Yoga teacher Training in Peru: My Journey in the Amazon
My Path to Teaching
My yoga teacher journey began in 2019. I had been going to workshops hosted by yoga studios and to classes every chance I had, and finally took the leap into a YTT (yoga teacher training) in NYC when I saw that a studio I loved a few blocks from my apartment was offering one. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to teach when I signed up; my curiosity in learning more about yoga for my own personal practice is what initially drew me to the program. The training was wonderful and gave me a community of fellow teachers to learn from and practice with 20 hours each weekend. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced us to complete the second half of the training online. While it was as good as it could have been amidst all the new norms of that era, I craved the energy of in-person connection and a hands-on experience that a virtual setting couldn’t match. A friend who shares the same passion for yoga found Moksha Yoga Amazonica, a YTT and yoga retreat center in Peru. I was drawn to the adventurous schedule and the idea of self-discovery in a sacred, small city called Moyobamba in the Amazon jungle. I signed up as soon as I could!
Arrival and First Impressions
The adventure began with a flight into Lima and a 4 hour car ride into the Amazon jungle with about 10 strangers. Although there was no A/C in the car and the traffic was slow, the group was positive and buzzing with excitement as we pulled up to our home for the next 2 weeks. The grounds and rooms were more luxurious than expected, and the environment was serene with the sounds of the rainforest surrounding us. Moksha also offers yoga retreats, which run each week, so the teachers-in-training and retreat members were able to bond as a single group. What followed was 2 weeks of a transformative experience, new connections, and a new perspective on the most important aspects of my life.
Daily Schedule and Curriculum
Each day was thoughtfully-planned. Starting with pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation and vinyasa asana practice (physical yoga practice) either outside or within the yoga pavilion. This was followed by a silent breakfast where all 20 participants would sit together to eat in silence - no phones, no talking, just enjoying the food and sounds of nature. While at first it felt uncomfortable, I ultimately woke up each morning with a surprising excitement to eat my food in silence. Starting our day mindfully, I noticed that I was able to taste the food and notice when I was full with more acuity, absent of any distractions that sometimes come with socializing during meals; I try to maintain a version of this in my morning routine to this day.
The post-breakfast segments included a variety of lectures on various yoga philosophy topics, theory and instructions on how to teach different types of yoga. We all sat around the designated teacher on the topic, propped up with bolsters, blankets and blocks, jotting down thoughts in our notebooks. Each of our teachers brought their own unique teaching style and expertise to the program - whether it be yoga philosophy, deep dives into anatomy or Yin theory, they brought enthusiasm to each lesson and shared all meals with us. Their warm energy and sense of humor enhanced the overall enjoyment of the learning experience. We’d break for lunch and for this meal, we filled any silence with thoughtful discussion, laughter and chomping of delicious plant-based food.
After lunch, we dove into asana clinics, where we meticulously broke down various yoga postures. Each session focused on a different theme, such as hip openers, backbends, or inversions. We studied alignment details, learned how to guide students into poses, and practiced hands-on adjustments with partners. It was fun to explore how each pose felt in our bodies and to spend time dissecting shapes we often encounter in yoga classes but rarely examine closely. These sessions not only prepared me to teach the poses effectively but also deepened my personal practice.
While the schedule was packed each day, there were pockets of time when we enjoyed the pool together and explored the town, which was an easy to walk from the lodge. During the last week, teachers-in-training gave a 45-minute class to the whole group as the final practicum. Our teachers encouraged creativity in sequencing which initially felt daunting but eventually empowered us all to create our classes with authenticity. As we navigated through the process of crafting our practicums, we cycled through feelings of nervousness and excitement. Each teacher’s class was a true reflection of their personality and I enjoyed taking part in something that they’d put their unique energy into to share with the group.
Excursions and Cultural Experiences
One of the best parts of the experience were the planned excursions. Most notably, a field trip to a nearby conservation center to learn about native jungle plants, a tour of a local fruit farm to sample exotic fruits, a post-dinner trip to hot springs, a silent boat ride and hikes through the stunningly dense jungle.
