Top 5 Yoga Teacher Training Programs

in South America

1. Ancestral Retreats & Academy 

Location: Lake Chivor & Palomino Beach, Colombia
Program Duration: 24-27 Days | From €2099 | Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour YTT

Ancestral Retreats runs two locations in Colombia: a sacred mountain lake in the Andes (Lake Chivor, Boyacá) and a private Caribbean beach at the foot of the Sierra Nevada (Palomino). The setting changes. What happens inside the training doesn’t.

The curriculum is rooted in the Himalayan yogic tradition: Kriya, Hatha, Bhakti, advanced Pranayama — working through the chakras in three-day cycles over the full duration. Running alongside that, and fully integrated rather than bolted on, are South American ancestral ceremonies: Rapé, Cacao, Temazcal, drum journeys. By day three, the group is already in ceremony together. Most people say that by week two, time has stopped working the way it normally does.

This is not a training where the asana is the point. The asana is the container. What happens inside it is emotional, energetic, and harder to explain than it is to experience. People arrive wanting to become yoga teachers. That part is covered, you leave Yoga Alliance certified and technically prepared to teach. But that tends not to be what people remember talking about when they get home.

What makes this Training special:

• Two lineages, fully integrated: Himalayan Kriya yoga and South American ancestral ceremony working together from day one. Not side by side. Woven.
• Ceremony from day three: Rapé happens before the first week is over. As a foundation, not a finale.
• One circle, one container: Maximum 16 students, one group. The community is part of the curriculum.
• You leave certified. That’s not what you’ll remember most.

Learn More: Ancestral Retreats Yoga Teacher Training

2. School Yoga Institute – Sacred Valley, Peru

Location: Sacred Valley, Peru
Program Duration: 21 Days | Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour YTT

In the mystical Sacred Valley of the Andes, School Yoga Institute provides immersive yoga teacher training rooted in shamanic traditions and classical yoga philosophy. Students practice Vinyasa and Hatha yoga while diving into Peruvian shamanic ceremonies such as despacho rituals and temazcal (sweat lodges).

The program focuses on self-discovery, connection with Pachamama (Mother Earth), and fostering a deeper understanding of the self through ancient Andean practices.

Transformational Elements:

• Daily yoga and meditation practices in a spiritual environment.
• Integration of Peruvian shamanism with yoga philosophy.
• A focus on sustainable living and eco-conscious practices.

Learn More: School Yoga Institute – Peru

3. The Soulful Kind – Beachside Teacher Training in Bahia, Brazil

Location: Bahia, Brazil
Program Duration: 22 Days | Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour YTT

For ocean lovers, YogaMar offers a unique training experience on Brazil’s idyllic beaches. Combining dynamic Vinyasa flows with restorative Yin practices, this training is perfect for those seeking balance in their physical and spiritual journeys.

The program also includes daily meditation, pranayama practices, and a focus on sustainable yoga teaching techniques. With beachfront accommodations and fresh, locally sourced vegetarian meals, this is a paradise for aspiring yoga teachers.

Unique offerings:

• Beachfront yoga shala with daily sunrise and sunset practices.
• A blend of dynamic and restorative yoga styles.
• Emphasis on yoga philosophy and teaching methodology.

Learn More: Soulful Kind Yoga Teacher Training

4. The Kula Collective– Sacred Valley, Peru

Location: Sacred Valley, Peru
Program Duration: 26 Days | Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour YTT

Kula Collective Yoga Teacher Training offers a deeply immersive experience in Peru’s Sacred Valley, a place renowned for its spiritual energy and breathtaking natural beauty. This program integrates traditional Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga with Andean wisdom, creating a holistic journey that bridges ancient traditions with modern teaching practices.

Perfect for those seeking a transformative experience, this training combines yoga philosophy, mindful living, and personal development with the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Andes. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in cultural practices, including despacho ceremonies and visits to sacred Incan sites.

Immersive Experiences:

• Comprehensive yoga training with a focus on alignment, sequencing, and philosophy.
• Nature-based practices, including outdoor meditations in the Andes.
• Integration of Andean spiritual traditions like despacho ceremonies.

Learn More: Kula Collective Yoga Teacher Training in Peru

5. Durga’s Tiger School – Tantra and Yoga in Ecuador

Location: Tumbaco, Ecuador
Program Duration: 22 Days | Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour YTT

Durga’s Tiger School blends yoga with Tantra and Shamanism, offering a deeply unique experience in Ecuador. Students explore Kundalini yoga, Tantra practices, and creative arts like dance and voice expression.

The school emphasizes a holistic approach to yoga, focusing on the union of body, mind, and spirit through experiential learning and community connection.

Cultural Richness and Authentic Experiences

Your journey at glace:

• Combination of Kundalini yoga, Tantra, and shamanic practices.
• Creative arts workshops integrated with yoga philosophy.
• Eco-friendly accommodations surrounded by lush gardens.

Learn More: Durga’s Tiger Yoga Teacher Training & Tantra

South America offers some of the most diverse and inspiring yoga teacher training programs in the world. Whether you’re drawn to the shamanic traditions of the Andes, the serenity of the Amazon rainforest, or the vibrant coasts of Brazil, these programs provide the perfect environment for transformation.