200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training and Wellness Immersion in Guatemala

The 200-hour multi-style yoga teacher training at Shamana is a residential program that goes far beyond learning postures. You'll study the roots of yoga—Hatha, Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, Nada, and Kriya—through daily practice, workshops, and discussion. Anatomy is taught in a way that connects the physical body to the subtle energy bodies (Pancha Koshas), and you'll learn hands-on adjustments, sequencing, and how to guide a class with confidence. The training is registered and counts toward Yoga Alliance certification, so you'll leave equipped to teach if that's your goal.

What makes this program unusual is its integration of Mayan and Indian philosophies. You're not just learning yoga in a studio—you're living it in a village that's a hub for spiritual seekers, surrounded by Mayan culture. You'll take part in a temazcal ceremony, a Mayan sweat lodge that's both physically and emotionally intense, and you'll join fire ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, and kirtans. These experiences are woven into the curriculum, not tacked on as extras, so you get a sense of how yoga connects to broader spiritual practices.

The setting is a big part of the experience. Shamana is located in San Marcos La Laguna, on the shores of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes. The yoga shala has stunning views of the lake and the great volcano, making even a simple asana practice feel special. You'll be a 10-minute walk from the lake itself, where you can swim, kayak, or just relax. The village is small but lively, with cafés, restaurants, and a strong expat community, so you have options for your free time.

The training is led by Eran and Batya, who co-founded Shamana in 2019. Eran brings a decade of study in India and a background in Ayurveda, while Batya is a psychotherapist and voice therapist with years of experience in the Himalayas. Together, they create a warm, supportive environment where you're encouraged to explore your own edge. Reviews consistently mention their availability and how much attention they give to each participant, which is easier with a group capped at 12.

Expect a full schedule most days: an early morning practice, a morning class or workshop, lunch, a rest period, then an afternoon class, dinner, and an evening activity. Sundays are lighter, with lunch out and time to explore, and there's one full day off mid-course. The food is Ayurvedic, vegetarian, and served three times a day, with Saturday and Sunday lunch eaten out at local spots. Bring layers for cool mornings and a raincoat for the rainy season—it's a real working retreat, but the views and the connections you make are worth it.

What's included

- 22 nights accommodation - 3 daily Ayurvedic vegetarian meals (except Saturday and Sunday lunch) - Daily yoga and meditation classes - Temazcal (Mayan sweat lodge) ceremony - Mayan fire ceremony and cacao ceremony - Weekly kirtan (devotional singing) - Sound healing sessions - Sharing circles - Workshop materials and manual - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters - Evening activities and movie night - Water, tea, coffee throughout the day - WiFi connection - Shared shuttle from Guatemala City Airport on the first day

What's not included

- International flights - Lunch on Saturdays and Sundays - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional private shuttle transfers