Certified 500 hours Yoga Teacher Training in Ecuador

Tumbaco, Ecuador

ID
Iris Disse
  • Email address verified
3 reviews
Duration: 63 days
Group size: 10 - 25
Certified 500 hours Yoga Teacher Training in Ecuador
Tumbaco, Ecuador

Iris Disse
  • Email address verified
3 reviews

$5,057
Deposit: $4,112
Duration: 63 days
Group size: 10 - 25

About this trip

  Expand - Create - Cry - Play - Heal - Discover - Laugh - Transform - Re-Learn

 

In a world spinning faster every day, we create a path that connects old wisdom with our everyday life to be the vibrant humans we were meant to be. 

The traditional roots awaken in our inherent cell memory. Offering a meditative approach to yoga, people of all ages are welcome.   No previous experience is necessary.

. The Kaula Tantra Yoga is  a practice that can be afforded from the point where you are now and it  allows you to dive into yoga, becoming aware of your limits and  possibilities and working with them respectfully. 
As a future teacher you learn how to bring people into awareness during the yoga practice and during life.

Applied Yogic-Tantric wisdom, arts and shamanism are tools that we use to dive into the theoretical part through experiencing the playfulness and creativity. Through dancing the dualitys  we allow love to flow. We spiral lightful energy into a chaotic world,  to create abundant islands where we do not have to function, but where  the dignity to be a human can be lived. A world held alive for future  generations. 


In the 500 hour yoga teacher training course, you start having deeper  spiritual experiences connected with your core being, and a lot of  students experience what it is Sat Chit Ananda.

You will be able  to make of your kaula tantra yoga practice an experience of meditation  in movement in which each asana is expression of a deep connection with  your body-mind-spirit. You will dive deeper into the practice teaching,  learning how to hold space for other people’s yoga experience while  keeping the integrity of the kaula tantra yoga traditional practice. 

Also  you can start to understand the choreography design and bring in to the  outer world what you experienced in your inner world, to understand  how to share my self without loosing myself, staying connected with my  inner being.


CERTIFICATION

Students who complete the training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).

TEAM

Our  international team of passionate Yogis and teachers have over 60 years  of experience and specialized in different fields. Together they  effectively provide a safe space where your process is honored and  guided.

We are a rotating team to keep the energy high and fresh in the trainings during the whole year.

COURSE CHOREOGRAPHY

Durga’s  Tiger School is where Ancient Tantric teachings meet Neo-Tantric  practices; combined they lead you into a new way of relating with the  world around you. You will learn concrete tools that you can easily  integrate daily. Through experiential learning you will subtly break  open the basics of Yoga Philosophy, yamas, niyamas and the eight-limb  path in such a way that you will understand where they arise in your  life and practice. 

*The course content is focused on Kaula Tantra Yoga

*Other complementary techniques explored: 

Meditations, Chakra work, Bandhas, Pranayama, Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, partner yoga, mantras and sacred song chanting

*Other practices and subjects related:

Applied  Tantra Philosophy, Heyoca - the shamanic clown, Expressive arts of the  being, Shamanic practices, Tantric & Shamanic ritual, Durga’s Tiger  Dance, Intuitive Anantomy, Psycology of the Chakras

KAULA TANTRA YOGA

Kaula  Tantra Yoga is a unique sequence that follows a lineage of 5000 years.  The series taught at Durga’s Tiger School is delivered directly from the  teachings of Bhagavan Shanmuka Anantha Natha at Shri Kali yoga, in  India.

This practice works through a deep relaxation where  students learn the feeling of flowing into asana without struggle, while  each asana is practiced in a slow manner to build patience and  awareness of body movement. In this way, each individual finds their  unique way of expressing the asana without the pressure of competition  or ‘performing perfectly’.

Tantra Yoga facilitators approach  students as whole human beings and discourage ‘isolating’ or forcing  muscles. Their priority is to hold a space of acceptance and love, with  reserved guidance when necessary.

