Lake Atitlan, Guatemala www.villasumaya.com

Contacting Us

Guest

Welcome Kit

Lizzy, our General Manager, will be handling the preparations for your stay. Anything she can do to help make your trip more enjoyable, would be her pleasure. Please write her with any questions you may have. mailto:Lizzy@villasumaya.com

Important Numbers: When in Guatemala call our center at: 4026 1390 OR 4026 1455 Xocomil Shuttle: 7762 2005 OR 5710 3903

Bienvenidos

Thank you for choosing Villa Sumaya Guest House and Retreat Center for your stay on Lake Atitlan. We know you will enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this natural setting, as well as our amazing hotel. This package was designed to make your trip, as easy as possible and give you some important information that will ensure your stay with us is comfortable. Please read this package carefully.

Safety – The Most Important Thing Please read this entire package carefully. We, at the Villa Sumaya, are pleased to announce we have never had any problems getting our guests from the airport to our hotel. Here, in Santa Cruz, the local ex-pats all feel very safe. We walk around late at night, leave our doors unlocked etc… but we are also aware of the news articles about Guatemala City and its dangers. Read the following information to ensure your safe and smooth arrival to our center.

Once you arrive to Villa Sumaya, you can ask for a tour and ask any questions that will help you familiarize yourself with our center. For your convenience, we have a hotel safe, where you can place your valuables.

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Guatemala City to Panajachel 1-2 people $90US 3 people $35 each 4 people $30 each 5 or more $25 each

Antigua to Panajachel 1-3 people $80US 4-6 people $90 7 or more $12 each

Public Shuttles from Antigua are $12 and leave at 8:30am, 12:30pm and 4:00 pm

Please pay the shuttle driver. They accept dollars or quetzals. No credit cards. It is customary to offer a small tip to your driver. $5 is adequate.

Shuttle Prices Arriving to the Airport When you arrive at Aurora Airport (Guatemala City), you will first go through Immigration, then you will get your bags and exit after customs. Do not leave your bags unattended in the airport or at the curb or with someone who may say they will watch them for you. Inside the airport there are men to help get your bags off the carousel. Depending on the number and weight of bags you can tip them in dollars ($1-2 per bag). Sometimes, the men who carry your bags, hand them off at the curb, to another helper. If this happens split the tip between them. We will have your shuttle waiting with the driver holding a sign with our name “Vil la Sumaya”. The drive to Panajachel is about 3 hours (about 1 hour into the ride the roads get curvy and mountainous). If you have issues with carsickness, be sure to bring a remedy that will help you.

Once you arrive in Panajachel you will take a 15-minute private or public boat ride, depending upon your preference, to our dock. Remember to let us know if you would like a private boat before your arrival.

If taking a public boat the cost is about $3 per person. You must pay the driver. For private boats - 1-4 people the cost is $20 and for each additional person, add $5. Private boats, if you have arranged them through Villa Sumaya, can be added to your guest bill.

Boat Transfer to our Center Arriving in Panajachel

Your shuttle driver will drop you off at the top of the dock area. If you need help with your bags- kids are there to help about 5 Quetzals per heavy bag (.80US) to the boat. If you are on a prearranged private boat, Xocomil, the shuttle company, will call ahead and your boat should be waiting. If you plan to take a public boat, walk down to the dock and get a boat to our dock (just say “Villa Sumaya in Santa

Cruz”). This is important to establish before you get on the boat… ALL OTHER DOCKS

ARE TOO FAR TO CARRY YOUR BAGS.

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If You Go to Antigua or Guatemala City First Some guests decide to check out Antigua, a very quaint Spanish Colonial city about 40 minutes from the airport. If you arrive very late and stay in the city, we have some hotel suggestions in this package or you can surf the net, for other options. Typically, whatever hotel you choose, will make airport transport arrangements for you. If they do not provide this service, we are happy to. We like to make shuttle arrangements for your journey to Lake Atitlan, so we know where you are in-transit. Private shuttle pricing is located on the previous page, along with the shared shuttles times and prices. We recommend that you arrive before 5pm, as it is nice to arrive in the daylight to become acquainted with our center.

At your hotel in Antigua or Guatemala City, be sure to ask at the front desk about safety. We do not suggest walking around either city past 9 at night. You may ask for a cab or Tuk Tuk if you plan to be out late.

Whether you are on a private or public shuttle, please be sure to be waiting in front of your hotel or designated location on time. You may want a snack and water for the ride. It’s about a 2.5 -3 hour drive, but with traffic or road construction it could be longer.

Welcome Kit for Guests 2012/13

Coming To a New World

Although Guatemala is only a couple hour flight from Florida and Texas, it is a different world. I think in most cases, you will be pleased with this difference. Spanish is one of the main languages spoken here. Versions of Mayan dialects are also spoken by the majority of indigenous people. At our center, our managers speak English and Spanish. They are happy to do translations for housekeeping and the kitchen personnel. Guatemala is a slower paced culture. Which translates to single tasking, and efficiency meaning, “enjoying your life by slowing down”. This heart centered perspective, for most people coming to relax and unwind, is a relief. A few tips; if you notice a staff member is dealing with another guest and there is a small line – come back. Be patient, things take a bit more time and feel free to ask again, if something did not get done that you requested. And finally, our staff want to please you so much, they will say “Si” (yes) when sometimes they cannot do it. We do train our staff to say, “No”, if something cannot be done, but it’s a deep cultural tradition. A smile and a sense of humor go a long way towards accomplishing your goals. Our English speaking staff will be close by to help.

