28 Days YTT in Ecuadorr: A Fusion of Yoga and Ancestral Wisdom

5.009 reviews
Location icon
Vikara retreats, Calle Rosa Mistica, Olon, Ecuador
Users icon
Up to 15 in group
Date
June 1 - 29, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • Yoga Philosophy and Ancient Teachings: Dive deep into the timeless wisdom of yogic philosophy, exploring its core principles and how they apply to modern life and teaching.
  • Asana (Posture) Practice: Master the physical postures of yoga, with a focus on alignment, modifications, and adjustments to ensure safety and effectiveness for all students.
  • Breathwork (Pranayama): Learn powerful pranayama techniques to enhance energy flow, reduce stress, and deepen your yoga practice.
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Explore a variety of meditation techniques to cultivate mindfulness, clarity, and inner peace, both for your personal practice and as a teacher.
  • Anatomy and Alignment for Yoga: Gain a comprehensive understanding of yoga anatomy to teach poses with precision, helping students avoid injury and improve their practice.
  • Sequencing and Class Structure: Learn how to create thoughtful, dynamic yoga sequences tailored to different levels of students, ensuring each class is well-balanced and effective.
  • Yoga Teaching Methodology: Develop your teaching skills, including how to deliver clear instructions, create a supportive environment, and connect with your students authentically.
  • Practical Teaching Experience: Gain hands-on teaching experience with peer-to-peer practice teaching, guided feedback, and supervised practice sessions.
  • Develop Your Teaching Voice: Find and cultivate your unique voice as a yoga teacher, learning how to speak with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
  • Sacred Temazcal (Sweat Lodge) Ceremony: Experience the profound purification ritual of the Temazcal, a traditional sweat lodge ceremony that cleanses the body, mind, and spirit, helping you release toxins and old emotional patterns.
  • Sound Bath Healing: Immerse yourself in a healing sound bath using ancient instruments like crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes to restore balance, clear blockages, and promote deep relaxation.
  • Cocoa Ceremony for Heart Opening: Participate in a sacred Cocoa Ceremony, where you’ll drink ceremonial-grade cacao to open your heart, deepen meditation, and connect with the nurturing spirit of the plant medicine.
  • Offering to the Earth: Engage in a powerful offering ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth), expressing gratitude and connecting with the natural world through ritual and sacred offerings.
  • Shamanic Guidance and Rituals: Learn and participate in shamanic rituals and ceremonies led by experienced facilitators, including plant medicine offerings, vision quests, and guided journeys to deepen your spiritual connection and healing.

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Join our transformative Yoga Teacher Training in Ecuador, a country known for its deep spiritual heritage and healing energy. This is not your typical teacher training. In this immersive program, you will not only deepen your yoga practice but also experience the sacred and transformative power of Plant Medicines and Shamanic Rituals—combining ancient wisdom from the East and the wisdom of the land.
Ecuador, with its lush jungles, towering mountains, and sacred energy, is the perfect backdrop for this deep, healing journey. Whether you're looking to become a certified yoga teacher or simply deepen your personal practice, this training will help you connect with the sacredness of yoga and the healing energies of the Earth.

Who is it for
This yoga teacher training is for anyone who wants to see life from a different perspective and dive deep into the teachings of yoga philosophy, which will guide you through exploring your emotions, behaviors, thought patterns, and cultivating new, healthier habits. It’s for those ready to activate their innate confidence and leadership, discover their unique talents, and feel the call to learn conscious techniques for life, as well as deepen their spiritual knowledge. If you’re interested in experiencing the physical benefits of yoga, understanding its mechanisms, and enhancing your movement to foster a healthy body and mind, this training is for you. It’s for those who believe the world needs more people with conscious skills to create change from a place of mindfulness. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge as a teacher, coach, or conscious leader, and develop the confidence to embrace your strengths and challenges, this training will help you live yoga in a way that’s authentic to you.

About The Teacher
Desirée Alemán is a passionate yoga practitioner and teacher, as well as a guide and mentor with a deep focus on spiritual empowerment. Through her teachings, she invites others to embrace and fall in love with the fullness of the human experience. Desirée's yoga journey began in 2012, when she sought a space where she could feel safe, loved, and free. It was through yoga that she discovered that everything she was searching for was already within her — the immense healing power of her body and mind, waiting to be unlocked.
Her approach is rooted in the traditions of Ashtanga Yoga, Tantra, Hatha Yoga, somatic therapy, dance as a form of expression, and the development of feminine energy. Over the last decade, Desirée has worked with hundreds of people, helping them reconnect with their innate confidence, power, and love through yoga and other transformative practices.
Desirée’s teachings blend practicality with mysticism, as she believes that the human experience is sacred. She enjoys sharing her practice within a passionate and loving community that inspires a vibrant passion for life. Her purpose is to help others awaken to their true potential and to follow their calling of sharing their light with the world.
Desirée received her first yoga certification in 2013, and since then, she has studied with numerous incredible teachers worldwide. Her journey also took her to India, where she studied under Paramaguru Sharath Jois. She continues her studies in yoga philosophy, Sanskrit, and mantra chanting, constantly deepening her knowledge and practice. She has been teaching Yoga teacher trainings since 2016 and had certified hundreds of students.

