Cuetzalan del Progreso is a magical town perched atop the mountains, hidden and protected within the Sierra of Puebla. Overlooking the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, it stands as a shining example of sustainability, cooperation, and unity.

My first visit to Cuetzalan was with my parents in the 1980s. I vividly remember holding my mother’s hand tightly as we wound through misty mountain roads in my dad’s first blue VW Jetta, the soulful melodies of bolero music accompanying our journey through the clouds. At that time, my brother Mauricio was—and still is—the town’s local doctor. Back then, he was the only doctor in Cuetzalan.

That weekend was life-changing. As I walked the cobblestone streets, freshly washed by the rain, alongside my baby nephew and holding my sister-in-law’s hand, I saw my brother’s unwavering commitment to the community. My heart was profoundly moved, and I felt an unbreakable connection to the roots of Nahua culture. From the lush cloud forest and its coffee plantations to the green mountains, sacred pyramid, historic churches, and the dear friendships I formed, Cuetzalan anchored itself deeply in my soul.

That’s why I’m so excited to introduce our exclusive Soulful Coffee & Sustainable Tourism Retreat in Cuetzalan!

This unique experience blends mindfulness, sustainability, and the enchanting Nahua and Totonac cultures that surround organic coffee production. During this journey, you’ll explore authentic sustainable tourism and regenerative practices that honor nature while discovering the cultural richness of Cuetzalan’s lush hills and its wonderful people.

Here are 10 reasons to join us:

#1 Cuetzalan: Simple, Slow Living

Escape the rush; embrace tranquility in Cuetzalan’s cloud forest. Our itinerary offers an immersive adventure in the heart of a Sierra coffee plantation.

In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, the simple act of “slow living” is often the hardest to achieve. Our attention is constantly pulled by ads, media, and endless stimuli. But in Cuetzalan, we’ll turn inward—focusing on ourselves and those across from us. Together, we’ll embrace silence, practice deep listening, connect with nature, and pause to breathe, slowly savoring organic coffee in good company.

This is a time to disconnect. During our retreat, our phones will take a back seat…

In the cloud forest, we’ll rediscover celebration, respect, and the power of deep breathing. Here in Cuetzalan, we’ll honor ancestral knowledge and embrace a way of life guided by mindfulness and relaxation. This magical town moves at its own peaceful pace, inviting you to feel part of its natural landscape.

#2 Cuetzalan: An Organic Coffee Paradise

Imagine a magical town, cradled by the cloud forest and surrounded by lush coffee plantations, nestled deep in the Sierra of Puebla.

Cuetzalan is a hidden gem, preserving its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage while progressing toward a self-sustaining future, guided by both ancient wisdom and modern eco-consciousness.

At our retreat, set in the heart of the Tosepan Titataniske plantation, you’ll experience the full journey of coffee—from seed to cup—alongside the Nahua people, who have lovingly cultivated coffee for generations.

#3 Cuetzalan: a Cultural Immersion

Experience indigenous traditions woven with nature’s beauty.

On this journey, discover the Nahua and Totonac cultures' deep respect for the earth and sustainable farming practices, present in every cup of coffee. These communities hold a profound connection to the land, preserving a rich heritage that sustains this beautiful region—and the coffee you enjoy every day.

You’ll be immersed in this vibrant culture as you stroll through the bustling market, where community members trade their harvests from the milpa, or small parcels of land. This age-old economic tradition unfolds near the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, where the Voladores de Papantla perform their breathtaking ritual, descending gracefully from the heavens. Or take a walk to La Iglesia de Los Jarritos, nestled close to the clouds and a quiet cemetery, where the sounds and rhythms of local music create an unforgettable experience.

#4 Cuetzalan: Community-Driven Impact

Experience a community rooted in cooperation and sustainability.

The Nahua people have mastered organic coffee farming and lead initiatives in clean energy, eco-friendly construction, education from early childhood to college, local trade, community banking, and women’s empowerment.

By joining this retreat, you’ll actively support their mission to preserve culture, protect the environment, and empower the community.

