Nicaragua Yoga Retreat
Nicaragua, Central America
26th November - 3rd December 2025
Nestled in an exotic untouched corner of the world, this retreat offers a one-of-a-kind experience deeply immersed in nature, with the San Juan River serving as the only route of access and the nearby Indio Maíz Lowland Forest Reserve as your backdrop, spend your time in an eco-friendly lodge designed to blend seamlessly with its breath-taking surroundings as you take time to slow down and prioritize your wellbeing, connect to other like-minded individuals, have an immersion in a new culture and all to a soundtrack of the enchanting sounds of mother nature.
Our Home
This retreat offers a complete immersion in nature, set within a truly unique ecosystem. Guacimo Lodge provides a secluded, tranquil environment along the peaceful banks of the San Juan River, nestled within the buffer zone of the renowned Indio Maíz Biosphere Reserve—the second-largest and most pristine natural sanctuary in Nicaragua. Here, you'll experience the raw, untouched beauty that defines the Atlantic region of Nicaragua, perfect for deepening your connection with nature and yourself.
Built by local artisans and masons from the nearby communities, the lodge is designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding forest and river, offering a harmonious balance between comfort and the natural environment whilst also celebrating the rich tradition of Nicaraguan craftsmanship, allowing guests to experience the beauty and culture of the region first hand.
Guacimo Lodge is committed to sustainability, powered entirely by renewable energy and offering limited accommodations to foster intimate interactions with nature. This thoughtful approach helps minimize the impact of mass tourism and reduces their carbon footprint, creating an ideal setting for mindful practices such as yoga and meditation.
Surrounded by 50 hectares of pristine primary and secondary rainforest, the lodge offers a truly authentic Central American lowland rainforest experience. This serene, natural haven invites you to slow down, harmonize with the rhythms of the earth, and embrace a deep sense of peace and wellbeing—an unparalleled setting for a yoga retreat.
The Location
Indio Maíz, the second-largest biosphere reserve in Nicaragua and one of the best-protected lowland tropical rainforests in Central America, spans 2,700 square kilometers. As one of the largest protected lowland rainforest ecosystems in Central America, Indio Maíz boasts a greater diversity of trees, birds, and insects than all of Europe. It is a sanctuary for rare species such as the royal flycatcher, scarlet macaw, and harpy eagle, as well as iconic mammals like the Baird’s tapir, jaguar, fishing bulldog bat, wild boar, and gentle manatee. Above all, it embodies the raw, untouched beauty of Nicaragua’s natural world.
In addition to its ecological richness, the nearby San Juan River adds another layer of wonder to this unique location. Once a route for conquistadors and Caribbean pirates in the 17th century, today the river offers a peaceful sense of seclusion. Accessible only by boat, this timeless waterway creates a sense of being wonderfully disconnected from the modern world, allowing you to step back in time and fully embrace the tranquility and untamed nature that surrounds you.
The Food
Guacimo Lodge prioritizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, partnering with nearby farmers to serve delicious and healthy meals. The menu will feature a blend of vibrant local and international flavors and guests can enjoy a variety of daily fresh juices, salads, pastas, traditional specialties and local varieites of fish caught directly from the river.
In a commitment to sustainability, Gaucimo Lodge has made a conscious choice to exclude beef from the menu, as extensive cattle ranching is a leading cause of deforestation in the region. By doing so, we aim to protect the delicate ecosystems surrounding us while providing nourishing, eco-friendly cuisine.
If you are vegan, gluten free or have any other intolerances, they can be catered to.
The Yoga
While yoga āsana (the physical practice of yoga on the mat) will be a large part of the retreat, we will dive much deeper into the full practice of yoga through philosophy, mantra, pranayama, meditation and reflection.
There will be two daily yoga practices on the decking overlooking the river, the morning class will be more of a dynamic and energising practice combining prānāyāma, meditation and āsana followed by a more soothing and relaxing practice in the evenings.
Over the course of the week we will explore different philosophical and physical focuses in order to explore the spectrum of what yoga has to offer. There will also be plenty of time to ask questions and delve into areas of personal interest.
The Plan
Beyond structured class and meal times, the retreat offers an immersive blend of culture, nature, and introspection. The experience begins with a meaningful opening ceremony and concludes with a reflective closing circle. In between, highlights include a half-day canoe excursion along the scenic San Juan River, where you’ll get a chance to observe vibrant wildlife and witness communities nestled within the forest. You’ll also embark on a guided forest trail, visit a rural farm to connect with a local family, and learn about their way of life—how they cultivate the land, their main economic activities and how they interact with the reserve and the buffer zone. A visit to the local town (via boat of course), will offer a taste of authentic life in the region, topped off with lunch at a beloved riverside restaurant.
Outside of classes and excursion of the retreat is open for you to shape as you wish, with each morning presenting new opportunities to curate your day. This retreat isn’t just a getaway; it’s an invitation to step away from routine and discover freedom, connection, and transformation within yourself. By dedicating time to self-care and well-being, we unlock space for growth, healing, and living in joy and peace.
