Lake Atitlán PDC: 15-Day Permaculture Design Course '26

The PDC January 2026 Permaculture Design Certification Course is an immersive 15-day program held from January 7 to 22, 2026, at Lake Atitlán. This course offers hands-on training in permaculture principles, ethics, and design methodologies, tailored for participants seeking to develop sustainable living systems in a stunning natural setting. Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous communities, provides an ideal backdrop for learning about water management, soil regeneration, agroforestry, and community-based designs. The curriculum covers core topics such as observing and interacting with natural patterns, catching and storing energy, obtaining a yield, applying self-regulation, using renewable resources, producing no waste, designing from patterns to details, integrating rather than segregating, using small and slow solutions, valuing diversity, using edges and valuing the marginal, creatively using and responding to change, and valuing the marginal. Participants engage in practical exercises like site analysis, zone planning, sector mapping, and creating comprehensive permaculture designs. The course emphasizes experiential learning through workshops on composting, natural building, seed saving, and food forest establishment. Instructors, experienced permaculture designers, facilitate group discussions, design charrettes, and individual feedback sessions to ensure certification readiness. Beyond technical skills, the program fosters a global network of permaculture practitioners, with opportunities for post-course implementation support. Accommodation options include eco-lodges and homestays, promoting cultural immersion with local Maya communities. Meals feature organic, locally sourced foods, aligning with permaculture yields. This certification, recognized internationally, equips graduates to consult, teach, or implement permaculture on homesteads, farms, or urban settings. Early registration is recommended due to limited spots, with scholarships available for qualifying applicants. The course integrates climate resilience strategies relevant to tropical highlands, addressing challenges like erosion, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Participants leave with a portfolio of designs, reference materials, and connections for ongoing collaboration.