Nicaragua is a country with a poet’s heart, with its lakes and
volcanoes, mountains, rainforest, plains, and oceans. It is a beautiful yet
sometimes wild and misunderstood paradise. One for adventure seekers of every
kind. It is Central America’s diamond in the rough.
Teaching yoga anywhere in the world will change your life for
the better, but Ashtanga Yoga will convert your soul. The place and its
population will welcome you with open arms like an old friend, even if you have
not been there before.
Although not always at the top of the list for visitors, because
of its substantial history, it is now said to be one of the safest Central
American destinations. With its abounding natural beauty and friendly Nica
people, the once negative perception of this country has turned positive, as
can be seen from the write-ups in magazines and the articles, to include the New
York Times. For those who have ventured to Nicaragua, you will hear them say
they are changed for the better.
The following (in no order of preference) are just ten of the
reasons why you should visit Nicaragua for a yoga teacher training retreat.
1. Stunning Landscapes
There are still many active volcanoes that have their own
ecosystem and huge lakes. The largest of them is Lake Nicaragua, at 160km long
— there are even bull sharks in residence! Lagoons, cloud forests and a
plethora of animal and plant species prevail and it has 7% of the world’s
bio-diversity. Nicaragua is also the second biggest rain forest, across the
American continent. Being so close to nature, far away from the hustle and
bustle of the crowded city streets, will clear your mind in readiness for your
yoga teacher training program and transport you to a higher level of
learning, listening, seeing and being.
2. Climate
What is there to say about Nicaragua’s climate? It is nothing
but perfection! Nicaragua has a tropical climate, so it makes no difference
whether you visit Summer (verano) or Winter (invierno). During the winter time,
you will see rain on the Pacific Coast, despite it being known as the ‘rain
season’ the sun is out most days. Throughout the dry season (January – June), all
you will see is blue skies and sunshine. There are
different temperature zones in Nicaragua, on the Pacific low land
temperature varies from 22 C to 30 C and in the mountains temperature are in
general about 10 C lower.
3. Its Proximation
Nicaragua is situated in the heart of Central America, between
the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, which makes it simple to get to for the
remainder of the US continent. Its capital, Managua is located within a short
flying distance (approximately 2.5 hours) of Miami and Houston. There is also
easy access from the south via Costa Rica and Panama.
4. Its Food
Nicaragua has some delicious, traditional cuisine, and an
abundance of vegetables and fresh tropical fruits. Along the coasts, you can be
assured of the freshest fish you will have ever eaten, prepared in a simple
way, and yet, delicious. A good number of the farmers avoid using pesticides on
their farms, which means their produce is free from harmful toxins. And their
coffee? Well, you’ve probably tried it yourself, so wouldn’t you agree it’s the
best in the world?
5. History
There are many cities in Nicaragua which assert some outstanding
colonial architecture two worth mentioning are Granada and Léon.
Léon has its stunning murals and artwork across nearly every building, and was
known as the city of the rebels. Granada, found by Hernendez de Cardoba in
1524, was the Americas first European city and has many wonderful colonial
buildings.
6. Surfing
There are literally miles of untouched Pacific coastline, which
makes it a surfer’s paradise. There are plenty of places that have not been
discovered still left to explore. No matter where you may go, even for those
who have never been, there is still someone ready and willing to teach you how
to surf your first wave. After that, your perfect experience will soon become
one of habit.
Many of the yoga retreats in Nicaragua teach surfing and will
give you inside information about the beaches that are a ‘must see’.
7. The People
Throughout Nicaragua, there are not many five-star hotel,
or all-inclusive holidays, unlike many of their neighboring countries. The
Nicaraguans themselves manage the hotels and tourist activities. They came, saw
and fell in love with the place, so they stayed. So, when you visit, you get
more than just the price of a room, you have a wonderful community of people
who are delighted to assist you so you enjoy your stay, but also want to show
off their beautiful country. The Nicas know how to cherish everything because
they live in the moment, which is good considering the country has always had
it tough.
8. No Worries!
There is no question about it, that throughout Latin America
Nicaragua is one of the safest places. Despite it being a safe place, when
traveling you should always take the same precautions as you would if you were
traveling anywhere else in the word.
9. Poetic Place
A lasting impression has been left on the Nicaraguan’s in the
form of modern poetry and literature. Rubén DarÃo, a national poet, is well-known
for being the originator of modernism, now buried in Léon in their Cathedral.
Ernesto Cardenal is another world-famous Nicaraguan, but not forgetting Alfonso
Cortez, who was a priest and culture minister who wrote his poems while chained
to the iron bars at his bedroom window, as he suffered delirium.
10. You
Many people are drawn to Nicaragua because it is such an
interesting place to visit. Those who are looking for something a little
different, off the beaten track, choose it. People, like you, are searching for
adventures, life-changing experiences which will enrich their lives. Grab this
chance and choose Nicaragua as your yoga teacher training retreat destination.
Visualize yourself being here!
