ATEC, the Talamancan Association of Ecotourism and Conservation, is initiating the weekly ATEC "Community Spotlight." An Opportunity to Get to Know Talamanca.

The spotlight is an opportunity not only for visitors to get to know the area but also for folks that live in Puerto Viejo who haven't had the opportunity to get to know the rich culture and nature right around us!

Have you been to Yorkin in the BriBri Indigenous Territory? Have you participated in the preparation of chocolate? Did you know that there are nine community run eco-tourism lodges in the remote areas of Talamanca? Sure you've been to the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, but have you ever been on a guided tour with one of the excellent guides from Manzanillo. Each week ATEC will spotlight a different community or activity in Talamanca (our canton) at a super-discount rate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to support local eco-tourism initiatives, to educate yourself about the community you live in, and to have a bunch of fun!

On Thursday August 12 and 13th we feature Tortuguero. (Yes, Tortuguero is Not in Talamanca, however) Green-turtle season is underway so it's a great chance to participate in a super example of real eco-tourism.
Tortugero National Park in the northern Caribbean was established in 1970 and protects 22 miles of the most important nesting grounds for the endangered green turtle in this hemisphere. The leatherback, the hawksbill, and the loggerhead turtles occasionally find refuge on this protected coast as well. Also protected in this 19,000 hectare park are 60 mammal species, 111 reptile species, more than 50 amphibians, and more than 300 bird species!

Join our trip and enjoy Tortuguero, an excellent model of conservation-tourism, at this locally owned lodge. Have a great time with your guides' silly sense of humor and his super eye for wildlife.

The trip begins at the docks in Moin (about a 10 minute taxi ride from Puerto Limón bus station). From here we'll boat into Tortuguero, through the maze of canals, with our guide, a native of Tortuguero, and long-time president of ATEC. On this unique inland waterway you'll spot crocodiles, sloths, monkeys, and birds. On the night hike witness the ancient process of green turtle nesting (Nesting season in Tortuguero lasts from July to October.)

Complete 2 Day Package Includes:

* Boat transport: Round Trip Moín - Tortuguero - Moín.

* Lodging in family-owned cabinas: Private bath, hot water; near the beach.

* Three meals

* Tours:

o Observe the nesting of the green turtle

o Visit Turtle Conservation Museum

o Morning of the Cano Palma Reserve

Normal Cost: $160 for tourists.

Special "Community Spotlight" rate: $90 per person for citizens and residents

Minimum to make this happen 8 people, maximum 20 people.

Note: Please pack dark, long sleeved clothes for the night turtle hike to protect you from the bugs as insect repellent is harmful to the wildlife.

Sign up at ATEC: atecmail@gmail.com

or call 2750 0398

This "Community Spotlight" is for: Thursday, 12 of August, 9AM in Moin

Returning: Friday, 13 of August, around 3PM back at the dock in Moin.

If you can't make this date, we can arrange a great experience for you any time.

ATEC, the Talamancan Association of Ecotourism and Conservation, is a small non-profit organization located in downtown Puerto Viejo whose goals are:

*  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.

This is the dock (of Muelle) in Moin, we depart from here to travel through the canals to Tortuguero.

Then you take a guided tour of the canals with our awesome local guide.

And we relax around the beautiful grounds of the lodge before the visit to the turtle museum and then the night hike to see green turtles nesting.