Culture Chalk
Culture Chalk invites families to embark on an unforgettable cultural immersion experience in the picturesque town of San Juan La Laguna, nestled by Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. Designed for families with children aged 5 and up, this program combines traditional life skills, adventurous activities, and meaningful connections with the local community.
Accommodations are thoughtfully chosen to minimize the impact of tourism, with all properties leased from local families. Options range from private rooms with shared bathrooms starting at $2,800 per month to luxurious bungalows with private kitchens for $4,400 per month. Each stay supports the local economy and includes stunning lake views, access to communal spaces, and modern amenities such as Starlink Wi-Fi.
The program pricing includes daily breakfast, weekly Spanish lessons, biweekly boat tours, and monthly guided hikes or tours. Additional perks include supervised arts and crafts activities for children, “family pairing” with a local family, and sustainable community service opportunities. The immersive nature of Culture Chalk’s programs ensures participants leave with enhanced cultural literacy, life skills, and cherished memories.
Families can enjoy workshops led by local artisans, including weaving with Concepcion, tailoring with Don Pablo, and cooking Guatemalan tortillas. Outdoor adventures like horseback riding, sunrise hikes, and kayaking offer a blend of education and recreation, while excursions such as cacao tours and tuk-tuk village tours showcase the vibrant Guatemalan culture.
Culture Chalk’s website: https://www.culturechalk.org/
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Meet the Team
Culture Chalk was founded by a Canadian family of seven who relocated to Lake Atitlán during the pandemic. Deeply inspired by the saying, “It takes a village,” they created Culture Chalk to bridge cultures and give families a practice run at community living. Over the years, the family has built strong connections with their neighbors, creating programs that foster meaningful, long-lasting relationships between international guests and Guatemalan locals.
The team, led by Christina, Owen, and Simon, brings a personal touch to every retreat:
Christina coordinates immersive activities with local artisans, such as tortilla-making classes and weaving workshops.
Owen manages logistics, including transport arrangements and community dinners, ensuring a seamless experience for guests.
Simon leads outdoor adventures, including sunrise hikes with campfire breakfasts, combining exploration with cultural appreciation.
Guided by their values of respect, faith, and community, the family has created a space where guests feel welcomed, supported, and connected to the local culture. Culture Chalk’s mission is to foster mutual learning and meaningful exchanges, creating opportunities for families to immerse themselves in Guatemalan traditions while supporting the local economy.
Venue Details
Accommodations range from private rooms to bungalows, all with stunning lake views. Each option includes access to communal spaces, fire pits, gardens, and a jacuzzi. Locally leased properties support sustainable tourism while providing comfortable and unique stays.
Cancellation Policy
No information available
What's Included
Daily breakfast (e.g., fresh fruit, waffles, coffee, eggs), biweekly boat tours to neighboring villages, weekly Spanish lessons with local tutors, family pairing for cultural exchange, monthly guided hikes or tours (e.g., volcanoes, coffee farms), supervised arts and crafts activities for children, sustainable community service activities (biweekly). airport shuttles, and Starlink Wi-Fi access.