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Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala

Yoga in Guatemala is thriving—when I first arrived in Guatemala, the last thing I expected to find was an active and well-established yoga community. When people think of yoga, they think of India, Bali, Thailand, and maybe Costa Rica. But if you love yoga and are considering doing a yoga retreat or yoga teacher training, I urge you to consider doing yoga in Guatemala.

During my nine months in Guatemala, yoga was on my itinerary (almost) every day. As well as having many yoga retreats around Lake Atitlan for all budgets, there’s an abundance of incredible Antigua yoga teachers. Guatemala City offers daily classes and special workshops with international teachers.

Guatemala is a beautiful country in Central America—the cost of living is low, and travel is cheap. It’s also a very spiritual country. Lake Atitlan is often described as a vortex with the most incredible energy I’ve experienced. People never go to Guatemala just once. They either stay for longer than expected (like me) or return for multiple trips.

P.S. Check out more of my reviews of the Best Yoga Packing List here:

The Best Yoga Mats for Travel
The Best Yoga and Dance Bras Reviewed
Discover the Best Yoga Tops for Women

Learning Abroad | Why you should do Yoga in Guatemala
Irene and Lauren, the co-owners of Shakti Shala in Antigua

Something about Guatemala draws you in and makes you want to return. There’s an extensive community of Guatemala yoga teachers and lightworkers. I was impressed by how connected and communicative they are! Several Facebook groups are dedicated to open communication where everyone posts and shares events. I’ve never visited a place where it’s so easy to connect with other yoga teachers and get information about what’s happening.

Learning Abroad | Why you should do Yoga in Guatemala | yoga guatemala
Yoga in the park with Irene and Lauren | Shakti Shala Antigua

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?

The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing

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. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala: Lake Atitlan

If you’re looking for a yoga retreat or teacher training, Lake Atitlan and San Marcos are some of the best places to practice yoga in Guatemala. Although there are some retreats in San Pedro, Tzunan, and Santa Cruz, most are in San Marcos.

One or two of the Ashrams only host their yoga retreats and yoga teacher training in Guatemala, but others welcome international teachers.

Eagles Nest Retreat

A Guide to Yoga in Guatemala

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 excellent. They don’t host regular yoga classes but have Ecstatic Dance every Sunday and exciting 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, you’ll likely get to practice alone on their incredible yoga platform. It was the perfect place for me to stay for a few days at the lake. I 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.

Ancestral Retreat with Yoga

This is one the most famous places to practice Guatemala yoga in Lake Atitlan. It costs around $1,238 for 6 nights per person for accommodations, meals, and yoga classes. They also host 1 cacao and fire ceremony & 1 ancestral tour around Antigua.

Personal Yoga Retreat in Lake Atitlan

The Doron Yoga and Zen Center is designed to provide a place to truly live a functional yoga lifestyle. During this retreat you will live in a spiritual community with like-minded yogis.

Hotel Isla Verde

Learning Abroad | Why you should do Yoga in Guatemala
Irene practicing at Isla Verde | @yogaconirene

I LOVE this place! It’s a lower-cost, less fancy version of Villa Sumaya. This is where all the Guatemala yoga teachers go to chill, as the hotel lets you use the studio and has an excellent spot for taking pictures with the lake and volcanoes in the background. You can stay for a few days and 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, a little out of town. It offers yoga retreats and teacher training in Guatemala. 

Looking for Accommodations in Lake Atitlan?

Every town around Lake Atitlan is different, so there’s something for every taste and budget. If you’re looking for accommodations, look at the best hotels to stay in Lake Atitlan!

Yoga Antigua Guatemala

There are many Antigua yoga teachers and studios, most of which are conveniently located on 4th Calle. Yoga in Guatemala is huge and nowhere more than in Antigua.

Shakti Shala: Antigua Yoga Studio

To tap into the yoga Antigua Guatemala community, you should first visit Shakti Shala. I’m biased because I worked there, but Shakti Shala is the heart of yoga in Guatemala as far as I’m concerned. It’s a home away from home—when you walk in and are greeted by Lauren and Irene, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Don’t forget to try a delicious smoothie and some avocado toast. Tell them I sent you!

Antigua Yoga at Caoba Farm

Learning Abroad | Why you should do Yoga in Guatemala

Caoba Farm has classes every weekend and some 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 there!

Yoga at Earth Lodge in Antigua

Learning Abroad | Why you should do Yoga in Guatemala

If you journey to Earth Lodge, stay for a night or two. It’s a great place to enjoy for a few nights, and the prices are very reasonable! 

You can find more tips for yoga courses here:

The Best Online Yoga Teacher Trainings (Including Pros and Cons of online yoga courses)
The Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses Worldwide

Looking for Accommodations in Antigua?

