Costa Rica is a land of natural beauty and tranquillity. It’s full of gorgeous national parks, wild and untamed rainforests and refreshing coastlines. That is why it’s the perfect destination for those wanting to unwind and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

And why wouldn’t you? The refreshing air, tropical breeze, laid-back culture, and exotic wildlife make for the perfect environment to relax and unwind. It’s a place that encourages inner healing and challenges one’s physical and mental abilities.

If that sounds appealing to you, then you might enjoy a life-changing Costa Rica yoga retreat. Each yoga retreat in Costa Rica focuses on something different, whether it be to challenge oneself physically or to soothe your soul.

These retreats are not just about fitness but are your home away from home. You’ll meet fellow yogis and connect with nature, let loose and free your mind. When it comes to finding the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica though, you’re spoiled for choice. So to help you out, I’ve listed the 10 best yoga retreats in Costa Rica below.

Sound good? Let’s get started.

Cathedral Point, Costa Rica

Why Should You Consider A Yoga Retreat In Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a must-destination to consider for a yoga retreat. It’s full of wildlife and natural treasures to explore, plus Costa Rica translates to “rich coast”, so you can imagine how stunning those beaches will be.

The awe-inspiring scenery compiles vast jungles and craggy volcanoes. It has understandably awakened many rejuvenated spirits over the years, and if you’re someone looking for a mindful way of life, then you’ll find inspiration here.

There’s an air of positive energy that flows throughout Costa Rica. There’s something about the relaxed way of life that simply encourages rejuvenation and healing for all who step foot onto its land.

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As well as this, Costa Rica is one of the leading countries in sustainable and eco-friendly practices and has incorporated this through tourism efforts like yoga retreats. In fact, Costa Rica obtains almost 99% of its energy from renewable sources.

If you’re looking to rejuvenate and give back to the environment, then Costa Rica has many eco-friendly retreats awaiting you.

But it’s not just about the environment, the people help to bring that tranquil air to the forefront. Costa Ricans embody the non-violence key virtue of Ahimsa – an ethos of not harming living things. They have even banned recreational hunting since 2012.

The locals also embrace the Pura Vida philosophy, which to them simply means “pure life.” It’s the philosophy of appreciating the finer things that bring your life joy.

It’s no telling then, that a yoga retreat in Costa Rica will offer you one of the cleanest and most refreshing environments for a yoga retreat.

What Can You Expect From A Yoga Retreat In Costa Rica?

Though yoga retreats are all about fitness, you can also expect to be pampered by the time you leave Costa Rica. I don’t mean a luxurious pamper by spa treatments and fine diamonds, but a pampering of the mind.

With unrivaled fresh air, locally sourced food, inspiring fellow yogis and yoga teachers, and an overall healing environment, you will feel like your mind has been reborn again by the time you leave. 

Many yoga retreats offer a minimum of one yoga session a day, some offering up to three yoga sessions a day. Some yoga retreats provide one on one sessions, but this isn’t common so you would need to check the booking.

Most retreats entail group yoga sessions, usually in different settings such as by the beach, river, in a studio, or with a waterfall backdrop, to help yogis feel at ease. 

Each yoga retreat usually comes with its own activities or special add-ons. They can include practices like meditation, sound bathing, and breath work, or more adrenaline-fueled activities like horseback riding, hiking, or surfing.

They also usually offer all-inclusive accommodation and meals, and vegan and vegetarian-friendly meals are usually always on the menu.

One thing you can count on is to be thoroughly inspired by fellow yogis, yoga teachers, and the rejuvenating Costa Rican setting.

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    How To Choose The Right Yoga Retreat In Costa Rica For You?

    A lot can go into choosing a yoga retreat destination, especially in the favorable Costa Rican environment.

    Location

    Location is a big factor. Like whenever you plan for a vacation, where you stay in Costa Rica will really impact your experience. Costa Rica holds more than a few popular yoga retreat locations waiting to be discovered. 

    Nosara is one of the most popular and is well known for its world-class yoga retreats. Nosara also has a prominent surf and yoga culture that has inspired many people. This culture has reeled in many health-conscious and sophisticated ex-pats all over the world.

    Santa Teresa is another hot spot for yoga. It has a lively scene with breathtaking beaches, which also has a popular surf and yoga community. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Costa Rica. The thriving beach town attracts many young tourist crowds whether they are looking to surf it up or obtain inner peace.

    Practices

    Every yoga retreat I’ve listed below welcomes all skill levels. There is no need to worry about your current experience level to enjoy these unique yoga retreats.

    Most yoga retreats focus on Hatha yoga. It’s generally considered the most common type of yoga, focusing on the practice of physical yoga postures. It involves breath, body, and mind work. Many Hatha yoga classes range from 45 to 90 minutes in length, including an opportunity for meditation at the end.

