Into the Jungle: Exploring the Maya World of Spirit & Adventure- An immersive retreat rooted in responsible travel, conservation, cultural connection, reciprocity, and the spirit of adventure.
Escape into the lush jungles and sacred landscapes of Belize for an extraordinary retreat rooted in adventure, spirituality, conservation, and meaningful human connection. This immersive experience invites you to journey through the rich history of the Maya world while deepening your relationship with yourself, nature, and the communities that have cared for this land for generations. Through a thoughtful blend of adventure, somatic awareness, personal reflection, and cultural immersion, you will experience the powerful energy of the Belizean rainforest while cultivating presence, resilience, and intentional growth.
Created by Apryl Nicole, this retreat was designed to bring more adventure, play, healing, and presence into the human experience. After traveling to Belize for more than 12 years and building relationships that have become like family, Apryl has intentionally curated an experience that extends far beyond tourism. Every aspect of this retreat has been created to foster authentic relationships with the land, the people, and the cultural traditions that make Belize so extraordinary. Participants will explore the jungle through guided adventures, horseback experiences centered on nervous system regulation and connection, sacred cave exploration, wildlife encounters, and immersive activities that encourage emotional grounding, self reflection, and personal expansion.
At the heart of this retreat is a commitment to conservation and responsible travel. We believe that visiting places of incredible ecological and cultural significance comes with the responsibility to protect them for future generations. Throughout the retreat, participants will learn the importance of environmental stewardship, support conservation initiatives, and engage in experiences that encourage a deeper appreciation for Belize’s diverse ecosystems. Whether walking through ancient forests, exploring sacred cave systems, or encountering native wildlife, every experience is approached with reverence, education, and respect for the delicate balance between people and nature.
Equally important is our commitment to reciprocity. Transformation should never come at the expense of the communities that make these experiences possible. A portion of this retreat directly supports local community initiatives, conservation efforts, and charitable organizations within Belize. We are proud to partner with local guides, businesses, and families, ensuring that this experience contributes to the long term wellbeing of both the people and the environment.
Responsible travel is more than minimizing our footprint. It is about moving through another culture with humility, curiosity, gratitude, and care. It means honoring local traditions, supporting local economies, protecting natural resources, respecting wildlife, and recognizing that we are guests on land that holds deep cultural and historical significance. Our hope is that each participant leaves not only feeling personally transformed, but also inspired to become a more mindful steward of the world around them, carrying forward the values of conservation, reciprocity, and ethical connection long after the retreat has ended.
What’s Included:
• 8 Nights Lodging: We will be staying in luxurious, fully equipped casitas nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Belizean Amazon jungle. These stylish, private accommodations offer a perfect blend of comfort and immersion into the natural world, providing a serene environment for reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of the jungle, your stay will be a true retreat from the outside world. Accommodations are shared between 2 to 3 people per room, and booking with a friend is highly recommended for added comfort and connection.
• Transportation: All necessary transportation during the retreat is provided, including round-trip transportation to and from the airport as well as travel to all excursion sites, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
• 7 Excursions with Gratuity Included: The retreat includes five transformative excursions led by experienced local guides who are also close friends of Apryl. Each guide is deeply connected to the land, its spiritual energy, and its traditions, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience throughout every adventure.
• Meals on Retreat Days: All dinners throughout the retreat are included. Lunch is provided on scheduled retreat excursion days, while breakfasts and lunches on non excursion days are not included. Breakfast and any lunches outside of scheduled retreat activities may be enjoyed at the on site restaurant at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge. We’ll also provide recommendations for local dining options whenever we’re out exploring, giving you the opportunity to experience some of Belize’s wonderful cuisine during the retreat.
• Workshop Curriculum: The retreat includes a guided workshop series on spiritual practices, ancestral healing, and Mayan shamanic traditions. You’ll receive personal guidance and learn about the spiritual significance of the land, connecting with both the local culture and your own inner wisdom.
What’s Not Included:
Flights to and from Belize: Participants are responsible for booking their flights to and from Belize. We recommend arriving a day before the retreat begins to ensure a relaxed start.
Meals on Non-Excursion Days: Breakfasts and lunches on non excursion days are not included. Breakfast and any lunches outside of scheduled retreat activities may be enjoyed at the on site restaurant at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge.
Mandatory Criteria: To ensure a smooth and enriching experience for all participants, please note the following mandatory criteria:
Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport that will not expire within the 6months of departure.
