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Yoga retreats have sprung up all over the world, and many people flock to places like Bali or Costa Rica to experience one. But you might be surprised to learn that Ecuador, a little country off the beaten track in South America, is a growing destination due to its wildly diverse landscapes, laid-back environment, and deep-rooted culture of spirituality and shamanism.
Regardless of whether you’re looking to do a yoga retreat along a tropical coastline, high in the mountains, or deep in the jungle, Ecuador has you covered. But the good news gets even better… Ecuador is still relatively under the radar, which means it’s not overcommercialized and still very authentic. If you’re on a budget, then you’ll also find that Ecuador yoga retreats are more affordable than in more saturated yoga hubs.
In this guide, I’ll give you my top recommendations for Ecuador yoga retreats based on my knowledge of living in the country for some time between 2017 and 2023.
Why Choose Ecuador For a Yoga Retreat
There are quite a few reasons why Ecuador is a great place to do a yoga retreat. It’s a mix of raw beauty, authentic culture, and spiritual richness, making it a seriously underrated destination for yoga retreats. Here are some reasons why you should consider Ecuador as a candidate for a getaway:
- Ecuador is a geographical playground: Andes, tropical beaches, the Amazon… Each region of Ecuador is a completely different story, so regardless of what sort of yoga retreat you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it.
- The retreats are affordable: You can find transformative retreats with skilled facilitators at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in more established locations.
- The country has spiritual depth: Ecuador is known for its spiritual traditions and cultures. Many retreats include elements of Andean cosmology, shamanic healing, and even plant medicine ceremonies, which can take the yoga retreat to an entirely new level.
- Easy travel logistics: With USD as the local currency and generous visa policies, Ecuador is easy to navigate and welcomes travelers.
What to Know Before Choosing a Retreat
With so many landscapes and retreat styles to choose from, picking the right yoga retreat in Ecuador comes down to what you’re looking for. At the end of the day, the right retreat is the one that meets you where you are, but also nudges you toward where you want to go.
Here are a few things to consider when narrowing it down:
- Choosing a blend: Many of the retreats in Ecuador are hybrids, often involving surf camps, jungle tours, breathwork, and even plant medicine ceremonies, which can add an entirely new twist to the experience. In this list, I’ll include some different types of retreats, so there’s likely something here that interests you.
- Where you do it will change the entire experience: Ecuador has three main regions, which all have very different vibes, climates, and settings. There is no better or worse area to do a retreat, but you might have a preference. If you want cool temperatures and incredible views, the Andes is probably your best bet. If the laid-back beach life is up your alley, book a retreat on the coast.
- Length and intensity of retreat: Yoga retreats in Ecuador vary quite a lot in terms of length. You can do a quick 5-day retreat, and you can also find immersive retreats that last for a month or more. Some retreats are more relaxed and vacation-style, while others can be full-on. So, read through the offers and find one that suits what you’re after.
- Budget range: Ecuador has options for most budgets, from simple retreats run from eco-hostels to upscale jungle lodges. Mid-range retreats are usually around $800–$1000 a week, and often strike the best balance between comfort, depth, and value.
14-Day Yoga, Breathwork, and Wild Jungle Retreat
Feel Good Yoga Retreat offers both an immersive 14-day retreat and a 29-day program, a little outside of Tena, one of Ecuador’s most popular Amazonian cities. This retreat is more customizable than many, where all activities are completely optional, and you can even do private sessions if you want for an extra cost.
Every day kicks off with a breathwork class, and involves one yoga class and guided meditation. Group activities such as jungle hikes and canoe trips are also included, which give you an opportunity to explore the dense surrounding jungle with a guide. For a 14-day all-inclusive in the Ecuadorian jungle, $847 is a bargain.
- Name: Feel Good Yoga
- Location: Tena, Ecuador
- Duration: 14 days or 29 days
- Includes: Daily yoga and breathwork sessions, accommodation, meals, and immersive jungle experiences
- Price: $847 (14 days), or $1635 (29 days)
- Reserve your spot: Book the 14-day retreat here, or book the 29-day retreat here.
7-Day Yoga and Surf Holiday in Montañita
The beach more your thing? Maybe with a little bit of surfing and relaxing at night with some yummy local seafood, a drink, and a bit of a boogie? Casa del Sol in Montañita might be ideal for you.
Casa del Sol doubles up as a surf school and yoga retreat, where they offer 8 diverse yoga classes, 2 beginner-friendly surf lessons with an experienced instructor, a 60-minute Reiki session, and a 90-minute massage included in their package. This retreat takes place in Casa del Sol, which is a popular, but spacious and beautiful hostel in Montañita: A popular town on the coast about 3 hours from Guayaquil, known for its surf and festive atmosphere.
I’ve met some people who did this retreat and loved it. It’s probably one of the most popular retreats in all of Ecuador, and for just $450, you really can’t go wrong.
- Provider: Casa del Sol
- Location: Montañita, Ecuador
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: From $450
- Reserve your spot: Book here
7-Day Wellness Yoga Retreat in Montañita
Sumpa Wellness Center is another strong contender on Ecuador’s infamous coast. Also a 7-day retreat like Casa del Sol, Sumpa Wellness Center offers a more luxurious yoga retreat that includes sound healing sessions, a massage, excursions to local points of interest, and boat tours. If you don’t mind spending a bit more for a more boujee experience, this could be a good option for you.
- Provider: Sumpa Wellness Center yoga retreat,
- Location: Montañita, Ecuador
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: From $1670
- Reserve your spot: Book here
6-Day Yoga Retreat in the Andes
Prefer the cooler Andean weather with stunning views of mountains and volcanoes over the jungle or beach life? Hosteria PapaGayo offers 6-day retreats in the Avenue of the Volcanoes, which is just as scenic as it sounds, and located about an hour from Quito.
A yoga retreat at Hosteria PapaGayo includes 7 yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga), morning meditations, private accommodation, and various excursions such as a Group trip to the Cotopaxi National Park, a group trip to the Quilotoa Volcano Lagoon, and a 3-hour horseback ride. The Hosteria also has a jacuzzi, sauna, which is a nice touch. This is the perfect place to hike, soak in the majestic surroundings, and make friends with all the farm animals on the property.
- Provider: Hosteria Papagayo Cotopaxi
- Location: Machachi, Ecuador
- Duration: 6 days
- Price: From $1399
- Reserve your spot: Book here
7-Day Yoga Retreat in the Cloudforest of Ecuador
Casa Verde is a boutique forest lodge located in Mindo, about 2 hours from Quito. They offer personalized, detox-oriented yoga retreats for all skill levels, and they’re facilitated with the utmost care.
The property itself is stunning as it’s located in a beautiful cloud forest with dozens of hiking trails, waterfalls, and creeks right on the property. Classes are taught by an internationally respected teacher with many decades of experience, so you are in good hands! If you’re looking for a cloud-forest getaway, book this retreat.
- Provider: Casa Verde
- Location: Mindo, Ecuador
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: $2,249
- Reserve your spot: Book here