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Traveling on Your Own

Welcome Kit for Guests

Some guests prefer to make their own arrangements, which is fine for the experienced third world traveler. If you have never traveled in this way, please let us organize your ground transportation. In either case, we would like to know your plans, in the event of a late arrival, we know where you are. We do not recommend taking public “chicken” buses (unless you are familiar with this type of travel). In most cases, you will have to transfer to different buses and the bus drivers and helpers do not speak English. Chicken Buses are notorious for theft. Keep valuables on your lap and if a disturbance happens around you, hold on tight to your bag, as it may be a scam to distract you. You want a bus that will take you to Panajachel, and near the Tzanjuyu dock (boats that go to Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz). We honor and respect everyone’s decision as to how they would like to get to Villa Sumaya.

Gratuities If you enjoy your stay, the staff and management greatly appreciate it, if you would leave a tip at the end of your stay. We recommend between $5-7 per day . This Dana (offering)goes to the entire staff; from the gardeners (who carry your bags), to kitchen staff and housekeeping to the local managers. There is no need for additional tipping to our staff. This does not include body-workers.

Villa Sumaya Staff

Changing Dollars to Quetzals If you have a chance to exchange money in a U.S. airport, I would recommend getting $100.00 to start off. In the Guatemala City Airport there is also a chance to change money depending on the timing of your shuttle. Your shuttle driver, airport vendors, Villa Sumaya and many other places will accept dollars. Please do not worry if you do not get a chance to change money, Xocomil, the shuttle company, will accept US dollars for your shuttle. Once you are near our center, there are banks and ATMs in Panajachel that would be happy to change dollars or travelers checks. At Villa Sumaya, we are unable to change large amounts of money.

Paying your Bill at Villa Sumaya

At the end of your retreat, you will pay for any incidentals you have incurred. We prefer if you use: U.S dollars, Quetzals, or U.S. personal checks or Travelers checks (2% charage will be added). We accept credit cards, but we add an 8% fee to cover our costs for processing credit cards (customary in Guatemala). There are ATM’s in Panajachel so you access your funds or you may want to bring a few hundred dollars for your incidentals.

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Activities During your stay, most guests go on at least one tour. This really depends on the nature and length of your vacation. We have a big selection of tours and activities to choose from and for 1-2 people most tours will be about $60 for a guide plus transportation. Hikes with a guide run $55 per person depending upon the hike. This would include transportation and permits. We are happy to arrange for tours and activities and give you accurate pricing depending on the number of guests. You can also go out exploring on your own. There are public boats, going to most of the villages easily, from our dock. Visiting Santiago, it is best to get a private boat, as it would be about an hour and a half each way on public boats.

Tours and Activities Tours and Hikes: ! Santa Cruz (our village) ! Santiago (largest village) ! San Juan/San Pedro (Crafts) ! Santa Catarina/San Antonio

(walking tour of 2 villages) ! Chi Chi Market (one hour drive) ! Kayak/Hike to San Marcos ! Climb San Pedro Volcano (must

be in excellent physical condition) ! Hike to El Pico de Cielo ! Bird Watching Tour ! Eco Sumaya Tour

Activities: ! Shaman Protection Ceremony ! Re-birthing Workshop ! Photography Workshop ! Art and Meditation Workshop ! Sustainable Living Workshops ! Weaving Demonstration

Activities Around Villa Sumaya: ! Renting Kayaks ! Swimming in lake or pool ! Hiking ! Artisan Market (one day only) ! Spa Services

So many wonderful options!

Miscellaneous Information

1. Electricity is 110, just like in the U.S. 2. We do not have hair dryers 3. The Weather here is typically cool 55-60

Fahrenheit,(sweater weather) in the early mornings and evenings. During the day it’s usually between 70-90 Fahrenheit. Air conditioning and heat are not necessary. May, June, September and October are the rainy times. During most of the rainy season there will be a hard rain in the afternoons and late at night.

4. We do offer laundry service for our guests by the pound.

5. We provide unlimited purified drinking water. 6. We do make available our yoga props. This

includes mats, straps, blankets and blocks. Please check to be sure studios are available.

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SPRING 2012 THE LOREM IPSUMS At Villa Sumaya… Spa Treatments Eco Sumaya Tour Pool, Hot Tub & Sauna Kayaking Shopping

Harmony Spa

Our on-site spa offers delightful, renewing and therapeutic treatments. We have an extensive menu of services that will

help your students to relax and center themselves in their new surroundings, provided by kind and skillful therapists. Please

allow time in your schedule to accommodate these services.

