The 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica

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osta Rica is the most visited tourist destination in North America. It's not only famous for its stunning natural beauty but also for its biodiversity. The place is simply magical and provides a ton of options for tourists to enjoy while there. You can visit their pristine beaches, explore the beautiful rainforests, visit their volcanoes, and relax in this paradise-like place. Costa Rica is also home to relaxation, wellness and fantastic yoga experiences. We've broken down some of the very best in this article.

Over the years, more and more people have enjoyed this beautiful place and used it for yoga retreats. Is there a better place to get your Zen on than on some beautiful beach, a rainforest, or at the foot of a beautiful volcano? Everyone loves this destination because the beautiful natural environment allows you to relax and get working on your asanas and meditation.

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How many yoga retreats are there in Costa Rica?

Finding the exact number of retreats in Costa Rica can be a little tricky as newer places get invented every day. But all we know is that there are over 213 yoga retreats in Costa Rica. We’ve reviewed all of these and poured over reviews and have done our best to curate the very best.

What do you wear to a yoga retreat in Costa Rica?

There are different clothes you can wear for varying occasions. But what’s for sure is that you will need to wear clothes that aren’t too warm since Costa Rica is very hot and humid most of the time. Costa Rica is 8-11 degrees north of the equator, which means it has tropical weather all year round.

The clothes you carry on your trip will depend on how long you plan to stay in Costa Rica and the places you will visit. All this is because you will need different clothes for the beach, hiking, yoga, and lounging. Besides clothes you will need all your yoga necessities like, yoga mat, yoga clothes, and other items like blocks.

Clothes

Due to the humidity, you will most likely use more than one shirt in a day. You can carry a few clothes and wash them while there and leave them to dry or get laundry services in the place you’re staying at. You might also need a few casual clothes for dinner. For men, shorts and casual t-shirts will do, while the ladies can also get some dresses for dinner at the beach. But otherwise, you will need the normal yoga attire for your classes. It would be best to pack up some swimsuits and surf shorts. If you need pajamas, ensure they are lightweight since it is very hot.

Shoes

You might need a few sneakers, but note that they can get wet easily, and it would be preferable to have a pair of nylon boots to hike with. But what’s necessary is a pair of sandals. Those will be great for the beach. Heels won’t work well in that environment, so you should leave those back at home.

What's the typical cost of a yoga retreat in Costa Rica?

If you’re still not sure if Santosha is right for you, don’t just take our word for it. Check out what former students have to say:

One student from Germany praised Santosha’s teachers, saying, “It’s an honour for me to be guided by such a wonderful team of excellent teachers on my way. I’m so full of grace to be a part of this very special yoga community.”

And a student from the Netherlands liked the fact that the program is online, and said, “Being able to get certified online with Santosha was a real blessing. Although online, the course was very thorough and all the help and support that you could need was available.”

And yet another student, from the Philippines, please with the entire program, reported, “From the comprehensive curriculum to the authenticity of the teachers and the supportive staff, I found the bearings I needed to navigate the path in becoming a Yoga Teacher.”

What else does Santosha offer?

Most yoga retreats in Costa Rica range between $100 and $4000. Different places offer varying services and different number of days that the yoga retreat will last, hence the big price difference. The more expensive yoga retreats could even go on for a month hence the price.

The 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica

There are multiple great yoga retreat centers in Costa Rica, but here we have put together some of the best ones, so you don’t have to look any further.

1. Shambala Retreat's 7 Day Nervous System Reset: Yoga and Breathwork Retreat by the Ocean in Nosara

Shambala Retreats offers a transformative 7-day Nervous System Reset retreat in the serene setting of Nosara. This retreat, scheduled from December 15, 2023, onwards, is designed to rejuvenate participants’ minds and bodies through a blend of Kundalini Yoga and breathwork practices. Amidst the lush natural beauty of Nosara, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in daily Kundalini Yoga sessions led by experienced instructors. These sessions are tailored to help individuals release tension, increase energy levels, and achieve mental clarity, fostering a deep sense of relaxation and inner peace. Additionally, the retreat places a strong emphasis on breathwork techniques, which can aid in reducing stress and promoting emotional balance. With ample time for self-reflection and exploration, this retreat offers a holistic approach to well-being in a picturesque Costa Rican setting.

