Think that you can’t afford to go on a yoga retreat? Think again! What if I told you that there are a lot of affordable yoga retreats this year you could join?
That’s right. I have carefully rounded up the top affordable yoga retreats in the entire world, so you won’t have to spend a pretty penny just to get some asana in.
From meditation at the top of the sacred mountain Machu Picchu in Peru to swimming with majestic Manta Rays in Bali, and exploring awe-inspiring waterfalls in Hawaii, these affordable yoga retreats in 2021 will be life-changing and unforgettable.
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10 Affordable Yoga Retreats for 2021
Here you are, ready to take a break from travelling or from your busy routine and join a yoga retreat. Maybe you want to focus on yourself and nurture your inner peace, or you just want to pamper yourself and deepen your yoga practice.
Regardless of your intention, joining a yoga retreat is a life-changing experience and you’ll leave feeling relaxed, confident and reenergized. However, after doing some extensive online research to find the perfect yoga retreat for you, you feel like booking a yoga retreat will break your bank.
Well, guess what, it doesn’t have to! Look no further, here are the 10 the most affordable yoga retreats across the globe that won’t leave you broke.
Looking for something even more relaxing, have a look at the new Sleep Tourism trend, it aligns perfectly with a yoga retreat.
4 Day Meditation, Hiking & Yoga Journey in Machu Picchu, Peru
A combination of spirituality, culture and epic sceneries
Price: $500
Selfies with llamas at the top of Machu Picchu in your rainbow-woven Peruvian shawl?
That’s a good enough reason to want to climb to the top.
You don’t have to be ultra spiritual to have backpacking Peru at the top of your list. What I love most about this bargain retreat is that your experienced guides will take you on a hiking tour to the world heritage site, Machu Picchu!
They will take you to special temples, energy vortexes with meditation and inner journeys that will help your transformation.
Not only will you get to hike to the top of this sacred site, but you will learn Tantra yoga, Restorative yoga, Yin yoga, Ashtanga yoga, and Sivananda yoga.
There is just something so magical about South America, and if you’ve been looking for the sign to go, this may be it!
Vamos!
6 Day Urban Yoga Retreat in Barcelona
Modern yoga lifestyle holiday in the Spanish cultural city
Price: $634
When you think of Barcelona do you think of the sultry Javier Bardem, juggling his two relationships with Scarlett Johanssen and Penelope Cruz in the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona? I know I do. Or maybe you’re a Gaudi fan and have been dreaming about seeing the magnificent Sagrada Familia or mosaic wonder, Park Güell in person?
The best part about Barcelona is even though it’s a city, it’s infused with art and culture at every corner.
On this week-long yoga retreat, you will be staying in an urban modernistic house in the heart of Barcelona, with delicious vegetarian meals provided and other excursions to explore the city! The retreat is located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, only 10 minutes walking from the beach.
Even though it’s Europe, a yoga retreat in Spain doesn’t have to break the bank! Plus, you can order $1 or $2 sangria and eat lots of bread. Winning!
I used to live in Barcelona as an exchange student and traveler, so from personal experience, I can tell you that it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and you can definitely travel on a budget in Barcelona.
There is just something so romantic about the city that inspired Salvador Dalí himself!
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View on REI Read the Review5 Day Yoga Vacation At A Traditional Yoga Ashram, The Bahamas
An inner journey in an Ashram in Paradise
Price: $445
How about an affordable yoga retreat in the Bahamas? There will be no Bahama Mama at this ashram…
…but you can always go for drinks to celebrate once you finish!
You will get to learn the secret of living a balanced lifestyle through yoga, meditation and eating wholesome vegetarian meals.
All of this in paradise and on one of the most beautiful beaches with crystalline waters in the world. You’ll be in safe hands at this ashram in Carribean paradise, it will be like something out of a dream.
This is for the backpacker’s who want to:
- Deepen their yoga practice
- Learn some new skills
- Feel what it’s like to find inner peace and stillness.
The affordable price and the fact that you’ll be taught by Yogic Masters and receive lectures from world-renowned teachers make it a deal that is almost too good to pass up!!
5 Day Sound Healing, Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Restore Retreat in Maui
Intimate yoga retreat in the lush north shore of Maui
Price: $750
Backpacking in Hawaii could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With luscious rainforests and powerful volcanoes, the landscape of Hawaii is just straight-up gorgeous.
