63 Day 500-Hour Tantra Yoga Shamanism Teacher Training in Pichincha, Ecuador
Tantra Yoga Arts Shamanism Teacher Training Ecuador
This is one of the most popular yoga retreats offered in Ecuador.
Do you want to experience the holistic Tantric yogic path to becoming your own guru?
Do you want to learn how to connect with your sexual energy to create a deeper intimacy from the power of the heart?
Do you want to learn tantric and shamanic rituals for self empowerment?
Do you want to understand that life is art and you can create your own reality?
Do you want to learn how to trust in community while you can be not only blissful but also accepted for your anger, sadness and fear?
Would you like to discover bliss in everyday moments?
Become a creative, vulnerable, and powerful Yoga Teacher!
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- Daily yoga practices and morning meditation sessions
- Mantra chanting, psychology of chakras, and pranayama
- Physiology, philosophy, and yoga methodology
- Heyoca, art, and Durga’s Tiger dance
- Tantra classes and rituals
- Temazcal ceremony
- 62 nights accommodation
- Daily vegetarian meals
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga styles
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (US$ 20 per person)
Accommodation
Facilities
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Sauna
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Honesty bar
- Meditation garden
- Terrace
- Yoga deck
- Yoga shala
- Baby sitting
- Free parking
- Outdoor shower
During this course, you will stay in Casa Kiliku, a place in the Andes not too far from the city of Quito and just next to the natural reserve of the Ilal Volcano. During the teacher training, Casa Kiliku will be close to tourists and open as an ashram where you share meals, spaces, yoga work, and ashram life experience.
The houses are built of materials from the volcano with bricks or adobe and wood. Every space is unique. You can stay on the big terrace and chat with others or just lie in the hammock and read or meditate on treetops dancing in the wind. It is pure luxury to offer a retreat place in a rural environment at the edge of the ecological reserve Ilal and so close to the center of Quito.
This place is made by ecological local materials and a sustainable way of living is promoted. Your accommodation will be in double or triple rooms equipped with a kitchen and a bathroom with the hot shower. You will share meals every day in the communitarian terrace enjoying the view.
Program
The course at Durga’s Tiger School is more than a yoga teacher training, it is an intense transformational experience. In the Tantric perspective, we are all related through experience. These experiences in turn help us discover deeper, our true nature. Through this training, you may discover the barriers and blockages, unlock your potential to feel. When we start feeling, we realize everything is sacred, and from here we begin to dance with life.
Balancing Tantra, Yoga, Shamanism, Theatre & Arts techniques, and dynamic group work; the different aspects of the training help to realize a more profound self-encounter. You will learn, not only to share the Yoga discipline from the heart but also to work energetically in connection with the others (people, animals, elements, plants, etc). A discovery that you will be able to bring back to your daily life, taking the seeds of what you have learned and watching them flourish.
Durga’s Tiger School has been recognized for one of the top Tantric Yoga schools in the world. Saying YES to Durga’s Tiger School is a jump into trusting the flow of existence… are you in?
Certification
Students who complete the training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
The course content is focused on Kaula Tantra Yoga
- Other techniques explored:
Meditations, Chakra work, Bandhas, Pranayama, Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga
- Other practices:
Heyoca - the shamanic clown, Expressive arts of the being, Shamanic practices, Tantric & Shamanic ritual, Durga’s Tiger Dance, Applied Tantra Philosophy, & Mantra chanting
Kaula Tantra Yoga
Kaula Tantra Yoga is a unique sequence that follows a lineage of 5000 years. The series taught at Durga’s Tiger School is delivered directly from the teachings of Bhagavan Shanmuka Anantha Natha at Shri Kali yoga, in India.
This practice works through a deep relaxation where students learn the feeling of flowing into asana without struggle, while each asana is practiced in a slow manner to build patience and awareness of body movement. In this way, each individual finds their unique way of expressing the asana without the pressure of competition or ‘performing perfectly’.
Tantra Yoga facilitators approach students as whole human beings and discourage ‘isolating’ or forcing muscles. Their priority is to hold a space of acceptance and love, with reserved guidance when necessary.
This type of yoga is a meditative flow, completed by the practice of bandha holds, pranayama, mantra chanting, and Samadhi, through seated meditation to develop a deeper form of yogic understanding.
