A Visitor’s Guide to Yoga in La Paz
When on vacation, why not take a yoga class? The things we learn when traveling, new ways of seeing and being in the world, are the same types of things we learn when we go to a new yoga studio.
Yoga and Travel
I’ve found it particularly fascinating how visiting a yoga studio far from home highlights the culture of yoga that develops in a single region, for example. When I lived in Austin it wasn’t until I traveled to Spain that I realized how homogenized the Austin yoga culture seemed. Yoga teachers taught at multiple studios across town, all learned from the same few yoga schools, and would inevitably pick up the same ways of speaking and teaching. What to expect from a ‘vinyasa’ class was generally defined by what one could expect from the one most popular vinyasa class. It’s not good or bad, it’s just what happens.
I’ve also found yoga to be a wonderful way to connect to community when traveling. In places I’ve visited as a solo traveler, or as someone who doesn’t speak the local language, spending time in a place where the common language of yoga is spoken helps me feel at home. Taking a yoga class is a great way to experience a place as a local.
And if you don’t speak the language? Do it anyway! If you’re lucky, the teacher will use Sanskrit and you’ll have a common language. Or in the least, you’ll get to test your Sanskrit knowledge. And if not, there’s no better way to learn a new language than to do your best to mindfully listen while moving your body. Research supports the notion that we learn better when movement is involved.
Things to Know About Yoga in La Paz
Finding a class: Most businesses in Mexico don’t have websites and Google Maps is not your most reliable source of information, as it’s very hard to confirm a business page here. Instead, you’ll have the best luck finding the latest schedule of classes on Instagram or Facebook.
Reserving a class: Once you find a class you’d like to try, message the studio on social media to confirm your attendance or contact them via WhatsApp. Some studios are in very small spaces and they do like to know ahead of time how many people to expect, especially for workshops and special events.
What it costs: While some studios offer first class free, if you’re not a local and you won’t be back, I’d suggest paying for your class. This will run you anywhere from 150-250 pesos. If you know you’ll be in town for a while, many studios have packages that lower the per-class price. Bring cash, and even better if you have exact change.
Mats and equipment: No mat, no worries. ‘Rental’ equipment varies considerably, with some studios offering mats only and others stacked with all variety of props. I put rental in quotes because I’ve never seen anyone pay to borrow a mat. That said, I always travel with my own when driving. When flying, I bring a foldable yoga mat in my luggage to lay on top of my rental mat and make it feel a little more like home.
The language: Part of the fun is taking a yoga class in Spanish! If you don’t speak any, don’t worry. The yoga teachers in La Paz are well-trained, well-traveled and very likely to speak English as there is a growing tourist and ex-pat community. While this is nice, it’s still up to you, the visitor, to meet this effort with just as much of your own. In any case, please don’t let your lack of Spanish skills keep you from trying it out! Part of our yoga practice is to allow ourselves to show up in each moment as open and curious, both on and off the mat.
4 Yoga Studios in La Paz to Visit
If you’re eager to do more yoga on your next vacation, here are four yoga studios to try the next time you visit La Paz in Baja California Sur.
Casa Eter
I love taking classes at Casa Eter. The community vibe at this studio is palpable. It’s no accident but the good work of the principal teacher, Oscar Duarte. You’ll find Casa Eter in central La Paz, and the ample free parking makes it easy to get to.
While you’ll see vinyasa yoga on the menu most mornings, the gem here is the Dharma Yoga. Many of the yoga studios in La Paz emphasize connection to a particular lineage. For someone who has practiced yoga mainly in post-lineage vinyasa classes, this is very refreshing. And so, which lineage resonates with you?
Dharma Yoga is the lineage of Sri Dharma Mittra, still practicing and teaching at 85 years old. In fact, you can practice with him by joining the Casa Eter sangha on a retreat to New York City. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Dharma Yoga, a style that blends Hatha, Raja, Karma and Bhakti, you have likely seen Sri Dharma Mittra on his famous 908-asana poster, which he made himself in 1984.
In a Dharma Yoga class expect a Hatha-based yoga sequence with meditation, pranayama and chanting. Classes here are split into Levels 1, 2 and 3 with the more advanced classes offering plenty of opportunity to get upside down.
Yoga Centro La Paz
My visit to Yoga Centro La Paz was also my first experience with Iyengar yoga. If you aren’t familiar with Iyengar, he’s a student of Sri Krishnamacharya, known to many as the father of modern vinyasa yoga. Iyengar yoga is defined largely by the use of props to help one achieve divine alignment. At this yoga studio in La Paz, they have all the props, and even a yoga wall!
On the yoga wall, you’ll get to play with two sets of straps, located overhead and at about hip height. I found the use of the wall very conducive to deepening my awareness of everyday postures such as downward-facing dog. It also helped make inversions more accessible - and more fun. This is a must-try if you’re in town.
The teacher, Ástrid Kity, was super knowledgable and I’ve rarely heard more detailed cueing. Of course, it’s all part of a lineage that’s focused on precise postural attention. Pre and post-natal yoga is also a specialty of hers and she frequently offers yoga workshops for expectant mothers.
Yoghar Estudio
When I stay out near La Posada, I love going to Yoghar Estudio. This quaint space is located within La Posada Hotel and Beach Club, but it’s open to the public. Don’t be shy about walking in through the hotel lobby or going around back through the pool area. Sometimes, classes are held outside on the patio with a great view of the ocean.
The schedule here seems to change quite often, and that’s a good thing. I’ve taken various hatha and vinyasa based classes, all of which were suitable for any level of practitioner. They also offer frequent workshops and teacher trainings with visiting teachers from all over Mexico. Be sure to check their social media pages for what’s coming up while you’re in town.
Recently, I attended a special 2-hour workshop on Connecting to the Earth Element with guest teacher Paula Godnic. The grounding, strengthening and balancing class incorporated asana, pranayama and meditation.
Casa Serena
Casa Serena is located in El Comitán, making it a good choice for those who are staying in this area, including Centenario and Chametla. I drove out there from El Centro, which took about 25 minutes, but it was worth it. Casa Serana is truly a sanctuary. The studio is underneath a lovely palapa on a spacious beach-adjacent property that includes a pool.
They offer a variety of yoga classes, Aqua Pilates in the pool, massage and physical therapy. Classes are often advertised as a 4-week series, but you can always drop in for just one. A great place for restorative yoga, the studio is supplied with bolsters, blankets and all the yoga props you need for total relaxation.
After yoga, I returned to treat myself to an ayurvedic massage. This unique experience involved taking a quick multiple-choice test to learn about my most prominent dosha (Pitta, of course). The massage that followed was balancing and clarifying. I will definitely be back for more yoga and perhaps next time, a Thai massage.
Final Thoughts
In a La Paz Yoga studio you won’t find hot showers, locker rooms, juice bars and entire lobbies devoted to expensive retail products. What you will find are authentic practices and dedicated practitioners, kind communities and affordable classes. The next time you’re in the City of Peace, bring a yoga mat with you and practice like a Paceño.
