Retreats
Write with Us
in a Pueblo Mágico
DATE: April 8-17, 2027
Tepoztlán—nestled between mountains, under Tepozteco, the temple of Ometochtli-Tepoztecatl, Aztec god of pulque, fertility, and harvest—is a designated pueblo mágico and the perfect place to reach deep and harvest the magic you carry within.
This retreat is for the curious and ready to explore the magic—the magic without and the magic within. For nine enchanting days, enjoy supportive writing time, home-crafted and pre-Hispanic meals, music, and excursions. Come, discover the Mexico you never knew.
During this nine-day retreat, we’ll enjoy the hospitality of family-run posadas, where each room has its own en-suite bathroom with a shower.
After three hours of guided writing practice, we’ll enjoy comida casera: real home-style Mexican food rich with guisados and soups from locally harvested crops.
Afternoons and evenings are free for exploring and dinner, with some suggested excursions and places.
Most evenings, we’ll gather again at a posada for fireside readings of excerpts from works in progress or from writing inspired by afternoon adventures.
Money
It’s important to have pesos. In Tepoztlán, no one takes foreign currencies and many establishments don’t accept credit cards. Change your money to pesos at the airport. There are no casas de cambio in Tepoztlán. Banco Azteca in Tepoztlán will change currencies, but their rates are not as good as the airport.
Retreat fee
Package & Pricing
Secure your spot early and save $900!
$1995 US
$2895 US
Maximum 16 participants
What’s Included:
- Expert facilitation & workshops
- One-on-one manuscript consultation
- 9 days / 9 nights private accommodation with ensuite bathroom
- 9 breakfasts & lunches
Excluded Costs:
- Flights
- dinners
- excursions
- airport transfers
Accommodation
Your Stay In Mexico
NOTE: Non participating guests can enjoy shared accommodation, breakfasts, and dinners for $35 US/day.
Booking Information
Booking & Cancellation
Early Bird Package — Non-Refundable
Deadline: This special rate is only available until February 8, 2027.
Policy: Due to strict venue and catering commitments in Mexico, Early Bird bookings are strictly non-refundable upon purchase.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
After February 8
After February 8, a non-refundable deposit of $500 US is required to hold your spot, with the balance due by March 9, 2027.
No refunds will be issued after March 9, 2027 except under extreme circumstances beyond a participant’s control.
Transfer Policy:
Excursions
Suggested nearby excursions:
- El Templo de Tepozteco
- El Mercado
- El Centro
- San Juan for a temazcal with Rogelio
- Cuernavaca
Join Us
Retreat Overview
Facilitators
Pennie A. Nichols
Pennie A. Nichols is an Amherst Writers & Artists affiliate and a Louisiana-based author of literary fiction. Pennie is passionate about fostering safe spaces for creative expression. Alongside her own writing, she facilitates in-person and virtual workshops, meetups, and retreats that help writers tap into their creative flow.
You can find her essays and some stories here.
You can learn more about her workshops here.
Susan E. Wadds
Susan Wadds’ debut novel, “What the Living Do,” won the 2024 Canadian Book Club Award for fiction, was a 2024 Indies finalist, and was shortlisted for the 2024 Fred Kerner Book Award. In 2016, her short fiction won the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Prose Contest. Susan’s work has appeared in various publications, including carteblanche, The Blood Pudding, Room, and Waterwheel Review. A graduate of the Humber School for Writers and a proud member of The Writers Union of Canada and The Canadian Authors Association, Susan is a certified Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) workshop facilitator, leading writing workshops and retreats online and internationally. She lives as a guest on a quiet river on Williams Treaty land traditionally cared for by the Anishinaabe.