9 Rejuvenating Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica for 2024
Breath-taking biodiversity, pristine beaches and some of Central America’s most beautiful tropical rainforest jungle, Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the best travel destinations in the world.
Add to these a wide range of wellness and yoga retreats in Costa Rica and you’ve got an amazing combination that ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable and rejuvenating yoga vacation.
What’s more, Costa Rica is proudly focussed on eco tourism. So you can enjoy the sandy beaches and explore the diverse nature in the national parks while feeling confident that your Costa Rica yoga retreat is having minimal impact on the environment.
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Why We Love Costa Rica Yoga Retreats
Costa Rica is one of the very best yoga retreat and wellness destinations in the world and there’s no shortage of retreat centers to choose from.
Set in a tropical paradise surrounded by natural beauty and abundant wildlife, the yoga retreats in Costa Rica are of an excellent standard with highly experienced instructors, healthy food and a world class yoga experience.
In addition to daily yoga classes many of the retreats in Costa Rica also provide opportunities to try additional activities including surf lessons, horseback riding and spa treatments.
You can have an action packed adventure or a relaxing beach vacation and still take in all the natural beauty that this incredible country has to offer too.
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in the region so it’s a great destination if you are looking to get away from it all and reconnect with yourself on a solo retreat.
The Best Places for Yoga in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is relatively small country in Central America that borders both the Caribbean coast and the Pacific ocean with the capital city, San Jose, right in the middle.
Despite being the biggest city in the country you can still find some great retreats near San Jose, including the popular Amatierra retreat, without having to worry about adding additional travel time into your yoga holiday itinerary.
The area around La Fortuna and the Arenal volanco is home to some of the best rainforests and hot springs and some of the best wellness, healing and yoga retreats in Costa Rica.
If you do want to travel further into Costa Rica’s unspoiled rainforest and white sand beaches then areas like Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas, Puerto Viejo and Limon are all popular destinations for yoga retreats in Costa Rica. Many of these retreats also offer surfing lessons too.
The Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica for 2024
If you don’t want to read the whole post and just want a quick list of the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica this part is for you. Carry on reading for more details about each retreat.
- Best Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica – El Sabanero
- Best Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica – Essence Arenal
- Best Beginners Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica – Del Alma Retreat
- Best Yoga and Surf Retreat in Costa Rica – Cuatro Vientos
- Best Private Luxury Costa Rica Retreat – Ashtanga Yoga Mama
- Best Spiritual Retreat in Costa Rica – Waterfall Villas
- Best Value Retreat in Costa Rica – Pura Vida Surfers
- Best Horse Riding and Yoga Holiday in Costa Rica – Shambala Retreats
- Best Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training – Innersea Yoga Academy
The Overall Best Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica – El Sabanero
Our favourite retreat center in Costa Rica is located close to the popular beach town of Tamarindo on the Pacific ocean.
Highlights include:
- Three gourmet vegan or vegetarian meals a day.
- 2 daily Vinyasa yoga classes.
- Chakra balancing meditation workshops.
- 5 nights lodge accommodation close to unspoilt Costa Rican rainforest.
El Sabanero Eco Lodge provides the perfect environment for discovering all that is great about Costa Rica while also leading you deeply into yoga practice.
Daily yoga classes, mindfulness meditation and healthy food are all part of the package, and there’s a huge range of additional activities on offer for the more adventurous and nature-loving guests.
You’ll stay in the spacious, air-conditioned teak lodge and sleep on queen size beds, with access to an outdoor swimming pool, yoga studio and group activities.
Prices from approx. US$1090 / €1028 / £893
The Best Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica – Essence Arenal
An authentic Costa Rica yoga retreat located off the beaten path in El Castillo, part of Arenal National Park. Essence Arenal is our top choice for a complete wellness retreat in Costa Rica.
Highlights include:
- Daily spa circuit, including sauna, jacuzzi and Turkish baths.
- Morning yoga classes, plus two sunset yoga sessions.
- Permaculture farm and nature walks on-site.
- Plenty of free time to relax, explore or make extra use of the jungle spa.
This retreat offers not only yoga but also a full holistic spa experience and on-site permaculture farm with nature trails and swimming facilities. You can also learn about cacao and join in with chocolate making workshops.