Why Choose Yoga Teacher Training at Vikara?

At Vikara, we offer a transformative Yoga Teacher Training that goes beyond the typical certification program. This training blends the ancient wisdom of yoga with the profound healing traditions of shamanism, creating a truly holistic experience.
You will gain a deep understanding of yoga philosophy, asana, breathwork, and meditation, while also connecting to the land through sacred ceremonies like the Temazcal (sweat lodge), Cocoa Ceremony, Plant Medicines. These powerful rituals, combined with our heart-centered approach, will help you unlock your true potential as both a teacher and a healer.
Ecuador’s healing energy, along with our focus on personal growth and awakening, makes this an ideal space for deepening your practice, transforming your life, and becoming the yoga teacher you were meant to be.


Join us at Vikara for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and professional training, all in the heart of Ecuador’s healing energy.

Schedule

6am - Early day meditation and exercise
8am - breakfast
9am-12pm teching classes
12-1pm lunch
2-5pm classes
6pm Dinner
7-9pmDifferent acivities
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Vikara Healing Center, Vikara retreats, Calle Rosa Mistica, Olon, Ecuador

Directions

We are located directly on the beach in Olón, an authentic and quaint village in Ecuador-off the beaten track.

Olon is an easy 2.5 hour bus ride from the Guayaquil (GYE) airport. Here in Olon you will find the perfect balance of nature, people and culture. You can swim with dolphins, practice Spanish with the locals and walk the beautiful 7.6 km beach. Surf is year-round and the beach break is both friendly for beginners and challenging enough for more advanced surfers. The sunsets are epic, and because we are beachfront, you will fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.

To come from Guayaquil you have 2 options:
· We can arrange for our driver to pick you up at the airport for an extra charge (some of our retreats include transportation)
· You can take a bus from the bus station.

Taking a bus from Guayaquil:
Take a taxi from the airport to central bus station in Guayaquil (may cost between 3 to 5 dollars ).
At the bus station, you have to go to the C.L.P (Cooperativa Libertad Peninsular) and ask for a ticket for a bus DIRECT to Olón. There are many buses to Olón, but only de Direct one could bring you faster.

The bus ride ends exactly at the Olón´s bus station. There we will be waiting for you :)

Accommodation

Vikara offers eight ocean-front suites with shared (two people) and private-room options. All suites include private bathrooms, air-conditioning, locally designed wood furniture, and Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a swimming pool, ceremonial spaces, sweat lodge, garden, yoga shala overlooking the ocean, and a community area featuring the dining area and lounge space to relax in.

Accommodation
Program Price
Accommodation
Price

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
The Vikara retreat center a offers the perfect setting for a transformative teacher training experience. Held in June, when the sun is gentle and the whales are coming to shore, this is a time of deep introspection, where the connection to the ocean invites profound inner exploration. The yoga shala, with its open design, faces the vast expanse of the ocean, allowing you to practice with the soothing sound of waves as your backdrop. The lush garden surrounding the space adds to the sense of tra

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

Nourishing Vegetarian Meals for Body and Soul Throughout your stay, we will provide delicious, nutritious, and wholesome vegetarian meals. *If you have special dietary requirements please let us know

What's Included

  • • 28 days of accommodation in a beautiful, tranquil setting.
  • • All meals included – Vegetarian food with pescatarian options available for some meals.
  • • Kirtan workshop for exploring the power of sound and mantra chanting.
  • • Yoga Alliance certified – register as RYT-200 after successful completion of the training.
  • • Special gift for all students to commemorate your journey.
  • • Day trip to Isla de la Plata for whale watching, connecting with nature.
  • • Understanding anatomy and functionality of the body through movement and a practical
  • approach.
  • • Daily Yoga Asana, Meditation, and Breathwork with focus on alignment, instructions, benefits, and
  • assists.
  • • Learn to teach from day one, with guidance and constructive feedback.
  • • Philosophy of Yoga – learning how to adapt ancient wisdom into daily life.
  • • Yoga of Sound – mantra chanting and its transformative power.
  • • Ancestral purification ceremonies including a sweat lodge and sacred medicines.
  • • Cocoa ceremony to open your heart and connect with the divine feminine
  • • Ayahuasca ceremony (for those who choose to participate).
  • • Optional one-on-one Bufo ceremony (by appointment).
  • • Ceremony of gratitude- Upon completion we will do a ceremony of gratitude to the ocean and all
  • the ancesotrs that

What's Not Included

  • Extra Therapeutic sessions
  • airport shuttle at the end of the retreat
  • flights
  • health insurence

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
Great transformation
Vikara retreat center is a unique place where true healing can take place. I came there for their 9 days plant transformation and plant medicine retreat in February 2020 and it exceeded all my expectations. Roey and Lindsy have created a unforgettable program focused on spiritual growth, meditation, breath work, healthy food,and of course the scared plants: Ayahuasca & Sanpedro. Each member of the team that works in this center is dedicated to support you in your process of healing and transformation. I have enjoyed the integration circle after every ceremony. These sharing circles have truly contributed a lot to my personal growth and understanding better my own situation and also understanding my experience in the night. The shamans Amalia and her sister Diana were animating selflessness, and care to every individual who took part of this retreat. Their voices and songs during the entire night were comforting and restoring a feeling of calmness and serenity. I truly recommend you look no further! This is a place of true transformation.

