Do you feel called to cultivate a deeper connection with your community and ecosystem? Join a global mycelial network of leaders, healers, and connectors at the Human Mycelium Retreat new Dates TBA, at Fungi Academy HQ in beautiful Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
The Human Mycelium Retreat is an offering unlike any other. We combine relational skill-building workshops, fungal education, field trips around the Lake, and daily somatic practices. Together with a small group of like-minded humans and world-class facilitators, we weave a safe, supportive, and fun space to learn, share, and grow!
You will leave the Human Mycelium Retreat with more clarity on your gifts and areas you can grow, more ability to ask for and receive what you need, and a stronger sense of what matters most to you. You will notice powerful and positive changes in how you show up for yourself and others. You’ll be lit up by what feels possible, and well-resourced to get out there and make it happen. This is revealing and healing work!
This is not only a mushroom retreat, it’s also a human retreat that integrates fungal wisdom into building human networks. We’re guided by the teachings of fungi as connectors of the forest to strengthen and empower community leaders.
We are located in the Guatemalan Highlands, the heartland of ancient Mayan civilization. We are surrounded by volcanoes, lush cloud forests, and the stunning Lake Atitlán. This is a uniquely inspiring learning environment!
Become a node in the mycelial network. Collaboration is the foundation of our learning environment. The more meaningful connections in a network, the stronger it is. By learning together with everyone, you weave yourself into a global web and form bonds that last.
It’s fun to live and learn together while we keep ourselves healthy and centered. Yoga, nature walks, sauna, swimming, and meditation are some of the holistic lifestyle elements that help keep us nurtured and ready to lead. We serve vegetarian food that is fresh, local, and deeply nourishing.
People come to the retreat from all walks of life, for all sorts of reasons.
Though individual situations and motivations are different our participants always have a lot in common!
If you’re feeling a full body YES from one or more of these, the Human Mycelium Retreat is the experience for you! There is never a better time than now
to invest in yourself.
Our planet needs more compassionate, empowered humans who are motivated to co-create the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.
Step out of your daily grind for 10 days of fun, fungal education, and connection!
Authentic Relating is a toolkit for effective relationships. Rooted in 30 years of behavioral science research, Authentic Relating provides a simple and powerful framework for leadership in any relational context, professional or personal. Simply put, Authentic Relating practices
help us be better humans!
Through Authentic Relating, you will learn how to create strong and reciprocal relationships within human networks, mirroring the mycelial wisdom of fungi.
The practices of Authentic Relating sharpen our skills to create meaningful connections, build alliances, and navigate conflict. Facilitated as games, the training provided in this retreat is designed to build emotional intelligence and communication skills in a fun, playful, and
deeply connecting way.
The practical skills you learn from Authentic Relating can also improve how you run your projects or business. You will strengthen your leadership abilities and learn how to show up in your life with greater integrity. Level up your relational skills and make rich new friendships at the same time!
Jasper Degenaars is a mycologist, educator, and creator. With 12+ years of mushroom cultivation experience and over 2,500 students taught since 2019, he illuminates the intricate world of fungi with passion and expertise.
With a wealth of knowledge in mycology and community living, he nurtures a deep connection between people and the Fungal Kingdom, fostering ecological stewardship and sustainable practices. Jasper has co-created 20+ educational experiences and retreats on top of countless in-person workshops and classes he has taught all over the world.
With a penchant for interdisciplinary collaboration, he cultivates diverse communities of learners, empowering them to explore the symbiotic relationship between fungi, people, and their environments.
Gabe is a goal whisperer and connection nerd helping his fellow humans transform their lives by aligning with purpose, embracing nuance, and embodying authenticity.
He left his tech job to travel the world by bicycle, and in the process found his calling in coaching. He’s been working with the Fungi Academy leadership team since 2019.
Rooted in curiosity, experiential learning, and a spirit of play, Gabe creates an atmosphere of trust and depth that allows individuals and teams to unlock potential and create effective connections with self and others. His approach to personal growth is rooted in neuroscience-based CoActive coaching techniques and Authentic Relating, with a heaping spoonful of Japanese philosophy on top. He has coached and facilitated for clients in many contexts, from Fortune 500 leaders to entrepreneurs and holistic healers.