This retreat is on the north shore of Maui with lush tropical vibes you’ll go crazy for.
If you’re looking for a nature collective…
…and want to be part of a permaculture sanctuary, then you’ve found your new home.
Aerial yoga and sound healing are just some of the many wonderful events that will occur on this retreat.
During your free time, you can wander off to get your feet wet and dirty exploring waterfalls, beaches, trekking and spending time in nature.
You will get to learn how to connect with the mana (healing energy) in nature and see a different side of Hawaii (including all the unique hidden gems) apart from all the tourists and posh resorts.
5 Day Detox & Recharge Retreat in Nature, Sri Lanka
Full detox in a rural Sri Lankan village surrounded by lush landscapes
Price: $520
Sri Lanka is incredible. It’s heaven for all backpackers and travelers alike.
It is probably one of the most affordable places for backpackers since the hostels are so cheap and delicious food only costs $3 per meal!
Can you imagine yourself on an affordable yoga retreat in the magical countryside, while loving and caring for your body and mind with a new yoga and meditation practice?
I sure can!
All of the food is served from their organic gardens, which means you’ll be eating delicious home-cooked meals that will be much more nutritious than typical cheap street food eats 😉
If you book directly on BookRetreats, you’ll get a free consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who will teach you about your dosha and how to improve your wellness.
No worries though, most of us travelers are a little imbalanced or ungrounded being on the road all the time. We know how it is and apparently so did Jack Kerouac.
“There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.”
Just imagine how beautiful the night sky with glittering stars will look during this retreat at night.
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7 Day Surf and Yoga Retreat Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Yoga and surf retreat in paradise island
Price: $499
Hey Mama Bali. Yup, that’s what the yogi travelers call the island of Bali these days…
Come for a super affordable week-long yoga and surf retreat. You will get to energize yourself in the ocean and learn how to surf. Nusa Lembongan is a beautiful slice of paradise, where you can have your cake and eat it too. Except that it will probably be #vegan and #glutenfree.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or experienced, their team of expert instructors will teach you the basics and take you to the next level in your practice.
It is also one of the only places where you can have a once in a lifetime experience swimming with majestic manta rays!
Turquoise waters and a sunny paradise awaits you, so make sure you explore the beautiful island of Bali and take in more world-class yoga and fitness retreats while your visiting.
7 Day Spiritual Yoga Retreat in Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Spiritual yoga and detox retreat around the spiritual jewel of Indochina
Price: $279
First of all, can you believe this retreat is under $300? I can’t either.
You may also be wondering…
…what the heck is a spiritual yoga retreat?
Well, my dear, it is a retreat that is dedicated to the well-being of your mind, body, and spirit. It is a week-long commitment to eating healthy, balanced meals, practicing yoga daily and meditation sessions taught by monks!
During your free time, you can visit temples, go on bicycle tours, go for reflexology sessions and visit waterfalls!
You’ll fall in love with Angkor Wat, but you may even fall in love with yourself a bit too. Plus you’ll make a ton of new best friends.
And if you run out of money after this yoga retreat, you can volunteer at a hostel sharing what you’ve learned! Plus, Cambodia is a top destination for broke backpackers for a simple reason: it’s super cheap.
7 Day Holistic Yoga Retreat in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Holistic retreat in the middle of the Nicaraguan jungle
Price: $449
Wow, look at those colors…
I am just in awe of his Nicaraguan sunset, and this holistic yoga retreat where you will wake up to the sounds of the jungle and hear birds singing and monkeys howling nearby.
For breakfast, you’ll get a delicious smoothie bowl… and steaming hot, freshly brewed coffee.
Does that sound luxurious or what?! Yep, that’s why Nicaragua is a popular backpacking destination.
You’ll have the opportunity to use the pool and outdoor fitness area, as well as explore the lovely beaches of San Juan del Sur.
You will get to connect with other like-minded humans, live consciously with yoga, meditation, and healthy food…
…and basically, live in the modern-day Garden of Eden.
4 Day “Detox & Rejuvenate” Yoga & Meditation Retreat, Jamaica
Transformative retreat near isolated beaches in Jamaica
Price: $599
Did you ever think you would be on a yoga retreat in Jamaica?
The home of Bob Marley?
Dive deeper into your yoga practice and let all your worries fall away “cause every little thing is gonna be all right.”
