Yoga in Nicaragua
Nicaragua has gained popularity for being a yoga-friendly space. There are several yoga retreats and yoga training spaces in the country.
Yoga Granada
I traveled through Nica during a difficult time in the country, the last few months of 2018. There had been protests that started in April of that same year following a decision of President Daniel Ortega to reform social security in the nation. Protests, deaths, and political unrest deeply hurt the economy of a beautiful country of beautiful people who depend deeply on tourism. There were very few tourists, and while some places were very empty I never felt unsafe. I was deeply saddened by how folks were struggling with empty hotels and restaurants and where street vendors had no way of selling their goods – politics…..
This city on the shore of Lake Nicaragua has several places in Granada to do yoga and/or meditation such as in a gym, Spa, and or a hotel. There are some places that have been there for a long time and some pop in and out. It is up to each individual to choose which one fits best your style and the purpose of your practice.
I booked my place in a hotel where there was a yoga yalla. Unfortunately, the yoga classes were canceled because of the major social unrest.
A typical yoga Studio or Yoga Yalla hosts around 18 students. In this particular studio, they teach basic yoga philosophy and Hatha and Kundalini types of yoga practice.
I ended up doing yoga on my own in an empty hotel. Everywhere during that trip was mostly empty. I felt very sad because so many people in the world who heavily depend on tourism and will never receive any aid from their government.
YOGA SAN JUAN DEL SUR
While San Juan del Sur is popular for surfing and beach hopping, it is also a great place for yoga. As an over-40-year-old traveler, studios that cater to younger people may not be adequate for us older adults. Consequently, I search for places where I can find a mix of older adults to level out the different abilities while practicing yoga. During this trip, I decided to join some classes at Yoga spaces along the way. I decided to try Zen yoga with a beautiful instructor and space. I was very happy with the level of attention and knowledge of the class and I loved the instructor. Even though I am not “Miss Yoga,” I have traveled and experienced enough yoga classes around the world where I can tell what works for my adult body. An added bonus was to get a “hell of a good” massage at the spa. It was fantastic! This is just my recommendation and honest opinion and not sponsored recommendation.
YOGA CORN ISLANDS
The atmosphere of the Corn Islands is a wonderful natural place that can add a spiritual nature to a yoga practice. The Paraiso Beach hotel, where I stayed, does usually offer yoga classes in its yoga shala. However, due to the political unrest at the time of my visit to Nicaragua, there were no yoga classes.
I was given the opportunity to practice yoga using the hotel’s yoga shala; the hotel made available mats and towels to use for my yoga and meditation sessions. Just make sure you check if those classes would be available at the time of your booking.