    During Hatha yoga, the goal is to center your body, as well as strengthen and purify it. This is done while cultivating life-force energy (prana) and activating dormant spiritual energy (kundalini).

    Poses during Hatha yoga will range from laying, seated, standing, and restorative poses. It is great for all skill levels.

    Some yoga retreats also include sound bathing as an additional activity. Sound bathing is a deeply immersive activity that involves using the full body to listen and immerse in sounds. This is done in order to encourage gentle, therapeutic, and restorative processes used to nurture the mind and body. 

    Yoga in Costa Rica

    Price

    Yoga retreats may seem costly, but there’s an understandable reason for this. 

    Each yoga retreat includes all your accommodation, activities, food, and other amenities in the package deal. This can include three fresh, locally sourced, and homecooked meals a day.

    Lodging is the accosted number of nights during your stay and you’re room will likely come with unrivalled scenic views, modern bathrooms, electricity, and so on.

    The cost of electricity in Costa Rica is quite high for locals, so while we take electricity for granted in our own countries, you will be paying for its convenience of it here.

    As well as all this, you have a professional yoga teacher to take you on your spiritual journey. If you want to add more activities to your stay, such as hiking tours, beach excursions, and other inclusive activities, this will add to the cost.

    If you factor in all these things, the experience itself is worth the price. The addition of the exceptional quality of each yoga retreat and its staff is superior to studio yoga classes.

    Perks

    Who doesn’t want some exceptional perks to their vacation slash yoga retreat? None that I know of!

    Every yoga retreat in Costa Rica I’ve found comes with its own perks. The Costa Rica environment makes for a reputable perk in itself. The vibrant ocean waters, the thriving jungle habitat, and the inspiring culture are hard to pass up.

    For some, attending a yoga retreat may hold a focus on “peace” and “relaxation”. For others, they may desire to be as physically active as possible during their free time.

    Each yoga retreat offers select inclusive activities. Some offer one or two, whilst others offer four to five. If you desire a more introspective yoga retreat with a focus on inner healing and inner peace, then a yoga retreat that has perks focused on meditation, sound bathing, and breathwork may be best for you. 

    Duration

    When looking at retreats, you’ll find most tend to be around three to seven days. This is due to affordability for both parties. Some yoga retreats are seasonal, and the longer you stay the more expensive the retreat will be.

    It’s important to remember that longer is not necessarily better. A three-day yoga retreat can be just as impactful as a ten or thirty-day retreat.

    When attending one of these yoga retreats, there is the main focus to zone in on you. If you have the time and you want to stay longer than seven days, hey, no one is stopping you! But you might want to explore some of the country too, so make sure to set aside some time to explore all the best places to visit in Costa Rica.

    Many yoga retreats are not flexible in length unless they’re private retreats. Usually, no customization is available to shorten or extend the yoga retreats.

    Other Things to Consider

    Check out the yoga retreat reviews. It’s important to know who will be leading your retreat – whether it be the yoga teacher or just some local. You want to make the best out of your experience, so it’s a good idea to see what former visitors thought of their experience.

    The desire of a yoga retreat in Costa Rica is to learn OUTSIDE of the yoga studio, away from normal life and what you’re accustomed to. Take your time researching and deciding on what would be the right fit for you.

    Think about the type of retreat you’re after, outside of the yoga practices. If you’re looking to heal and let go of old emotions that no longer serve you, you’ll want to attend an inner healing retreat. Not a retreat focused on physical activity or breathwork.

    These are all key things to consider.

    The Top 10 Yoga Retreats In Costa Rica

    Now you know what to expect and what to look for in a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, it’s time to take a look at the best of the best retreats.

    Best Overall Yoga Retreat – 10-Day Detox Retreat in in Alajuela

    10-Day Detox Retreat in in Alajuela

    Price: $1,349

    Location: Alajuela

    Want to detox from the stress and frustrations of everyday life? Then you’ll want to check out this ten-day detox yoga retreat.

    Hosted at the Essence Arenal Boutique Hotel, guests will have their own private bedroom and bathroom. They will get to enjoy more than their privacy at this eco-hostel. Surrounding the hostel are spectacular views of Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano, and El Castillo Valley.

    During this detox yoga retreat, yogis will start the day off with a morning yoga practice. Two meditation sessions are included each day along with meals, gratitude journal writing sessions, and free time.

    In the time allocated for free time, guests can book a treatment at the jungle spa, explore the permaculture farm, hike the nearby rainforest or explore the surrounding Costa Rica attractions.

