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Talamanca Ecotourism and Conservation Association (ATEC)

Talamanca Ecotourism and Conservation Association (ATEC)

Day Trips and Multi-Day Tours
in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

ATEC is Puerto Viejo’s original ecotourism provider. For over 25 years, they’ve been providing ecologically and socially responsible activities throughout the Talamanca region of Costa Rica. Take a local cooking class, go for a surf lesson, trek through the rainforest, tour a local chocolate farm and much more as you explore the beautfiul and culturally rich Caribbean coast.

Right for You?

Experience

Style

Active Adventure, Cultural Immersion, Connect with Nature and Foodie Fun

Price

$35-99 /person
Approximate price for 1/2 day and full day tours

Location

Small Towns/Villages, Rainforest and Beach
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Connect with Talamanca Ecotourism and Conservation Association (ATEC)

Locally Owned Community Association
Talamanca Ecotourism and Conservation Association (ATEC)
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Speaks: English and Spanish

Book an Experience

Overnight Bribri Culture Experience in Yorkin Community
$100/traveler
Overnight Bribri Culture Experience in Yorkin Community
Bribri Indigenous territory, Costa Rica
2 Days | Cultural Activities, Canoeing, Community Visit
Experience the culture of the Bribri people in the Talamanca indigenous territory. Take a traditional dugout canoe to the Yorkin community and learn about their way of life.
Caribbean Cooking Class in Puerto Viejo
$60/person
Caribbean Cooking Class in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
2-3 Hours | Cooking Class, Getting to Know Locals
Learn about the flavors and cooking styles of the Caribbean with a personal cooking lesson at the home of a local chef. Experience the flavors of the Caribbean!

Why Lokal Recommends Talamanca Ecotourism and Conservation Association (ATEC)

Background

Community Association started in 1990| Locally Owned with 100% local staff

A Unique Story

In 1987, a group of Talamancan residents started to meet  to discuss their concerns about the rapid social, cultural, and economic changes accompanying the increase of tourism. In 1990, we became an incorporated grassroots non-profit organization and called ourselves Asociación Talamanqueña de Ecoturismo y Conservación, ATEC (/ah-tek/) for short.

By 1991, the main road into the region had been paved and made Talamanca more accessible. As new influences moved into the region, so did the new businesses to accommodate them.  Private transportation, imported food, non-local guides, swimming pools, and entertainment. Noticing a loss of local culture and business opportunities, ATEC took measures to educate our neighbors about alternatives to selling off their family farms and to identify the value of the forests and our rich cultures.  In 1992, ATEC developed and implemented the first program that trained sixteen local citizens to lead nature tours throughout the region, to be followed by more thereafter.

Community Connection

At ATEC, 80% of what you pay for a our tours goes directly to the guides. We are a self-sustaining, non-profit, grassroots, community based organization that finances itself, its guides, and its conservation efforts through your patronage and support. With more than 50 exciting tours, classes, and activities provided by friendly, local, knowledgable guides you won't be dissapointed. Together we are suppporting the local community, the family based economy, the environment and the traditional way of life.

Culture

ATEC is dedicated to promoting ethnic pride and cultural expression among the indigenous and Afro-Caribbean residents of the Talamanca region.

Location

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