Yoga in Guatemala is thriving. When I first arrived in Guatemala the last thing I expected to find was such an active and well-established yoga community. I know when people think of yoga they think of India, Bali, Thailand, and maybe Costa Rica. But if you love yoga and are thinking of doing a yoga retreat or yoga teacher training then I urge you to consider doing Yoga in Guatemala.
When I arrived in Guatemala I had no idea that yoga was such a big thing! In fact, during my 9 months there, yoga was on my itinerary (almost) every day. As well as having a whole host of yoga retreats around Lake Atitlan catering for all budgets there is an abundance of incredible yoga teachers in Antigua and Guatemala City offering daily classes as well as special workshops with international teachers.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything! Travel insurance has always been high my list of things to get before I travel but now more than ever its at the top of my list.
I’m pretty sure we have all had travel plans messed up because of COVID and not all insurers covered this. So when looking for travel insurance it’s important to check it covers travel disruption due to COVID-19, Hey Mondo, Passport Nomads, Safety Wing, and Travel Insurance Master all provide cover for this.
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover. You even have the option to start the cover when you are already on your trip, although you won’t be covered for the first 72 hours. For me my favourite feature is their app which offers you a 24/7 Dr chat and the ability to file a claim direct in the app.
Passport Nomads provides the most comprehensive cover for Digital Nomads. The game changer with them is that you have a red card and if you find yourself in need of medical care you just contact them and they will pre load your card with the funds to cover your treatment, meaning you won’t need to pay out of pocket and then put in a claim later.
Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. They have an excess of $250 and it’s simple to make a claim through their website. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy and I like that it renews on a monthly basis, so I don’t have to pay out a big lump sum up front.
I also use Travel Insurance Master for some short vacation type trips.
If you are doing shorter trips or an extended backpacking trip then Hey Mondo or Travel Insurance Master are the best option. If you are a digital nomad or planning travel of at least 6 months then go for Passport Nomads or SafetyWing.
Why not! It’s a Guatemala beautiful country in Central America, the cost of living is low and the cost of travel is really cheap. It’s also a very spiritually connected country. Lake Atitlan especially is often described as a vortex and it has the most incredible energy I have ever experienced. People never go to Guatemala just once, they either end up staying for longer than expected (like me) and/ or they always go back.
P.S. Check out my review of The Best Travel Yoga Mats and the best yoga bras.
There is just something about Guatemala that draws you in and makes you want to return time and time again.
There is a very solid community of yoga teachers and lightworkers in Guatemala. What I was most impressed with was how they are all connected and in communication! There are several Facebook groups dedicated to open communication and everyone posts and shares events. I’ve never been anywhere else where it has been so easy to connect with other yoga teachers and get information about what’s happening.
Yoga in Lake Atitlan Guatemala
If you are looking for a Yoga Retreat or Teacher Training then Lake Atitlan, and most likely San Marcos is where you will be heading. Although there are also a few retreats in San Pedro, Tzunan, and Santa Cruz. most are in San Marcos.
One or two of the Ashrams only host their own yoga retreats in Guatemala and Yoga Teacher Training but some welcome international teachers who host their training at the Ashrams.
Here are the best places for yoga in Lake Atitlan:
Eagles Nest Retreat
I stayed here on my recent trip to Guatemala and all I can say is WOW! The views are out of this world and Greg the owner is amazing. They don’t have regular yoga classes, but they do have Ecstatic dance every Sunday and an exciting schedule of workshops, retreats, and festivals. You can check out their schedule on Facebook.
What I love about Eagles nest is that when there isn’t a retreat booked in you can go and stay there and you will likely have time each day to practice on your own on their incredible yoga platform. It was the perfect place for me to stay for a few days at the lake. I just practiced yoga, meditated, cooked in the open-air kitchen, and enjoyed the incredible views over the lake while showering in the morning.
A stay here won’t break the bank either, check out their prices here.
Yoga Forest
This place is the most well-known for yoga in Lake Atitlan. The cost is around $50 per person per day for accommodation and 3 meals and yoga classes in San Marcos if you just want to check in for a few days. They also host more formal retreats and Yoga Teacher Training in San Marcos throughout the year.
