7 Life Changing Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Courses for Solo Female Nomads
I’ve worked in the yoga industry for as long as I’ve been a nomad and so I’ve visited a lot of hot yoga destinations around the world.
Costa Rica is one of my favorites.
I’ve also visited a lot of yoga schools and sampled a few yoga teacher trainings, too. While I am not a yoga instructor myself (though Yoga Alliance certified!), I do know what makes a good yoga teacher training course and what doesn’t.
I’ll share with you the BEST yoga teacher training courses in Costa Rica based on my industry experience, my expertise as a certified yoga instructor, and my behind-the-scenes look at dozens of established yoga schools around the world.
Whether you end up teaching yoga or you’re just looking for a big shake up in your life, these are the yoga teacher trainings that have my eyebrows raised.
Full disclosure, I used to work with BookRetreats, the platform I’ll be using to make these recommendations. Everyone over there really loves what they do and cares about your experience, so I can happily say it’s the company I genuinely recommend. They also guarantee the lowest price, so you’ll get the best savings with BookRetreats. And if you end up booking with them, you’ll get a free online yoga retreat where Yours Truly leads a traditional Hatha Tantra yoga class. 💃
19 Day 200 Hour EcoYoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica
Location: Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Setting: Beach
Yoga Styles: Ashtanga Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation available for up to 72 hours after booking
Dates: Monthly
Who this is for: Earth lovers who want to experience Costa Rican permaculture
Whatever you’ve heard about Costa Rica, you’ll experience it here. Upon your arrival at the Diaz family’s 2-story “tree house” paradise, you’re warmly embraced as family. This sanctuary provides modern comforts within the heart of the jungle.
On-site hiking trails beckon exploration of the surroundings, while Julio, your host, unveils the secrets of his garden, a natural pharmacy of traditional remedies.
Yoga classes take place on a sturdy wooden platform by a tranquil creek in the rainforest, as well as in a snug classroom in the main building. You’re always immersed in nature’s orchestra, with sights of majestic trees and visits from local wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas and vibrant tropical birds.
The yoga training course aims to foster a reconnection with your inner child via various means including play, art, movement, and nature. It involves activities such as dance, painting, journaling, and acro yoga, all underpinned by ancient teachings. You’ll also learn about sustainable farming through a visit to the permaculture farm and experience the grounding sensation of connecting with the Earth barefoot.
Excursions include eco hikes exploring medicinal plants, local wildlife, mangroves, beach, and primary rainforest, river swimming and meditation, enchanted bamboo forest visits, and waterfall adventures. Please note that a minimum of 1 year of steady yoga practice is required to attend this course.
21 Day 200Hr Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica
Location: Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Setting: Beach and Jungle
Yoga Styles: Vinyasa Yoga, Ayurveda Yoga, Hatha Yoga, General Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Hot Yoga, Dynamic Yoga, Power Yoga
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation available up to 90 days before teacher training start date
Dates: Monthly
Who this is for: Yogis who want to deepen their understanding of yoga philosophy
As a participant in the Lakshmi Rising Vinyasa Yoga training in Costa Rica, you can anticipate an immersive and transformative journey that will not only deepen your yoga practice but also broaden your perspective on self-care, wellness, and spiritual awakening.
Your day will begin with an optional group meditation, setting a peaceful and mindful tone for the day ahead. This will be followed by a coffee or tea break, offering you a quiet space for introspection and grounding before transitioning into the physical practice of the day.
The 90-minute Vinyasa yoga practice promises to be a diverse and dynamic experience. Some sessions will be energetic, hot, and sweaty, pushing your physical boundaries and building strength and resilience. Others will be slow and juicy, focusing on flexibility and mindful movements, allowing for deep internal connection and rejuvenation.
The practices are designed as a revitalizing laboratory for exploring and expressing your true Self. The mat becomes a mirror to your mind, helping you identify and break free from limiting habits, patterns, and conditioning that cause suffering.
The tranquil Costa Rican setting will be the cherry on top of an already transformative experience. Surrounded by lush greenery, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife, you will feel a deep connection with nature that will further inspire your journey of self-discovery.
The teacher training program draws wisdom from various revered sources, integrating time-tested traditions with modern knowledge and insights. The teachings will leave you feeling awakened, inspired, and transformed, ready to carry this newfound knowledge and wisdom into your daily life back home.
This Costa Rican yoga journey promises not just to be an educational experience but a life-altering adventure of self-discovery, wellness, and personal growth.
14 Day 200 Hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica
Location: San José, San José Province, Costa Rica
Setting: Jungle
Yoga Styles: Ayurveda Yoga, Dynamic Yoga, General Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Nidra Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation available up to 30 days before teacher training start date
Dates: Every few months
Who this is for: Yogis with limited days off
Remember the dreamy yoga teacher training I just described above? Well this is that, except in 14 days. If you’re have real Pitta energy, then this might be a great teacher training for you. It’ll be hard and fast and definitely challenging.
