Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Costa Rica
October 3, 2023
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A paradise for nature lovers, Costa Rica boasts year-round balmy weather, amazing sights, sandy beaches, great surfing, thick jungle, and rich wildlife.
Its national slogan of Pura Vida – a mindful way of living – completely aligns with the philosophy of the many yoga teacher training courses in Costa Rica.
This is precisely why an increasing number of yogis make their way here to do their teacher training among hauler monkeys and toucans, striking asanas on the sandy beaches.
But where should you go if you want to practice yoga, find peace, and enjoy some of the best sights in Costa Rica?
The capital of San Jose offers an interesting mix of Spanish colonial architecture, pre-colonial ruins, and modern buildings. It’s a bustling hub complete with impressive gardens, intriguing museums, and a very busy airport (where you’ll most likely land).
Montezuma is a charming town in the south of Nicoya Peninsula, home to probably the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica: Playa Montezuma. Perfect for striking asanas, but also a surfers’ paradise is Playa Grande.
The area around Lake Arenal is one of the most attractive regions in the country. Arenal Volcano National Park is home to amazing biodiversity, stunning views, and patches of jungle. A paradise for nature lovers, it’s also a great destination for yogis.
Traditionally the port town in the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas is a cultural center, as well as a yoga and surf destination. Admire the Spanish colonial buildings, sample the local cuisine, and spend time on the famous Playa Dona Ana.
The jewel of the Guanacaste province, Tamarindo is the perfect choice if you want to add some surfing to your yoga teacher training course. The beaches are perfect for striking asanas, long strolls, and surfing.
>>Read more: Why Should You Do Your Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica?
With so many great choices, it could be hard to choose just one yoga teacher training course.
That’s why, in this article, we are sharing five great yoga teacher training courses in Costa Rica.
21-Day 200-Hour Pura Vida Yoga Teacher Training in Malpais, Puntarenas
- Price: from US$4,333 for 20 nights
- Availability: November 2023; January, April, May, August & November 2024
- Location: Malpais, Puntarenas
- Instruction level: All levels
This yoga teacher training course in Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient yogic wisdom, while restoring harmony and balance into your daily life.
Based on Pura Vida values held in Costa Rica’s lifestyle, this course is going to lead you into a wonderful experience that your mind, body, and soul need. And you’ll also be able to register with Yoga Alliance as a certified teacher.
During this course, you’ll be staying at The Indigo Yoga Resort, a boutique hotel in Malpais, catering to yoga, surfing, and healthy living. It offers contemporary tropical accommodation while embracing the traditional Costa Rican ambiance and culture.
All rooms are equipped with AC, ceiling fans, a private bathroom with hot water and “open-shy” showers, hammocks, and an in-room safe. You may choose to stay in a tent (but you must bring your own), a dormitory, double room, single room, or an apartment.
This program is designed to deepen your personal experience and knowledge of yoga and to help transform all aspects of your life. You will explore yoga history and philosophy, anatomy, alignment, yogic diet, Ayurveda, healing arts, and more.
You’ll join daily yoga and meditation sessions, as well as various workshops (yoga sutras, yoga anatomy, and spirituality), and attend sacred ceremonies.
Daily vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the package. The meals are prepared with local and organic ingredients.
Kindly book your flight to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). From here, you’ll take a bus or shuttle to Malpais or catch an internal flight to Tambor Airport (TMU).
22-Day Transformational 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast, Puerto Viejo
- Price: from US$2,895 for 21 nights
- Availability: November 2023, January, March, May , July & November 2024
- Location: Cocles, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Instruction level: Beginner & intermediate
This unique yoga teacher training, certified by the Yoga Alliance, is designed to help you discover your true self and immerse in a true yoga lifestyle experience.
Begin your path of self-realization through the practice of yoga and acquire the necessary skills to heal and reconnect with your inner self. You will learn to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, and Shivananda Yoga styles deepening your understanding of yoga and enhancing your professional teaching careers.
The course includes daily pranayama, mantra chanting, and asana practice to help you enrich your practice. Lectures on yoga philosophy, ethics, anatomy, and physiology, as well as teaching methods practices will also be covered in this course.
You will stay in one of the jungle lodges, which have bathrooms and furnished kitchens with a terrace looking out into the jungle. The rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and fans. You’ll need to cater for yourself for most of the meals, as only lunch is included in the package. However, weekly grocery shopping transportation is included as well.
During the teacher training course, you’ll enjoy yoga classes at sunrise and sunset, on the beach. You’ll also get a chance to practice meditation surrounded by nature, giant trees, howler monkeys, and parrots.
