Why Should You Do Your Yoga Teacher Training in Mexico?
The go-to resource to prepare for your yoga teacher training. Find all you need to know about the top destinations and take your practice to the next level.
Discover Yoga Teacher Training now
Featuring amazing beaches, exuberant nature, magical towns and thirty-five (!) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world.
It’s not just famous for its history, traditions, unique culture, friendly people and tasty food, but also for the increasing popularity of yoga all across its territory. Therefore, it’s not surprising that yoga teacher trainings in Mexico have gained a lot of ground.
Sounds like something you’d like to try? Read on and learn more about the many reasons why you should consider Mexico to take the next step in your practice!
What makes Mexico special for a yoga teacher training course?
To understand what makes Mexico special for yoga, first, it’s important to know why this land is a favorite travel destination overall.
Did you know that Mexico is home to 11% of all the world’s biodiversity? Here, you can find jungles, deserts, volcanoes, forests, canyons, valleys, underground cenotes and stunning beaches, all within close vicinity to one another. Also, México is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. A true paradise on Earth!
The ancient civilizations here have also left their footprints. The Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History has 193 archaeological zones under its protection, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
As if it wasn’t enough, Mexican food is among the very best worldwide. In 2010, Mexican cuisine made it to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Many delicious fruits and vegetables, like avocado, tomato and zucchini originated here. So, next time you eat pizza, you could thank Mexico because, without tomatoes, there would be no pizza at all! Neither your delicious ice-cream, as chocolate and vanilla were both born here.
Talking about yoga, the practice has been very well received in Mexico over the past couple of decades. Nowadays, there are more than 500 organizations affiliated with the Mexican Institute of Yoga, meaning that you can basically find a yoga studio anywhere you go.
Moreover, some ancient traditions have found their way to complement any yoga program. One example is the Temazcal ceremony, which is a symbolic representation of the entrance and departure from Mother Earth's womb. It’s also a great way to detoxify your body and experience traditional healing.
Lastly, due to the high popularity of the practice and its proximity to the USA, you can do almost any yoga style in Mexico, including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Karma, Hatha, Yin, Bikram, yoga for children, Prenatal yoga and several teacher training programs.
Where to do your yoga teacher training in Mexico?
Image credit: Kootenay Yoga School
From picturesque colonial cities to stunning beaches and the cosmopolitan metropolis of Mexico City, it can be hard to choose the right place to do your teacher training in Mexico. To help make the decision easier for you, here’s some useful information to consider:
One of the most popular areas for yoga in Mexico is the Caribbean; names like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Isla Mujeres may sound familiar to you, as they’re part of the most visited region in the country.
Tulum is known for its Mayan ruins by the ocean, where you can jump into the water and enjoy the warmth of the Caribbean. It’s also famous for its bohemian vibes and wellness culture. Some of the best yoga studios and wellness centers in the country are located here.
If you’d like to participate in a local Temazcal or a cacao ceremony, Tulum is the perfect destination to do it.
Featuring white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Cancun receives ten million tourists every year. Thanks to its wild nightlife, the place has been referred to as the “spring break forever”. It’s not only its beaches and its parties that attract visitors, but Cancun also offers an array of wellness options to make anyone’s vacation exceptional.
Playa del Carmen is another favorite destination for yoga. Located less than one-hour drive away from Tulum, this fabulous town that used to be a fishing village is now home to luxury resorts, fine boutiques, fancy restaurants and busy nightlife, all mixed with hippie vibes and breathtaking scenery.
Not in the Caribbean, but a beautiful beach town nonetheless, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico. Here, you can find beautiful beaches, abundant marine life, water sports and yoga retreats. So, whether you want to stretch out on the beach, do some snorkeling, go fishing, or spend the afternoon on a sunset boat tour, you’ll find plenty of fun activities to complement your training.
Mexico City is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Americas, a collision of contemporary life with ancient history. From street food to vivid street art, colonial architecture and beautiful green spaces, the city of palaces is an incredibly inviting place.
Although Mexico City doesn’t offer many training programs, just 80 km (50 miles) away is the magical town of Tepoztlan, a mystical destination surrounded by rugged mountains and filled with mysticism as locals say that U.F.O.'s fly over the main peak of El Tepozteco National Park.
Another attraction in Tepoztlan is the Exconvento de la Natividad (Former Convent of the Nativity). It was built in the mid-16th century out of hand-carved stone and features five century-old murals in the interior.
During the weekends, you can visit the town market that offers a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs and delicious pre-Hispanic food. Many consider Tepoztlan an energy center, so Temazcal rituals, holistic massages, wellness centers, yoga retreats and teacher training courses are within a hand’s reach.
READ MORE: Fully Vaccinated? What You Should Know Before Planning to Join a Yoga Teacher Training
Best time to do your teacher training
Mexico has gentle weather all year round, so you can basically go whenever you want. However, here’s some more detailed information about what to expect each month of the year.
January and February are normally dry and the temperature is not as high. But if you prefer the heat, wait until March and April to visit, as temperatures rise during these months. If you’re looking for a good tan, then May is the best time for you to go as the sun is bright right before the rainy season starts.
In June and July, the temperatures continue to rise but the days are cooled off by the rain. That said, don’t worry if you’re planning to go in these months, as the weather is still pleasant and the rain normally stops after a while.
August and September are considered the low season as rains become heavier. On the coast, it’s also hurricane season, so it might be a good moment to opt for another option. In addition, something cool about traveling to Mexico around the 15th of September is that you get to see how Mexicans celebrate their Independence Day, which is quite a spectacle, full of food, dance, drinks and joy.
November is a good time to visit because the days remain hot, but the crowds have yet to arrive. Also, on the 1st/2nd of November, Mexicans celebrate “Day of the Dead”, another event you don’t want to miss.
Lastly, December is a popular month for travel. You can expect temperatures around 27° / 23°C (80° / 73° F) on the beach and warm and dry weather across the rest of the territory. As in any other place, around Christmas and New Year the touristic areas get busy, so keep that in mind when planning your training.
Recommended yoga teacher training courses in Mexico
If you’ve read this far, you're probably convinced of doing your yoga teacher training in Mexico. Therefore, here are two options for you, a 200-hour and a 300-hour course depending on your current level.
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in the Riviera Maya
- Location: Isla Mujeres
- Duration: 15 Days
- Program: 200 hours
- Certification to register with Yoga Alliance upon completion
A 200-hour course can be considered the first step to becoming a yoga instructor. On this training, you’ll learn all the basics any teacher should know, from proper alignment to the teaching methodology and yoga philosophy.
The course takes place on Isla Mujeres, located just 20 minutes by ferry off the coast of Cancun. The program includes daily yoga and sunrise meditation, 3 vegetarian meals a day, training manuals, the use of an outdoor pool and a trip to the north beach.
READ MORE: Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Mexico
300-Hour International Yoga Teacher Training in Puerto Vallarta
- Location: Puerto Vallarta
- Duration: 23 Days
- Program: 300 hours
- Certification to register with Yoga Alliance upon completion
After completing a 200-hour course, the next level of education for yoga teachers is a 300-hour certification. When you’ve done both courses you can get your RYT 500. One prerequisite for the course is that you have a regular yoga practice.
The retreat center is located only four blocks from the beach, it has an outdoor swimming pool, a dining area, a garden, a terrace and free Wi-Fi. Meals are not included but you can find healthy and affordable options nearby.
Prefer an online experience? Deepen your practice from the comfort of your home on a yoga teacher training course