All your daily meals are included and the food is organic, locally sourced and vegan friendly. Accommodation is in private rooms with views out to the spectacular Arenal Volcano.
Prices from approx. US$961 / €907 / £787
The Best Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica for Beginners – Del Alma
Del Alma’s luxurious yoga and fitness retreat offers a personalized experience centered around your overall well-being. The retreat includes invigorating fitness activities, soothing yoga sessions, and nourishing low-carb, anti-inflammatory meals to support a healthy lifestyle.
Set in a stunning natural landscape, the retreat provides a space to disconnect, rejuvenate, and center oneself. The daily routine combines HIIT workouts, breathwork, meditation, and enriching yoga practice in the Hatha style.
Highlights include:
- Outdoor HIIT workouts
- Five yoga and meditation classes
- 1:1 health coaching session
- One animal-mobility workout
This retreat is ideal for beginner yogis seeking to elevate their active lifestyle, adopt healthy habits, and make yoga part of their daily routine. It also caters to adventure fitness enthusiasts open to personal growth, self-reflection, and inner work.
Prices from approx. US$2786 / €2629 / £2282
The Best Surf and Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica – Cuatro Vientos
This surf and yoga retreat offers exceptional value for money by offering guests a huge list of activities to engage in and is a great option for solo travellers.
Highlights include:
- World class surfing lessons in Santa Teresa on the Pacific coast.
- Daily Hatha yoga session.
- Horseback riding on the beach.
- Airport transfers included (from Liberia airport).
- Customizable retreat experience.
Not only can you get 2 surf lessons every day but there’s also a daily yoga class, an hour of massage, horse riding and Spanish language classes. Best of all, you can customize the activities you want and Cuatro Vientos will give you a personalised quote.
Just a one minute walk from Santa Teresa beach and a short distance from Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, the location is ideal for experiencing Costa Rica’s unique nature and visits to nearby cultural centers and lush jungle can be arranged with ease.
Prices from approx. US$2100 / €1984 / £1723
READ MORE: The Best Surf & Yoga Retreats in the World
Best Private Luxury Retreat in Costa Rica – Ashtanga Yoga Mama
If you’re looking the perfect personal yoga retreat in Costa Rica then look no further than Ashtanga Yoga Mama located on Playa Azul in Guanacaste.
Highlights include:
- Customizable retreat for a truly unique, tailored experience.
- Personalised, daily yoga and meditation classes.
- Brunch, dinner, fruit and healthy drinks included.
- Private accommodation in a beachfront villa with air conditioning, large beds and a lounge.
- Exclusive access to teachers (no group sessions).
This private retreat is completely customized to your wants and needs with a maximum group size of two (in case you want to bring along a friend or partner).
Accommodation is in a large, beautifully designed, beachfront villa with air conditioned rooms, outdoor swimming pool, yoga deck, shala and studio plus private beach access and a terrace overlooking the ocean.
This six day, private yoga retreat package is suitable for all levels of yoga practice. With exclusive access to the resort’s teacher and facilities, this is the place to put yourself first and live out your dream of perfect yoga holiday in Costa Rica.
Prices from approx. US$2640 / €2491 / £2163
Best Spiritual Retreat in Costa Rica – Waterfall Villas
For those looking for a spiritual retreat whilst also being able to immerse themselves in nature, the Waterfall Villas retreat center is among the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica.
Highlights include:
- Magical forest location on top of a waterfall.
- Daily yoga, meditation and spiritual discussion.
- Individual lifestyle counselling.
- Organic, raw vegan meals and drinks included.
This magical retreat is located high above sea level in dense jungle with numerous waterfalls – hence the name! It’s also just a short drive from Dominical surf beach and several national parks, you’ll be stunned by the animal diversity and tropical wonders of the area.
Spiritual discussion is a big part of the daily routine, alongside with Vinyasa and Kundalini yoga and special, guided meditations. You’ll be given a private lifestyle consultation during your stay too and choose between a cacao ceremony with signing bowl meditation or energy healing session.
Your food is included, with meals consisting of organic, raw foods suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The accommodation is in Balinese-inspired villas raised into the tropical rainforest canopy, with the option of sleeping 4-6 people in a private suite.
Prices from approx. US$1499 / €1414 / £1220
Best Value Costa Rica Retreat – Pura Vida Surfers
For a fun yoga retreat in Costa Rica that combines both yoga and surfing in one of the most vibrant beach towns check out Pura Vida Surfers. It’s the best value yoga retreat in Costa Rica right now.