The Shambala Retreat’s 7-day Nervous System Reset in Nosara provides a comprehensive wellness experience for those seeking to escape the demands of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. The retreat offers participants the chance to unwind in a tranquil tropical paradise while delving into the profound benefits of Kundalini Yoga and breathwork practices. This program is suitable for individuals of all skill levels, and the instructors are dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment. Whether you’re looking to deepen your yoga practice, reduce stress, or simply rejuvenate your body and mind, this retreat promises a restorative journey that aligns with your wellness goals, all in the breathtaking surroundings of Nosara, Costa Rica.

The Details:

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $1550
  3. Length: 7 Days
  4. Location: Nosara

2. El Sabanero Eco Lodge's 6-day Revitalize and Rejuvenate Yoga Retreat

El Sabanero Eco Lodge invites you to embark on a 6-day Revitalize and Rejuvenate Yoga Retreat near Tamarindo in Guanacaste, starting from December 15, 2023. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Costa Rica, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to revitalize both the body and mind. The daily yoga sessions are led by experienced instructors and are suitable for participants of all levels, making it an inclusive and accessible retreat. These sessions are designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and inner peace, helping attendees connect with themselves and the stunning natural surroundings. Moreover, the retreat’s tranquil ambiance provides ample time for self-reflection and relaxation, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Beyond yoga, the Revitalize and Rejuvenate retreat offers a range of optional activities such as horseback riding, surfing, and spa treatments, allowing participants to customize their experience based on their interests and wellness goals. The eco-conscious El Sabanero Eco Lodge emphasizes sustainability and provides comfortable accommodations in harmony with the surrounding environment. With delicious organic meals included in the package, participants can nourish their bodies while immersing themselves in the beauty of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. This retreat is a holistic wellness journey that combines yoga, nature, and relaxation, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a rejuvenating escape in December 2023.

The Details:

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $981
  3. Length: 6 Days
  4. Location: Tamarindo

3. Ashtanga Yoga Mama's 6 Day Tailored Luxury Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat in Playa Azul, Guanacaste

Ashtanga Yoga Mama presents a 6-day Tailored Luxury Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat in Playa Azul, Guanacaste, starting on December 15, 2023. This exclusive retreat is designed for those seeking a high-end, personalized wellness experience in a tropical paradise. Set against the backdrop of Playa Azul’s pristine beaches and lush surroundings, this retreat focuses on the fusion of yoga and mindfulness practices to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Led by expert instructors, participants can expect daily yoga sessions tailored to individual needs and skill levels, ensuring a personalized and transformative experience. These sessions emphasize the Ashtanga yoga tradition, renowned for its dynamic postures and breath control techniques, enabling participants to deepen their practice and enhance flexibility and strength.

In addition to yoga, this luxury retreat offers mindfulness and meditation sessions, creating a holistic approach to self-discovery and relaxation. The retreat also offers the flexibility for participants to explore optional activities like surfing and spa treatments, catering to individual preferences and goals. Accommodations are of the highest quality, providing a comfortable and tranquil space to unwind. With nourishing, organic meals included, guests can savor the flavors of Costa Rica while revitalizing their bodies and minds. The Tailored Luxury Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat by Ashtanga Yoga Mama promises a rejuvenating and customized experience for those seeking a luxurious and transformative getaway in December 2023.

The Details:

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $981
  3. Length: 6 Days
  4. Location: Guanacaste, Costa Rica

4. Sacred Journeys Yoga's 17 Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Sacred Journeys Yoga offers an extensive 17-day 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program in Cahuita, available starting from December 15, 2023. This comprehensive training is designed for individuals looking to deepen their yoga practice and become certified yoga instructors. Set in the idyllic coastal town of Cahuita, Costa Rica, participants will immerse themselves in the art and science of yoga under the guidance of experienced teachers. The program covers a wide range of yoga styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative yoga, giving trainees a well-rounded foundation in yogic philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodologies.

During this immersive training, participants will not only refine their physical practice but also explore the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga. The serene natural surroundings of Cahuita provide the perfect backdrop for self-reflection and growth. The program’s flexible start date and the option to choose arrival dates within a 15-day window offer convenience to prospective trainees. By the end of this 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, participants will not only have the knowledge and skills to lead yoga classes but also a deep understanding of the yogic lifestyle, making it a transformative and fulfilling experience for aspiring yoga instructors.