During their time at Durga’s Tiger School, students will explore Tantra yogic lifestyle, philosophy, and arts.
Kundalini Yoga
Through Kundalini yoga, students learn another approach to the energy work in yoga. Students explore kriyas, pranayama, chakras theory. Students explore and cultivate the energy of the two poles, masculine and feminine inside of themselves and all around. Please note that kundalini yoga at our school, IS NOT based on the teachings of Yogi Bajan
Hatha Yoga
In Hatha Yoga practice students move the stagnation of the body and mind. Through asana, meditation, pranayama and yogic philosophy we meet our physical and spiritual strength that cultivates the energy that empowers our lives. This practice is complimentary to Tantra Yoga as it gives students a perspective of a different yogic style enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of both Hatha and Tantra.
Durga’s Tiger Dance
is a form of movement developed by Iris Disse based on yoga energy work and different dance styles. This is another form through which students can explore creativity and relaxation through body movement combined with voice work.
Shamanism & Andean Cosmovision
As we are living in Ecuador with a huge American Indian population, students have the opportunity to learn about Andean culture, its Cosmovision, and the similarities with the Tibetan Tantric tradition.
The parallels are slowly unveiled, weaving together both understandings of energy, astrology, subtle anatomy and physiology of the bodies.
Shamanic Clown — Between Ritual and Play
is an energetic fusion of techniques such as improvisation, clowning, dancing, musical/rhythm work, meditation, and practical shamanism. Through these exercises, you can integrate the foundations of ART into LIFE.
Some themes we work in are connecting with the inner child, connecting with intuition, developing right brain activity to enhance lateral thinking, releasing old patterns and blockages, opening senses to the present moment, and group work that fosters loving, compassionate ways of relating.
With these skills you begin to increase your creativity and may open to a new perspective completely.
Applied Tantric Wisdom
These classes are a powerful opportunity for self-discovery through dynamic group and partner work.
Please note there is no nudity or sexual contact.
We come together to open to life; learning to embrace the dual nature of reality, dancing between beauty, chaos, magic, intensity, and intimacy - we begin to make a clear connection between yoga, sacred sexuality, and art.
How can I integrate the liveliness of new experiences into my everyday life and relations?
Intuitive Anatomy and Physiology
We will approach the vision and methodology of the Kaula Tantra yoga practice in these classes. We will develop a connection with our inner body intelligence, learn how to read it better, and act according to its current needs.
It’s about the combined powers of the mind and the physical body and the effect of being totally in harmony with the messages we perceive from our bodies in each moment.
Partner Yoga
We will discover the joy and the importance of support and be supported, through this experiencing the delight of giving and receiving. The challenge being, how do you cultivate and care for your sacred space, but also nurture your partner’s needs and desires?
In these classes we will continue to work with the asanas of the Kaula Tantra series; through the tantric wisdom approach, we cultivate focus in presence, senses, connection, and body communication. Through these functions, we enter into the dance of Shiva and Shakti.
(select courses will feature Partner Yoga)
Yogic Walking Massage
Derived from Ayurvedic wisdom this ancient foot massage was used to prepare warriors for battle as well as open the physical and energetic bodies for the Yoga practice.
Working with partners it’s a very effective, meditative and intuitive way to give and receive before the Yoga practice. The massage activates important Marma Points as well as softens the muscles.
Karma Yoga
is part of the learning process of community life. We help each other to maintain a common space, which by focusing energy in the collective, we come together to maintain a high vibrational space. Through karma yoga, we keep in contact with the Earth (Pachamama) and her fruits while we contributing to the well being of the collective environment.
Living in the ashram enables students to focus intensively on their training, away from everyday tasks and distractions; allowing them to fully immerse themselves in a process of learning and self-discovery.
An energetic group environment is created, enabling students to share their experience and learning processes; in turn, collectively deepening their understanding of tantra and yogic practices.
We ask that you enter the course with an open mind to EXPERIENCE and allow each encounter to guide you to a deeper understanding of your SELF. The knowledge gained through experience is a core part of the Tantric perspective and for this reason, the course is not entrenched in theory.
Extras and weekend offers
Day trips to hot springs, the mountains, or to Otavalo Market, Ayahuasca or Aguacoya ceremony.