    Best Surf & Yoga Retreat – 5 Day Surf & Yoga Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

    5 Day Surf & Yoga Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

    Price: $578

    Location: Santa Teresa

    Revitalize and rejuvenate at this five-day surf and yoga retreat in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica!

    Located at Hostel La Posada, this surf and yoga retreat provides daily surf lessons for all levels. If you’re looking to bask in the clear waters and find balance at the same time, this retreat is for you.

    The retreat encourages full immersion into surf and yoga. You’ll have free time to explore popular attractions and partake in activities like horse riding, snorkeling, Spanish lessons, and open sea swimming lessons.

    At this yoga retreat, yogis will find inner peace, refresh, and relax surrounded by Costa Rica’s awe-inspiring environment.

    Best Wellness Yoga Retreat – 8-Day Yoga & Wellness Retreat

    8-Day Yoga & Wellness Retreat

    Price: $1,750

    Location: San Jose

    Are you looking to reset, slow down, and find the balance that you’ve been struggling to grasp? This eight-day yoga and wellness retreat is designed to do just that.

    Rejuvenating through meditation, yoga, herbal medicine, organic food, bodywork, and mind and body awareness, this yoga retreat is centered on helping you find your inner peace. The open-air studio allows for tantalizing views while receiving guidance and support from an experienced yoga teacher.

    If finding balance looks like relaxing in your private casita or if it looks like ziplining through the jungle, to each their own. Find your balance with this undeniably balancing and poignant yoga retreat.

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    Best Luxury Yoga Retreat – 6-Day Tailored Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat

    6-Day Tailored Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat

    Price: $1,800

    Location: Guanacaste

    Just because you’re on a retreat, doesn’t mean you have to skip the luxuries. Spanning six days, yogis will be taken on a journey of self-care, witness spectacular views, and meet with like-minded individuals and supportive teachers.

    The sounds of the tropical jungle and the rush of the ocean waves create the perfect peaceful soundtrack.

    This private yoga retreat is all about customizing your experience, so if you’re looking for specialist support in your yoga practice, this luxurious yoga retreat is the place to find it.

    Due to its private and customizable service, this yoga retreat is flexible with the length and days available to be booked for the retreat.

    Best Rejuvenating Yoga Retreat – 7-Day Kundalini Yoga and Breathwork Retreat

    7-Day Kundalini Yoga and Breathwork Retreat

    Price: $1,050

    Location: Nosara

    Over the course of seven days, on this yoga retreat, you will learn the practice of Kundalini Yoga, a spiritual form of yoga that promotes spiritual enlightenment.

    Yogis will be able to practice with their toes in the sand on inclusive beach trips, speckled across Nosara, Costa Rica. When not at the beach, take your practice to the Ocean View Shala for more yoga and breathwork classes.

    During one of the inclusive excursions, guests will have the opportunity to soak up the sun and snorkel in the cool waters of Playa San Juanillo. Other optional activities include horse riding by the beach or river, a relaxing trip to the spa for a massage, healing ceremonies, an ATV waterfall tour, and acupuncture.

    Best Spiritual Healing Retreat – 5-Day Yoga and Spiritual Healing Retreat

    5-Day Yoga and Spiritual Healing Retreat

    Price: $745

    Location: Tamarindo

    This five-day Yoga and Spiritual Healing Retreat focuses on harmonizing and revitalizing your mind, body, and soul in the Costa Rican valley.

    The retreat provides a stupendous infinity pool, which is the perfect place to laze around and relax in while soaking up the warm weather and stunning views. The accommodating open-style restaurant boasts some offers meals using locally sourced ingredients.

    Guests will start the day off in an open-air yoga shala with inspiring views of nature. Before the afternoon yoga session, guests will be able to hitch a ride on the daily shuttles to see the nearby beaches located in Guanacaste.

    If shopping is more your style, guests can stop over for a fun shopping trip and experience the local life of Tamarindo. Inclusive to the trip, other than the daily yoga sessions, are three meditation sessions. 

    For the more adventurous yogis, guests can enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, surfing, and stand-up paddling at an extra cost.

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    Best Eco-Resort Yoga Retreat – 5-Day Volcano Hot Springs Retreat

    5-Day Volcano Hot Springs Retreat

    Price: $800

    Location: Guanacaste

    This 5-day retreat is located at the Volcano Hot Springs Yoga Center at the Blue River Hotel. An unbelievable destination to soak in Costa Rica’s thriving surroundings.

    Blue River Hotel is an award-winning family-friendly eco-resort that ravels together luxury and nature in awe-inspiring surroundings.

    At this yoga retreat, guests will experience hatha yoga and vinyasa yoga practices, tailored to all skill levels. There is a focus on obtaining a spiritual connection through the awesomeness of nature.

