Guest

Welcome Kit
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

www.villasumaya.com

Contacting Us
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

Bienvenidos
Thank you for choosing Villa Sumaya Guest House and Retreat beautiful surroundings of this natural setting, as well as our Center for your stay on Lake Atitlan. We know you will enjoy the amazing hotel. This package was designed to make your trip, as

pleasure. Please write her with any questions you may have. Important Numbers: mailto:Lizzy@villasumaya.com When in Guatemala call our center at: 4026 1390 OR 4026 1455

easy as possible and give you some important information that will carefully.

ensure your stay with us is comfortable. Please read this package

Xocomil Shuttle: 7762 2005 OR 5710 3903

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 following information to ensure your safe and smooth arrival to our center.

etc but we are also aware of the news articles about Guatemala City and its dangers. Read the

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.

THE LOREM Welcome KitIPSUMS for Guests

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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

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

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 the tip between them. We will have your shuttle waiting with the driver them off at the curb, to another helper. If this happens split

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

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

holding a sign with our

name Villa 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.

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.

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

Boat Transfer to our Center

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.

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

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 its 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.

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 with the shared shuttles times and prices. We shuttle pricing is located on the previous page, along 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. out late.

You may ask for a cab or Tuk Tuk if you plan to be 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. Its about a 2.5 -3 hour drive, but with traffic or road construction it could be longer.

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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 everyones decision as to how they would like to get to Villa Sumaya.
Villa Sumaya Staff

Traveling on Your Own

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.

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 our costs for processing credit cards (customary in

added). We accept credit cards, but we add an 8% fee to cover Guatemala). There are ATMs 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 your vacation. We have a big depends on the nature and length of selection of tours and activities to

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!

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 are public boats, going to most of the villages easily, from

guests. You can also go out exploring on your own. There 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.

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 its usually between 70-90 Fahrenheit. Air conditioning and heat are not necessary. May, June, September the rainy season there will be a hard rain in the 4. We do offer laundry service for our guests by the 5. We provide unlimited purified drinking water. pound. afternoons and late at night.

and October are the rainy times. During most of

6. We do make available our yoga props. This

check to be sure studios are available.

includes mats, straps, blankets and blocks. Please

THE LOREM IPSUMS At Villa Sumaya

Harmony Spa

SPRING 2012

Spa Treatments Eco Sumaya Tour

Pool, Hot Tub & Sauna

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

Kayaking Shopping

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 Other

Clairvoyant Reading Shamanic Egg Clearing Feldenkrais Wellness Counseling

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 prearranged with our in-house guide.. Tours - $ 10 per person, 2 minimum and 24-hour cancellation.

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.

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

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

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

perfect time to benefit from a cleansing sweat in our sauna.

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.

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.
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THE LOREM Welcome Kit IPSUMS for Guests

Yoga or M editation Props:

SPRING 2012 2012/13

! 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

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 getting 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

! 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. ! Villa 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.

Thank - You

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.

Posada Los Bucaros , (they have four

different locations in Antigua) Tels. (502) 7832 2346 Single Room: $35.00 Double Room: $45.00 Triple Room: $50.00 E-mail: losbucaros@intelnett.com

Rates/ Taxes Included

Meson Panza Verde

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

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

Hotel Real Plaza

Tel. (502) 7832 2239

E-mail: hotelrealplaza@intelnett.com

10 it is fine, the cost around $70 and also about $100.

Rates /Taxes included Single Room: $55.00 Double Room: $65.00 Triple Room: $75.00

Otelito stay@otelito.com is in Zone 10,

All hotels in Guatemala are required to charge a 22% hotel tax.