Physical Health: You must be in good physical shape, able to walk long distances, and cope with the humid Belizean climate. Many excursions involve walking through dense jungles or climbing Mayan ruins. Must be able to swim even though life vests are provided.
Dietary Flexibility: Participants must not have dietary restrictions, as we will be dining with native communities and eating traditional meals prepared from locally available foods. This is a chance to embrace the full cultural experience with gratitude.
Comfort with Darkness & Tight Spaces: Some excursions, such as cave exploration, require you to be comfortable in dark, confined spaces. A sense of adventure and openness is essential!
A Fun & Open Spirit: This retreat is about spiritual growth, adventure, and connection. We encourage participants to embrace the experience with a fun-loving attitude and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone.
No Drama Llamas: We’re looking for fun, adventurous humans who are excited to laugh, build genuine connections, and enjoy this experience together in a judgment free space. Leave projections, gossip, and unnecessary drama at home. Come with an open heart, a good sense of humor, and a willingness to support one another.
Excursion Itinerary:
Each excursion is designed to provide a deep, hands-on spiritual connection with the land and its rich cultural heritage. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Horse Connection, Somatic Awareness & Jungle Horseback Riding: One of the most unique aspects of this retreat is the integration of experiential horse connection work woven throughout the journey, including guided horseback riding through the jungles of Belize. These experiences are not centered around performance or riding skill, but around presence, emotional awareness, nervous system regulation, trust building, and understanding how the body communicates through sensation and energy. Horses naturally mirror human emotional states and offer powerful opportunities for co regulation, grounding, and self reflection. Through guided activities both on the ground and horseback, participants will explore connection, boundaries, intuition, somatic awareness, and relational dynamics in a deeply experiential way. Riding through the lush jungle terrain alongside wildlife, rivers, and ancient landscapes offers a profound opportunity to reconnect with both nature and self while immersing in the powerful spirit and energy of Belize. As the day comes to a close, we’ll gather at the stables for a community bonfire surrounded by the horses. Enjoy catered pizza and wine while sharing stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations with fellow retreat participants and members of the local community. This evening is an opportunity to slow down, deepen the connections made throughout the day, and experience the warmth, hospitality, and sense of belonging that make Belize so special.
Sacred Ceremonial Cave Experience: Journey into the rainforest at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge for a guided hike to one of the property’s sacred ceremonial caves. Led by a Maya spiritual educator and hiking guide, this experience offers an opportunity to learn about the history, traditions, and cultural significance of this ancient ceremonial site. Along the trail, you’ll gain insight into Maya beliefs, their connection to the natural world, and the importance of protecting and honoring these sacred places. Inside the cave, you will encounter multiple preserved human remains that have been left undisturbed in their original resting places. These remarkable archaeological discoveries provide a rare glimpse into ancient Maya ceremonial practices. Your guide will share the spiritual and historical significance of ritual sacrifice within Maya culture, the beliefs that shaped these ceremonies, and the archaeological evidence that has helped historians better understand this sacred site. Throughout the experience, the emphasis remains on cultural education, reverence, and preservation. This experience offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Belize’s rich Maya heritage while exploring one of the country’s most sacred and historically significant landscapes.
Caracol: Venture to the remote and awe-inspiring ruins of Caracol, one of the largest Mayan cities in Belize. Known for its significant role in Mayan cosmology and astronomy, this excursion will provide a rare opportunity to connect with ancient energies and explore the ruins’ hidden secrets. As we meditate and reflect, you will be invited to tune into the spiritual presence of the ancestors who once lived there.
Cave Tubing & Sacred Cenote at Jaguar Paw: Travel into the Belizean rainforest for a day of adventure, history, and natural beauty at Jaguar Paw. Begin with a scenic hike through the jungle before floating by inner tube through an ancient cave system once used by the Maya for ceremonial purposes. As you drift along the underground river, you’ll experience impressive limestone formations, crystal clear waters, and the unique atmosphere of these sacred caves. The excursion also includes time to swim in Jaguar Paw’s beautiful cenote, a natural freshwater sinkhole surrounded by lush tropical forest. Along the way, learn about the cultural significance of these sacred waters and the rich history of the Maya civilization while experiencing one of Belize’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
Snorkel & Marine Conservation at Silk Cayes: Depart from Hopkins by boat for a scenic journey to the Silk Cayes, located along the Belize Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and the second largest barrier reef in the world. This excursion focuses on marine conservation while exploring one of Belize’s most vibrant underwater ecosystems. Snorkel among thriving live coral reefs and encounter colorful tropical fish, graceful stingrays, sea turtles, and gentle nurse sharks in their natural habitat. Along the way, learn about the importance of reef conservation and the ongoing efforts to protect this extraordinary marine environment for future generations.