This type of yoga is a  meditative flow, completed by the practice of bandha holds, pranayama,  mantra chanting, and Samadhi, through seated meditation to develop a  deeper form of yogic understanding. 

During their time at Durga’s Tiger School, students will explore Tantra yogic lifestyle, philosophy, and arts.

KUNDALINI YOGA

Through  Kundalini yoga, students learn another approach to the energy work in  yoga. Students explore kriyas, pranayama, chakras theory. Students  explore and cultivate the energy of the two poles, masculine and  feminine inside of themselves and all around. Please note that kundalini  yoga at the school, IS NOT based on the teachings of Yogi Bajan

HATHA YOGA

In  Hatha Yoga practice students move the stagnation of the body and mind.  Through asana, meditation, pranayama and yogic philosophy you meet your  physical and spiritual strength that cultivates the energy that empowers  your lives. This practice is complimentary to Tantra Yoga as it gives  students a perspective of a different yogic style enabling students to  gain a deeper understanding of both Hatha and Tantra.

DURGA'S TIGER DANCE

is  a form of movement developed by Iris Disse based on yoga energy work  and different dance styles. This is another form through which students  can explore creativity and relaxation through body movement combined  with voice work.

SHAMANISM AND ANDEAN COSMOVISION

As  your hosts are living in Ecuador with a huge American Indian  population, students have the opportunity to learn about Andean culture,  its Cosmovision, and the similarities with the Tibetan Tantric  tradition.

The parallels are slowly unveiled, weaving together  both understandings of energy, astrology, subtle anatomy and physiology  of the bodies.

BETWEEN RITUAL AND PLAY

is an  energetic fusion of techniques such as improvisation, clowning, dancing,  musical/rhythm work, meditation, and practical shamanism. Through these  exercises, you can integrate the foundations of ART into LIFE. 

Some  themes you will work in are connecting with the inner child, connecting  with intuition, developing right brain activity to enhance lateral  thinking, releasing old patterns and blockages, opening senses to the  present moment, and group work that fosters loving, compassionate ways  of relating. 

With these skills you begin to increase your creativity and may open to a new perspective completely.

APPLIED TANTRIC WISDOM

These classes are a powerful opportunity for self-discovery through dynamic group and partner work. 

Please note there is no nudity or sexual contact.

You  come together to open to life; learning to embrace the dual nature of  reality, dancing between beauty, chaos, magic, intensity, and intimacy -  you begin to make a clear connection between yoga, sacred sexuality,  and art.

%How can I integrate the liveliness of new experiences into my everyday life and relations?

INTUITIVE ANATOMY AND PHISIOLOGY

You  will approach the vision and methodology of the Kaula Tantra yoga  practice in these classes. You will develop a connection with your inner  body intelligence, learn how to read it better, and act according to  its current needs.

%It’s about the combined powers of the mind and  the physical body and the effect of being totally in harmony with the  messages you perceive from your bodies in each moment.

PARTNER YOGA

You  will discover the joy and the importance of support and be supported,  through this experiencing the delight of giving and receiving. The  challenge being, how do you cultivate and care for your sacred space,  but also nurture your partner’s needs and desires?

%In these  classes you will continue to work with the asanas of the Kaula Tantra  series; through the tantric wisdom approach, you cultivate focus in  presence, senses, connection, and body communication. Through these  functions, you enter into the dance of Shiva and Shakti.

(select courses will feature Partner Yoga)

YOGIC WALKING MASSAGE

Derived  from Ayurvedic wisdom this ancient foot massage was used to prepare  warriors for battle as well as open the physical and energetic bodies  for the Yoga practice.

%Working with partners it’s a very  effective, meditative and intuitive way to give and receive before the  Yoga practice. The massage activates important Marma Points as well as  softens the muscles.

