November 7-14  |  $3,600

Guatemala

Antigua + Lake Atitlán

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How this experience unfolds

An intimate, women-only rescue immersion designed for learning, collaboration, and thoughtful engagement with locally led animal welfare work in Guatemala. Balancing hands-on experience, learning from long-standings organizations, and intentional space for rest, reflection, and independent exploration. You can expect to leave invigorated, inspired, and deeply moved.

Rescue Reality

Direct exposure to how animal welfare work functions in under-resourced settings. Learning centers on understanding how meaningful, sustainable work takes shape over time.

Thoughtful Pacing

Days are structured to balance engagement with rest, reflection, and integration. The arc of the week allows for group collaboration while honoring individual autonomy.

Local Expertise

Participants learn directly from rescuers, veterinarians, and organizers who have built long-standing programs in their communities. These conversations center structural realities and how programs were founded, have grown and changed, and what sustains the work—logistically, financially, and emotionally.

Intentional Cohort

When values-aligned, action-oriented women come together—magic happens. This container supports shared learning, honest conversation, meaningful connection, and collaboration.

Where curiosity deepens, community forms, and purpose takes shape.

Itinerary

  • Arrivals into Guatemala City International Airport (GUA) with private transportation arranged to Antigua

    Group welcome dinner to ground, connect, and welcome the week.

  • Guided horse trek up Pacaya Volcano, including cooking pizza on lava rocks

    Visit with Nicole, founder and operator of Soul Shine Guatemala, followed by a tour of her newly constructed veterinary clinic

    Nicole runs both a 501(c)(3) focused on sustainable economic development and animal welfare, and a for-profit tour business that directly funds her rescue work

    She is the only dedicated horse rescuer in Guatemala and operates a small veterinary clinic for dogs and cats, including sterilization programs

    This is a moderately active day; accommodations can be discussed in advance for participants with mobility concerns. 

    Private shuttle transport to and from Pacaya (approx. 1-1.5hr each way) 

    Evening free to explore or rest in Antigua

  • This trip fully funds and supports a low- and no-cost sterilization clinic serving pets and street animals (dogs and cats)

    The clinic is coordinated by Alyce, Kat’s primary rescue partner, in collaboration with local veterinarians and municipalities

    Participants will assist with clinic operations throughout the day 

    Lunch and Q&A with the veterinary team and Alyce following the clinic

    This day can be emotionally and physically demanding; support and breaks will be available throughout. 

    Private shuttle to and from Parramos (approx. 30 min each way) 

    Evening free in Antigua

  • After two full days, the morning will be intentionally slower

    Private shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlán (approx. 3 hours)

    Check-in to our hotel in San Juan La Laguna (shared accommodations)

    Free time to explore, settle in, or rest

    Shared group dinner in the evening to re-ground

  • Often described as one of the most beautiful places on earth, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with vibrant villages, each with its own culture and offerings

    The region is home to Tz’utujil, Kaqchikel, and K’iche Maya communities, with deep histories of art, weaving, ceramics, food, and spiritual practice

    Participants are free to explore by lancha (boat) — visiting villages, relaxing, exploring, shopping, or engaging in local experiences

    Kat will be available for recommendations and light coordination.

  • Hosted luncheon with three local organizations operating at the lake

    Two organizations focused on sterilization initiatives and one on rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption

    Discussion topics include how each group got started, funding models, growth, daily operations, and challenges

    A rare opportunity to learn directly from locally operated, long-standing rescue efforts

    Evening free at the lake

  • Leisurely morning for final lake activities 

    Packed lunch provided to ease travel logistics

    Private shuttle from Lake Atitlán to Guatemala City (approximately 4 hours)

    Farewell dinner at Flor de Lis — an immersive, 12-course dining experience inspired by Mayan history and mythology

    Overnight accommodations in Zona 10, known for being safe and trendy

    Private rooms for all participants to support varied departure schedules and comfort

  • Private taxis arranged for each participant based on flight times

    Kat will be available throughout the day — from early departures to supporting later flights

    Luggage storage and logistical support provided as needed

    Kat will remain in Guatemala an extra night to ensure smooth departures for all participants

Booking Process

  • Browse the info packet, detailed itinerary, and content pages to confirm alignment and interest.

