The Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica’s Best Yoga Destinations
February 13, 2024
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Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places on earth, with an all-year-round gentle weather, amazing sights and a stunning richness of wildlife. As soon as you set foot in this Central American country, you’ll feel as if you’ve arrived in paradise.
Naturally, this makes it an ideal yoga destination, since splendid and tranquil surroundings can help you advance your practice goals tremendously.
To help you get the best of what the country has to offer during a vacation that combines yoga practice with sightseeing, we’ve condensed everything there is to know. Here’s the scoop on the best yoga destinations in Costa Rica and how to experience this beautiful place beyond the regular tourist go-tos.
Costa Rica at a Glance
View of the San Jose city center
Costa Rica is located in Central America, having both a Caribbean and a Pacific coast. The richness of the beaches spread out across the country’s shoreline makes it a paradise for beach and watersports lovers, surfing in Costa Rica being among the chief tourist traffic sources. In addition, the yoga community in Costa Rica is also growing steadily, as the popularity of yoga practice is rising worldwide.
More and more yoga travelers make their way towards Costa Rica to be able to fully absorb its local charm. Besides the bounty of beaches, there are plenty of other things not be missed while traveling here. First of all, Costa Rica boasts a rich pre-Colombian ancestry and well-preserved cultural artifacts and sights.
The capital, San Jose, is an interesting mélange of old and new. You have Spanish colonial architecture to admire, along with pre-colonial ruins, as well as hyper-modern buildings and hubs bursting with life. The Metropolitan Park with its impressive gardens, the National Theater building, the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum and the Museum of Innovation are a few must-sees you should plan ahead for.
A keel-billed Toucan in Costa Rica, just one of the country’s amazing wildlife species
Besides the capital and any of the numerous beaches littering the Costa Rican coastline, you should also make time for the rich wildlife you can admire here. An amazing biodiversity can be found throughout this territory, 25% of which consists of protected jungle area. You’ll be able to admire various species of monkey playing (including the extra-cute spider monkeys), as well as the fascinating quetzal birds.
The Best Destinations for yoga retreats in Costa Rica
As for the best places in Costa Rica for a yoga vacation that nourishes your body and your mind, if I’d have to narrow them down to just five (which is quite the challenge!), here’s how my list would look.
#1 Montezuma
This charming little town to the south of the Nicoya Peninsula is home to one of the most spectacular beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Montezuma. The stunning white sand is scattered along a wide stretch of land, creating a dream-like effect.
Another remarkable beach in Montezuma is Playa Grande, highly popular for surfers and paddleboard enthusiasts thanks to its constant swells. There is also a hiking trail through the jungle that starts in the north of the town, and while exploring you should make sure you also get to admire the waterfall and the turtle sanctuary and hatchery.
All in all, Montezuma is a great place for practicing yoga and replenishing your energy, regardless of whether you prefer the beach or the jungle sites as a setting for your asanas.
#2 Santa Teresa
Another coastal village along the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a charming former fishing community that was transformed into a top destination for yogis and surfers. Littered with great beaches that are just perfect for a sun salutation or a relaxing yoga session on the paddleboard, Santa Teresa can make for the retreat of a lifetime.
In spite of its amazing charm and appealing sights, the village is also praised for its remoteness and relative isolation, making it ideal for those looking to avoid the tourist crowds.
#3 Lake Arenal
The area around Lake Arenal is one of the most attractive regions you can visit in Costa Rica, and its natural beauty also makes it a great destination for yogis. The Arenal Volcano National Park hosts an amazing biodiversity, stunning views (especially around the volcano) and refreshing patches of jungle and mountain habitats.
While in the Lake Arenal region, you should also visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges, the Kalambu Hot Springs or the La Fortuna Waterfall. A yoga vacation in any area around Lake Arenal will have you come back refreshed and relaxed as you haven’t felt in years.
#4 Puntarenas
The city of Puntarenas in Costa Rica is ideal for a yoga vacation and as the starting point of an adventure travel itinerary. Traditionally a port town in the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas is both a cultural center with lots of interesting things to visit and a strong yoga and surf destination, as well.
Take a stroll along its boulevards and admire the Spanish colonial architecture or the numerous shops and cafes. Sample the local cuisine for amazingly low prices, too. The fresh seafood is not to be missed!
Admire the surfers and yogis on the famous Playa Dona Ana, and join them against the view of the most beautiful sunset you’ve ever admired. If you’re a wildlife lover, visit the aquarium and the center for the rescue of seahorses, crocodiles, and turtles.
#5 Tamarindo
The jewel of the Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo is the perfect yoga and surf destination for all beach and wildlife lovers who are looking for relaxation and fun. It’s littered with beaches that are ideal for sunbathing, yoga and watersports, and it is also a major nesting site for the beautiful leatherback turtles. The estuary in the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge is also not to be missed, as it is home to stunning rows of mangroves, howler monkeys and crocodiles.
Costa Rica and Yoga
As an exotic destination that is suitable for a warm vacation year-round, Costa Rica is a popular yoga destination. During the Northern Hemisphere winter, Costa Rica is a preferred vacation spot for yoga enthusiasts worldwide.
Combining yoga and surfing in Costa Rica is a common way of enjoying the best that the country can offer its visitors. Beach yoga sessions (including Sun Salutations) and SUP yoga that blends asanas with the thrill of water sports have become increasingly popular.
Rest assured that, even if you’re not into the idea of surfing (though you should at least give it a try), you can still practice yoga to your heart’s content while exploring the beautiful Costa Rican sights.