KARMA YOGA

is part of the  learning process of community life. You will help each other to maintain  a common space, which by focusing energy in the collective, coming  together to maintain a high vibrational space. Through karma yoga, you  will keep in contact with the Earth (Pachamama) and her fruits while  contributing to the well being of the collective environment.

YOGI HEART TO HEART COMMUNICATION

In the Talking Stick circle we open a space of expression from heart to heart for all the students present in the group.

In the Forum developed in the ZEGG community we deepen heart-to-heart communication through consciously used theatrical means.

We  create a social field that helps us to open to the impulse of life. We  share from the heart and explore new possibilities in life. Any topic  that emerges like emotions, personal development, love, community  living, body symptoms can be shared and explored within the group that  works as a spiritual community (Sangha). This process helps to  self-knowledge, development and transformation.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Living  in the ashram enables students to focus intensively on their training,  away from everyday tasks and distractions; allowing them to fully  immerse themselves in a process of learning and self-discovery.

An  energetic group environment is created, enabling students to share  their experience and learning processes; in turn, collectively deepening  their understanding of tantra and yogic practices.

Your hosts ask  that you enter the course with an open mind to EXPERIENCE and allow  each encounter to guide you to a deeper understanding of your SELF. The  knowledge gained through experience is a core part of the Tantric  perspective.

Available Packages

double / triple rooom - SUPER EARLY BIRD
Deposit: $4,112
Available until 120 days before departure

OFFERED UNTIL 4 MONTHS BEFORE THE TRAINING STARTS

$5,057
Deposit: $4,112
double / triple rooom - EARLY BIRD
Deposit: $4,212
Available until 60 days before departure

AVAILABLE UNTIL 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE TRAINING STARTS

$5,157
Deposit: $4,212
double / triple rooom - FULL PRICE
Deposit: $5,008
$5,457
Deposit: $5,008
single / shared bath - SUPER EARLY BIRD
Deposit: $4,608
Available until 120 days before departure

single room with a shared bathroom

OFFER AVAILABLE UNTIL 4 MONTHS BEFORE THE TRAINING STARTS

$5,553
Deposit: $4,608
single room / shared bath - EARLY BIRD
Deposit: $4,708
Available until 60 days before departure

single room with a shared bathroom
OFFER AVAILABLE UNTIL 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE TRAINING STARTS

$5,653
Deposit: $4,708
single room / shared bath - FULL PRICE
Deposit: $5,008

single room with a shared bathroom

$5,953
Deposit: $5,008
single / private bath - SUPER EARLY BIRD
Deposit: $4,856
Available until 120 days before departure

single room with a private bathroom

AVAILABLE UNTIL 4 MONTHS BEFORE THE ARRIVAL

$5,801
Deposit: $4,856
single room / private bath - EARLY BIRD
Deposit: $4,956
Available until 60 days before departure

SINGLE ROOM WITH A PRIVATE BATHROOM

AVAILABLE UNTIL 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE ARRIVAL

$5,901
Deposit: $4,956
single room / private bath - FULL PRICE
Deposit: $5,256
$6,201
Deposit: $5,256
$5,057
Deposit: $4,112


Itinerary

Example Daily schedule
Example of daily schedule

6:30 - 7:30 meditation

7:40 breakfast

9:30 - 13:00 morning classes

13:10 lunch

16:00 - 19:00 afternoon class

19:00 dinner

20:15 - 22:00 night lab (only 2 or 3 times per week)


Program:


  • daily: morning meditations and kaula tantra yoga classes
  • Once   a week – 1/2 hours blocks of: Pranayama class, Mantra and sacred songs   class, Durga’s Tiger Dance class, Psycology of Chakras class
  • Once   a week – 3 / 4 hours blocks of:  Applied tantric philosophy class,   Intuitive Anatomy class, another yoga form such as partner yoga, acro   yoga or hatha yoga, Arts class or Shamanism class
  • Weekly community experiences: Karma yoga, Taking stick, Heart to heart communication

Classes are from Mondays to Fridays.

