Soul Projects

'Coming to Guatemala and joining Soul Projects has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Soul Projects has given me the tools to change my lifestyle for the better and to grow in ways I have never thought possible. There were definitely hardshops along the way, but I truly believe it was the hard times that enabled me to learn and change behaviours in myself that needed changing. This has been a life changing experience, and if you are looking for spiritual growth this is the place to find it.'

Soul Projects is new and small enough to provide me the motivation to get physically healthy during my travels and also the space to integrate some of the mental and spiritual lessons I'd been learning along the way. Buenos suerte a todos.

San Marcos la Laguna was a unique and special place for exploring alternative approaches to healthy living. Soul Projects gave me everything and more than I bargained for. I am certainly not the same person I was.

The Soul Projects expedition has been a great opportunity for me to learn, reflect and grow. Set in picturesque and spiritual San Marcos la Laguna, the surroundings and simple way of life granted me the time and space needed to clear my head and listen to the voice inside me that had been long muted. I was challenged in a number of ways, many unexpected, as by no means is the expedition supposed to be easy or like a vacation. I believe that real growth can only occur when you're forced to seek strength within, and for this reflection to take place you need to be jarred from a comfortable routine. I know that I am leaving the project a more conscious, spiritually in-tune person, and that was the goal that both myself and Soul Projects set out to achieve at the outset of the expedition.

A project that truly challenges your soul. It puts you out of your comfort zone, which is the place where you exactly need to be to be able to really grow. This has been 10 weeks with really everything! As anything can happen to you when you are living here in Guatemala, staying with a Mayan family, living in a tree hut in the mountains, teaching kids art, scuba diving and cleaning-up the lake and practicing yoga and meditation in the forest. This is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!

From sunrise on the lake to moonrise in the forest, the scenery was breathtaking; the perfect backdrop for getting in touch with nature and the kind of location that makes environmental clean up almost instinctive. The forest is an ideal place for exploring your spiritual side. Yoga makes a great start to the day you really feel like you've earned your breakfast! I really enjoyed the meditation too the sound of the trees really helps you to focus on the moment! The best way to experience the real culture of a place is to live with the people! Great for practicing your Spanish too and if you don't speak any, you soon will! I even picked up a few words of Kakchiquel during my stay a special privilege as the ancient Mayan dialect is only spoken here. People in the village are genuinely delighted when you make the effort to speak to them in their mother tongue. It is an awesome place to learn to scuba dive as well or to further your skills, whilst doing some good at the same time. A definite recommendation for those able. It was a very different experience for those who have volunteered on projects before, you'll love the chilled atmosphere and the chance to really embrace the local culture. And if you're new to this kind of thing? What are you waiting for?! There's a whole world of people, lives and experiences out there and this is a very good place to start.

I had a unique and challenging experience. I learned a lot of skills, all of which I can integrate into my life back home. I had a great time with amazing company. My experience has been fun, rewarding and memorable.

I'd been traveling for a bit and wasn't sure on my next step. Then I heard about this project. I thought it sounded amazing. I knew what the project involved but didn't really know what to expect. When I arrived, I couldn't believe how beautiful San Marcos was, and that I'd be spending the next 10 weeks here. San Marcos sits on a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Whenever I get the chance I go lay on the rocks and swim in the lake. San Marcos itself is a very spiritual place, with like-minded people, there are so many courses and things to get involved in. I did my Reiki 1 here. It's a really friendly laid back place. For the time spent in the village I have stayed with a Guatemalan family, which has been incredible, really seeing how a traditional family live and eat. It has also really improved my Spanish! For the rest of the time we're up in the mountains, sleeping in open tree-houses! This is where we do yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and lots of other lessons. I have learned so much, from how to live in the forest, to making tortillas! I have really opened up more to my spirituality, and have learned so much about myself. I felt this is exactly where I was supposed to be, and have benefited so much from this experience&plus, Marc and Lindsay are amazing!

After a few strenuous years this lovely place on Earth, gave me the peace needed to find the answers to my questions about life. I really enjoyed staying with a local family as well. It gave me a glimpse at the real Guatemalan way of life. Their hospitality and warmth amazed me. It made me remember how simple life can be, and how easy it is to forget about that sometimes.