  • Complete the application, found on the application tab of this website.

  • We will set up a 30 minute phone call to answer any questions, and confirm this container fits your needs, goals, and preferences.

  • A non-refundable deposit of $600 is required to hold your spot.

    This deposit will only be refunded if the trip is cancelled by SARAA (see next step for more info)

  • Since this is a pilot, we are only able to run it if we confirm 4 participants.

    Once we have 4 confirmed participants, the trip will be confirmed. Participants can then book their flights and make other arrangements with confidence!

    If we do not reach this minimum by August 7th, the trip will be cancelled and $600 deposits will be returned.

  • The remaining balance of $3,000 is due by August 7th.

  • We will join together on Zoom twice prior to the trip to meet, connect, and review any lingering questions or concerns.

  • See itinerary section for details about the trip. I can’t wait to meet you!

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A white and gray cat with green eyes sitting on a weathered wooden fence, surrounded by green tropical plants, including banana leaves and a palm tree.
A playful mixed-breed dog lying on the dirt floor with one eye winking and the other eye open, ears flopped, in an area with trash and miscellaneous items around.
Various breakfast dishes on wooden boards, including eggs with greens and a fried egg on toast, a selection of small bowls with dips and toppings, fresh salads, and beverages such as a yellow drink and a pink smoothie.
A woman sitting at a small wooden table outdoors, filling out paperwork, with three people standing nearby, in a backyard setting with potted plants and a concrete building in the background.
Colorful mural of a woman in traditional clothing overlooking a lake with two mountains in the background, decorated with pink and purple flowers, butterflies, and a rainbow in the sky.
Front view of an old, white, colonial-style building with a central arched entrance, two tall cypress trees on each side, and a few potted plants on the steps leading up to it.
Street vendor cart with a pink-tile roof selling fruits and vegetables, parked on cobblestone street outside a white building with decorative molding and barred window, under a bright blue sky.
People participating in a traditional ceremony, placing colorful woven textiles on a small platform with candles and incense, in a dimly lit room decorated with traditional fabrics.
A scenic view of a lake with two volcanoes in the distance under a clear sky with a crescent moon visible.
A woman stands in front of a group of seated people outdoors under a large tree, with some people working at a table in the background.
People walking on cobblestone street in front of a yellow church with a clock and bell tower, under a blue sky.
A scenic view of a lake with two volcanoes in the background and a blue sky with wispy clouds. Green trees and palm leaves are in the foreground.
A black and white dog sitting on a tile floor in sunlight, next to an orange wall.
Person wearing medical scrubs, gloves, and a face mask performing a procedure outdoors at a medical station labeled None. There are other people in the background, some waiting and some working, in an area marked 'BULLSHIT AREA'. Items such as spray
Two young dogs laying on a red mat and eating kibble, surrounded by dirt and old fabric scraps.
Two small boats are floating on a large body of water near a dock, with mountains and clouds in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead.
A small, scruffy white dog lying on a concrete sidewalk, curled up and looking at the camera, with a stone wall and colorful mural behind it.
A colonial-style yellow church with white accents and statues in the facade. People are sitting and selling goods outside on a cobblestone street under a partly cloudy sky.
Colorful umbrellas hanging overhead on a street decorated for a festival, with market stalls and people walking below.
Fresh vegetable pizza with avocado slices on top, served on a wooden pizza paddle on a dining table, overlooking a scenic mountain and lake view from a balcony.
A building wall with diagonal blue and white stripes, a small window with a red grate, purple flowering bushes on the left, and a closed red door on the right.
A busy outdoor market with stalls selling colorful clothing, hats, and souvenirs, under tall trees, with shoppers browsing the items.
A dog with one eye standing outdoors on rocks surrounded by green foliage.
View from inside a tuk-tuk or auto rickshaw showing the driver, with a street scene ahead including buildings, a picket fence, sidewalk, and pedestrians.