Many come to Guatemala in hopes of meeting the people, and leave having only seen the sights.

At Aflorecer we will do more than meet each other. We will sing and dance and play. We will share meals, tell our life stories, and become friends. Above all, we will experience what it means to flourish.

Art school and retreat center

A space for relaxation, healing, cultural exchange

We are building an art school and retreat center overlooking Lake Atitlán, providing a space for relaxation, healing, cultural exchange and an overall celebration of life. Proceeds from the retreat center will pay for the operation of the school.

The school will be free to the residents of Chuitzanchaj, a remote mountain village of 150 indigenous families, and guests will be encouraged to participate, as much as they desire.

In addition to music and art, activities will include yoga, tai chi, massage, acupuncture, herbal medicine, Kaqchikel (local Mayan language), Spanish, spinning/weaving/knitting, hiking with pack goats....and the list goes on. You name it.

August 2019

Bring your skills and talents, anything from storytelling to stilt walking. Projected Grand Opening, August 2019.

Please Donate

Many Hands Make Light Work

About Us

Esperanza is from San Marcos La Laguna, a small village on Lake Atitlán. She has worked with children for 15 years. Today, San Marcos is a popular tourist destination, but when Esperanza was growing up, there were no roads or electricity. Seeing firsthand how many projects have benefited her village, she decided to build a project in a neighboring village where the children have little access to art or music, and few opportunities to meet people from other cultures. Clark discovered his passion for holistic therapies in the 90s, started his career as a massage therapist in 2001 and a yoga teacher in 2003. In 2004 he moved to San Marcos and met Esperanza. He is currently studying to be a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine.

Dream Builders:
Felipe, Pedro, Francisco, Bartolo, Adan,
Esperanza, Clark