I also enjoyed the Karma projects. Karma, in this context, is the belief that our actions create ripples in the universe, echoing back to us in due time. We taught yoga to local neighborhood kids in the town and cleaned up the riverside, occasionally slipping and sliding on the mud with smiles on our faces. The depth of our experience was truly enriched by the sincerity we brought into these projects.
We had the option to take part in an Ayahuasca ceremony on the final day of the program, which I signed up for along with half of the retreat and teachers. As we prepared for the ceremony—abstaining from coffee a week prior and food on the day of— there was an energy of reassuring solidarity, tempering the mix of nerves and the anticipation leading up to the event. What began as a gathering of 20 strangers now felt like a tight-knit family, which made the process all the more meaningful. Held in the serene confines of the yoga pavilion, the ceremony unfolded over ~6 hours, coinciding with the rare occurrence of a blue moon. For me, it proved to be a profound experience, perfectly facilitated by an environment that felt safe and conducive to self-exploration.
Reflections and Takeaways
Without a doubt, the most significant growth I took from my experience came from the opportunity to connect with a diverse array of people during the journey. While I came across a few fellow teachers that were also from NYC, many came from all over the world. Every meal we shared was filled with conversation that heightened my awareness of societal norms I once unquestioningly adhered to, inspiration to embrace decisions and life changes with newfound courage, and a multitude of fresh perspectives driven by the diverse mindsets of those around me. As someone who typically feels reserved around people that don’t know me well, this moment of self-discovery was particularly significant.I felt determined to create a community at home that was reminiscent of the one I found here. I left this training not only with a deeper understanding of yoga but also with the desire to share this knowledge and ignite the same passion in others that I discovered within myself.
If you’re looking for a 2-week immersive yoga teacher training or a yoga retreat, I highly recommend Moksha Yoga Amazonica. You can find information here on the programs and retreats they offer.
Practical Tips
If you’re interested in taking Moksha’s YTT or any YTT, here’s a few tips that helped me get the most out of the experience:
Prepare physically and mentally: Yoga teacher training can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially if it involves intensive practice and self-reflection. Prepare yourself by maintaining a regular yoga practice, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating a positive mindset leading up to the YTT you’re taking. I took some time to set intentions and tried to be more consistent with my practice leading up to my trip.
Pack wisely: Pack weather-appropriate clothing, yoga gear, and active wear for excursions. Many YTT’s are in tropical places, so pack essentials like a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray (an absolute must for the jungle), and a journal for reflection - the most important item I packed!
Stay open-minded: Approach the training with an open heart and mind, ready to embrace new experiences, perspectives, and challenges. Each teacher at Moksha had different teaching styles, and there were a few activities that pushed my boundaries. Being receptive to feedback from instructors and fellow participants and having a willingness to step outside your comfort zone will help you grow.
Engage with the community: Take advantage of opportunities to connect with other trainees, instructors, and locals. Engage in group activities, attend optional excursions, and participate in community service projects. The locale enhanced my ability to create meaningful connections and broadened my cultural understanding. My high school-level Spanish skills came in handy when interacting with the locals during my time in Peru - I recommend brushing up on the local language if you are able to!
Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care throughout the training to maintain balance and prevent burnout. Incorporate regular rest, nourishing meals, hydration, and activities that rejuvenate your body and mind. 2 - 3 week trainings can be a lot, and there were times when I felt exhausted and unable to be present, so know when to take breaks and be okay with taking a step back to listen to your body.
Reflect and integrate: After the training concludes, take time to reflect on your experiences and insights. Consider how you can integrate what you've learned into your daily life, whether it's through teaching yoga, deepening your personal practice, or applying yogic principles to your relationships and lifestyle. On the last day of training, I brainstormed ways to bring insights from the training into my routines. I still practice many of those rituals I’ve incorporated today!