Why Should You Do Your Yoga Teacher Training in Mexico?
July 22, 2021
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Featuring amazing beaches, exuberant nature, magical towns and thirty-five (!) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world.
It’s not just famous for its history, traditions, unique culture, friendly people and tasty food, but also for the increasing popularity of yoga all across its territory. Therefore, it’s not surprising that yoga teacher trainings in Mexico have gained a lot of ground.
Sounds like something you’d like to try? Read on and learn more about the many reasons why you should consider Mexico to take the next step in your practice!
What makes Mexico special for a yoga teacher training course?
To understand what makes Mexico special for yoga, first, it’s important to know why this land is a favorite travel destination overall.
Did you know that Mexico is home to 11% of all the world’s biodiversity? Here, you can find jungles, deserts, volcanoes, forests, canyons, valleys, underground cenotes and stunning beaches, all within close vicinity to one another. Also, México is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. A true paradise on Earth!
The ancient civilizations here have also left their footprints. The Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History has 193 archaeological zones under its protection, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
As if it wasn’t enough, Mexican food is among the very best worldwide. In 2010, Mexican cuisine made it to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Many delicious fruits and vegetables, like avocado, tomato and zucchini originated here. So, next time you eat pizza, you could thank Mexico because without tomatoes, there would be no pizza at all! Neither your delicious ice-cream, as chocolate and vanilla were both born here.
Talking about yoga, the practice has been very well received in Mexico over the past couple of decades. Nowadays, there are more than 500 organizations affiliated at the Mexican Institute of Yoga, meaning that you can basically find a yoga studio anywhere you go.
Moreover, some ancient traditions have found their way to complement any yoga program. One example is the Temazcal ceremony, which is a symbolic representation of the entrance and departure from Mother Earth's womb. It’s also a great way to detoxify your body and experience traditional healing.
Lastly, due to the high popularity of the practice and its proximity to the USA, you can do almost any yoga style in Mexico, including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Karma, Hatha, Yin, Bikram, yoga for children, Prenatal yoga and several teacher training programs.
Where to do your yoga teacher training in Mexico?
Image credit: Yandara Yoga Institute
From picturesque colonial cities to stunning beaches and the cosmopolitan metropolis of Mexico City, it can be hard to choose the right place to do your teacher training in Mexico. To help make the decision easier for you, here’s some useful information to consider:
One of the most popular areas for yoga in Mexico is the Caribbean; names like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Isla Mujeres may sound familiar to you, as they’re part of the most visited region in the country.
Tulum is known for its Mayan ruins by the ocean, where you can jump into the water and enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean. It’s also famous for its bohemian vibes and wellness culture. Some of the best yoga studios and wellness centers in the country are located here.
If you’d like to participate in a local Temazcal or a cacao ceremony, Tulum is the perfect destination to do it.
Featuring white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Cancun receives ten million tourists every year. Thanks to its wild nightlife, the place has been referred to as the “spring break forever”. It’s not only its beaches and its parties that attract visitors, but Cancun also offers an array of wellness options to make anyone’s vacation exceptional.
Playa del Carmen is another favorite destination for yoga. Located less than one-hour drive away from Tulum, this fabulous town that used to be a fishing village is now home to luxury resorts, fine boutiques, fancy restaurants and busy nightlife, all mixed with hippie vibes and breathtaking scenery.
Not in the Caribbean, but a beautiful beach town nonetheless, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico. Here, you can find beautiful beaches, abundant marine life, water sports and yoga retreats. So, whether you want to stretch out on the beach, do some snorkeling, go fishing, or spend the afternoon on a sunset boat tour, you’ll find plenty of fun activities to complement your training.
Mexico City is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Americas, a collision of contemporary life with ancient history. From street food to vivid street art, colonial architecture and beautiful green spaces, the city of palaces is an incredibly inviting place.
Although Mexico City doesn’t offer many training programs, just 80 km (50 miles) away is the magical town of Tepoztlan, a mystical destination surrounded by rugged mountains and filled with mysticism as locals say that U.F.O.'s fly over the main peak of El Tepozteco National Park.
