200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training on a Costa Rican Beachfront

Blue Osa sits on the Osa Peninsula, about 11 km south of Puerto Jimenez, where the jungle meets the Gulfo Dulce. It's one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, according to National Geographic, and the only spot in Costa Rica where you'll find all four species of monkey. The retreat center itself is a collection of jungle-chic bungalows and rooms scattered through gardens, with an open-air yoga shala, a pool, and direct beach access.

The training is led by Yogi Aaron, who has over 30 years of experience and has studied under masters like Alan Finger, Swami Rama, and David Swenson. He's the creator of AYAMA™, a method that uses muscle activation to eliminate pain, so the anatomy portion of this training is unusually practical. You'll learn how to sequence therapeutic classes, how to adjust students with limitations, and how to teach mixed-level groups—skills you'll practice by teaching actual guests at the resort.

A typical day might start at 6am with meditation and sadhana, followed by an asana intensive. After breakfast, there might be a lecture on the koshas or chakras, then a teaching practicum in the afternoon. Evenings could bring kirtan or a movie night. The schedule is demanding, but there are intentional pockets of free time to digest what you're learning. The course includes a self-study component that you can complete before or after the two weeks, which is how they fit 200 hours into 14 days.

The food is mostly vegan and vegetarian, with eggs at breakfast and chicken three times a week. Chef Marie's team uses produce from the organic garden and ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Nearly all reviews mention the food and the natural beauty as highlights, along with the warmth of the staff. It's a small group—between 4 and 22 participants—so you'll get plenty of personal attention.

What's included

14 nights of beachfront accommodations at Blue Osa eco-resort 3 plant-based meals daily (plus snacks and beverages) 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course and certification Daily sadhana and meditation practices All required course materials (manual, book) Yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters Free WiFi Airport pickup & drop-off from Puerto Jimenez Group excursions (nature hikes etc.) Evening activities: kirtan, movie nights Certificate upon successful completion Registration with Yoga Alliance (self-registration)

What's not included

Flights to Costa Rica Travel insurance Optional airport transfer from San Jose Spa treatments Bar drinks (smoothies, juices, kombucha, alcoholic beverages) Additional activities not in the itinerary Personal expenses 13% taxes Extra 000 non-refundable deposit for single occupancy