Yoga In Mindo

Discover some of the great and not so great yoga retreats in the Mindo Valley of Ecuador.

Practicing yoga in Mindo is pure magic. There is nothing like a sunrise flow while the cloud forest mist rolls over the Andes. It’s a place of peace, “Ahimsa,” and high vibrations.

But as any hiker knows, even in paradise, you have to watch for the snake in the grass.

True yoga is about “alignment”, not just on the mat, but in how you treat people. While most retreat owners here operate with total integrity, occasionally you run into a business that preaches “Zen” while practicing “Bad Karma” (like not paying your web designer for their time and effort).

Instead of dwelling on the bad energy, I want to highlight the real gems of Mindo 💎the retreats that actually walk the talk and value the community that helps them grow.

The whole reason why I am able to live in a different country and see cool places is because I can work remotely from my laptop. The remote work lifestyle is not always super glamorous and I do spend quite a bit of time searching for new clients and web design projects.

It takes time and effort to build a nice website, and it is a little upsetting when the client refuses pay for your hard work (I’m looking at you Wendy Green Yoga👋 👀). So, if you are planning to take a trek into the cloud forest and would like to recharge with some relaxing yoga, eat delicious raw foods and experience forest bathing, I would recommend these other yoga retreats over Casa Verde.

I wish you all good karma on your travels and yoga adventures. Now let’s begin 🙏

Yoga In Mindo Guide: Finding Good Karma Beyond Casa Verde

Get ready to move, nourish, and be in all the beauty nature has to offer!

Siddha Healings Sanctuary Mindo

Siddha Healings Mindo is a standout gem in the Mindo cloud forest. This isn’t just a place to stretch your hamstrings; it’s a sanctuary designed for profound emotional and energetic breakthroughs.

Nestled right over a serene river, the accommodations here offer a literal “immersion” in nature. It’s the kind of place where the sound of flowing water becomes your daily soundtrack.

What makes Sidda Healings unique:

• Specialized Healing: They offer incredibly intentional programs, like their Mother-Daughter reconciliation retreats and dedicated Men’s Tantric journeys.
  
• Beyond the Mat: While yoga and meditation are core pillars, the experience is enriched with Reiki, sound baths, and unique workshops like drum-making and ecstatic dance.
  
• The Power of Play: They truly embrace the “playful” side of healing. Guests aren’t just sitting in silence; they’re ziplining through the canopy, rafting down white rapids, and hiking to hidden waterfalls.
  
• Holistic Nourishment: Their menu is a tribute to the “Earth-to-Table” philosophy. Organic, local, and thoughtfully prepared to support the heavy lifting of emotional work.

La Lomita (Cloud Forest Retreat)

If your goal is to unplug from the “matrix” and reconnect with the Earth, La Lomita is the place to do it. Located on the peaceful outskirts of Mindo, this off-grid, solar-powered hacienda is a masterclass in living harmoniously with nature. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just “visit” the forest—you become part of it.

What makes them unique:

• Sustainable Soul: Powered by the sun and nurtured by the land, La Lomita is a dedicated eco-retreat. Their philosophy of “Sustainable Living” is woven into everything, from the recycled cabins to the mountain spring water that flows through the property.
  
• The Yoga Shala: Their private, screened-in Shala offers a breathtaking space for practice. It’s perched in a way that allows the sounds of the “frog concert” and the mist of the cloud forest to be your background music during Savasana.
  
• Intimate Community: Unlike larger hotels, La Lomita specializes in small, personalized retreats. Whether you’re there for a guided group journey or a solo stay, the vibe is more like being part of a family than being a guest.
  
• Natural Wellness: They feature an onsite, spring-fed chlorine-free pool and a traditional wood-fired sauna. After a day of birdwatching or hiking the nearby trails, there’s no better way to ground yourself.

Mindo Glambird: Glamping & Lodge

While many locations in Mindo run their own internal programs, Mindo Glambird has carved out a reputation as the “gold standard” host venue for visiting yoga teachers. It is specifically designed for instructors who want to bring their students to the cloud forest without sacrificing comfort or professional amenities.

Why it’s a Top Choice for Hosted Retreats:

• Professional Yoga Shala: Unlike some DIY spaces, Glambird features a dedicated, screened-in yoga shala. It allows for an immersive practice surrounded by the sights and sounds of the UNESCO Biosphere, while keeping the tropical elements (and bugs!) at bay.
  
• A “Blank Canvas” for Teachers: The property is set up to allow visiting instructors to take the lead. Whether you’re running a 200-hour YTT or a 7-day wellness getaway, the staff understands the flow and needs of a professional retreat schedule.
  
• Boutique Amenities: Retreat leaders often choose Glambird because of the “added value” for their guests—specifically the spring-fed, chlorine-free swimming pool, the authentic wood-fired sauna, and the famous “Bubble Glamping” suites that offer a high-end experience.
  
• Seamless Logistics: From organic, locally-sourced catering to organized birdwatching and waterfall tours, they handle the “business” side of the retreat so the teacher can focus on the practice.

Is Casa Verde Worth Visiting While In Mindo?

If you wish to visit Casa Verde, that is up to you, but If your idea of “zen” involves dodging a snake in the grass while eating raw kale in total silence, then you’ve found your home.

However, if you believe that true “alignment” should extend to how a business treats its partners and creators, you might find the energy here a bit… off. There’s a fine line between a “mystical forest retreat” and a “forest-dwelling witch who declines to pay her bills.” If you’re looking for a transformation that doesn’t involve the bad karma of stiffing a web designer, Mindo has plenty of other beautiful Airbnb & lodges where the hospitality is as genuine as the organic fruits.

Top Eco Lodges In Mindo To Visit

Once you’ve finished your yoga retreat, you might want to extend the relaxation for a few more days. If you’re looking for the pure beauty of the cloud forest paired with genuine hospitality and professional integrity, these lodges are the gold standard. They offer a seamless transition from the mat to total relaxation, ensuring that the only thing you have to focus on is the scenery

Casa Divina Eco Lodge

• Casa Divinia Eco Lodge: A locally-owned standout where the service is legendary. They treat guests (and their community) like family. Their private cabins are handcrafted, and their staff is incredibly attentive.

Las Terrazas De Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa

• Las Terrazas de Dana: This is “Boutique” done right. It’s family-operated with a focus on high-level personalized service. You get panoramic valley views and a team that actually cares about your experience from start to finish.

Sachatamia Lodge

• Sachatamia Lodge: A private ecological reserve that offers a marvelous, professional environment. It’s a favorite for birdwatchers and travelers who want a seamless, respectful stay.

El Septimo Paraiso

• El Septimo Paraiso: With 23 rooms and a massive private reserve, they have the infrastructure to provide a polished, professional experience that stays true to the “eco” mission without the drama.

Hayulima Spiritual Sanctuary

• Hayulima Spiritual Sanctuary: If you want deep healing and a spiritual connection, this family-run sanctuary is consistently praised for its warmth, genuine love, and transformative (and honest!) environment.