Join Ambuja Yoga for the ultimate Nicaragua yoga retreat. This yoga retreat will be combining two of Ambuja Yoga’s favorite yoga retreat venues for their fifth annual Nicaragua yoga retreat. Can’t decide between a retreat in the mountains or a beach yoga retreat? You don’t have to! This very yoga retreat showcases the best of Nicaragua where you will practice yoga overlooking the Nicaraguan cloud forest and down by the breath-taking beach.

Yoga in the mountains of Nicaragua

You will practice yoga overlooking the Nicaraguan cloud forest from this retreat’s first base at Finca Esperanza Verde, high above Matagalpa. Finca Esperanza Verde is a tranquil oasis far away from the heat of the lowlands. This working organic coffee farm turned eco-resort is the perfect antidote to frenetic city life. Once you step foot onto the property the stress of life back home becomes a thing of the past.

The local guides will take you out to explore the many miles of beautifully maintained hiking trails that crisscross the property. They will help you spot howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths, parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and so much more. 

Ambuja Yoga is big on community and creating connections, so you will visit Mujeres del Plomo for a jewelry making workshop. The women of Mujeres del Plomo have created a women’s co-op with a powerful story of community, hardship, and triumph; you will love them! 

One of the favorite experiences at Finca Esperanza Verde is to have the local band come over to play for you as you roast marshmallows over the fire and dance under one of the most impressive banners of stars you will have ever seen. It’s a perfect way to celebrate your time in the mountains.

Yoga will be practiced in the covered lounge overlooking the jungle. An impressive view of rolling clouds, green jungle canopy, and abundant wildlife help us savor the present moment and the intense beauty of our surroundings.

Yoga overlooking the Pacific Ocean

From your perch in the cloud forest, you will head down to the beach town of San Juan del Sur and Playa Maderas. San Juan del Sur, once a sleepy fishing village, is now a bustling seaside port with a multitude of restaurants and boutiques. 

You will be staying at Buena Vista Surf Club, a gorgeous eco-chic resort that boasts unbelievable beach and sunset views from its infinity yoga deck and a cool, relaxed vibe.

Playa Maderas and its famous surf break are just below the resort and a short walk away. Playa Maderas has surf breaks suitable for all levels and its sandy bottom is especially friendly for beginners. Playa Maderas has a fun social vibe. The area attracts artists, entrepreneurs, yogis, and of course surfers and backpackers on the banana pancake trail. Three restaurants lining the beach offer up everything you need to enjoy an afternoon in the sun; all offer local and international food, cold drinks and lounge chairs for rent.

From your base at Buena Vista Surf Club, you will explore Playa Maderas and San Juan del Sur. You will learn to be a kid again during your visit to Barrio Planta Project, a free supplementary school program for children in San Juan del Sur. Barrio Planta Project, or BPP, has an incredible start-up story. This will be Ambuja Yoga’s third year visiting Barrio Planta Project and it’s always a retreat favorite.

Afterward, you will head over to one of the beachside restaurants for a cocktail and snack before heading back to Buena Vista Surf Club for supper. 

There is always plenty of free time to book a massage, a surf lesson, or even a catamaran sailing trip. You are encouraged to take advantage of this beautiful destination.

Who is this Nicaragua yoga retreat for?

• Real people: people that love yoga, but also love having a sundowner
• Yogis that want to go deeper in their practice
• Yogis that want an asana tune-up
• Adventurous types or those that want to be more adventurous
• Those who love nature and wildlife
• Those who want to celebrate this awesome thing called life
• Those that want to travel with a like-minded community
• Those that need a technology detox
• Those that love the mountains as much as they love the sea
• Those that need to relax (there are only two mandatory events during the whole eight days)
• Those who need a shift, an ignition, or a jumpstart in life, work, etc.

Who is this Nicaragua yoga retreat not for?

• Those who want to party every night
• Those who need air-conditioner (none of the venues have it)
• Those who have no yoga experience (yogis should have a basic understanding of standing postures and a willingness to explore and play on their mat)
• Those who don’t want to support others in their growth on and off their mat (this retreat will be all about community, connection, and support)

What kind of yoga practice can you expect?

• Alignment based Vinyasa yoga
• Restorative yoga with a deep emphasis on relaxation
• 1.5 - 2 hours’ long sessions
• Sessions will occur twice a day in the morning and late afternoon
• Each session will include asana, pranayama, and meditation
• Gently challenging
• New and familiar yoga asanas
• Create space and openness throughout your body
• Release stress and muscle tension
• Two optional yoga workshops: Asana Tune-Up and Roll and Release

From Managua we will head north to the mountains above Matagalpa. Here we will stay at Finca Esperanza Verde a beautiful, sustainable eco-resort high in the mountains. The fresh mountain air, comfy accommodation, and kind staff will help us relax and unwind for our opening circle and dinner.

Each day we will go on a guided hike with one of the farm's local guides. The guides are excellent at spotting the farms native wildlife. We will see sloths, monkeys, toucans, parrots, tons of hummingbirds, butterflies and more.

Mornings and late afternoons will be dedicated to our yoga practice.

On our fourth day we will visit Mujeres del Plomo, a women's co-op in San Ramon. We will learn how to make jewelry from seeds sustainably harvested from the nearby mountains while connecting with the local community.

On our fifth day we will cruise down to San Juan del Sur. We will stop at one of our favorite destinations in the country, Laguna de Apoyo, for lunch, a swim and a paddle.

We will practice yoga twice today on Buena Vista Surf Club's infinity deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Free time in the afternoon can be spent at lounging or surfing at Playa Maderas, or shopping in San Juan del Sur.

Today we will visit Barrio Planta Project in San Juan del Sur for a day of seva and fun. We'll wind down in time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach before heading back to Buena Vista Surf Club for supper.

Our last full day of retreat we will celebrate with another beach day, practice and closing circle.

On our final day we will say our goodbyes and enjoy an early light breakfast before heading inland to the international airport in Managua.