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Join us for this 10-day/9-night immersive program that integrates permaculture, sustainable living principles, and ecovillage design; curated to provide extensive hands-on learning and insightful journeys into ecological stewardship. 

Hosted by Granja Tzikin in the picturesque village of Tzununa, this experience is a deep dive into the principles of permaculture, agroforestry, water conservation, and community building, culminating in transformative knowledge and practical skills for sustainable living. 

Each day brings a new area of engagement:

• Day 1 // Welcome and Orientation: Traditional Mayan fire ceremony to set intentions, followed by an orientation session and dinner with locally sourced ingredients.
• Day 2 // Grow New Eyes: Train with an organic gardening class and farm tour before ending the day with a relaxing sauna.
• Day 3 // Water Day: Learn about the global water cycle and conservation projects, engage in practical activities like tree planting, and watch a documentary on the worldwide water crisis.
• Day 4 // Regenerative Health: Explore the relationship between healthy soils and human health, composting workshop, and food fermentation session.
• Day 5 // Community Building and Herbalism: Integral theory and community building class, a tour of local projects, and an herbalism workshop at Casa Curativa before enjoying a soothing sauna in the evening.
• Day 6 // The Mycelium Network: Introduction to mushroom growing, practical sessions on cultivation, making medicinal tinctures, and an integration circle.
• Day 7 // Coffee and Agroforestry: Visit a community coffee project, Casa Miels’ bee-keeping initiative, and an evening of reflection in an integration circle.
• Day 8 // Visit to Quixaya: Travel to Quixaya to explore their food forest, relax in natural spring-fed pools, and return to Tzununa for dinner and an integration circle.
• Day 9 // Relax and Integrate: Paddleboarding on Lake Atitlan, breakfast, and a closing ceremony to reflect on the journey.

This 10-day immersive program will give you detailed manuals and eBooks summarizing your learnings, along with new practical skills to help create a fully integrated ecovillage of your own. Our passionate and knowledgeable instructors are dedicated to sharing their extensive expertise in permaculture, regenerative skills, and sustainable living.

Join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of ecological resilience and community at the Ecological Community Immersion Program.

Granja Tz’ikin provides a serene and enriching environment where guests can delve into the principles of permaculture and organic farming. Visitors can partake in farm tours, hands-on workshops, and community events, gaining valuable insights into sustainable practices. The on-site restaurant and bar offer a delightful array of meals created from locally produced organic ingredients, ensuring that every guest leaves with both their hearts and stomachs full.

Meet the Visionaries:

• Neal Hegarty:
  Neal, a dedicated permaculture educator, brings years of experience in sustainable project management to Granja Tz’ikin. His passion lies in creating harmonious communities through ecological stewardship. Neal’s expertise and enthusiasm for teaching holistic land management practices have made him an invaluable mentor to both locals and visitors.
• Adriana Villalobos:
  Adriana, a visionary in integrative health and wellness, plays a pivotal role in weaving holistic health practices into the fabric of Granja Tz’ikin. Her background in herbalism and community health initiatives contributes to the farm’s mission of nurturing both the land and its people. Adriana’s guidance ensures that every guest experiences a balance of physical well-being and connection to nature.
• Jeremy Fellows:
  Jeremy, an expert in agroforestry and ecological design, complements the team with his vast knowledge of integrating diverse agricultural systems. His creative approach to sustainable design and deep understanding of ecological relationships pair perfectly with the farm's goals. Jeremy’s leadership in implementing innovative farming techniques ensures that Granja Tz’ikin remains at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices.

Granja Tz’ikin stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. Under the stewardship of Neal, Adriana, and Jeremy, the farm continues to grow as a model for sustainable living and community resilience. Whether your visit is to learn, relax, or immerse yourself in nature’s bounty, Granja Tz’ikin offers a transformative experience for all who visit.

When you arrive at Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, your host will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors before embarking on a 3.5-hour shuttle ride to Lake Atitlan. 

As you arrive to Granja Tzikin, your host will welcome you, ensure a seamless check-in process before settling in, and invite you to enjoy a siesta or take an afternoon tour of the town with fellow guests. 