Birdwatching, Conservation & Tree Planting Ceremony: Experience the incredible biodiversity of Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, situated on thousands of acres of protected rainforest that provide a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of bird species. Guided by local experts, you’ll learn about bird conservation efforts, the ecological importance of native birds, and the role the surrounding rainforest plays in supporting Belize’s diverse wildlife. Sleeping Giant has become an important habitat for many resident and migratory species, offering exceptional opportunities for birdwatching while gaining a deeper appreciation for conservation in action. Following the birdwatching experience, we will participate in a meaningful tree planting ceremony. Together, we’ll plant a native fruiting tree that will provide food and habitat for local birds and wildlife for years to come. Each tree will be geotagged, allowing you to return on future visits to see how it has grown and the lasting impact it has made on the surrounding ecosystem. This experience is an opportunity to give back to the land while creating a living legacy that supports Belize’s remarkable wildlife and rainforest for generations to come.
Making Sense of Your Senses: Gather on the open-air yoga deck at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, surrounded by lush rainforest and overlooking the gently flowing river, for a grounding and immersive intuitive development experience. This workshop is designed to help you better understand how your intuition naturally communicates through the body and mind. Together, we’ll explore the different intuitive senses, learn how the nervous system influences spiritual connection, and discover practical ways to distinguish intuition from fear, projection, and wishful thinking. Through guided exercises, mindfulness, and experiential practice, you’ll strengthen your awareness of clairvoyance, clairsentience, claircognizance, clairaudience, and the subtle ways your unique intuitive language unfolds. Emphasis will be placed on building confidence through curiosity rather than perfection, while developing discernment, trust, and ethical responsibility in your intuitive practice. Surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the peaceful energy of the river, this experience offers the perfect environment to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and deepen your relationship with your own inner wisdom.
Traditional Maya Cooking Experience: Step into the heart of Maya culture through a hands on cooking experience led by a Maya cultural educator. Together, you’ll learn the history and significance behind traditional Maya recipes while preparing authentic dishes using locally sourced ingredients and time honored cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. Throughout the experience, you’ll gain insight into the cultural traditions, storytelling, and deep connection between food, family, and the land. After preparing the meal together, we’ll gather around the table to enjoy a beautiful dinner, sharing conversation, community, and the flavors of Belize. More than a cooking class, this experience is an opportunity to connect with Maya culture through hospitality, tradition, and the simple joy of preparing and sharing a meal together.
Why This Retreat Is for You:
This retreat is not for the faint of heart. It’s a journey into the wild heart of Belize and an opportunity to connect deeply with nature, ancient Maya wisdom, and your own spiritual journey. Through this retreat, you will explore the rich spiritual landscape of the Maya, learning about the interconnectedness of the Underworld, the Current World, and the Upper World—the three realms of existence in Mayan cosmology.
You’ll gain a profound understanding of how the Maya view the cycles of life and death, transformation, and spiritual growth. The Mayans believed that these realms are not separate but are woven together, and during this retreat, you will learn how to journey through them—through sacred sites, powerful ceremonies, and transformative experiences.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or new to adventure, this experience will stretch your boundaries, deepen your understanding of the spiritual world, and provide lifelong memories. By immersing yourself in Mayan spirituality, you will experience a profound sense of connection to the universe and begin to unlock the hidden energies of the earth.
This retreat is perfect for anyone who feels called to explore their own spirituality, dive deep into the ancient wisdom of the Maya, and connect to the elements in a truly transformative way. Come and step into the energy of the land, the fire of the ceremonies, and the deep wisdom of a culture that has honored these sacred teachings for centuries.
Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate, personalized experience. This retreat will fill up quickly—reserve your spot today!
*Please note that portions of the itinerary may shift depending on accessibility, weather, local guidance, and the overall retreat experience.*
RETREAT BEGINS OCTOBER 19TH-27TH
Investment Exchange: $3650.00 per person.
• $1000 Nonrefundable Deposit: Secure your spot with a nonrefundable deposit of $1000. This ensures that we can hold your place and start preparing for your retreat experience.
• Further Payment Schedule: First Installment of $1325.00 will be due September 1st. Final Installment of $1325.00 will be due October 1st.
• All payments are nonrefundable, as we prepare custom, intimate experiences for a limited group.