Team
Durga's Tiger School for Tantra Yoga Shamanism is an international team composed of several passionate and motivated people with amazing backgrounds specialized in various fields and aspects of yoga.
Each teacher comes with their unique design of class that is perfectly integrated in the main teacher training choreography that is the base of our program. The schedule of teachers is not a fixed plan, as the school is confident that each teacher will deliver what is best for each course.
They are a rotating team to keep the energy high and fresh in the trainings during the whole year.
Instructors
Iris Disse
Iris Disse is the founder of Durga’s Tiger School. During her yoga teacher training, techniques from yoga, Tantra, shamanism, and art come together and create transformative processes. She is a master yoga teacher and has been teaching for 17 years, talking about topics such as love, spirituality, and sexuality at workshops, festivals, and the Andina University in Quito. Her Durga’s Tiger School is an internationally acclaimed institution for yoga teacher training. She is an author, actress, lecturer, and prize-winning producer of audio plays and documentaries in Europe and Latin America.
Wind Malin Disse
Wind Malin Disse was born in Berlin, Germany. He has been living in Ecuador with an exception. Wind's path as an anthropologist, artist, and certified YA and YAI yoga teacher, leads him to be seen as a cultural mediator, a bridge between worlds. He has been teaching traditional Tantra yoga in many workshops after having completed his 200-hour teacher training in January 2016 and finished his 500-hour in 2018. Since 2009, Wind has been learning about the shamanic tradition of the Cofán-A’i and ended up being accepted as an apprentice by the shaman Don Avelino Quenama.
Christoph Baumann
Christoph is a German actor, theatre director, and teacher based in 1984 in Ecuador. His theatre works made him travel through almost all countries of Latin America as well as Mexico, attending festivals and directing plays. His work as an actor in film and the internet opened his career to a vast audience in the Spanish-speaking world. After workshops in the Theatre Lab of Jerzy Grotowski in Wroclaw/Poland he studied in the Jacques Lecóq School for mime, movement, and theatre in Paris and attended during 3 years workshops with teachers of the Lee Strasberg School of Acting.
Carolina Cruz
Carolina, from Ecuador, is a mom and a researcher of life, mind, and body through movement. From an early age, she began her career with ethnic dances and somatic techniques. She obtained her certifications in Pilates Mat with a specialization in post-rehabilitation, later she was certified in Myofascial Training, Functional Rehabilitation for Athletes, Pelvic Floor Training and Cupping, sports massage, and Ayurveda massage. She is also a certified teacher in Barre Method, yoga, Kaula Tantra yoga, Pilates, and Air yoga and Air Pilates. She is a certified Doula and Ayurveda Coach.
Jhoselyn Escobar
Jhoss is Ecuadorian. She lived in New York for many years where she obtained her Bachelor’s degrees in International Business and Studies as well as in French. Jhocelyn has worked with different NGOs being part of some projects with Unicef and the United Nations in New York. She did a Master’s degree in Rural Development in New Zealand. Here studied Reiki and earn some traditional Maori healing techniques. In early 2021 she became a 500-hour certified yoga teacher.
Bettina Steinle -Vossbeck
Bettina has two major areas characterize her life: Nature, horses, shamanism and healing are one area the other involves organizing, structuring and management. She's a horse wisperer on one side and worked in Asia and Africa in numerous (development) projects, managed statistics and financial management of a research and consulting company Enthusiastic about yoga, she not only completed the 4-year BDY yoga training but also numerous further yoga trainings. In 2005 she opened her own yoga school and teaches therapeutic yoga, pranayama, meditation and as a master also Reiki.
Retreat location
Casa Kiliku is a mountain oasis intricately crafted from the heart. Created by artists, each alcove is unique. The property was built using environmentally conscious materials in a collaborative effort with artisans from the community.
The grounds offer various places to explore; whether it is circling around the fire pit, meditating under the eucalyptus swaying in the wind, enjoying the sun on the terrace overlooking the valley, or enjoying the flowers in the garden, each space feels like home.
Casa Kiliku is minutes away from the town of Tumbaco where you will find an eclectic mix of places and activities: cafés, German bakery, organic market, Ecuadorian delicateness, the local plaza or enjoying theatre & concerts.