5.0
Beautiful!
I had the honor of participating in Vikara’s 9-day Yoga, Surf and Ayahuasca retreat this past August. I am not sure if I can put into words how grateful I am for Vikara. From the very beginning, when Roey picked me up, I felt like he was family. Roey is so sweet and welcoming and you can talk to him about anything. The retreat was very well organized. We started our mornings doing yoga. For someone who has only previously dipped her toes in yoga, these yoga classes were amazing. Roey put so much thought and love into his classes. It made me start to love yoga and want to practice it more. We also had the honor of meeting Elba, her mother and mother-in-law during one of our yoga classes. Our meeting was way too brief, due to Elba about to give birth. But her presence is beyond amazing. She has such a beautiful and peaceful soul!

As for the ceremonies held by Aime and Hwaneetah, I do not think I can do justice in words on how beautiful they were. Aime and Hwaneetah put so much extraordinary energy into these ceremonies! Their intuition is unlike anything I’ve seen before. They genuinely care and want the best for everyone. I felt very safe and at peace in their presence. It was such a resplendent and transformative experience.

The days I spent in Vikara were amazing and life-changing. I will be forever grateful to all the people I met - my new family. Thank you Roey for making this organization happen. I can’t wait to see the new retreat center. It’s going to be awesome! Thank you, Ellie, for throwing it down in the kitchen! Every meal was incredible. Thank you, Elba, for blessing us with your presence. When I come back, I can’t wait to meet Padme. Thank you Aime for your advice, guidance and sense of humor. Thank you Hwaneetah for being so beautiful and a goddess and making me want to be one too! Also, thank you Aime and Hwaneetah for those beautiful icaros and for being #relationshipgoals. And thank you to my wonderful sisters Claudia and Rebecca for going on this amazing journey together.

Thinking about Vikara and the time I had there just fills my heart with so much love, gratitude and joy. I would without any hesitation, highly recommend coming here. I hope one day to also come back.

5.0
Truly transformational
I rarely come with expectation but Vikara has exceeded any I could have had.
Vikara is a place I will go back to (hopefully) so that shall tell you enough.
For me, what makes this place so special is all the people working there, who give their heart at what they are doing which creates an incredible experience for the end client. You can feel their intention.
Truly caring vibes, amazing healthy food, a wonderful deep yoga practice and last but not least a truly exceptional holding of medicinal plant ceremonies – which will leave you enriched towards a better understanding of yourself.
Can’t recommend this place enough!
Oh and Olon and the beach is just ever so charming!

5.0
Fantastic
Every part of this tailor made retreat was fantastic. From the homemade food cooked by Roey, to the accomodation, surging lessons and company I was surrounded with. Roey is attentive, kind and a pleasure to be around. Like Elba the yoga teacher, when Roey gives a surfing lesson he critiques technique in a gentle but directive way which means that the lesson is challenging but fun at the same time. I was also offered the chance to join in on personal training sessions and we took a bike ride around Olon. The retreat gave me time to reflect, rest and I came away feeling like a new person. This feeling has lasted until now months later and it influences my daily life and decision making frequently. The retreat came at somewhat of an emotional cross roads for me and it inspired me to live a more active life style and I can definitively say I’m so much happier now in the way that I appreciate roach my life. There was no pressure to do the activities in terms of if you needed rest then you could easily say that to roey. The massage was again wonderful and I have recommended the massage parlour to several friends that have visited Montanita. If you’ve not decided yet I would say just do it, you will not regret it, say yes to every opportunity offered to you and enjoy the time you spend in Olon.

5.0
Fitness, Bliss and Elightenmnet
Vikara, is honestly what you make of it. My wife had sent me for two whole weeks,
I did not want to leave!.
Life is a journey and along the way we need time to reflect and grow and sometimes even get healthy and physically fit.
Everything is available and more at this retreat.
I went over to Ecuador with no expectations and found this cute little villa with a beautiful team of people who are there just for you and your experience. Situated on the majestic beach of Olan it doesn't get much better.
So many things to do or do nothing at all.
I chose to Surf, Yoga and Box most days with Spanish lessons and delightful Massages in between.
Besides the sound of a luxurious retreat it really is a simple, humble and beautiful experience that you get out, what you put in.
Totally up to you and each time it will be different.
Its has changed my life in many ways for the best reasons and I will be back as much as I can.
Roey is an incredible and tireless host, Elba is an amazing spirit who will fill your life full of energy and light and work you through your Yoga. I did not do Yoga before this trip I now do it most days.
I couldn't recommend this experience more if I tried.
Everyone needs to experience Vikara once in their lives at least.

Oh and the ayahuasca medicine ceremony is legit and a must. It will be different for everyone and is not any where as scary as people write about on the internet. I will continue to practice this for life also.
Thank you Roey and your team. I will see you soon.
BC