Another attraction in Tepoztlan is the Exconvento de la Natividad (Former Convent of the Nativity). It was built in the mid-16th century out of hand-carved stone and features five century-old murals in the interior.
During the weekends, you can visit the town market that offers a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs and delicious pre-Hispanic food. Many consider Tepoztlan an energy center, so Temazcal rituals, holistic massages, wellness centers, yoga retreats and teacher training courses are within a hand’s reach.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Mexico’s Best Yoga Destinations
Best time to do your teacher training
Mexico has gentle weather all year round, so you can basically go whenever you want. However, here’s some more detailed information about what to expect each month of the year.
January and February are normally dry and the temperature is not as high. But if you prefer the heat, wait until March and April to visit, as temperatures rise during these months. If you’re looking for a good tan, then May is the best time for you to go as the sun is bright right before the rainy season starts.
In June and July, the temperatures continue to rise but the days are cooled off by the rain. That said, don’t worry if you’re planning to go in these months, as the weather is still pleasant and the rain normally stops after a while.
August and September are considered the low season as rains become heavier. On the coast, it’s also hurricane season, so it might be a good moment to opt for another option. In addition, something cool about traveling to Mexico around the 15th of September is that you get to see how Mexicans celebrate their Independence Day, which is quite a spectacle, full of food, dance, drinks and joy.
November is a good time to visit because the days remain hot, but the crowds have yet to arrive. Also, on the 1st/2nd of November, Mexicans celebrate “Day of the Dead”, another event you don’t want to miss.
Lastly, December is a popular month for travel. You can expect temperatures around 27° / 23°C (80° / 73° F) on the beach and warm and dry weather across the rest of the territory. As in any other place, around Christmas and New Year the touristic areas get busy, so keep that in mind when planning your training.
Recommended yoga teacher training courses in Mexico
If you’ve read this far, you're probably convinced of doing your yoga teacher training in Mexico. Therefore, here are two options for you, a 200-hour and a 300-hour course depending on your current level.
15-Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Isla Mujeres
- Location: Isla Mujeres
- Duration: 15 Days
- Program: 200 hours
- Certification to register with Yoga Alliance upon completion
Located just 8 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres features a year-round tropical climate, excellent scuba diving and snorkeling spots, and great surf spots. It’s also an ideal location for a yoga teacher training course (YTT).
This training takes place at Jungle Accommodations, just a 3-minute’ walk from the shores of the Caribbean in both directions. Students have quick access to swimming spots, shopping areas, live music, cultural centers, and more. You’ll stay in apartments that are designed for either group or single occupancy (depending on your preference).
During this 200-hour YTT, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to lead meaningful classes, find your authentic practice, and flourish in the community environment.
Each student will leave this program with practical knowledge of 45 traditional poses, practice designing sequences, and confidence to inspire students to love their bodies through yoga practice. Students who complete the training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Your daily starts at 7 a.m. with the morning practice in the outdoor shala. After breakfast (9 a.m.) you’ll join the morning lab (at the poolside). Following lunch, you’ll join more courses (asana and anatomy) from 2 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. (in the garden) and is followed by the evening Yoga Nidra class.
Included in the package are a trip to magical Punta Sur, a walk to La Joya Beach, as well as welcome and closing events.
You’ll enjoy three home-cooked vegetarian meals daily and drinks (water, coffee, tea).
The closest airport to the training center is Cancún International Airport (CUN) and the transfer is available for an additional fee.
READ MORE: Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Mexico
200-Hour FitFlowYoga Teacher Training in Tulum
- Location: Tulum
- Duration: 15 Days
- Program: 200 hours
- Certification to register with Yoga Alliance upon completion
Join this yoga teacher training in Tulum and delve deep into the study of Vinyasa Flow.
While it only takes 15 days, this retreat is structured in such a way that you can attend the course fully in Tulum.
You’ll enjoy Vinyasa Flow and Power Yoga lessons, join daily meditation & pranayama sessions, attend asana lab lectures, and take part in temazcal.
The program also includes 2 daily vegetarian meals, a daily fruit, and tea.
Looking for a quick recharge? Find the relaxation you need on a short yoga break in Mexico.