He has been working with psychedelics personally for decades, and has a wealth of experience to draw upon when helping clients with psychedelic journeys and integration. He has trained with Zendo Project for psychedelic harm reduction at major festivals including Burning Man.
Gabe currently lives in Boulder, Colorado, USA. He’s passionate about cycling, foraging wild mushrooms, and the transformative power of psychedelics. You can learn more about Gabe’s work, his story,
and connect with him on his website.
Meet Karena, a multifaceted mushroom mama with a passion for wellness, movement, and community living in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. With almost a decade of yoga teaching and fitness training, she blends her past life as a wellness blogger and influencer into her current endeavors.
Operating Fungi Academy is her labor of love, she cultivates spaces for growth, connection, and transformation. While skilled in event organizing, social media marketing, and project management, her true passion lies in curating sacred journey spaces.
Recently trained as a birth doula, she extends her support into the realm of birth work and prenatal yoga, further expanding her capacity to support and empower others on their most sacred medicine journey, motherhood.
"The Authentic Relating is something I'm going to take with me for the rest of my life
and every single situation that I encounter."
"The lessons that fungi bring to the world is there’s no barrier to connection"
"The authentic relating from Gabe is the biggest take away for me"
"I feel refreshed, recentered, more knowledgeable. The teachings are amazing, the facilitators are so knowledgeable and it shows."
"Theres a lot more here than just mushrooms, its about yourself, and others and finding that we’re a lot alike"
"I have so much gratitude for Fungi Academy, to provide deep healing and wisdom for anyone who feels called to do the work."
Nestled in the small Mayan village of Tzununá on the gorgeous Lake Atitlán, our retreat space is a uniquely inspiring learning environment. Many classes take place in our elevated, open-air yoga shala, which is surrounded by lush jungle, our garden filled with edible and medicinal plants and a mountain stream you can swim in!
Here you can relax away from the hustle and bustle and simply enjoy the abundance and serenity of
this stunning space.
While most of the Human Mycelium Retreat is spent on our property, we also embark on field trips to other locations around Tzununá and the Lake, including a mushroom foraging hike led by a local Mayan guide, a visit to a serene nature reserve and an afternoon in nearby San Marcos where you can experience the unique charm of lakeside country towns and support the rich traditions of local Mayan artisans.
For an optimal learning experience we have limited the group size to 16 participants.
To ensure our limited spots are available to a diverse range of people, we have decided to work with an application form.
After your application has been accepted by the Fungi Academy Family you are able to secure your spot by paying a $500, non-refundable deposit. Booking a call with one of our facilitators does not require any deposit.
Step 1: Apply for Free
Step 2: Book a no-strings attached call with one of our facilitators
Step 3: Get accepted & pay deposit!
*The early bird spots will be given to the first 4 participants that have paid their deposit.
**This price includes shared accommodation. Limited private accommodation is available for an extra fee.
*** Scholarship opportunities are available
Effective Connection creates transformational growth for individuals, leaders and groups through powerful coaching and facilitation. They believe thriving is natural when we connect to what matters most. Their core values are curiosity, aliveness and authenticity
Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) is the nearest international airport.
Travelling Economically
You can either take a shared shuttle bus or a private shuttle to get to Panajachel (the biggest town on the lake). From Panajachel, you can take a Lancha (public boat) to Tzununa. In Tzununa, you will easily find a TukTuk driver who will happily take you to the Fungi Academy! (Locals know it as the Ashram).
Shuttles to Panajachel can be found here
Private shuttle or car
There are plenty of private options available to take you directly to Panajachel or Tzununa on Lake Atitlan. You can either arrange one yourself outside of the airport terminal or book one through an agency at the airport.
As our student, we can help you organise a private car to the Lake!
Please note that flights and transportation to and from Fungi Academy are not included. Any expenses related to travel arrangements are the participant’s responsibility and are not included in the tuition fee.
Our retreats are jam-packed, so there will not be time during the retreat for you to visit other areas of Guatemala. Whilst we do have some excursions included in our program, if you want to see more of this beautiful country then we strongly encourage you to extend your stay by a few extra days to enjoy the many wonders Guatemala has to offer.
Antigua: A beautiful town not too far from the airport full of art, culture, and amazing food, all surrounded by epic volcanos, including Fuego, Acatenango and Pacaya. You can organise a tour to hike up Acatenango to get up close and personal with lava!