Whether you seek a sanctuary to unwind and rejuvenate or aspire to embark on a deeper journey of holistic wellness and yogic practice, this retreat provides the perfect blend of nature, culture, and self-discovery. Set in the breath-taking Nicaraguan landscape, this is an opportunity to not just live on the land but harmonize with it, reconnecting with your authentic self in the process.
Travel
Transfers to and from both Managua Airport, Nicaragua, and San Jose Airport, Costa Rica the international airports are provided, as part of your retreat experience, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey ensuring that every part of your travel is taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the retreat and not be concerned with the logistics.
For those traveling to Costa Rica, (my recommendation as there are direct flights from London on certain days), you’ll be picked up and transported to Las Tablillas, the border crossing between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, a trip of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Las Tablillas border is small, making the customs process quick and straightforward, with no special permits required to enter Nicaragua. At the border, a representative from Guacimo Lodge will greet you and guide you to the next final stage of your journey—a picturesque boat ride along the San Juan River.
The journey to the lodge is more than just a transfer; it’s an integral part of the adventure, offering an early taste of the stunning natural surroundings. As you travel, you’ll be immersed in the breath-taking landscapes, making the experience as enriching and memorable as any other part of the retreat.
Accomodation
All room options have been thoughtfully designed to blend rustic luxury with sustainable living. Built with beautiful, locally sourced natural materials and an eco-conscious architectural design each space offers an authentic connection to the surrounding environment emphasizing natural ventilation. One of the most remarkable features of the rooms is the unparalleled view. Wake up to stunning vistas of the river and forest, and experience the serene beauty of nature from the comfort of your room.
Superior Bungalow
Crafted to make you feel at one with nature while offering a refined touch of luxury, the superior bungalow is the perfect retreat with a king-size bed framed by artisan stone accents, a cozy seating area, a private bathroom. Natural ventilation allows the fresh tropical breeze to flow through, keeping the space cool and airy while providing a deeper sense of connection with the outdoors. Step outside to your private observation deck, for a seat on a vintage rocking chair and enjoy breath-taking views stretch across the river and forest. The flexible layout allows for personalization, with options to configure the space as a twin or triple by adding an additional double bed or two individual single beds. Every detail of this bungalow is designed to provide a luxurious yet intimate connection with nature, making it the ideal sanctuary for your retreat.
Deluxe Cabaña
Inspired by traditional Nicaraguan architecture, this charming cabaña with its palm-thatched roof offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature. Perched above the forest canopy and the tranquil San Juan River, this serene hideaway invites you to experience life in harmony with nature. Fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle in a queen-size bed, protected by a full mosquito net, and wake up to the sunrise filtering through the trees. Enjoy a luxury outdoor shower under the open sky, and start your day on the stunning observation deck, where the vibrant landscape below makes you feel like part of the forest itself. Here, nature isn’t just outside—it’s a part of your everyday living experience.
Wood House
Immerse yourself in simplicity and serenity in this cozy, natural wood room featuring a comfortable double bed. Share a bathroom with just one other room for a relaxed, peaceful stay. Step out onto the spacious terrace, designed for ultimate relaxation, where you'll find a hammock, deck chairs and relaxation swing, perfect for soaking in the tranquil surroundings. Wake up in the mornings and be greeted by breathtaking views of the San Juan River and the lush forest. This idyllic outdoor space provides the perfect backdrop for unwinding and connecting with nature.
What’s included?
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- All meals during your stay
- Yoga twice a day (excluding one full day off)
- 1 Canoeing trip
- 1 Rainforest tour
- 1 Visit to a local finca
- A meal in the local town, including boat transportation there and back
- Managua/San Jose to Guacimo Lodge return transfer
- Towels and toiletries
- Sunshine, laughter and connection
What’s not included?
- Flights
Investment
Attending a yoga retreat is more than just an expense—it's an investment in your overall well-being. While the upfront cost may seem significant, the long-term benefits far outweigh it. A retreat offers dedicated time to deepen your practice, disconnect from daily stress, and recharge mentally, emotionally, and physically. You return not only with renewed energy but often with tools to manage stress, improve focus, and maintain better health. The self-awareness and clarity gained can enhance your productivity and relationships, making this investment one that keeps paying dividends in all aspects of life.
Wood House
Double or Twin shared room £1350
Private room £1595
Deluxe Cabaña
Double shared room £1495
Private room £1795
Superior Bungalow
Triple shared room £1450
Double shared room £1595
Private room £1895
If you want to share but you're coming alone, let me know and if there are Superior Bungalows available, I can pair you up with a new retreat buddy or two.
Prices are listed per person. A £350 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. Payment plans are available. Lets chat about it.
For all bookings and enquiries, please contact me directly at sammy@sammyrainbowfurnival.com