The Details:

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $3,636
  3. Length: 17 Days
  4. Location: Cahuita, Costa Rica

5. Del Alma Retreat's 7 Day All Inclusive Yoga and Surf Wellness Retreat

Del Alma Retreat Costa Rica offers a rejuvenating 7-day Yoga and Surf Retreat in the breathtaking region of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with flexible start dates beginning on December 15, 2023. This retreat combines the serenity of yoga with the thrill of surfing, providing a well-rounded and adventurous wellness experience. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy daily yoga sessions, which are suitable for all levels and led by experienced instructors. These yoga classes focus on enhancing strength, flexibility, and inner peace, allowing participants to connect with their bodies and the stunning natural surroundings of Guanacaste.

In addition to yoga, this retreat introduces participants to the exhilarating world of surfing, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the waves of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Surfing lessons are provided to suit all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced surfers. This blend of yoga and surfing not only nourishes the body and mind but also offers a chance to embrace the spirit of adventure. Accommodations are comfortable, and the package includes nourishing organic meals to complement this holistic wellness journey. The 7-day Yoga and Surf Retreat by Del Alma Retreat Costa Rica promises a perfect balance of relaxation and exhilaration in the natural beauty of Guanacaste.

The Details:

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $2.786
  3. Length: 7 Days
  4. Location: Marbella, Costa Rica

6. El Sabanero Eco Lodge's 7-day Healing Ceremonies

El Sabanero Eco Lodge offers a 7-day Healing Ceremonies Ayahuasca and Bufo Alvarius Yoga Holiday in Tamarindo, with flexible start dates beginning on December 15, 2023. This retreat is a unique and transformative journey that combines traditional healing ceremonies with yoga practices in the serene setting of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in Ayahuasca and Bufo Alvarius ceremonies, guided by experienced shamans, to explore deep spiritual and emotional healing. These sacred ceremonies are known for their potential to provide profound insights and personal growth.

In addition to the healing ceremonies, daily yoga sessions are incorporated into the retreat to support participants in integrating their experiences and maintaining physical and mental well-being. The yoga classes are suitable for all levels and are designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and inner peace. The combination of ancient healing traditions, yoga, and the tranquil natural surroundings of Tamarindo creates a powerful and holistic approach to personal transformation and inner healing. Comfortable accommodations and nourishing organic meals are provided, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for this profound journey of self-discovery and healing. The Healing Ceremonies Ayahuasca and Bufo Alvarius Yoga Holiday by El Sabanero Eco Lodge offers a rare opportunity for those seeking a deep and immersive spiritual experience in December 2023.

The Details:

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $1,650
  3. Length: 7 Days
  4. Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica

7. Shambala Retreat's invites you to a 7-day Surf and Yoga Retreat

Shambala Retreats invites you to a 7-day Surf and Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica, with flexible start dates available beginning December 15, 2023. This retreat offers an ideal blend of physical activity, relaxation, and the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s coastline. Participants can expect daily yoga sessions suitable for all levels, allowing them to enhance their flexibility, strength, and inner balance. These yoga classes are complemented by surfing lessons, providing an exhilarating opportunity for both beginners and experienced surfers to catch the waves of Costa Rica’s renowned beaches.

The retreat’s location along the picturesque Costa Rican coast offers the perfect backdrop for adventure and serenity. With the flexibility to choose your arrival date within a 15-day window, this retreat caters to individual schedules. Comfortable accommodations and delicious organic meals are included in the package, ensuring that participants can fully immerse themselves in this balanced wellness experience. The 7-day Surf and Yoga Retreat by Shambala Retreats is an excellent choice for those seeking an active and rejuvenating escape in December 2023, combining the joy of surfing with the inner peace of yoga in a stunning natural setting.

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $1,500
  3. Length: 7 Days
  4. Location: Guanacaste, Costa Rica

8. Essence Arenal Wellness Center's 7-day Rainforest Yoga Holiday

The Essence Arenal Wellness Center presents a 7-day Rainforest Yoga Holiday in El Castillo, Alajuela Province, with flexible start dates available starting from December 15, 2023. This retreat offers a truly immersive experience amidst the lush rainforests of Costa Rica. Participants will enjoy daily yoga sessions set against the backdrop of the rainforest’s natural beauty. These yoga classes cater to all levels, aiming to enhance flexibility, strength, and inner peace. Practicing yoga in this serene environment allows participants to connect deeply with nature and themselves.