Yoga teacher trainings are pretty demanding. As much as you love being in one, it requires a lot from you physically, emotionally, and mentally. For some people, this short time frame sounds like the biggest bang for their buck! For others, it may be a little too much. But it’s nice to have options 🙂
20 Day 200-Hour Awakenings Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica
Location: Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Setting: Beach (playa!)
Yoga Styles: Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin Yoga
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation available up to 1 day before teacher training start date
Dates: June and November
Who this is for: Those looking for a quintessential Costa Rican beach experience
I’ve been to Playa Hermosa, which translates to “Pretty/Beautiful Beach” and, well, yeah. Costa Rican beaches have darker sand and are littered with fallen coconuts. Monkeys howl in the distance and surfers chase waves. It’s the quintessential Costa Rica beach experience.
The serene coastal environment offers a tranquil backdrop, perfect for deepening your yoga practice and forming a profound connection with nature. The training includes comfortable accommodations, nutritious meals, and exciting excursions to explore the local area.
The structure of the yoga teacher training blends of theory, practice, and experiential learning. Your days will be filled with daily yoga practice, meditation, and pranayama. You’ll also attend lectures and workshops on a range of topics, from yoga anatomy to teaching methodology, yoga philosophy, and ethics.
Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a 200-hour yoga teacher training certificate from Yoga Alliance, an internationally recognized standard for yoga teacher training programs.
17 Day 200 Hour YogiBeYoga & Ayurveda Yoga TTC in Costa Rica
Location: San Juanillo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Setting: Beach and Jungle
Yoga Styles: General Yoga, Hatha Yoga
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation available up to 30 days before teacher training start date
Dates: Every few months
Who this is for: Yogis looking for an intimate and deeply personal yoga teacher training
Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the enriching Yoga Teacher Training with Fundamentals of Ayurveda and Archery at Pura Veda Gurukulam, a traditional school tucked away in a lush forest oasis in Costa Rica.
With a dedication to small group trainings, the program invites only 16 students, ensuring a personalized and intimate learning experience. The gurukulam is a living testament to the love for Mother Earth, adorned with a diverse variety of lovingly planted species of plants and trees. High prana and sattvic meals, composed of organic vegetarian dishes, are served three times a day, nourishing your body and spirit as you delve into your yoga journey.
The experience at Pura Veda Gurukulam isn’t confined to the mat and classroom alone. Embrace the ‘Support Local Business Day’ every Sunday, where you’ll have the chance to explore local eateries for breakfast and lunch, before returning for a wholesome dinner at the gurukulam.
The program also offers the option to add refreshing coconut water and fresh fruits during morning and afternoon theory class breaks. And when you’re not practicing asanas or delving into Ayurveda and Archery, you can wander down a scenic, less-traveled road to the nearby beach, a mere mile away, where the rhythm of the waves will serenade your yoga journey.
18 Day 200 Hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica
Location: Playa Coyote, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Setting: Tropical Paradise
Yoga Styles: Anusara Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Ayurveda Yoga, General Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Dynamic Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation available up to 1 day before teacher training start date
Dates: Every few months
Who this is for: Yogis who are looking for a therapeutic yoga practice or who are interested in teaching yoga within a therapeutic context
This Yoga Teacher Training invites you to explore Yoga as a catalyst for vibrant health, personal empowerment, and profound self-transformation. This comprehensive yoga teacher training offers an intriguing blend of alignment-based vinyasa yoga flow, a robust foundation in Hatha Yoga, and 200 hours of instruction within a therapeutic context.
The curriculum covers a broad range of Yoga techniques, including Yoga postures, anatomy, relaxation, breath awareness, pranayama, and meditation.
You’ll also delve into life-affirming contemplations designed to shift limiting tendencies into positive thought patterns. Think: practical tips for improving your life.
The course emphasizes the application of clear, anatomy-informed alignment principles to ensure safety, balance, and freedom in your Yoga poses. Alongside the asana practice, you’ll explore concepts from Ayurveda, the Upanishads, Patanjali, and the Chakra System, providing a holistic and integrative approach to Yoga as a path towards radiant health and well-being.
This yoga teacher training celebrates diversity in asana practice, featuring both level one/two alignment-based vinyasa flow sequencing and gentler restorative yoga variations. Expect to explore asanas from all categories, including standing poses, hip openers, forward bends, backward bends, twists, inversions, balancing, supine, seated, and prone. Accommodations are made for all levels of practitioners, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
This yoga teacher training quite literally covers it all!