Yoga Holidays in Costa Rica
If I had to choose just five yoga retreats in Costa Rica that everyone should see at least once in a lifetime, these would be my top choices:
5-Day Yoga Holiday in Rincon De La Vieja
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$1,000 per person for 5 days and 4 nights
- Yoga Styles: Hatha
If you've always wanted to experience the wilderness of Costa Rica's nature, this indulgent yoga holiday might be a great choice for you!
Blue River Resort and Hot Springs, a peaceful paradise in northern Costa Rica near Rincon De La Vieja Volcano, will be your home away from home. Choose between roomy cabins with two queen beds or one king bed - both come complete with modern amenities like AC units, a coffee maker, plus complimentary access to Wi-Fi services throughout the property.
Each morning, you’ll wake up to the soothing sounds of the rainforest. Start your day at 7 am with a gentle yoga class in the exquisite yoga shala, which features panoramic views and state-of-the-art sound systems for an immersive experience.
During the day, you have the chance to enjoy a range of activities and excursions, such as canopy tours, horseback riding, or river tubing. Explore historical sites like Dinosaur Park or trek into forests where waterfalls flow. In your free time, relax with options like hot springs, mud baths, or botanical garden walks.
Come back to the yoga shala in the afternoon for one more session of bliss and allow the sounds of nature to lull you into a deep state of relaxation.
This holiday is available year-round, but Costa Rica tends to be busier from January to March. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is the nearest airport and transfer is already included in the price.
4-Day Relax and Breathe Yoga Retreat in El Castillo, Arenal
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$518 per person for 4 days/3 nights
- Yoga styles: Vinyasa & Yin
This retreat is the perfect opportunity to allow your mind and body to absorb the peace and beauty of the tropical rainforest while relaxing to the sounds of nature.
Designed to enhance your yoga practice, this getaway will also assist you in transforming your eating habits and changing your perspective on life.
You'll stay at a retreat in El Castillo, close to the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal in Costa Rica. The accommodation offers private rooms with majestic views, access to an organic farm, a swimming pool, and a jungle spa.
The program includes yoga sessions, healthy organic meals, meditation, and the chance to enjoy massages, an organic mud detox, and hiking.
Additionally, you can indulge in exciting excursions such as permaculture farm tours and a cacao farm tour with a chocolate-making workshop. Immerse yourself in this raw and authentic Costa Rican experience, surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest.
6-Day Revitalize and Rejuvenate Yoga Retreat near Tamarindo, Guanacaste
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: Until August 2023
- Price: From US$995 per person for 6 days / 5 nights
- Yoga styles: Vinyasa
Enjoy the warm weather, beautiful views of the valley, and the spectacular on-site infinity pool. Nourish your body with international vegetarian dishes, relax, and deepen your yoga practice.
You’ll stay in lodges, built from local teak and include queen-size beds, AC, and a large deck to relax in a rocking chair.
This retreat includes two daily yoga classes, pranayama, meditation, and chakra balancing workshops. You’ll also enjoy three gourmet vegetarian meals daily, as well as diet and nutrition tips for living a healthy life.
During your free time, you can visit a volcano, go hiking, try horseback riding, and surf, among other many things to do.
Kindly book the flight to Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) airport as the transfer is also included.
10-Day Energizing Surf & Yoga Holiday in Nicoya Peninsula
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: Until October
- Price: From US$2,670 per person for 10 days / 9 nights
- Yoga styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative and Ashtanga
Surf and yoga go well together like peanut butter and jelly. Both practices form a unique combination of fun, mindfulness, and balance that makes this surf and yoga holiday in Costa Rica an amazing experience.
Don’t worry if you’ve never surfed before, the program suits all levels and it includes 8 yoga classes, 6 surf lessons, photos and videos of every lesson, daily fruits and water, and transportation to and from the beach.
For the accommodation, you can choose between a shared room, a private with a shared bathroom, or all private at the Pura Vida hostel. It is located just a few steps away from Playa Santa Teresa and it has a swimming pool for you to wind down.
The retreat is available all year round, just keep in mind that it has a high season on Christmas and Easter. You’re free to arrive any day of the week.
Yoga Teacher Training Programs in Costa Rica
Ready to take your passion for yoga to the next level and get certified as a yoga teacher? These two training opportunities allow you to do so, as well as enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica.
18-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Puntarenas
- Availability: All Year Round
- Price: From US$3,099 per person for 18 days/17 nights
- Yoga styles: Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Yin, Acro, Nidra, Ashtanga
Learn how to perfect your yoga practice, first for yourself, and, afterward, so you are also able to touch the lives of others. Practice self-love and love towards the entire world around you, with introspection, meditation, and tours to admire the stunning wildlife around. The program also includes exciting opportunities for surfing, whale-watching and local trips in the magical rainforest.
22-Day Transformational 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast, Puerto Viejo
- Availability: Select dates in September and November 2023, January, March, August, and November 2024
- Price: From US$2,895 per person for 22 days/21 nights
- Yoga styles: Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Sivananda, and Hatha
Embark on unique yoga teacher training to discover yourself and live the full experience as a yogi. This certified program in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is infused with Vinyasa, sunrise and sunset yoga classes on the beach, pranayama, meditation, and loads of fun!
You’ll start each day with a yoga class. You’ll join various lectures, an afternoon yoga class, and end the day with meditation.
During the retreat, you’ll enjoy daily lunch. You’ll also go on mindful walks on the beach, swim with horses, and even go horseback riding (if you are already an experienced rider).
Yearning for more opportunities to visit Costa Rica while enjoying a yoga break? Take a look at hundreds of yoga holidays in Costa Rica and find the perfect one for you!