On Saturdays and Sundays there is time to rest and process.

Your Organizer


ID
Iris Disse
3 reviews
A film, radio and theatre maker, Iris teaches the Tantra Yoga classes, Durga´s Tiger Dance and “Applied Tantra Philosophy” Iris Disse is a Master Yoga Teacher, the catalyser of Durga´s Tiger School in Ecuador, choreographer of this transforming energy composition of Yoga, Tantra, Arts and Shamanism. She has taught tantra and yoga for over 22 years in Festivals, Universitites and Workshops.

Reviews

My training at Durga's Tiger School was the most life-changing experience I've ever had. The mix of tantra, yoga, arts, and shamanism offered me an incredible container for self-exploration and personal growth in a playful yet tremendously profound way. I'm deeply grateful to the facilitators of every class and ritual, as the content they shared was always exciting and healing. Community life was also a key factor in my incredible experience at Durga's Tiger School. I got to know many people I now love from the bottom of my heart. Even in difficult situations, the school team was always able to hold space for the community members in a very professional manner, so that everyone could feel heard, respected, and appreciated. We always had enough delicious, healthy, and nutritious vegetarian food. I would definitely recommend this training, not only for those who want to become yoga teachers but also for anyone seeking clarity and purpose in life. I give the school a 10/10 rating.
By Ricardo V for Ricardo Vizuete - 3 weeks immersion Nov - Dec 2024 on Mar 28, 2025
I had a wonderful time at Durga's Tiger School. Beautiful location, good and abundand food. Every one of the staff was very kind and helpful. With the other students I felt like being in a family. When I returned for a weekend after the training it was like coming home.
By Dorian N for Certified 300 hours Yoga Teacher Training in Ecuador on Mar 04, 2025
***UPDATE*** Dear Durga’s Tiger School Team, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my review. I appreciate the space you hold for transformation and community and the aspects of the training that were indeed meaningful. However, I must gently clarify that I never stated, at any point, that this was “the most transformative experience I ever had before.” While I certainly found value in the connections made, it’s important to ensure that feedback is represented accurately. Transparency is a key part of growth for any transformational space, and I share my reflections in that spirit. I respect the school’s unique approach and understand that it is not meant to be a typical Western retreat. My review was never about expecting luxury or conventional comforts but rather about ensuring the foundational elements of a supportive learning environment—one that meets basic needs, welcomes feedback, and maintains open communication between leadership and participants. I sincerely hope my feedback, along with that of others who have expressed similar concerns, serves as an opportunity for continued refinement and growth. My intention has never been to diminish this space but to contribute to its potential in an honest and constructive way - as well as to help future potential attendees make a well-informed decision. May this space continue to evolve in alignment with its highest potential. And may this dialogue serve the highest good of all involved. With gratitude, Selina ***ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW*** ========================================================================================== ***A YOGA EXPERIENCE WITH POTENTIAL, BUT SIGNIFICANT ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT*** I recently attended a 28-day yoga training at Durga's Tiger School in Ecuador, and while there were some meaningful aspects—especially the wonderful community of attendees—the experience as a whole left much to be desired. THE CHALLENGES: One of the biggest issues was the lack of consistent hot water, which made bathing difficult. Upon arrival, I was unable to bathe for two days (the water was ice cold), and while the staff attempted to fix the issue, the problem persisted throughout my stay. Many attendees reported ongoing shower problems that were never fully resolved. Similarly, cleanliness was a concern, with frequent bug issues in rooms, yoga pillows/blankets not frequently washed, and the yoga shala bathroom at times being too smelly to use. Additionally, the laundry service was unreliable, with items being lost or damaged—including a pair of my pants that came back with a bleach stain. Multiple attendees had similar complaints. When concerns were raised about the facilities and services, the response from staff was often dismissive, with comments like "this is Ecuador”—which felt misaligned given that the training is marketed toward and priced for international clientele. THE RETREAT STRUCTURE & LEADERSHIP: The program itself felt disjointed and overly rigid, with long, back-to-back