I recommend several places for a hostel, including Selina and Yellow House Hostel. I recommend Hotel Mesón de María and Barbara’s Boutique Hostel for hotels. I’ve gathered all the best places to eat in Antigua if you need recommendations.

Yoga in El Paradon Guatemala

Learning Abroad | Why you should do Yoga in Guatemala | Yoga guatemala

Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for yoga in El Paredon, though you will find excellent surfing here.

The Driftwood Surfer (a party hostel) offers daily classes from their resident yoga teacher. Contact them in advance to make sure they have a yoga teacher available.

Quick Tip: View my full Yoga Retreat Packing List here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Yoga Essentials shopping list here.

Looking for Accommodations in El Paredon?

For accommodation in El Paredon, I highly recommend El Paredon Surf House. The Driftwood Surfer is good for socialization.

Yoga Guatemala City

Yoga at OM Yoga Guatemala City

Learning Abroad | Why you should do Yoga in Guatemala
Workshop with @day1yoga at OM Yoga in Guatemala City

OM Yoga Studio in Guatemala City is the country’s most established, offering a strong Mysore program. The studio regularly brings international teachers to lead week-long workshops. Make sure you like their page on Facebook—if you see something you want to attend and aren’t sure how to get there, post in one of the groups and ask for a lift. 

Looking for Accommodations in Guatemala City?

You’ll find many accommodation options in Guatemala City, especially near the airport. Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in Guatemala City.

What to Pack for Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala

What you bring for yoga teacher training in Guatemala depends on the location, duration, and activities. However, here are some general items to consider bringing:

1. Comfortable yoga clothes: Pack comfortable clothes you can move freely in. Depending on the weather, you may need layers or lighter clothing.

2. Yoga mat: Bring your own if you have one—some retreats may provide mats, but it’s always good to bring your own.

3. Props: Depending on your yoga practice, you may need props such as blocks, straps, or blankets. Check with the retreat organizer to see if they provide these or if you should bring your own.

4. Water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, so bring a refillable water bottle.

5. Snacks: While most retreats provide meals, you may want to bring snacks between meals or during breaks.

6. Toiletries: Pack toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and sunscreen. Bring a towel and other personal hygiene items if you’re staying in shared accommodations.

7. Comfortable shoes: Pack comfortable shoes for walking or hiking, depending on the activities planned during the retreat.

8. Journal and pen: Many retreats include time for self-reflection, so bring a journal and pen to capture your thoughts.

9. Books or other reading material: If you have downtime between activities, you may want to bring a book or other reading material to unwind.

10. Travel adapter and charger: If you’re traveling to another country, don’t forget to bring a travel adapter and charger for your electronics.

Remember to check with the retreat organizer for a complete packing list and any specific items they recommend bringing. You can read my complete yoga retreat packing list here or check out my Amazon list here.

Quick Tip: Check out my other Yoga posts all over the world here:

Asia:
Discover the 7 Best Yoga Teacher Training Programs in Thailand: A Comprehensive Guide
Get Your Zen On: Exploring the Best Yoga Retreats in Thailand
Yoga in Thailand | The Best Thailand Yoga Retreats Reviewed
The Insider’s Guide to Yoga in Thailand
The Best 6 Places for an India Yoga Retreat
Bali Yoga Retreat | The Best Yoga Retreats In Bali Reviewed
Bali Yoga Training | The Best Bali Yoga Teacher Training

Europe:
Discover Serenity: Best Yoga Retreats in Ibiza to Reconnect with Yourself
Discover the Power Within Top 7 Life-Altering Yoga Retreats in Europe
The Best Places for a Yoga Retreat In The UK

America:
The Best Yoga Retreats In Mexico
A Guide to Yoga in Guatemala | Yoga Guatemala
Yoga Playa del Carmen
Yoga Retreats Colombia | The Best Colombia Yoga Retreats Reviewed
The Best Guatemala Yoga Retreat
The Best Costa Rica Yoga Retreats
What’s Better? Online or In Person Yoga Teacher Training
How to do A Yoga Teacher Training While Traveling Full-Time

Yoga Travel Guide Planning

🧘‍♀️ Where can I look for the best Yoga Retreats?

I always use BookYogaRetreats when planning my Yoga Retreats Journey. You can select by region and there are many options whether you want to do it online or not.

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack in my Yoga Retreats?

Yes! I have created an idea list of what you should pack when leaving for your Yoga Retreats. You can check the full list here

📚 What books would you recommend to someone who wants to learn more about Yoga?

There are so many books I can recommend for you who’s just starting out or an advanced Yogi. I have the full list for you here.

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m traveling?

I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.comHotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack. 

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Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala: Final Thoughts

There are many unique opportunities to practice yoga in Guatemala. From the thriving yoga Antigua Guatemala community to retreats in Lake Atitlan, you have options for where to complete your yoga teacher training in Guatemala.

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