary are at your own discretion.

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