7 Stunning Yoga Retreats in Nicaragua (2024 Insider Guide)

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Going on a yoga retreat in Nicaragua is a bit like pressing the reset button on your life. And let’s be honest, isn’t that what retreats are really about? There are few moments in life when you can wake up with a golden sunrise and know that the day ahead is all about me, myself, and I. No deadlines, no distractions, no pressure – just pure, unapologetic self-care.

You know when you’re running on fumes for so long, and you don’t even realize it until you take a step back to relax? This is how I felt on my Nicaraguan yoga retreat.

Retreats don’t just help you master your best yoga poses. They’re designed to guide you through an immersive healing journey that affects every layer of your body, mind, and soul. Not to sound too woo-woo, but we’ve all got a little physical and emotional baggage we could do without. 

Whether it’s burnout from daily life, depression after a traumatic event, or just simply craving a bit of alone time, the peaceful Nicaraguan landscape and laid-back vibes are the perfect space to unravel any stress. 

Plus, I don’t know about you but when I’ve been backpacking around Nicaragua and the surrounding region, I need a bit of a relaxing break occasionally.

You’ll find yourself processing emotions you never knew you had, reconnecting with yourself, and embracing calm without defaulting to an Instagram doom scroll. Retreats aren’t just a path to healing but a way to help you rediscover yourself and your passions.

Right, let’s get into the thick of things…

What Can You Expect from a Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua

From the moment you arrive at your Nicaraguan yoga retreat, you step into a different mindset of wellness and mindfulness. While all retreats are unique (in fact, some on this list even offer different length stays and customizable offerings), there are a few things you can expect from most. 

Firstly, expect to be tucked away in the heart of nature, far away from the hum of city life – think jungle hideaways or beach escapes. This keeps distractions to a minimum and helps you connect with nature on a deeper level. 

Second, most retreats have a no-technology policy, so you’ll have to click pause on that Netflix show and log out of socials for the period. Not receiving or expecting notifications can be more healing than you know. Don’t knock it till you try it. Trust me, you won’t miss your phone after two days. 

Daily yoga classes are a given—duh. They’re often held in open-air studios with stunning views and free-flowing air through open walls. Depending on the retreat, you’ll find all yoga styles, from yin to vinyasa to Bikram to power yoga. Some will offer private sessions tailored to your needs, as well as guided meditations. Healing sessions like Reiki or energy balancing are also common, as are sound baths. 

Accommodation and meals are included in the cost. Meals are usually plant-based, locally sourced, and bursting with flavor. Think fresh fruit platters for breakfast, hearty bowls for lunch, and antioxidant-rich smoothies to snack on. 

So, there are plenty of yoga retreats in Nicaragua to choose from. How do you know which transformative wellness getaway is best for you? Well, this decision requires some desk research, before getting into the soul-searching.

You’ll want to start by asking yourself, ‘What do I want to get out of this experience?’ Are you after a deeply spiritual experience, to de-stress or recharge, or simply to enhance your own yoga practice? Some retreats focus heavily on yoga and meditation, while others combine yoga and meditation with other spiritual activities like healing sessions and sound baths.

You’ll also need to consider how much of your time you can commit. If you’re tight on time, a long weekend retreat could be enough time to click ‘reset,’ but if you have more time on your hands, there are retreats that last up to and longer than one week. 

Location matters, too. It’s important you find a retreat located in a place that speaks to you. By the ocean? In the tropical jungle? It’s also important you choose a retreat with the right level of structure (or flexibility – no judgment) for you. And let’s not forget the amenities like food and accommodation.

Location

Nicaragua offers a range of stunning settings, each with a unique feel. If you’re drawn to the ocean, the Pacific coast, around San Juan del Sur, and Playa Maderas, offer beachfront retreats with surf-town vibes. 

For a more secluded, nature-immersed yoga retreat experience, areas like Laguna de Apoyo are great for those looking to connect with nature.

You’ll also want to give yourself enough time to get to and from the retreat from the airport. Renting a car is a great option, but many retreats offer an additional shuttle service to get you to the retreat safely.

Practices

As the name suggests, yoga retreats revolve around the yoga practice. But by no means does this mean spending hours upon end perfecting your downward dog, but working through a variety of techniques and practices to help improve your overall spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. 

Most yoga retreats in Nicaragua offer a mix of yoga styles, with vinyasa, hatha, and yin being the most common. You’ll likely start your day with a one—to two-hour morning flow with the sunrise, followed by a slower, more restorative evening session to close out the day.

Some retreats offer specialty classes, such as kundalini, which focuses on breathwork, or ashtanga, for more structured practice. 