Beyond yoga, the retreat offers various activities like hikes, hot springs visits, and even opportunities for wildlife spotting in the pristine rainforest surroundings. Comfortable accommodations and nourishing organic meals are included, providing a complete wellness package. The Rainforest Yoga Holiday at Essence Arenal Wellness Center offers a unique opportunity to rejuvenate, explore, and reconnect with nature while deepening your yoga practice. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a holistic and adventurous retreat in December 2023.

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $888
  3. Length: 7 Days
  4. Location: Arenal, Costa Rica

9. Essence Arenal Wellness Center's 14-day Relax and Breathe Yoga

The Essence Arenal Wellness Center presents a 14-day Relax and Breathe Yoga Holiday in Lake Arenal, Alajuela, with flexible start dates available beginning December 15, 2023. This retreat offers an extended and immersive wellness experience in the picturesque surroundings of Lake Arenal. Participants can look forward to daily yoga sessions suitable for all levels, focusing on relaxation, breathwork, and mindfulness practices. These sessions are designed to help participants release tension, reduce stress, and achieve a sense of inner peace while soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the lake and the surrounding natural beauty.

In addition to yoga, this retreat offers a variety of activities, including hikes, meditation sessions, and opportunities to explore the local culture and cuisine. The comfortable accommodations and nourishing organic meals provided as part of the package ensure that participants have everything they need for a rejuvenating and enriching holiday. The 14-day Relax and Breathe Yoga Holiday by Essence Arenal Wellness Center is an excellent choice for those seeking an extended wellness getaway in December 2023, providing a comprehensive approach to relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of Costa Rica’s natural splendor.

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $1,789
  3. Length: 14 Days
  4. Location: Arenal, Costa Rica

10. Peace Retreat's 5-day Body at Peace Massage and Yoga Retreat

The 5-day Body at Peace Massage and Yoga Retreat in Los Pargos, Guanacaste, hosted by Peace Retreat Costa Rica, offers a rejuvenating escape for individuals seeking relaxation and inner balance. With flexible start dates available starting from December 15, 2023, this retreat provides a unique combination of massage therapy and yoga practices. Participants are treated to daily massage sessions, including various techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, and Thai massages. These treatments are expertly designed to relieve tension, reduce stress, and promote physical and mental relaxation.

Complementing the massage therapy are daily yoga sessions guided by experienced instructors. These yoga classes are tailored to enhance flexibility, strength, and inner peace, allowing participants to connect with their bodies and achieve a deeper sense of tranquility. The serene surroundings of Los Pargos, Guanacaste, create the perfect backdrop for this holistic wellness experience. Comfortable accommodations and nourishing organic meals are included in the package, ensuring a well-rounded retreat that focuses on revitalizing the body and calming the mind. The Body at Peace Massage and Yoga Retreat is an opportunity for participants to rejuvenate, find balance, and rediscover peace within themselves amidst the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

The Details:

  1. Dates: Multiple Starting Dates
  2. Price: $666
  3. Length: 5 days
  4. Location: Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Conclusion

Costa Rica is such a breathtaking place full of windswept beaches and rainforests, which lure yogis from all over the world to come and enjoy nourishing their souls there and reconnect with nature. These retreats are in the most cultural towns with kindhearted people. The place is clean, quiet, and the foods are rich and local. If that’s not all you need while practicing yoga and meditation, I don’t know what could please you more. The environment encourages calmness and serenity and is thus a great place to center yourself and forget about the fast and busy life.

Caleb Sharbono is a writer, bio-hacker, wellness advocate, and yogi. Caleb, who grew up on a small Montana ranch, joined the Navy at 17 to study cryptology. He later graduated from the US Naval Academy with a Minor in Mandarin, a Bachelor's in General Engineering, and a Major in English Literature. Caleb's interests and career cover diverse industries and disciplines. Caleb lives in San Antonio and is a Certified Yoga Instructor. He is also studying Zen Buddhism, practicing Holistic Psychology, and working towards his 300-hour yoga teacher training.

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