Instead of confining you to standard sequencing or rigid methodologies, the program encourages your unique expression as a Yoga teacher. It equips you with a framework that inspires you to adopt the practices, awaken your creativity, and find your authentic voice. Graduates of this program emerge feeling empowered to teach a variety of Yoga class types, including all levels vinyasa Yoga, alignment-based classes, Yoga foundations, senior, gentle, and restorative, ready to make a positive impact in the world of Yoga.
Common Questions About Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Courses
If this is your first time traveling to Costa Rica or doing anything like this, then it can be a lot of information to take in and plan for. Here are a few common questions that people have when they’re getting started.
Why do most yoga teacher training courses serve vegetarian meals?
Most yoga trainings serve vegetarian meals as they align with the core yogic principle of “Ahimsa”, which means non-violence or harmlessness. Ahimsa extends not only to our actions and words but also to what we consume. By choosing vegetarian meals, yoga trainings promote compassionate and mindful eating, cherishing all forms of life. This practice allows participants to nourish their bodies with vibrant, life-giving foods, and supports a sense of interconnectedness with all beings, thereby deepening their yoga journey both on and off the mat.
What are the visa requirements for travel to Costa Rica?
US nationals don’t need a visa to visit Costa Rica. You’ll automatically get a travel visa for 90 days when you enter, as long as you have appropriate documents (ie valid passport).
What is the ideal time of year to attend a yoga teacher training in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is simply divine all year round, but if you’re seeking the ultimate balance between stunning weather and a tranquil ambiance, consider attending a yoga teacher training during the dry season, typically between December and April. During these months, you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine, making it a perfect time for outdoor yoga practice and exploring the breathtaking natural beauty around you.
However, don’t dismiss the rainy season (May to November) outright. Although you might encounter afternoon showers, mornings are typically dry and lush, and the quieter atmosphere may provide just the introspective environment you need for deep yoga immersion. Plus, the rainforests are at their most vibrant during these months.
Just be warned that if you chase the rainy season, then some road may be too flooded to reach your destination. Check with your lead yoga teacher or yoga school about the road conditions before arriving.
How much experience in yoga practice is required before enrolling in a teacher training program?
Generally, it’s recommended to have at least one to two years of consistent yoga practice before enrolling in a yoga teacher training program. This ensures that you’ve developed a solid foundation in the basic postures, a level of comfort with yogic breath control (pranayama), and have begun to understand the mental and physical nuances of your personal practice.
What kind of yoga certification will I receive upon completing the program? Is it internationally recognized?
Upon completing your yoga teacher training, you’ll typically receive a certificate indicating that you’ve successfully completed the designated hours of training, often 200 or 500 hours. If your program is registered with Yoga Alliance, an international governing body for yoga, you’ll be eligible to register with them as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). This designation is recognized globally and often preferred by yoga studios and fitness centers when hiring yoga teachers. It’s important to confirm the accreditation of your chosen program beforehand to ensure its recognition and your ability to teach worldwide.
What is the cancellation policy if I am unable to attend the training?
I included the cancellation policy of each yoga teacher training I recommend above, so check it out there or on the booking platform.
Will there be any free time during the training for exploring the local area or participating in other activities?
Most yoga teacher training programs offer an hour or two of free time each day for you to sort of decompress and have some space. It’s also a good time to work on your assignments for the day. I wouldn’t really recommend doing any activities or exploring any local communities during your teacher training unless you do it as a part of your program. I only recommend this because there’s a really energy that forms when you’re in a yoga teacher training with a group of people. Leaving that energy and jumping into what might be a chaotic or distant place can interrupt the flow you’re in.
What should I pack for a yoga teacher training in Costa Rica?
As for general clothing, pack light, airy clothes suitable for warm weather, along with a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces. A swimsuit is essential for enjoying Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches or your accommodation’s pool. Include a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sandals for local exploration and a more sturdy pair if you plan on hiking. Don’t forget to pack your eco-friendly sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal toiletries you may need.
Closing Thoughts
Even if you don’t plan to teach yoga, I really think that a yoga teacher training can be good for anyone. It gives you a quick immersion into a yogic lifestyle and really sends you home with a lot to consider.
If you’re still not sure which one to choose, then here is a quick way to find what you want:
- If you’re looking for a spiritual practice, then look for a yoga teacher training that spends a lot of time exploring the yoga sutras.
- If you’re looking for a challenging yoga style, then look for an Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga or Vinyasa yoga teacher training.
- If you’re looking for a deeply spiritual experience, then look for a teacher training that emphasizes the Chakra system and Kundalini energy.
Best of luck on your yoga journey and please feel free to leave a comment with any questions or tips to include. I’m happy to help you find the right experience for you!
