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10 Questions + Answers About Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica

Writer's picture: PatriciaPatricia

So, you're thinking about attending a yoga retreat in Costa Rica? How exciting! Maybe this is your first retreat, and you're new to your yoga practice—maybe you know all of the yoga poses and have been to a retreat center or two.


Either way, there's something special about yoga retreats. Spending time with yourself and other yogis can offer a unique way to reset your energy, rest, and even make new friends.

Let's go over what exactly a yoga retreat is and what to expect before you hop on that plane!


What Is Yoga?

This is a question with varied answers, depending on who you ask. To practice yoga means, for some, to practice barefoot, move your body, challenge your muscles, learn a Sanskrit word or two, and maybe even learn how to balance on your head.

But yoga is so much more than that. It's not just building muscles that you can bend and manipulate; it's a way of life. It is about finding who we truly are, stripping away all that we are not.


What Are Yoga Retreats?

Yoga retreats aren't like yoga classes—they are more than places to practice yoga. While every yoga retreat offers something different, they all have yoga in common.

Retreat centers create an environment that offers guidance into asanas (yoga poses), allowing you to have a mindful experience as you focus on your own well-being. They can be good for a total beginner or challenge even the most advanced yogis.


Most people revel in the relaxation and the ability to step away from the "real world," even if it's just for a little while. Sometimes, you just need a way to wake up, practice yoga, then go to sleep. Doesn't that sound so amazing?



A woman sits on a platform in a jungle for her yoga retreat in Costa Rica.


How To Pick A Yoga Retreat

If this is your first yoga retreat, then you're probably unsure how to pick the best one.

You need to start by asking yourself what you want out of the experience. Do you want to experience traditional yoga or do you want to practice yoga with a glass of wine? Do you want to dive deeper into breathing techniques or do you want to avoid meditation as much as possible?


Some yoga retreats focus on your health with an Ayurveda diet in mind. This is where your retreat leaders will teach you how to tie your life into the way you connect to your body with food.


There are some retreats that balance yoga practice with vacation vibes, with a spa and glasses of wine. Physical activity isn't quite at the forefront.


Others, like our retreat center, we focus on sober and transformational retreats. Our space is alcohol-free, and our meals are Ayurvedic and vegan. That doesn't appeal to everyone and that's okay!


If you're looking for a vacation, make sure you choose one that openly advocates for that kind of experience.


We recognize and know that every person is different, just as every individual body is different. At Shankara, we're about deep reflection, mindful asanas, meditation, and engaging in yoga practice that not only nourishes the body yet also takes us deeper on our yogic path. It's a more rustic experience, but we believe your practice is only enhanced by being so close to nature. 



A photo of yoga mats on a wooden platform at a yoga retreat center in Costa Rica.


Do I Need To Know Yoga Before The Retreat?

While we offer yoga teacher training, like our yin yoga teacher training, we know this could be the first yoga retreat for a lot of our guests. Our yoga classes are built to accommodate both the beginner and more experienced teachers alike.


All of the poses come with modifications, so every beginner can comfortably engage in their yoga practice.


Do I Need To Know Meditation Ahead Of Time?

While having a meditation practice ahead of time can be helpful, it isn't mandatory! Every day, we'll have at least one meditation session, but it's about exploring your internal self. There's no pressure to be perfect at meditation!


Where Are The Best Yoga Retreats?

Yoga retreats happen all over the world, but we're a bit biased about Costa Rica. Many yogis travel to Costa Rica for the surroundings, energy, the lush unique nature with its unparalleled eco-diversity and the delicious food you'll find in every restaurant.


"Best" is subjective, so you'll have to consider what you need from a yoga retreat before narrowing it down.


What Happens At A Yoga Retreat?

You'll hear us say it time and time again, but every retreat is different. Every yoga retreat center is different. Some are strictly asanas (which many nowadays see as synonym for yoga), while others involve pranayama sessions, spa treatments, one-on-one sessions with a yoga instructor, transformational workshops, rituals, mantra circles and other amenities.


Generally speaking, you'll have daily yoga practice, breathing exercises, and various ways to relax and rest.


If this will be your first yoga retreat, we recommend going in with an open mind and open heart.



A waterfall in Costa Rica

What To Pack For A Yoga Retreat In Costa Rica?

You'll definitely want to reach out to your retreat leader for a more specific list, but here are the basics:


  1. Comfortable clothing to practice yoga in

  2. Any special equipment you might want to bring, like your personal blocks or straps (your center might have all the equipment)

  3. Your personal yoga mat (your center might have all the equipment)

  4. Bug spray

  5. Sunscreen


For a retreat at Shankara Retreat Center, we also recommend:

  1. Headlamp

  2. Eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner

  3. Shoes you can walk around and get wet

  4. A personal water bottle

  5. A notebook for introspection

  6. A bathing suit for the river

  7. A hat



A sign in Costa Rica that says, "Pura Vida"


What To Wear At A Yoga Retreat?

Since most yoga retreats last at least a week, it's important to pack enough clothes! If your body feels comfortable, your mind will follow.

Of course, yoga clothing is the best choice. Leggings and crop tops are common choices, but you can also pack comfortable shorts and t-shirts. Your retreat isn't about being "Instagram inspired" but about being comfortable in poses and allowing your body to feel great.


Are Yoga Retreats Worth It?

We are a bit biased, but we believe everyone deserves such an experience at least once in their lives. Even if someone doesn't have a regular practice or even if it's their first-ever yoga retreat, there's something special about just connecting your mind, body, and spirit together for a week or two.


You can learn more about yoga philosophy, yoga postures, breathing exercises, dive deep into self-development and even dive deeper into types of yoga, like yin yoga.


Most people are disconnected from their bodies, but a week spent in an environment that uses poses to help you relax and focus on your health can really kickstart positive change in your life.


Attending a retreat could actually be the beginning of a new morning routine or even inspire you to strike a better balance between work and home life.



A photo of the jungle in Costa Rica

Why Are Yoga Retreats So Expensive?

This can be a common complaint, so let us explain a little bit as to why yoga retreats might be more expensive.


First, your yoga retreat should offer not just accommodations and classes but also food for your meals, an inspired space and surroundings, a professional yoga teacher (or multiple instructors), and even meditation practice.


Your retreat leader should be deep into their own yoga journey, with the knowledge it takes to guide others like yourself through the basic principles of starting yoga or help more advanced students stay challenged.


This level of care takes years to cultivate. It's a dedication of their life to practice yoga, so you're not only paying for lodging and meals, you're paying for expertise and care.


Are Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica Safe?

A lot of travelers might not know whether or not Costa Rica is safe, and we're here to assure you that Costa Rica is safe!


Like any country or city, there are issues, and Costa Rica is no different. However, Costa Rica has become the retreat center of the world (unofficially), and this wouldn't happen if it was an unsafe place to visit!


Wrapping Up

Our retreat center is more than a place to practice yoga. All of our retreats go beyond the yoga aspect and dive into yoga philosophy, pranayama, Ayurveda, and connecting with nature.


We don't identify as a "yoga retreat center" per se—we focus more on the transformative experiences that elevate our consciousnesses and bring our lives to new levels through mindful self-inquiry.


Please visit our list of upcoming retreats and teacher trainings for more information. If you're tired of living your life as it is, then isn't it time you decided to make a change?

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