After a peaceful afternoon, we host our Bienvenidos dinner to review the itinerary, discuss logistics, answer any questions, and embrace the beginning of a wonderful week of learning before setting intentions during a Mayan fire ceremony. 

The morning awakens with a serene yoga and meditation session, welcoming your first full day at Granja Tzikin and preparing you for the day's adventures. 

After a breakfast bursting with fresh flavors from the farm’s organic produce, you delve into the fascinating world of permaculture design. The principles you’ll learn here are about growing food and creating abundance in harmony with nature. 

As the day unfolds, you tour the vibrant Granja Tzikin, harvesting produce that will nourish you throughout the week. With hands deep in the soil, you embrace organic gardening, feeling a profound connection to the natural world. 

The day concludes in a warm, aromatic sauna, where the sweat of hard work mingles with the tranquility of the setting sun.

Water, the essence of life, takes center stage today!

After the early morning stillness of yoga and enjoying a delicious breakfast, we begin our exploration into the world of water. Through the lens of the Water For Life initiatives, you witness how biofiltration transforms dirty water into a resource, a testament to human ingenuity and community effort. The afternoon’s practical session involves tree planting, contributing to a sustainable future. As dusk falls, a savory dinner followed by the compelling documentary "One Water" deepens your understanding of the global water crisis and your unique role in its solution.

Begin your day with yoga and meditation, grounding yourself for the insights to come. Post-breakfast, explore the intricate links between healthy soils, guts, and humanity. A hands-on composting class teaches you how to turn waste into valuable bio-char, nurturing fertile ground for growth. The afternoon’s highlight is a vibrant session on food fermentation with Michelle from Love Probiotics, where you discover the art of creating nourishing, homemade concoctions like sauerkraut and kombucha. The day wraps up with a communal dinner and a relaxing movie, fostering connection and reflection.

Today delves into the heart of community living. After the morning’s yoga and breakfast, a class on Integral Theory and community building unveils the successes and lessons learned at Granja Tzikin. Touring the farm’s impactful projects offers firsthand encounters with neighbors who embody permaculture principles. The afternoon is dedicated to herbalism with Julia at Casa Curativa, inspiring you to integrate these healing practices into your own life. The day’s journey concludes with a therapeutic sauna session, a perfect end to a day rich with knowledge and communal spirit.

The mysterious and medicinal world of mushrooms awaits. After nourishing yoga and breakfast, the Fungi Academy introduces you to mushroom growing. Practical sessions teach you how to cultivate mushrooms at home, transforming your understanding of these incredible organisms. The afternoon focuses on their medicinal properties, learning to create tinctures that can be used for health and wellness. The evening’s dinner and integration circle provide a space to reflect and share insights, bonding with like-minded people on this transformative journey.

An exploration of agroforestry starts with morning yoga and a visit to Shangrila’s community coffee initiative. Discover how the community enhances their coffee plantations through sustainable practices. The tour continues after a coffee break, diving into the symbiotic relationship between coffee production and beekeeping at Casa Miels. Here, you learn how bees boost crop yields and produce exquisite honey, embodying the harmony between nature and agriculture. Dinner and an integration circle offer a space to weave together the threads of knowledge and experience gained throughout the day.

An early boat ride takes us to Quixaya, crossing Lake Atitlan to the “boca costa.” Here, you witness an indigenous community thriving on permaculture principles, creating a paradise on earth at CEPEK. A tour of their food forests and relaxing in their natural spring-fed pools are highlights of the day, showcasing the power of harmony with nature. The local community provides meals, enriching the experience with their hospitality and depth of knowledge. Returning to Tuzunana, dinner and an integration circle help you process this inspiring day.

The final day begins with serene paddle boarding on Lake Atitlan at dawn, a peaceful close to your journey. After a leisurely breakfast, a closing ceremony offers space to reflect on your experiences and intentions set at the beginning. As you prepare to return home, you carry with you a renewed vision and practical knowledge to cultivate your own piece of paradise, inspired by Guatemala’s rich lessons in sustainability and community.

On the final day of your memorable week, guests will start their morning with a delightful breakfast before departing for La Aurora International Airport. Your dedicated travel team will ensure a seamless and relaxed experience, allowing guests to savor their last moments in the enchanting destination.