Finding the best yoga teacher training in Costa Rica is a bit like searching for the best grain of sand on a beach. There are just too many choices and it’s hard to know which is actually the best.
Not sure where to start? Read: How to Become a Yoga Teacher: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide (+ FREE PDF)
I remember when I first set off on my yoga teacher training journey, I was utterly overwhelmed by the number of choices and got severe decision fatigue (and that was many, many years ago when there were FAR fewer choices).
I know the struggles of searching for the best yoga training course and the fear that you might not choose exactly the right one. So I put in the hours and did all the research for you to help you choose the best training for you personally.
Of course, everyone has different preferences, so you might be looking for something completely different, but after having taken 15+ yoga teacher trainings (YTTs) myself and having also taught countless YTTs with countless schools, here is a list of what I think are the 12 most solid yoga teacher training courses offered in Costa Rica.
Look for These 8 Crucial Things When You Choose a YTT
Costa Rica, with its lush rainforests, serene beaches, and vibrant wildlife, is more than just a vacation destination—it's a sanctuary for those seeking to deepen their yoga practice and embark on a transformative journey.
Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner eager to learn, Costa Rica offers some of the most immersive and enriching yoga teacher training programs in one of the most awe-inspiring countries in the world.
Why Taking a Yoga Training in Costa Rica Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List
Costa Rica is all about connection with nature and you will get just that—a deep dive into nature and, therefore, into yourself—when you train in this magical country.
You’ll get to experience the diversity of its wildlife, the warmth of its culture, and the embodiment of the “pura vida” lifestyle to get a taste of the “pure life.”
7 Undeniable Reaons You Should Take Your Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica
One thing that may surprise you if you’ve never been to Costa Rica before is that it’s actually an incredibly expensive country.
On par with prices in the United States, Costa Rica is one of the most expensive developing countries I’ve ever visited (and as a professional nomad, I’ve been to over 65 countries—many in the developing world).
So you can’t go to Costa Rica and expect low prices. But you can expect high quality. And you want to make sure the value of your yoga training matches the price.
The Ultimate Guide to Yoga Certification in Costa Rica
Be wary because there are many high-priced courses offered in Costa Rica that have sub-par accommodations or food (or teachings!). So you definitely want to make sure that you do your research on where you’ll actually be staying during your course. And be sure to thoroughly read reviews.
When it comes to the solid price, the average YTT in Costa Rica costs anywhere from around $3,000 to $6,500 USD, depending on location, room type, teachers, etc.
Be aware that the highest price won’t necessarily offer the best training and the lowest price isn’t necessarily the worst. Be sure to always measure cost to value ratio when you’re deciding.
Each of these trainings offers something a little bit different than the others since, of course, every yoga teacher teaches in their own unique way.
Here's How to Choose the Best Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training for You
So without further adieu, here is my roundup of the 12 best yoga teacher trainings in Costa Rica that promise to elevate your practice and provide an unforgettable experience.
Call me biased, but I truly think that the 200 hour yoga teacher training that I teach is not only the best in Costa Rica but likely one of the best in the world.
As I mentioned, I have personally taken over 15 YTTs in my own teaching journey. I’ve taken amazing courses and I’ve taken horrible courses. I have seen firsthand what works really well and what should probably be skipped.
And because of that, I spent years carefully crafting the ultimate yoga teacher training course and curriculum.
This 200 hour yoga certification far exceeds the standards set by Yoga Alliance and teaches you a multi-disciplinary approach so that you graduate feeling confident and able to teach four different styles of yoga:
What Is Yoga Alliance? And Does My Yoga Teacher Training Need to Be Yoga Alliance Certified?
I also used to live in Costa Rica. So I’ve personally scouted many, many venues to find the absolute best location for you to immerse yourself in yoga—Montezuma: right where the jungle meets the ocean in the Blue Zone of the Nicoya Peninsula.
You get luxury accommodations and gourmet food at some of the most affordable prices directly in the heart of nature (truly, monkeys come to visit the yoga shala all the time!).
This training offers a well-structured, carefully crafted, and intentionally designed curriculum that dives deeply into asana, philosophy, anatomy, history, sequencing, energetics, teaching methodology, and so much more.
The course extensively studies asana of course, but also goes so far beyond that. It’s filled with self-exploration, deep discussions, sacred connections, and meaningful personal growth to help you better understand yourself and your practice. It’s truly a transformational journey as you move from student to teacher.
This training teaches a non-dogmatic approach that is also evidence-based and anatomically-informed, so you’ll learn to teach safe and accessible yoga for all, including for yourself and your own personal practice.