Maya Papaya is a beautiful and clean hostel with private and shared rooms. If you are looking for a spa getaway, we recommend Hotel Santo Domingo.
Our Restaurant list for foodies:
Guatemala City: The location of the nearest International Airport. Hostel Villa Toscana has been recommended by our students who arrive late in the evening or want to stay close to the airport for an early flight.
Lake Atitlan: There is plenty to do on this beautiful Lake! Amazing sunrise hikes, climbing volcanos, swimming or paddle-boarding out on the lake, yoga, ecstatic dance, ceremonies, open mic nights, and so much more! You can take courses in Spanish, permaculture at Atitlan Organics or herbalism at Casa Curativa. You will find lots of variety in Tzununa, San Marcos or the other communities around the lake. Lush, Picnic, Maya Moon, and Eagles Nest, are all beautiful spaces to stay in before or after the course.
Other places to see: The ancient ruins of Tikal, the wonderous pools of Semuc Champey, the surfy town of El Paredon, or the jungly beaches of Livingstone… Guatemala is beautiful, ancient and wild!
For more accommodation options, you can check out Airbnb and Booking.com
Our course price includes shared accommodation in one of our neighbours’ rustic but comfy dormitories or in a tent.
Private accommodation, in a room or a teepee, is available for an additional fee, though it is limited and on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you requested private accommodation and are successful, you will receive an email from us confirming the additional fee.
Please let us know if you snore or are a loud sleeper – we will make arrangements to ensure everybody gets a good night’s sleep!
Accommodation begins on November 7th and ends on November 16th.
You must arrive at Fungi Academy after 12 pm for check-in, but before 2 pm so you do not miss any first-day activities. Checkout is 11am.
Our own amazing jungle property is close to a river, filled with bananas, avocados, dragon fruit, zapotes and all the following amenities:
There is NO smoking, drinking alcohol, or meat allowed on our property.
Yes! All our meals are vegetarian by default (we get happy chicken eggs from our neighbours’ permaculture properties), and our in-house chef has no problems catering to your needs!
There is no drinking alcohol, smoking, or meat allowed on the property.
On the first day of the course, only dinner will be served. On the closing day only breakfast will be served.
Please let us know your preference, and we will make sure your belly and body are healthy and happy!
Yes! There are dogs and cats at Fungi Academy (future new furry friends for you!). If you have allergies, please let us know as soon as you can so we can place you in an appropriate room.
This year we are introducing our new Decompression Package! For an additional fee you will be able to stay at Fungi Academy for some extra nights to relax and integrate after the course with accommodation, some meals, mind-body classes, massage, sauna and more!
Let us know if this is something you are interested in!
It is also possible that you could be able to stay on as a short-term resident after the course; however, we cannot guarantee your spot until you have arrived at the Academy and we’ve gotten to know each other! If you’re interested in this possibility, make sure to notify us when you arrive!
Guatemala is wild and free! You are coming on an adventure, there will be bugs, the dirt roads are windy and we cannot predict the weather – Come prepared!
It is recommended that you bring comfortable clothes for both warm and cold weather, a headlamp or flashlight, walking shoes, toiletries, reusable water bottle, journal/notebook, swimsuit, towel, sweater/rain jacket. It can get wet and cold in the afternoons. Ladies are recommended to bring reusable products, although it is not mandatory.
The currency of Guatemala is Quetzal. Currency exchange is available at the airport, any banks, and in some local markets in Lake Atitlan. There is also an ATM machine in San Marcos, the neighbouring town. Please come prepared with some cash, as there will not be much time to visit an ATM once the course has started!
Your deposit is non-refundable. If you cannot make it to the course, you can transfer to a Retreat/Course, though there will be a $200 transfer fee (unless you find a friend to take your place!). If you cancel less than 14 days before the start of the course, the transfer fee to a future course is $500.
There are no more COVID restrictions! You can enter Guatemala without a mask, test, or vaccination.
Ready to catch the worm – or in this case, a sweet discount? Early Bird prices are available on a first come first serve basis – whoever pays their deposits first! You will receive confirmation in your acceptance email if you have qualified for Early Bird (sometimes our system takes a second to update, so please wait for our confirmation).
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