2025 PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE WITH ATITLAN ORGANICS
The course is held at the stunning Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. The lush natural beauty of the landscape, combined with hands-on work in Mayan communities, make this an authentic, truly special experience. You will work in two different sites, which provide a variety of climates and microclimates, giving you so much more information than other similar courses. You will implement your design project in a local community, which means you will have a huge impact by significantly helping community members prepare their land for small-scale food production.
Atitlan Organics has focused on building a profitable small scale permaculture farm. It is an effective learning model for permaculture study.
What is Permaculture?
There are literally hundreds of definitions of permaculture and as far as we are concerned, they are ALL VALID. Part of respecting and valuing diversity and self-regulation means tolerating ideas or interpretations that one may not agree with. That being said, we have our favourites.
While we spend a lot of time in the garden and working in nature, permaculture is applicable to all aspects of life. A more technical approach to permaculture suggests that we mimic nature and natural patterns to design and implement ecosystems that meet our collective needs. A deeper definition considers the whole of human culture and suggests that permaculture is a tool for designing new ecological culture, considering the whole of the earth in all of its strategies. Whatever definition works for you is cool. We like to say, it doesn't matter what you call it, just so long as the work gets done!
Get connected to your food. From seed to the table!
Work closely with various animal systems!
Harvest and process local products!
Get lots of real hands-on practical experience!
Learn how to propagate plants the easy way in our interactive nursery.
Studying Permaculture in Central America offers amazing opportunities to learn from indigenous cultures, rich natural patterns, and enormous diversity. Permaculture in Central America is representative of the edge effect or Edge Valuing Principle of Design. As one of the world's centers of biodiversity, Central America attracts people from all over the world interested in learning through nature. Permaculture practices can be seen in action via the surviving indigenous traditions that are common in Central America.
Lodging and Food
During the course, you will move to the Bambu Guest House, which is a five minute walk from the Atitlan Organics. The Bambu Guest House is a brand new, natural building boasting bathrooms and balconies in each room, comfy beds, wifi, super hot showers, and amazing views of the lake, mountains, and rivers. The Bambu Guest House is proof that natural building can be clean and luxurious. Lodging is shared, but private rooms are also available for an additional charge. All meals and snacks are prepared for you onsite by the talented local staff.
Permaculture Design Courses have always been known for their excellent, organic, locally grown food and our weeklong intensive is no exception. The Bambu Guest House has a Farm to Table Restaurant that serves up delicious and filling plates mainly composed of Atitlan Organics and other local farm products. The restaurant is run by a local chefs named Antonio, along with his skilled team.
All food, snacks, coffee, tea, and frescos are included in the course, as well as lodging for the duration. Three meals a day are served as well as coffee and tea throughout most of the day and two daily snacks as well. Basically, you are well-fed and well-kept. It feels soo nice! If you are interested in private housing, please mention that to us when you write.
Travel and Logistics
The course starts on Sunday, March 23, 2024 at 4pm. Participants are expected to arrive by 4pm, but are welcome to come and check in at Bambu Guest House any time throughout the day. Once the course starts, all food, lodging, training, and travel is covered and included in the cost of the course. We often travel on local pickups, which makes all excursions fun and exciting. Adventure travel for sure! The course ends Tuesday, April 1, at noon, following a big brunch, student presentations, certificate awards, and goodbyes. We can help arrange shuttles to/from the airport, Antigua, or anywhere else for that matter. Just let us know if you need this service. Upon writing us to express interest. We can accommodate most all requests including vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, etc.