It’s the perfect culmination of studying the rooted wisdom of yoga’s ancient traditions and melding them with the evidence of exercise science to create a truly holistic practice that welcomes everyone.
Nomad Yoga truly offers the most comprehensive 200 hour YTT program I’ve ever seen. And it’s all taught right in the heart of Montezuma to give you jungle and ocean bliss. This training combines the teaching of hatha, vinyasa, restorative, and yin yoga with in-depth teachings on anatomy, alignment, yoga philosophy, and so much more.
I truly bring a personalized approach to the training to ensure that you have a deeply transformative and fully supportive experience—all of which is set against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s stunning jungles and beaches.
Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, Blue Osa provides a secluded and serene environment perfect for deepening your yoga practice.
Their 200 hour YTT program blends hatha yoga with teachings on meditation, anatomy, and yogic philosophy. The eco-friendly retreat center, surrounded by beautiful beaches and jungle, helps to enhance the spiritual journey of yoga teacher training.
Located just outside of Jacó in Playa Hermosa, Awakening Yoga Academy offers a 200 hour YTT that blends vinyasa yoga with modern knowledge and teaching methodologies.
The jungle location provides an inspiring and supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
Soma Yoga Institute offers a transformative 200 hour YTT program. This training focuses on therapeutic yoga, emphasizing alignment and mindful movement.
The Institute’s integrative approach combines asana practice with in-depth studies in anatomy and yogic philosophy, ideal for those seeking a deep and holistic understanding of yoga.
In the vibrant town of Nosara, the Nexus Institute for Yoga & Wellness provides a unique 200 hour YTT program.
This training teaches vinyasa yoga, and a strong emphasis on community and sustainability. The Institute’s beautiful eco-friendly campus and supportive atmosphere create the perfect environment for personal and professional development.
Located just outside the city of San José, Lakshmi Rising offers a 200 hour YTT that is both rigorous and rejuvenating.
The program studies vinyasa yoga, with additional teachings in Ayurveda and nutrition. The retreat’s amenities and pretty natural surroundings enhance the overall experience, providing a perfect balance of study and relaxation.
Nestled in the beautiful town of Uvita, Gypsea Yoga School offers a 200 hour YTT with a focus on alignment-based vinyasa yoga.
The school provides an intimate and supportive environment for deep learning. Their training is designed to help you connect with and nurture your inner child through play, art, movement, and nature.
School Yoga Institute, with locations across Costa Rica, focuses on spiritual transformation and personal growth.
Their 200 hour yoga teacher training blend Peruvian Shamanism with traditional yoga teachings, offering a unique and immersive experience designed to reconnect you with nature and your inner self.
East+West offers a 200 hour YTT program that merges Eastern spiritual traditions with Western scientific perspectives.
The training includes vinyasa yoga, along with teachings on anatomy, meditation, and mindfulness. Held in Dominical, East+West provides a well-rounded and deeply enriching training experience.
Make Sure Your YTT Covers These 8 Essential Topics
Located in the touristy town of Tamarindo, Hari OM Yoga & Wellness offers a 200 hour course that combines vinyasa yoga with elements of Ayurveda, Tantra and Bhakti yoga.
The program emphasizes self-awareness and personal development, providing a holistic approach to yoga teacher training. The center’s serene setting and supportive community make it a great place for transformation.
In the peaceful surroundings of Mal Pais, Sacred Paths Yoga/Pranaluz offers a 200 hour program that integrates vinyasa and restorative yoga with mindfulness and holistic wellness practices.
The training emphasizes conscious living and sustainable practices, creating a nurturing environment for deep personal growth and transformation.
In the heart of Uvita, Bienestar Yoga Shala offers a yoga teacher training that blends traditional hatha and vinyasa yoga with teachings on Ayurveda and mindfulness.
The intimate setting and personalized instruction ensure a deep and transformative experience. Surrounded by lush greenery, Bienestar provides a serene and supportive environment for your yoga journey.
Choosing the right yoga teacher training is a deeply personal decision, influenced by your goals, preferences, and the environment you thrive in.
Costa Rica’s diverse offerings ensure there is something for everyone, from traditional hatha and vinyasa programs to more holistic and integrative approaches.
Each of these top 12 yoga teacher trainings in Costa Rica promises not only to enhance your practice, but also to provide a transformative and truly unforgettable experience.
Embrace the opportunity to grow, learn, and evolve in one of the most beautiful and serene places on Earth. Your yoga journey in Costa Rica awaits!