#5 Cuetzalan: Sustainable Tourism and Practices

Learn permaculture principles firsthand by observing the coffee plant and the vibrant ecosystems it supports. Tosepan Titataniske is a holistic network of cooperatives where biodiversity thrives, enriching both the land and the spirit of Cuetzalan’s sustainable model. You’ll leave this retreat inspired and ready to incorporate sustainable practices into your own life.

Engage with Rutas Comunitarias, an authentic form of sustainable tourism that offers hands-on experience in sustainable farming and cooperative practices. Discover how organically grown coffee supports healthier ecosystems. Whether you’re an eco-enthusiast or simply curious, these workshops will reveal the transformative power of sustainable agriculture and everyday eco practices.

In Cuetzalan, organic coffee farming and community cooperation are at the heart of everything. As part of our retreat, you’ll dive into true sustainable tourism through rutas comunitarias, experiencing activities such as:

Natural Building: Join members of the Bamboo and Construction Cooperative for a hands-on experience in eco-friendly construction techniques.

Natural Farming: Work alongside local community members to harvest coffee, cacao, cinnamon, citrus, and honey.

Natural Foods & Wellness: Visit Las Hamacas, a medicinal garden, where you’ll learn to prepare Yolixpa, an ancestral healing drink known for easing anxiety, soothing fears, and stimulating appetite.

Adventure Tourism: Hike through a cave and underground river in the "Pata de Perro" canyon, and swim at the beautiful Las Brisas waterfall.

Geotourism Experiences: Take a guided tour of Yohualichan Archeological Site and the Botanical Gardens.

#6 Tosepan Kali: Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Tosepan Kali Eco Hotel is a social enterprise formed by indigenous Nahua men and women, providing distinguished, high-quality tourism and ecotourism services that respect nature while promoting the values of Nahua culture and its cooperatives.

Tosepan Kali Eco Hotel offers simple, comfortable accommodations and exemplifies tourism in harmony with nature. The hotel was built using eco-techniques, integrating local materials, low-impact architecture, rainwater harvesting, a wastewater treatment system, and renewable energy to provide comfort while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.

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   #7 Tosepan Kali: Rustic Spa Sessions

   Indulge in soothing, rustic spa experiences designed to nurture both body and soul. Enjoy a traditional Temezcal, a relaxing tub, and a rejuvenating massage—each included to help you unwind and connect with nature.

   
   

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   #8 Cuetzalan: Organic Farm-to-table Cuisine

   Savor delicious, light, and healthy farm-to-table dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and traditional regional flavors.

   
   

   During this retreat, you’ll have the chance to taste "My Mama's Healing Soups," recipes transformed by the local ingredients and flavors of the region.

   
   

   

   
   

   #9 Cuetzalan: Healing Mindful Nature Walks and Mindfulness Talks

   Above all, this retreat is about mindfulness. Through sustainable tourism, guided tours, walking meditations, or quiet moments of reflection, you’ll reconnect with your inner self. It’s a chance to slow down, unplug, and embrace the simplicity of a sustainable lifestyle. As you walk through the sierra, cloud forest, waterfalls, coffee plants, and sacred sites, Cuetzalan will guide you to naturally embrace mindfulness and become one with nature.

   
   

This down-to-earth, curated experience and unique holistic approach will:

• Offer simple tools to help you integrate sustainable practices, mind, body, and soul.

• Help you connect with nature and absorb ancestral knowledge.

• Guide you in practicing profound mindfulness.

When you return home, you’ll naturally apply this knowledge to live a graceful, eco-conscious lifestyle—embracing self-love, loving your life, and sharing that love with others.

#10 Unplug, Unwind, Find Yourself, Participate

Visit Cuetzalan with us, and you will find peace. It is a land where honorable men and women walk with ancestral pride, grace, and prosperity—a magical town where the past lives harmoniously with the present. Its cobblestone streets, lined with cafes, invite you to sit with a cup of organic coffee and sweet bread, turn off the distractions, reset within yourself, and reconnect with nature, all while savoring the simple beauty of life as the fog gently embraces the town.

By doing so, you will sharpen your ability to see the big picture, appreciate the diversity and the interconnections between different aspects of life. Embrace the opportunities and diversity around you, and return home ready to share this knowledge and make a difference in the world.