    Guests will unravel and experience the most conceptually stunning settings during this yoga retreat. The tropical rainforest, smoking volcano crater, and grand waterfalls are a few of the amazing spots guests will be able to flow into their daily practices.

    Included in this yoga retreat are daily yoga classes, free excursions, nature hikes with a guide, airport pick-up, and airport drop-off.

    Best Holistic Health Yoga Retreat – 7-Day Personal Yoga Retreat

    7-Day Personal Yoga Retreat

    Price: $1,800 

    Location: Tamarindo

    Hosted by Shakti Energy, this one-on-one program enforces a consistent routine that restores your energy field and removes any imbalances.

    This retreat offers a connection experience obtained through yoga and holistic therapies in the secluded roundhouse located on the Pacific Coast. Here you can walk the tropical garden teeming with stunning birds, soak your toes in the sand on a beach, or enjoy a therapeutic massage to loosen up tense muscles.

    Revel in an emotional aromatherapy session, five yoga or quantum flow classes, two excursions to the beach, and evening sound healing and meditations at this retreat.

    Welcoming yogis of all levels, Shakti Energy uses Hatha-style yoga and healing arts to promote holistic health to all that join this rejuvenating yoga retreat. 

    Best Women-Only Yoga Retreat – 9 Day Luxury Retreat For Women

    9 Day Luxury Retreat For Women

    Price: $3,600 

    Location: Puerto Viejo

    Spanning nine days, this women-only yoga retreat reveals your wild and ancient spirit by connecting fellow yogi sisters with nature.

    This retreat offers various activities including yoga, meditation classes, somatic therapy, self-inquiry exercises, self-love and spiritual practices, and nature immersion and movement.

    There are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the thriving Costa Rican environment. These opportunities are a guide to obtaining true healing and approaching your inner self with like-minded individuals.

    At this yoga retreat in Costa Rica, all skill levels are welcome, and practices will be conducted in the Nidra style. This style utilizes meditation in poses like Savasana or Corpse Pose. It incorporates a state of consciousness filtered between waking and sleeping.

    Each room during your stay boasts its own balcony, outdoor bathroom, and private garden. The yoga retreat encourages a step-by-step process of building up self-love around like-minded sisters. Get ready to be inspired, find healing, and be surrounded by others who will motivate and encourage you during your healing journey.

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    Best Harmonizing Yoga Retreat – 6-Day Revitalize and Rejuvenate Yoga Retreat

    6-Day Revitalize and Rejuvenate Yoga Retreat

    Price: $925

    Location: Guanacaste 

    This is one of the most popular yoga retreats available in Costa Rica. The six-day Revitalize and Rejuvenate Yoga Retreat is located in Guanacaste, where 90% of solo travelers are female.

    With warm weather and stunning valley views, guests are able to enjoy the full benefits of the infinity pool and restaurant. The restaurant caters delicious local and international vegetarian dishes. Only a few minutes away are four different beaches. Each beach is as stunning as the last, the perfect backdrop to your meditation practice.

    In this dazzling Costa Rican environment, you can revitalize and harmonize your mind, body, and soul. Explore and spend time in Costa Rica’s rejuvenation atmosphere with like-minded individuals.

    Best Breathwork Yoga Retreat – 7-Day Kundalini Yoga Retreat

    7-Day Kundalini Yoga and Breathwork Retreat

    Price: $1,050

    Location: Nosara

    This yoga retreat is located in Nosara, a village district well-known for being the yoga center of Costa Rica, as well as for its jaw-dropping Pacific beaches. Over seven days, you will focus on breathwork and Kundalini yoga.

    Yogis of all levels will be able to practice with a nature and an ocean backdrop. Through Kundalini yoga, guests will be illuminated by the power of breathwork including elemental rhythm sessions. This retreat also includes trips to the beach in the package.

    This yoga retreat has different rooms available at different prices, so be sure to check those when you book. You can choose between a private cabin or private double room.

    Some unique activities to consider on this retreat include horse riding on the beach or riverside, massages, acupuncture, ATV waterfall tours, and healing ceremonies.

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    Final Thoughts on the Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica

    So there you have it! Those were my top 10 best Costa Rica Yoga retreats, plus all the things you can expect from them.

    If you’re still struggling to choose, take another look at my overall favorite, the six-day Luxury Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat. It’s surrounded by nature yet still offers a little luxury (hey, you are still on vacation) plus, a spa!  

    Costa Rica’s vibrant rainforests, sparkling beaches, and cascading rivers offer the perfect uplifting environment. Wherever you find your yoga community, you’ll be sure to find peace and tranquillity in this incredible country.


    And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!