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Yoga in Central America

Our Favorite Yoga Retreats in Central America

Since the start of the century, Central America has become a popular place to practice yoga. In this article we look at some of our favorite yoga retreats in Central America.

Central America has become a leading destination for yoga practitioners worldwide, offering exceptional facilities at competitive prices compared to traditional yoga destinations in Asia and Europe. The region’s combination of natural beauty, warm climate, and direct flight access from major cities makes it an ideal choice for both experienced yogis and beginners.

The appeal of practicing yoga in Central America extends beyond the mat. The region’s natural landscapes provide an excellent environment for wellness and relaxation, with surf and yoga combos particularly popular, especially in Costa Rica and El Salvador. Many centers have developed world-class facilities while maintaining authentic connections to local culture and traditions.

Top Yoga Retreats in Central America

Below, in no particular order, we list some of our favorite yoga retreats around the region. No matter what Central American country you find yourself in, there’s a place for you.

Ka’Ana Resort & Spa, Belize

Out on the Western Highway, between San Ignacio and the Guatemalan border, the Ka’Ana Resort offers the best in Belizean eco-tourism. But its focus on deep relaxation also makes it the perfect yoga spot. Enjoy complimentary morning classes surrounded by nature or book a private class. And don’t forget to enjoy the spa, the highlight of this place!

Waterfall Villas, Costa Rica

You’ll find the Waterfall Villas on the banks of the Rio Baru, just outside the southern Pacific surf town of Dominical. The emphasis here is on delicious vegan food and wellness. This place is a pure retreat in the most specific sense and kundalini yoga is integral to the Waterfall Villas’ spirit.

Anamaya Resort, Costa Rica

Anamaya is one of the more prestigious wellness resorts in Costa Rica and an ideal center for classical yoga teacher-training. The location is superb – on a mountain outside the pretty beach town of Montezuma, near the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Anamaya offers various retreats and yoga teacher-training programs.

Balancé Yoga Retreat, El Salvador

For yogis who surf, Central America is the Mecca. And the Great Mosque of that Mecca is El Salvador. Surf and yoga go hand in hand here on these powerful beaches. El Tunco is at the heart of El Salvador’s surf scene and Balancé Yoga Retreat is in the heart of El Tunco. It marks the perfect balance of mindful yoga and exhilarating surf.

Las Flores Resort, El Salvador

Another surf center with a side of yoga. The yoga deck at Las Flores is perfect for checking out the waves of Playa El Cucu. Use the deck on your own or request your own classes with the resident yogi.

Villa Sumaya, Guatemala

On the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Villa Sumaya celebrates the finest standards of yoga and meditation. This place is all about retreat hosting, both personal and group. If you’re looking to host a yoga or wellness retreat on the shore’s of the world’s most beautiful lake, Villa Sumaya is for you.

Kawoq Forest, Guatemala

In Guatemala, the town of San Marcos La Laguna on Lake Atitlán is famous for having a thriving yoga and wellness community. So it’s no surprise that Kawoq Forest (formally the Yoga Forest) makes its home here. Kawoq Forest offers teacher training, various retreats, and drop-in classes.

Isla Verde, Guatemala

Also on Lake Atitlán, Isla Verde is popular for its personal retreats. Accessible only by boat, the nine cabins here allow you to live in a world of solitude. Retreats take place throughout the year, hosted by some of the best yogis in the world.

Paya Bay Resort, Honduras

Paya Bay sits on the East Side of the island of Roatán, Honduras. The spectacular 1,200 square-foot Ananda Yoga Pavillion looks out over the Caribbean and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Costa Dulce, Nicaragua

Located south of San Juan del Sur, on Playa Escameca Grande, Costa Dulce offers three ocean-view yoga shalas in the Nicaraguan jungle. The retreat combines daily yoga sessions with surfing on uncrowded waves perfect for beginners.

Istmo Yoga and Adventure Retreat, Panama

A short, easy drive down the Pan-American Highway from Panama City, Istmo is perfect for weekend healing breaks. You’ll stay in a simple, comfortable cabin here and reconnect with yourself. One of the owners takes the regular yoga classes, while guest yogis arrive to host retreats.

Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort, Panama

Without doubt the best yoga resort in Panama, Sansara sits at the bottom of the Azuero Peninsula. As so often in Central America, yoga here combines with surfing, although you can come for one and not the other. Daily classes take place and also year-round retreats with renowned guest teachers.

Planning Your Central American Yoga Experience

The best time to visit Central America for yoga retreats is during the dry season from December to April. Most centers offer programs ranging from weekend getaways to extensive three-week immersions, with options spanning traditional Hatha practice to modern Vinyasa flows. Prices vary significantly across the region, allowing travelers to find retreats that match their budget and preferred comfort level.

Many retreats combine yoga with complementary activities like surfing, hiking, or meditation. This integration of activities has become particularly popular along the Pacific coast, where morning yoga sessions often pair with afternoon surf lessons. Inland retreats typically focus more on meditation and traditional practices, especially in cultural centers like Lake Atitlán.

Are You Ready for Yoga in Central America?

Central America’s yoga community continues to grow, attracting both teachers and students from around the world. These destinations provide professional instruction in remarkable settings, allowing visitors to advance their practice while experiencing the natural beauty of Central America. Ready to begin your yoga journey in Central America? Most retreats offer year-round programs, with peak season booking recommended 3-6 months in advance.

Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh is a passionate yogi, yoga teacher, and traveler from India. He manages a yoga school in Rishikesh, India called Rishikul Yogshala, which provides yoga teacher training.