Villa Sumaya Retreat Center & Guest House
OK, so this one is a bit more fancy and pricy. They have various international retreat leaders hosting retreats at their center throughout the year. If you are looking for luxury then this is the venue for you.
Hotel Isla Verde
I LOVE this place it’s a lower cost less fancy version of Villa Sumaya. It’s where all the Guatemalan Yogis go to chill for a few days as they let you use the studio there and it has a great spot for taking pictures with the lake and volcanoes in the background. So even if they have no yoga retreats by Lake Atitlan you can always check in for a few days and do self-practice in one of their Ashrams overlooking Lake Atitlan or on the platform.
Mystical Yoga Farm
This Yoga Retreat is in Santiago Lake Atitlan and a little bit out of town. They offer Yoga retreats and Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala.
Looking for Accommodation in Lake Atitlan?
Every town around Lake Atitlan is different. There is something for every taste. If you are looking for a place to stay in Lake Atitlan, take a look at these best hotels to stay in Lake Atitlan!
Yoga in Antigua Guatemala
Antigua in Guatemala is full of excellent yoga teachers and boasts several yoga studios most of which are on 4th Calle (handy!). Yoga in Guatemala is huge and nowhere more than in Antigua.
Shakti Shala> yoga studio in Antigua Guatemala
If you want to tap into the yoga community in Antigua then the first place you should visit is Shakti Shala in Antigua. I know I’m totally biased because I worked there but Shakti Shala is the heart of Yoga in Guatemala as far as I’m concerned. It really is a home from home and trust me when you walk in there and are greeted by Lauren and Irene you will know what I’m talking about! Don’t forget to try a delicious smoothie and some Avo Toast, oh and try the Matcha Late while you’re there! Tell them I sent you ;-).
Yoga at Caoba Farm in Antigua Guatemala
They have classes every weekend as well as some classes during the week. The timetable changes weekly so keep an eye on their facebook page. Oh and don’t forget to try the pizza while you are there!
Yoga at Earth Lodge in Antigua
They have regular classes on a Saturday and during the week sometimes. If you make the journey up there stay for a night or two if you can. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights and the prices are very reasonable!
Looking for Accommodation in Antigua?
There are 3 places I recommend Selina or Yellow House Hostel if you are looking for a hostel. For hotels, I recommend Hotel Mesón de María, Barbara’s Boutique Hostel, or Hotel Paseo de la Merced. And I have gathered all the best places to eat in Antigua here in case you need any recs.
Yoga in El Paradon Guatemala
Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for yoga in El Paredon, though you will find excellent surfing here.
The Driftwood Surfer (the party hostel) offers daily classes from their resident Yoga Teacher in case they have one at the time of your stay. You can contact them first to make sure they have a yoga teacher.
Looking for Accommodation in El Paredon?
If you are looking for accommodation in El Paredon, I highly recommend El Paredon Suff Hourse, or if you are looking for a little party and socialization, The Driftwood Surfer isn’t bad.
Yoga Guatemala City
Yoga at OM Yoga Guatemala City
OM yoga studio in Guatemala City is the most established studio in the country. It offers a strong Mysore program and regularly brings down international teachers to lead week-long workshops. Make sure you like their page on Facebook and if you see something you want to attend and aren’t sure how to get there post in one of the Facebook groups and ask if anyone can give you a lift.
Looking for Accommodation in Guatemala City?
You’ll find plenty of accommodation options in Guatemala City, specially close to the airport. Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in Guatemala City.
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James trowell
Saturday 25th of January 2020
Claire. I concur with all your yoga spots and reviews. I just spent a month traveling the country and actually stayed at the majority of your Atitlán spots Isla Verde was so lovely. And Sumaya was great for the luxury.
I’m gonna visit Om in Guatemala City tomorrow! Cheers and namaste.
Jim
Peter C. Meyer
Thursday 14th of February 2019
Hello Claire: I enjoyed your pages but am scared of all the bone breaking pictures. I want to attain higher consciousness and separate myself from the influences of the material world. Can I get there by meditating and by listening to lectures? And where can I do that with some guidance? I am 90 years old. Peter