Beyond yoga, many of these retreats include guided meditations, sound baths, Reiki, or energy-balancing sessions. Some might even have spas where massages or holistic treatments can elevate the experience to a more luxurious level. Sign me up!

Retreats are usually flexible, allowing you to pick and choose which activities you want to join, and which you want to bow out of. Generally, you can expect to spend between three and six hours of daily activity, balanced with plenty of free time to explore or just zen out.

Price

The price you’ll pay for a retreat depends on a few things. Of course, the longer the retreat, technically the higher the price. But this isn’t the only factor affecting price. Retreats are also priced based on their level of luxury and services offered. 

While retreats aren’t exactly backpacker-budget-friendly, Nicaragua does have some incredibly well-priced retreats – especially considering they include accommodation, food, classes, and other extras. One thing that is for sure is that the USD to NIO is in your favor.

There are also opportunities to choose more affordable yoga retreat options within a retreat. For example, you could splurge on a private suite or book a bed in a shared dorm to save cash.

Some incredibly luxurious retreats, including five-star accommodation and food, cost around $100 per night. Other retreats with shared dorm options can be as affordable as $40 per night.

Perks

Just about all of these Nicaragua yoga retreats come with incredible perks. First, the stunning, usually off-the-beaten-path locations are meant to immerse you in the country’s natural beauty. 

Other than daily activities like yoga, some retreats offer added perks like surf lessons or SUP facilities, which are usually available at coastal or lakeside venues. Inland, guided hikes are common, and you could even join a trip to a local village for a cultural excursion. 

You could even find a retreat that offers spa treatments and facials. Oh, and let’s not forget the delicious food, which is usually plant-based, locally sourced, and packed with nutrients to nourish your body from the inside out. 

But the best perk of all is that you’ll make connections with like-minded people, potentially leaving with lifelong friends, alongside a deep sense of inner peace.

Duration

Most yoga retreats run for a set period of time, with little flexibility to come and go as you please. However, I noticed that many of the main retreats offer various timeframe options, which make it possible to pick a quick three-day trip or settle in for two weeks – the choice is yours.

In my opinion, the longer you can commit to a retreat – the better. By spending at least one week at a retreat, you’ll be able to learn the right mindfulness and yoga skills without a rush. 

Most of the retreats offered here last seven to eight days, although there is also a quick four-day option. There are even a few yoga teacher training opportunities in Nicaragua, which run for up to one month.

Now that we’ve covered the basics and you know what to expect and look out for, let’s take a look at the best yoga retreats on offer in this exquisite country:

4-Day Dynamic Yoga Retreat with Luxurious Cabanas | Best Overall Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua

This retreat might as well be the poster child of Nicaraguan yoga retreats. Each morning starts with a healthy flow, and each evening with a calming one. The hours between your yoga sessions are free to spend as you please, which means you can read by the pool, hike through the jungle, surf, get a massage, or just hang out at the stunning lodge. 

It has just enough structure to help guide you into a regular flow without feeling too rigid or draining. The instructors will take you through a journey of yoga with vinyasa, hatha, yin, and restorative practices.

Oh, and don’t forget the meals, starting with a healthy breakfast and ending with an exceptional three-course dinner after your final sunset flow.

8-Day Yoga Retreat Surrounded by Nature at Laguna de Apoyo | Best Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua For Solo Travelers

If you’re traveling solo in Central America and looking for a retreat where you can enjoy time alone and meet a couple of friends along the way, this eight-day retreat might be the answer. It’s affordable, considering the cost includes accommodation in a stunning villa overlooking Laguna de Apoyo, homemade vegetarian meals, and two yoga practices daily.

Wake up with the sunrise and start your day with an invigorating morning flow. After this, breakfast is served on a deck overlooking the lake – paradise. The mornings are free to do what you want—dive into the crystal clear water, hike through the tropical forest, or spend the morning exploring the lagoon’s hidden corners by kayak.

The food is a highlight at this retreat—just scroll through the pictures for a better idea. They serve vegetarian and vegan cuisine that truly captures a mix of global flavors. Dinner is a three-course meal, and every dish is worth a photograph. They also cater to raw, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

8-Day Surf and Yoga Retreat in Playa Maderas | Best Yoga and Surfing Retreat in Nicaragua

This is one of the best yoga retreats in Nicaragua for surfers. It takes place over eight luxurious days on Playa Madera beach at San Juan del Sur. The Nicaraguan yoga retreat is held at the Dreamsea Surf Camp Eco-Resort, an impressive resort designed using architectural inspiration from the surrounding nature.

