Over many years in Costa Rica, we’ve watched yoga weave its way into the fabric of our beautiful country over the last three decades. Back in the 1990s, it started quietly with a few adventurous expats and wellness seekers setting up simple mats in our lush landscapes. Then, as the new millennium dawned, something magical happened. Our ecotourism surged, and yoga rode that wave, turning Costa Rica into a true haven for practitioners worldwide.

Now, with more than 200 yoga centers dotted across our beaches, rainforests, and mountains, we’ve become a mecca where yogis from every corner of the globe come to live out their hopes and dreams. They bring a spirit of healthy living that resonates deeply with our natural surroundings, fostering communities that celebrate mindfulness and vitality.

We’ve embraced yoga with open arms, especially in bustling spots like San Jose and beyond. It’s caught on among our middle and wealthier folks who seek a gentle escape from daily hustle. Yoga fits so naturally with our Pura Vida philosophy, that easygoing way of life where we cherish simplicity, gratitude, and connection to nature. In a world that often rushes by, yoga reminds us to breathe deeply and live in harmony, just as we’ve always done here under our tropical skies.

To reflect on this journey, let’s revisit ten moments when the world turned its gaze to Costa Rica as an enchanting yoga destination. Each one holds a piece of our story.

1. Back in 2014, Buzzfeed captured the wonder in “12 Places To Stay In Costa Rica You Won’t Believe Actually Exist,” highlighting resorts surrounded by sloths, waterfalls, and volcanoes that often include yoga in their wellness offerings. 12 Places To Stay In Costa Rica You Won’t Believe Actually Exist
2. Condé Nast Traveler’s 2014 gallery, “The Best Fall Yoga Retreats,” placed our country at the forefront for seasonal getaways, praising the exotic settings that nurture the soul through yoga practice. The Best Fall Yoga Retreats
3. In 2020, Elle’s “Viajes para yoguis” (Trips for Yogis) spotlighted yoga resorts here, blending yoga adventures with aerial classes, spa indulgences, and fresh organic meals atop a cliffside paradise. Viajes para yoguis
4. Fashion Magazine’s piece on “5 exotic resorts that are good for your mind, soul and bikini body prep” celebrated yoga centers in Montezuma as sanctuaries for wellness, with sunset yoga sessions, wholesome food, and activities tailored for yoga lovers. 5 exotic resorts that are good for your mind, soul and bikini body prep
5. Forbes in 2019 shared “5 Yoga Retreats to Book for Fall 2019,” commending yoga retreats in Montezuma for their communal vibe, infinity pool views, and immersive week-long programs with visiting teachers near our surf-friendly shores. 5 Yoga Retreats to Book for Fall 2019
6. HuffPost’s “12 ‘Spring Cleaning’ Spas Perfect For Men And Women In Need Of Rejuvenation” featured our innovative spas with aerial yoga and rejuvenating trends, showcasing Costa Rica’s appeal for those seeking yoga-infused renewal. 12 ‘Spring Cleaning’ Spas Perfect For Men And Women In Need Of Rejuvenation
7. The Independent’s 2010 article, “The Big Six: Central American boutique hotels,” described a yoga resort on the Nicoya Peninsula as a clifftop gem for Hatha-inspired yoga, soothing treatments, and organic cuisine that nourishes body and spirit. The Big Six: Central American boutique hotels
8. National Post’s “Salutation to the fun: Chill out (in a good way) on a Costa Rican yoga retreat” painted a picture of sunrise and candlelit yoga on an ocean-view deck, alongside adventures like surfing in our life-affirming Blue Zone. Salutation to the fun: Chill out (in a good way) on a Costa Rican yoga retreat
9. SmarterTravel’s “Wellness Travel 101: Vacation Your Way to a Better You” recommended eco-lodge yoga retreats in the rainforest with Pacific vistas, perfect for mindful yoga immersed in nature’s embrace. Wellness Travel 101: Vacation Your Way to a Better You
10. In 2014, Toronto Sun’s “Costa Rica Anamaya resort a smorgasbord of healthy options” highlighted morning yoga classes overlooking the sea, flexible packages with surf lessons, and its place among our abundant yoga retreats. Costa Rica Anamaya resort a smorgasbord of healthy options

Looking back on these highlights fills me with a quiet joy, reminding us how yoga has not just visited Costa Rica but become part of our soul. It’s a gentle reminder that in seeking balance, we find our true selves amid the whispers of the waves and the rustle of the leaves. If you’re drawn to this path, come join us; Pura Vida awaits with open arms.