ATEC--Fair Trade Ecotourism

ATEC is Puerto Viejo’s original eco-tourism provider. We work to help visitors find fun ecologically and socially responsible activities to entertain themselves while in Talamanca, Limon, Costa Rica.
Founded back in 1989, ATEC funded the training a group of about 20 guides. Now from this website and our little office in Puerto Viejo, we represent over 100 fabulous local guides. We encourage you to support ATEC and participate in local, fair trade travel in Talamanca!
ATEC is a self-sustaining non-profit association that supports itself, its guides, and its efforts through your support. THANK YOU!
You came to Costa Rica to get to know Costa Rica, do it with Costa Ricans.

At ATEC we promote culturally and ecologically sound tourism and small-scale, locally owned and responsible businesses. We stimulate conservation through education and by helping local associations and families derive economic benefits from their natural resources.

Our Goals

Promote the development of an ecological and socially responsible tourism in Talamanca
Promote ethnic pride and cultural expression among the indigenous and Afro-Caribbean residents
Promote the initiation and management of locally owned businesses and tourist services.
To fulfill ATEC’s goals our office, located in Old Harbour ( Puerto Viejo ), serves as a communication center to put visitors in contact with experienced native naturalist guides who offer a variety of interesting, educational field experiences. These guided hikes are by appointment and, under normal circumstances, limited to 6 persons.

Chocolate Tour, Upper Talamanca

Located in the heart of the Talamanca Reserve, the indigenous community located in the small town of Shiroles is one of Costa Rica’s largest Indigenous communities. With the Association of Indigenous Bribrí Women of Talamanca.—ACOMUITA.—you’ll see the reality of their lifestyle from a woman’s perspective. Through this eco-tourism project the Association leads social, economic, and cultural projects. Your visit contributes to the finance of these activities that benefit low income families—AND get to participate in the whole process of making chocolate and taste your results.

ATEC News

Green Tip: RESPECT INDIGENOUS RESERVES

Just like anyone’s private property, you need to ask before wondering around. To enter any Indigenous Reserve you must go with a local guide authorized by the Indigenous Association. Ask at ATEC office in Puerto Viejo.

Continue reading Green Tip: RESPECT INDIGENOUS RESERVES...

Posted: Jul 24, 2008 by Alaine Berg.

Green Tip--Support Local & Responsible Businesses

You came to Costa Rica to get to know Costa Rica, we think the best way to do that is to hang out with, economically support, and learn from Costa Ricans. We recommend that when you are in Costa Rica and in Puerto Viejo, that you try to distribute economic benefits throughout community, support several local ecotourism and service providers.
Here’s some information on local restaurants…

Continue reading Green Tip--Support Local & Responsible Businesses...

Posted: Jul 22, 2008 by Alaine Berg.