Over the course of the retreat, you’ll be able to take up to ten hours of surf lessons and daily surfing theory lessons, which is a solid foundation for beginners and an epic step up for intermediate and advanced surfers. Breakfasts and dinners are included in the rate and are served in a three-story bamboo dining area. I’m not sure what’s better, the surfing or the eating… 

This retreat is more centered around surfing and socializing than yoga and spirituality. If you’re really after the social experience, you could even share a dorm room with others (and save a buck while at it).

One Month 200-Hour All-Inclusive Yoga Teacher Training | Best Yoga Teacher Training Retreat in Nicaragua

If you’ve always wanted to teach others how to practice yoga and you have a bit of time to spare, Nicaragua is one of the best spots to do your yoga teacher training. In fact, teacher training isn’t just about getting that certificate and sharing your knowledge with others; it’s all about deepening your own yoga and meditation practices. 

This is a 200-hour course that takes place over 29 days in the heart of San Juan del Sur. Catering to an intermediate yoga level, you’ll learn to deepen your hatha, Iyengar, yin, and restorative yoga practices in a small group of twenty people or less.

The retreat takes place at Costa Dulce Resort, which is an eco-lodge with a solid community-building focus. Bungalows and cabins are designed to fit in with the surrounding landscape, with a rustic, luxurious aesthetic. There is no TV or AC, but you will find incredible balconies, hammocks, and ocean views.

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8-Day Holistic Beach Yoga Retreat with Breathwork Practices | Best All-Inclusive Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua

How does eight days of luxurious bliss sound to you? Tucked away in the jungle overlooking the lapping waves at San Juan del Sur, this yoga retreat in Nicaragua is the ultimate relaxation experience for those wanting to deepen their yoga practice, spend time in nature, and log out of ‘real life’. 

With two hours of vinyasa or yin classes each day, a choice of a surf lesson or an hour spa treatment, and extras including a breathwork class, cacao ceremony, and bonfire ritual, this retreat offers some of the most transformative add-ons on this list.

And we can’t forget the healthy vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner made from locally sourced, dairy-free, and mostly gluten-free ingredients. No processed sugars and packaged foods here – everything is made from scratch and with love, and it shows.

You can also customize your experience with additional surf trips, hikes, visits to the local village, or market and volcano day tours.

7-Day Ayurvedic Yoga and Surf Retreat in El Viejo | Best Ayurvedic Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua

If you’re willing to splurge a bit on a week-long retreat, this surfing and yoga retreat is centered around Ayurvedic and hatha yoga. Set on the Pacific beaches of El Viejo at a resort called Amaru, the location alone is worth the price.

When it comes to surfing, guests have two surf-spot options – one for beginners and one for more competent surfers. The retreat includes guided surf excursions, daily yoga and meditation sessions, and all meals and snacks. The food is wholesome and healthy, with meals designed to give you enough energy to sustain some long surfs and yoga classes. 

Shared rooms and private rooms are available, each beautifully designed with local artistry and bespoke furniture. When you aren’t ripping the waves or doing downward dogs, you can relax at the pool overlooking the sea.

8-Day Yoga Retreat with Hike and Massage | Best Yoga Retreat by the Beach in Nicaragua

There are few things better than starting your day with the warm sun against your skin. And with sunrise yoga sessions in a yoga shala surrounded by banana and palm trees, you can expect just that from this yoga retreat in Nicaragua.

Taking place over eight days and seven nights, this yoga retreat is set in a modern yet island-inspired villa with a pool. The day starts with a morning yoga and meditation session, followed by a healthy breakfast. Choose to spend the rest of your day learning to surf or join a hike to the nearby waterfall.

You’ll be treated to three delicious meals each day, catering to all types of dietary restrictions, all prepared with local and fresh ingredients. This retreat also includes a bunch of other unique experiences, including a live local music show, a yoga class on the beach, a sunset cruise on a boat, and bonfires on the beach.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Nicaragua

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Nicaragua.

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.

With a tropical Caribbean and Pacific coastline, stunning inland lagoons, and inviting year-round weather, Nicaragua has all the ingredients to host an incredible yoga retreat. 

Whether you’re practicing yoga on the banks of a lake or above the coastal shores of San Juan del Sur, yoga retreats in Nicaragua offer the perfect mix of activities and time off for deep healing and relaxation—with a touch of adventure.

These retreats offer an experience designed to rejuvenate every part of your mind and body. You will leave with new yoga skills and poses in the bag, a heightened sense of awareness, a calm mind, and maybe even a few great friends. 

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