Highlights include:
- 4 yoga classes and 2 surf lessons in Santa Teresa
- Photos and video of your time on the waves.
- Hostel accommodation with swimming pool, bar and kitchen.
- Breakfast and snacks included.
The town of Santa Teresa may be small, but it’s pristine beaches and Pura Vida lifestyle make it a hotspot for retreat centers and surf schools. Some of them can be quite pricey, so it’s a relief to find this value package that combines both yoga and surfing.
There’s a deep emphasis on mastering your breath during your lessons with Pura Vida Surfers. This is vital to both yoga and surfing and is often a afterthought at lesser retreat centers. Lessons are scheduled according to the ocean to make sure you get the best of your time in the water too.
You’ll get plenty of free time throughout the week to explore the vibrant town, it’s beaches and the local natural delights. The staff here can also organise adventure activities and water sports in the local area if you need an extra dose of adrenaline.
Prices from approx. US$985 / €929 / £800
Best Horse Riding and Yoga Holiday in Costa Rica – Shambala Retreat
One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s rainforest and beaches is on horseback and Shambala Retreat offers the opportunity to combine horse riding with yoga, no matter your experience level.
Highlights include:
- Horse riding trips through nature and on the beach.
- Daily yoga and breathwork class.
- Meditation and Kung Fu lessons.
- 3 meals a day included.
Be immersed in Costa Rica’s nature, explore the rainforest on horseback and connect to yourself through Kundalini yoga classes and guided meditations. Add in three vegetarian meals a day and local excursions and you’ve got yourself the ultimate horse riding and yoga vacation.
This retreat is suitable for all abilities, both of horseback riding and yoga, and boasts of spectacular views over the ocean and into the jungle. Each ride you take will follow a different path along the river, across the beaches and through local plantations.
Located near the beach town of Nosara, one of the most popular places for yoga retreats in Costa Rica. Choose from private or shared accommodation, depending on your preference and budget. With all options offering large beds and private bathrooms.
Prices from approx. US$1588 / €1500 / £1300
Best Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica – Innersea Yoga Academy
images from Innersea Yoga Academy, Costa Rica
Innersea Yoga Academy (formerly known as Gypsea Yoga) in Uvita, Puntarenas has put together one of the best Yoga Teacher Training courses in Costa Rica, based on years of experience, and runs courses all year round.
Highlights include:
- 200 hour RYT certification
- Daily asana and meditation practice.
- Philosophy, ethics and lifestyle classes.
- Learn 9 different yoga styles.
Costa Rica is the perfect place to do YTT. Get up close to colorful birds, iguanas, monkeys and sloths with the tranquil sound of the river flowing passed as you study for your 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher’s (RYT) certificate.
Each day begins with meditation and breathwork before the first of several yoga classes. You’ll then cover personal practice, sutras, asanas, anatomy, philosophy and teaching methodology before you sit down to dinner each evening.
This 18 day course is located in Uvita, Puntarenas, set in an intimate, secluded piece of jungle paradise and includes shared accommodation and home-cooked meals in the price.
Prices from approx. US$3099 / €2924 / £2539
Tips for Planning your Costa Rica Yoga Vacation
Best time to visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a tropical climate and is warm all year round. The driest and sunniest period is from December to April, with the lush rainy season covering May to November.
How to get to Costa Rica
Tourists from all countries are allowed to visit Costa Rica for an average of 90 days (depending on your passport – check here for visa details).
The main international airport in Juan Santamaria International (JSO). From here you can take domestic flights around the country. A useful airport for the Guanacaste region is Liberia Guanacaste (LIR). Many yoga retreats in Costa Rica offer transfers as part of the package, so check with the organiser before booking your flight.
How to choose the Best Costa Rica Yoga Retreat for you
With such a huge selection of wellness and yoga retreats in Costa Rica it can be hard to choose. First, read our article about how to pick the best yoga retreat for you and get clear on what you are looking for from a retreat.
We find that checking availability and reviews on independent websites like bookyogaretreats.com to be the quickest, simplest and safest way to narrow down your search.
Once you’ve booked your ideal retreat check out our article about what to pack for a yoga retreat to help you prepare.
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