Some of the special activities included are mindful meditation along the jungle paths and guided meditation with the retreat’s herd of horses.
The closest airport to the retreat is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and the airport transfer is not included. However, you can book a shuttle to drop you off at Hotel Los Continentes in Cocles and you can request pick up from there.
17-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Cahuita
- Price: from US$3,588 for 16 nights
- Availability: December 2023, February, June & September 2024
- Location: Cahuita, Limon Province
- Instruction level: All levels
Become a certified yoga instructor while being immersed in the magical lands of Costa Rica. Deepen your practice with this 200-hour transformative course, during which you’ll practice, explore, learn, grow, connect, and play!
This teacher training course encourages personal growth and created a safe, sacred space in a stunning location among a loving community. The foundation of the course is based on Hatha and Tantra philosophies and will explore the many other facets of the yoga practice.
Each day includes two yoga practices. In the morning the classes are meant to invigorate and, in the evening, to restore. There are also two daily meditation or pranayama practices. Asana labs consist of breaking down the postures, sequencing, proper alignment and theory, anatomy workshops, practice teaching, and adjusting.
Lecture labs consist of philosophy, ethics, history, Satsang, professional development, and marketing. In between will be plenty of time for reflection, conversation, quiet time, and journaling. There will also be a few special evening classes mixed in for games, movies, dancing, and play.
Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance.
You’ll stay at a boutique Caribbean villa, in Playa Grande, near the beautiful Cahuita National Park, just 200 m from the beach. The villa comprises six private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Every room has a ceiling fan, AC, closet, and comfortable beds.
The package includes three beautifully nourishing, healthy, hearty vegetarian meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), as well as fresh fruit, tea, and water.
Kindly book your flight to either Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Limón International Airport (LIO) as the transfer is included in the price.
18-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Uvita, Puntarenas
- Price: from US$2,972 for 17 nights
- Availability: All Year Round
- Location: Uvita, Puntarenas
- Instruction level: All levels
Embark on an inward journey to discover your highest self and true purpose through ancient yoga teachings, introspection, and self-love. Dig deep, connect to your inner light, paint, play, laugh, cry, and love.
Upon completion, you may register with Yoga Alliance.
On campus, you’ll be staying at Hospedaje El Bosquecito, located on a quiet section of the main road of Uvita, beside a small creek and forest. All rooms have full bathrooms and splendid views of the jungle.
Another option is to stay at the off-campus accommodation, Casa Nativos, near a waterfall, just off the main road.
Your day starts with meditation and pranayama, followed by a yoga class and breakfast. Then you’ll practice yoga sutras and attend an asana workshop. After lunch, you’ll join an anatomy and teaching methodology class, and you’ll also practice teaching. The day ends with dinner.
The package also includes a variety of eco hikes, river swimming and meditation, waterfall adventures, and a visit to the bamboo forest.
All meals are included, as well as water, tea, coffee, and detox drinks. The meals cater to a variety of dietary requirements.
Make sure to book your flight to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). The airport transfer is available for an additional cost.
21-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Montezuma
- Price: from US$4,076 for 20 nights
- Availability: December 2023, February, March & September 2024
- Location: Montezuma, Costa Rica
- Instruction level: All levels
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Montezuma, you’ll be in the perfect setting to recharge, gain a new perspective on life, and elevate your yoga practice
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula, where pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and jungle waterfalls create an idyllic backdrop for your journey of self-discovery.
The 200-hour yoga teacher training course is thoughtfully designed to provide a balanced blend of learning, self-discovery, and rejuvenation. You’ll join daily yoga and meditation classes led by experienced instructors, deepening your understanding of asanas, pranayama, and alignment. You’ll also study yogic philosophy and explore the principles of effective teaching.
You’ll stay in Aves Hotel and Resort - Retreat Center, in a private or shared room. You’ll enjoy three plant-based delicious and nourishing gourmet meals each day.
During your free time, you have the option to embark on exciting excursions and explore the wonders of Costa Rica. Discover the magic of the nearby waterfalls, hike through lush rainforests, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The closest airport to the retreat is Tambor Airport (TMU). You can also fly to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Tambor Airport (TMU). The airport transfer is available for an additional cost.
Hero photo credit: Soma Yoga Institute
*All prices are valid at the time of publication and are not guaranteed. They are subject to change without notice.
Unable to travel? Do your yoga teacher training in the comfort & safety of your home with an online yoga teacher training course.