days lasting 10-16 hours, leaving little personal time for rest or reflection. The classes lacked a clear progression, making it difficult to see how each session connected to the overall learning journey. Rather than following a cohesive structure, we were led through various processes that, while interesting and insightful, felt random and less impactful than they could have been with a more intentional curriculum. Instead of a structured course manual, we were given access to a Dropbox folder with various materials, which made it difficult to follow a clear path. Perhaps most disappointing was the lack of leadership availability. Retreat leader, Iris Disse, was largely inaccessible and unreceptive to feedback. When I attempted to speak with her about my concerns early on, she dismissed me, and a follow-up request through staff was ignored. Other attendees also struggled to have their feedback acknowledged, which made it difficult to feel heard or supported. THE SAVING GRACE - THE COMMUNITY & ASSISTANT TEACHERS: Despite the challenges, the retreat had one undeniable strength—the incredible group of attendees. The connections I made were the highlight of my experience, and ultimately, what kept me from leaving when I was offered a refund. The assistant teachers were also supportive and helpful, which provided some balance to the overall experience. They were warm, engaging and kind - as well as wonderful teachers. HOW I ADJUSTED: Early on, I knew that I didn't desire long days while there were challenges in having my basic needs met (proper sleep, nutrition, routine). I desired peace, rest, relaxation, reflection, and to be my best self while connecting with the other attendees. I chose to withdraw from the 200-hour yoga certification and effectively go on "yoga vacation." Although the retreat leader, Iris, referred to my decision as "knowing my limits," this wasn't a question of limits but priorities. I don't regret my decision. I was able to make the best of things and fulfill my intentions of loving community connection. FINAL THOUGHTS: This training has great potential, but it requires better organization, professionalism, and a stronger commitment to guest experience. A retreat center and school is not just about yoga—it’s also about creating a nurturing, functional space for learning and transformation. Simple but crucial improvements—such as consistent facilities, better communication, and leadership that listens to feedback —could make this a truly special place. I sincerely hope the team takes this feedback to heart because we need more conscious spaces like this. With the right changes, it could be an incredible experience, but as it stands, I wouldn’t recommend this to those seeking relaxation or a restorative experience. Would love to see this space evolve into what it has the potential to be! Thank you.
By SELINA P for Selina Pagan - 1st installment for 200 hours TT January 2025 on Feb 15, 2025
Dear Selina, Thank you for sharing your detailed review. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us improve and better serve our community. We regret that the training did not meet your expectations and that you faced challenges during your stay. At Durga's Tiger School, we strive to create a nurturing environment for transformation. As an ashram, we are not a hotel or retreat center, and Karma Yoga is an essential part of maintaining our space. We apologize for the hot water issues and want to assure you that once management was made aware, we changed your room immediately. Dear Selina, it was a true joy to witness your growth and transformation during your time with us. As a highlight we remember as once you shared in a Talking Stick that this has been the most transformative experience that you ever had before Your ability to connect with the community and embrace the spirit of unity was inspiring. Your recognition of the deep value of community is far more meaningful to us than any rating. You are correct in noting that this is not a space for simple relaxation and restoration—it is a transformative teacher training. We do not follow a typical Western academic approach, but the tantric yogic path where you access your wisdom through experience, where you become a yogic spiritual teacher. We embrace the Shiva- Shakti approach of flow and surrender, which can be challenging but ultimately deeply enriching as you have experience. We are grateful for your acknowledgment of the community and assistant teachers, as true connection is at the heart of our school. We are also pleased to hear that the staff was helpful in accommodating your dietary needs and responding to your requests as was shared in your harvest. We strive to support all our participants in every way we can. We appreciate your insights and hope that, despite the challenges, your overall experience was meaningful. With gratitude, Durga´s Tiger School Team
By Iris Disse on Feb 24, 2025
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