We continue our report from our conversation with Juan Manuel from Taa'pi't in San Pedro La Laguna on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. The interview was conducted and transcribed by Cilla Utne from an interview with Juan Manuel earlier this spring.

The interview has been synthesized and translated from Spanish.

As the adoptive mother of a Guatemalan (Mayan) boy, and having lived in the country three times over the past two decades, it holds a very special place in my heart! We spent a couple of winters during Mateo’s kindergarten years living on Lake Atitlan, one of the most stunningly beautiful places I have had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in. It is a sacred place that holds great energetic power especially to the Mayan people living around this volcanic craterlake, situated a mile above sealevel and with three towering volcanoes by its’shores.

We’ve just returned from CCJ’s Pura Vida Costa Rica Healing Retreat, and the transformation is still palpable. Led by CCJ’s own Kat Sorensen, who guided the group with wisdom and warmth, the journey offered far more than just relaxation—it was a deep reset for body, mind, and soul. Kat’s gentle, daily yoga sessions grounded us each morning, helping us arrive more fully in the moment and in ourselves. Inspired by these nourishing practices, everyone on the tour left with a renewed commitment to continue their yoga journey back home.

What happens when business students leave the classroom and step into the heart of rural Guatemala? In this story of community, culture, and cross-cultural learning, students from the University of Washington explore how ancestral knowledge and social entrepreneurship are reshaping what it means to lead with purpose.

This spring, we had the privilege of hosting Johns Hopkins University’s MS Field Course on Nature Conservation and Sustainability in Cuba. From coral restoration in the Guanahacabibes Biosphere Reserve to sea turtle conservation at La Barca Beach, students engaged in hands-on learning while exploring Cuba’s rich ecosystems. Guided by expert lecturers, this immersive experience highlighted the country’s innovative approaches to environmental stewardship. Read more about this inspiring journey and how Cross Cultural Journeys is fostering global education through experiential travel.

Cuba is more than its postcard-perfect images—its true essence lies in its people, traditions, and deep sense of community. From sharing home-cooked meals to exploring spiritual traditions, this journey offered a glimpse into the heart of Cuban culture.

Tour guides develop a preference for certain destinations. As a local tour guide, with 20 years in the making, I have one: The eastern region of Cuba.

The trio that was entertaining us at “La Ferminia” restaurant got emotional when a member of our tour stood up, walked to where they were and handed over a bag containing guitar strings. “This, said the lead singer, is more important than the tip we could get from this whole month”…

AmaTierra is one of the first yoga and wellness centers in Costa Rica. Owners Bob and Jill Ruttenberg told CCJ that one of the reasons they chose Costa Rica as the site for their center was “because of its friendly and helpful people…

Santiago de Cuba, located along Cuba’s Southeastern coast, is a vibrant port city rich in Afro-Caribbean culture and revolutionary history. Known as the birthplace of the Cuban Revolution, Santiago offers a unique blend of traditions and influences, with a scenic backdrop of the Sierra Maestra mountains and the Caribbean Sea. This city, home to over half a million people, is a must-visit for travelers looking to explore Cuba’s past, present, and diverse cultural heritage. Next year, Cross Cultural Journeys will offer trips to Santiago, including visits to historic sites like the Moncada Barracks and immersive experiences with the local community.