Unique features
Activities
- Massage
General
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Hammock
- Kitchen
- Smoke-free property
- Special menu request
- Terrace
- Yoga shala
- Yoga studio
This Yoga Retreat is vegetarian-friendly
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Food
During this training, you will enjoy three daily vegetarian and locally sourced meals. All meals are always prepared with a lot of love mixing the Ecuadorian tradition with healthy and conscious recipes. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also available. If you have some allergy or specific need of special menu, Durga's Tiger School for Tantra Yoga Shamanism can serve vegan or gluten-free menus for a supplement of 5 USD per day.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
During your free time, have a coffee and a chat or enjoy storytelling or a concert at Cafe Arte; relax in the hammock and read; take a day trip to hot springs, the mountains, or to Otavalo Market. You can also visit the local bio-mercado to find organic foods, home-made German bread, and vegan treats. Here in Ilalo you are close to the ancient healings of Andean shamans and not far from the Amazon shamans and power plants. (Please note that any additional seeking of power medicine should take place AFTER training).
The teachers specialize in a variety of healing arts and Durga's Tiger School for Tantra Yoga Shamanism is thus able to offer at an extra cost, including.
- Abhyanga and Marmas massage
- Reflexology
- Relaxing massage
- Tantric counselling about love, couple, and sexuality
What's included
- All teacher training courses
- Daily yoga classes
- Dance, art, and shamanism
- Mantra chanting, meditation, and pranayama
- Physiology, philosophy, yoga methodology lessons
- 3 vegetarian meals per day
- 62 nights accommodation
- Ecuador taxes
- Certificate of completion
What's not included
- Day trips
- Extra massage sessions
- Work with a shaman and master plants
- Yoga exploration laboratories
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
13 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 20 per person
Driving directions from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
- Enter after “Tola Chica” exit (the eighth kilometer).
- When you get to the bridge that connects with “Calle Carchi”, turn left.
- If you take the wrong exit and you enter from “Tola Chica”, you will find another bridge where you can turn back and follow a lateral street of Ruta Viva until the bridge that connects with “Calle Carchi”
Driving directions from Quito
- Enter in Tumbaco through the Interocenica.
- You will see Santa Mara supermarket on your right and then follow straight on for about one kilometer more.
- Turn right in the Guayaquil Street on the opposite site of Gasolinera Primax (gas station) by the Semaforo light.
- Drive towards the Colegio Pachamama.
- Cross a bridge over Ruta Viva Highway until you get to a big football field in Rumihuaico area (Comuna Leopoldo Chavez).
- Go straight up to the hill, after 100 meters, the street makes a Y split.
- Keep right (the opposite direction from Pachamama) uphill on the newly paved road.
- Follow one and a half kilometers more or less and on the right side, you see a blue house.
- Casa Kiliku is directly behind it.
- Look for the little sign that says Casa Kiliku lote 169.
Driving directions from the Ruta Viva
- Take the exit after “intervals” just after the eighth kilometer.
- This entrance does not have a sign since it is located between “intervals” exit and “Tola Chica” exit.
- It goes up to a bridge that connects with “Calle Carchi”.
- When you arrive up to the bridge, turn right and continue until you reach Rumihuaico football field.
- Enter in Tumbaco through the Interocenica.
- You will see Santa Mara supermarket on your right and then follow straight on for about one kilometer more.
- Turn right in the Guayaquil Street on the opposite site of Gasolinera Primax (gas station) by the Semaforo light.
- Drive towards the Colegio Pachamama.
- Cross a bridge over Ruta Viva Highway until you get to a big football field in Rumihuaico area (Comuna Leopoldo Chavez).
- Go straight up to the hill, after 100 meters, the street makes a Y split.
- Keep right (the opposite direction from Pachamama) uphill on the newly paved road.
- Follow one and a half kilometers more or less and on the right side, you see a blue house.
- Casa Kiliku is directly behind it.
- Look for the little sign that says Casa Kiliku lote 169.
Arrival by bus
From Quito, you need to go to Rio Coca station and take a bus to Tumbaco. You find public buses to Tumbaco until 6:30 p.m. every day, and from the village, you can get to Durga's Tiger School for Tantra Yoga Shamanism by taxi. You can also ask them for a pick-up taxi which costs 20 USD.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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