Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica: Nosara, Santa Teresa and the Pacific Coast

Costa Rica's motto, pura vida, could be the brochure for a yoga retreat: howler monkeys at dawn, a practice in an open-air shala, surf at sunset. The country protects a large share of its land as national parks and reserves, and its Pacific coast has become one of the world's great places for yoga and surf and yoga retreats. Here's where to go.

Nosara, Guanacaste

A small, spread-out community on the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara has been a yoga destination for decades. Dirt roads, long beaches with consistent waves, protected forest between the houses, and a strong wellness community. The Nicoya region is also known as one of the world's Blue Zones, where unusually many people live long, healthy lives.

Santa Teresa and Mal País

Further south on the peninsula, Santa Teresa is livelier: surf breaks, cafés and a young international crowd. Sunsets over the Pacific are famous. Expect dusty roads in the dry season and mud in the green season.

The south Pacific: Dominical and Uvita

Wetter and greener, with jungle-covered hills meeting the sea, waterfalls and whale-watching season around the Marino Ballena National Park. Quieter retreats, often deep in nature.

The Caribbean side

Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean coast, has a different rhythm: Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae and rainforest beaches. Fewer retreats, and a different weather pattern from the Pacific.

When to go

• December to April (dry season): sunshine, dry roads and the busiest, most expensive months, especially around the holidays.
• May to November (green season): sunny mornings with afternoon rain, lush landscapes, fewer people and lower prices. September and October are the wettest months on much of the Pacific coast.

What a retreat costs

As a rough guide, a 7-night yoga retreat in Costa Rica costs around USD 1,500 to 4,000 per person, depending on the room and inclusions such as surf lessons and excursions. Teacher trainings usually cost USD 3,000 to 5,000.

Getting there

For Nosara and the Nicoya Peninsula, the closest international airport is Liberia (LIR) in Guanacaste, usually two to three hours by road. San José (SJO) has more flights but is further away. Santa Teresa is often reached via a ferry from Puntarenas or a short domestic flight. Ask your host about transfers: many include them.

Tips

• Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and a light rain jacket for any season.
• US dollars are widely accepted alongside the colón.
• Respect wildlife: don't feed monkeys, and listen to local advice about rip currents.

Kinds of retreats

• [Surf and yoga](/retreats/surf) camps, with lessons for beginners and guided sessions for experienced surfers.
• Yoga and wellness retreats with daily practice, healthy food, massage and nature excursions.
• Teacher trainings, often residential for three to four weeks.
• [Breathwork](/retreats/breathwork) and personal growth retreats in the jungle.

Days off: nature and wildlife

Most retreats leave an afternoon or a day free. Use it to see the country: sloths and howler monkeys in the forest, waterfalls, turtle nesting beaches in season, mangrove kayaking or a guided night walk. Ask your host about responsible operators; good ones keep groups small and wildlife wild.

Health and safety

• The sun is strong: use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
• Ask locally before swimming: rip currents are common on Pacific beaches.
• Mosquito-borne illnesses exist in the tropics, so use repellent, especially at dusk.
• Roads can be rough; let your host arrange transfers if you're unsure.

Questions to ask the host

1. 1How far is the venue from the beach and the nearest town?
2. 2Are surf lessons, transfers and excursions included?
3. 3What's the food like, and can they handle your diet?
4. 4How many people are usually in a group?

Food and the pura vida rhythm

Costa Rican food is simple and fresh: gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast, a casado at lunch, and endless tropical fruit. Most retreats serve healthy, often vegetarian menus with local produce, and smoothies made from fruit picked that morning. Life moves slowly, early to bed and early to rise, which suits a retreat perfectly: you'll be awake for the sunrise class without trying.

Find your Costa Rica retreat

Search everything on Nestinga in Costa Rica, or browse surf and yoga retreats and yoga retreats. For teacher training, read our 200-hour yoga teacher training guide.