This gorgeous Carribean destination will make your jaw-drop and take your breath away. Majestic waterfalls, stunning beaches, and jagged mountains are just some of the incredible nature spots to see during your time there.
All of the meals will be sprinkled with the magic of natural Jamaican medicinal plants such as Noni, Graviola Barks, Aloe Vera, Irish Mosh, Dandelion, Medina, Cerasee, Spanish Needle, Turmeric and Moringa.
The wild nature of Jamaica will truly allow you to unleash the wild inside of you!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI3 Day Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Bali, Indonesia
A spiritual journey in a unique Indonesian climate
Price: $232
Speaking of saving the best for last…
Here’s another super economical retreat on Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods…
Three days staring out into the incredibly lush and iconic rice fields, meditating and chanting “OMMMM” with fellow yogis.
You will be able to see Mount Agung, one of Bali’s tallest volcanoes.
The types of yoga included on this retreat are:
- Raja yoga
- Vinyasa flow
- Hatha
- Yin Yoga
- Restorative yoga
There will also be a special yogic fire ceremony (not sure if there will be s’mores or not).
The best part about this lovely yoga retreat is that you’ll get cozy with the rest of the group during all the fire ceremonies and make life-long friends.
Travel Safety Advice for Your Yoga Adventure
And don’t forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
5 Tips to Save Money on Your Yoga Retreat in 2021!
Now if you still cannot afford a yoga retreat, don’t despair. After all, finding your inner peace shouldn’t come at a hefty price. I’ve listed below five tips to save money on your already affordable yoga retreat so you basically pay almost nothing for it.
1. Always fly into the cheapest airport.
Check Google Flights or Skyscanner.com to see what the cheapest airport to fly into is. For example, if you are going to a retreat on a remote island in the Philippines, it is almost always better to fly into Manila first, then figure out domestic flights from there.
2. Look for opportunities to volunteer.
If you are absolutely desperate and have no money, but still want to go on a retreat… …you can always check to see if they need a photographer or videographer in exchange for the full-retreat or a cheaper price!
3. Check on Yoga Trade or Workpackers for these types of opportunities.
There’s almost always a karma yoga option where you get a discount for volunteering, cleaning, gardening or helping out in the kitchen! Yoga Trade or Worldpackers are good platforms to find such opportunities.
Choose the cheapest accommodation option (even if this means sharing a room). You’ll almost always have a choice of accommodation, so if you want to save a couple of bucks, double up (not in the same bed, unless there’s a really cute guy or girl on your retreat… just kidding!)
Also, if you go with a friend there’s usually some sort of discount since there’s two of you.
You can also choose to be in a dormitory—it will be cheaper than having your own private room, and if you can handle it, go for the no A/C option.
4. Go thrifting for yoga clothes!
For yoga wear, go to thrift shops or ask to borrow clothes from your friends! You don’t need to splurge on leggings. Travelers always leave clothes behind, so you may get lucky. Plus, the more you can switch from living a less consumerist lifestyle, the better it is for Mama Earth. 🙂
Most retreats already have yoga mats, straps, and blocks prepared so you don’t have to worry about a thang. Ask your retreat host beforehand though.
5. Host your own retreat!
Have you ever thought about hosting your own? Get a bunch of yogis and healers together for a bad-ass yoga retreat wherever you are! You can rent a space for one day or even ask your hostel if you can put an event on. You may even be able to make some cash flow monies!
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It’s Time to Book One of Most Affordable Yoga Retreats in the World!
That’s it. The whole list of the most affordable yoga retreats in the world in 2021. Writing about them had me thinking… it’s been a while since I’ve actually treated myself to going on an affordable yoga retreat. And Peru is a country I have been wanting to cross off of my bucket list for a very long time… Regardless of where you want to go for your next epic yoga retreat, make sure that you get travel insurance! You really want to be relaxed during your retreat knowing that if things go wrong, you’re covered!
Need more inspiration? Check out our Best Fitness Retreats in the World guide!
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A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
About the Author: Danielle Sawan
Danielle Sawan is a free spirited traveler who has been to over 30 countries. She currently lives on the tropical island of Koh Phangan, Thailand, and plans to be vagabonding in Central and South America in 2020. She is a writer for BookRetreats.com and loves everything to do with yoga and living a holistic lifestyle. Her absolute dream would be living in a tree-house somewhere and having her own organic farm.