Massage Swedish Thai Deep Tissue Reflexology Cranial Sacral Sports Watsu ***

Spa Facials Manicures Hair Cuts Foot Baths Hot Tub * Sauna **

Energy Intuitive Energy Work Reiki

Readings Clairvoyant Reading Shamanic Egg Clearing

Other Feldenkrais Wellness Counseling

Pool, Sauna and Hot Tub

Most of our guests deeply enjoy our solar heated pool and hot tub and wood-burning sauna. Mornings are best for swimming in the lake and pool and in the late afternoon our tub is ready and steaming hot for a soothing soak. Late afternoons and evenings are the perfect time to benefit from a cleansing sweat in our sauna.

Kayak Rentals

Our wonderful neighbor and friend, offers daily kayak rentals. He will drop kayaks at our dock in the morning, which is the best time for a paddle unless you are adventurous and want to ride the afternoon waves. Single - $20 per day Doubles - $28 per day

Spirit Dog Boutique Our store offers an eclectic selection of handicrafts, Eco Sumaya Designs and many treasures you may want as mementos from your stay with us.

Eco Sumaya Tour & Workshops

At Villa Sumaya, we have many sustainable projects in the works, as well as, herb gardens and a 15 acre food forest that we love to share with our guests. Hour and a half educational tours are available, but need to be pre-arranged with our in-house guide.. Tours - $ 10 per person, 2 minimum and 24-hour cancellation.

We do not want to overlook, resting, reading, meditating, or just hanging out and integrating all these new experiences. There are lush gardens, with hammocks and lounge chairs for your pleasure.

Session Pricing One hour - $65 One and half hour- $85 Two hour - $105

* Daily hot tubs in late afternoons (sun permitting) complimentary ** Group Saunas $25 per 2 hour session *** Watsu is available on Wednesdays (sun and groups permitting) Some treatments are seasonal, check before your stay.

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Yoga or Meditation Props: ! yoga mats and props only if you want your

own special ones ! zafus for meditation, (ask group leader if

necessary we do have some)

! eye pillows for savasana

Food and other comforts

! decaf coffee or -decaf black tea or other special teas – WE DO NOT HAVE ANY DECAF COFFEE AVAILABLE IN GUATEMALA

! clocks and hair dryers ! laptops – we have wireless in our

courtyard for emails only for $20.00 per week. No up or downloading, skyping, youtubing etc… allowed.

! any other items that will make you feel at home, ie ipod..headphones

! snack for airplane and shuttle ride to hotel (3 hours)

! books and magazines ! PASSPORT and a copy of it, Airplane

Tickets and other form of ID ! Personal checks, cash or travelers checks

to pay for incidentals and spa treatments are preferred. Credit cards we must add on 8% fee.

! Vil la Sumaya Wish List – if you have a mat that is in good condition and would like to donate it, we would be grateful, as it is very hard for us to ship things here.

List of Items to Bring Clothing:

! hat – for sun and for chilly nights (We are at high altitudes- 5000ft)

! bathing suit, cover-up or sarong ! sunglasses ! windbreaker or raincoat ! layers for cool mornings and evenings ! sunny and warm weather clothing ! shawl , sweatshirt, poncho or fleece (one

warm thing for cold mornings and evenings)

For gett ing around: ! sunscreen and lip balm ! flashlight (we have eco flashlights in store) ! insect repellent ! walking shoes or sport sandals

Health

! homeopathic remedies ! Highly recommended –Nutribiotic (grapefruit

seed extract) tablets-that can really help bad travelers’ stomachs (we have remedies for bad tummies)

! vitamins/energy drinks ! Dramamine (car sickness) Winding roads to

Panajachel ! any prescriptions

! eye glasses

Hotels in Antigua You can google hotels in Antigua or Guatemala City. We have listed 4 hotels in Antigua for your convenience, but would recommend surfing the web for new and wonderful places. We are always interested in hearing about your experiences in local hotels. We are not prepared to act as your booking agent for other hotels. All prices are approximations.

Meson Panza Verde www.PanzaVerde.com Rates: Double: $100 Suites: $165 -$300 Very special place ***** Casa Christ ina Tel; (502) 7832 0623 Rates: Double Room: $30.00 We have heard the rooms are cute. Good price value.

Hotel Real Plaza E-mail: hotelrealplaza@intelnett.com Tel. (502) 7832 2239 Rates /Taxes included Single Room: $55.00 Double Room: $65.00 Triple Room: $75.00

Thank - You

Hotels in Guatemala City

If you arrive super late at night and would like to stay in Guatemala City we recommend hotels in Zone 10 or Hotel Tikal Futura $110.00 (which is attached to a mall) www.grandtikalfutura.com.gt/ The Best Western, Stofella, in Zone 10 it is fine, the cost around $70 and also Otelito – stay@otelito.com is in Zone 10, about $100. All hotels in Guatemala are required to charge

a 22% hotel tax.

Posada Los Bucaros, (they have four different locations in Antigua) E-mail: losbucaros@intelnett.com Tels. (502) 7832 2346 Rates/ Taxes Included Single Room: $35.00 Double Room: $45.00 Triple Room: $50.00