Visiting Families & Children

The school is located in the beautiful forest of PachaMama Eco Village. The Visiting Kids program is integrated in the school, operates Mon-Fri 8am-1pm, and includes fresh organic vegetarian snacks and lunch.

The visiting children have their own teacher who guides them through different activities like arts and crafts, storytime, nature walks, outdoor activities, and more. The program is kept in the spirit of the community: simplicity, ecology, and harmony with nature.

The flow of the day depends on the number of kids visiting at the time, and on their ages. Some of the activities are integrated with the local PachaMama kids.

Clothes: The weather in PachaMama is usually warm year-round. Make sure you pack lots of light, short clothes, as well as a few warmer options for the occasional chilly evening. For visits to the river or beach, swimwear and a lungi (sarong). Flip-flops or sandals are the most practical choice. Rubber boots are recommended during the rainy season (May-November).

It is advisable to also bring one or more sets of white clothes.

Diapers: Parents of diaper-wearing children, please bring eco-friendly, biodegradable diapers or cloth diapers. PachaMama is an eco-community, aspiring to minimize its impact on the environment as much as possible. Please be mindful of this while you pack and plan your trip.

Parents are encouraged to bring books, games, and whatever their children like to play with when home.

Mosquito repellent and biodegradable hygiene products can be bought in the village shop, as well as in the nearby villages.

The school serves yummy, vegetarian meals (a snack and lunch) based on fruits and vegetables, lentils, beans, legumes, rice-based pasta, and cooked veggies. The meals are simplified to meet all the children’s tastes.

The Verde Restaurant serves three meals a day, with a buffet-style service. All food is vegetarian (with many vegan options), organic, and prepared fresh.

The Wild Treats is a raw bar also located in the village center, and serves juices, smoothies, chocolates, light meals, and more.

The Jungle Shop carries organic fruits and vegetables, dry goods, hygiene products, and more. Many items are created by members of the village.

The larger family accommodations have a kitchen.

The kids spend their mornings in school. When the day is over, they like to go downtown (where the village center is) to have a (healthy, vegan) ice cream and play together. The local kids are happy to have playdates, also with the visitors. Some of them participate in after-school activities like soccer, tennis, and piano lessons.

The Village has two small playgrounds: one located in the village center (downtown) and one located at the school.

During the weekends the kids are part of all the events that are happening in PachaMama and usually also spend some lovely time at the beach, which is about 15 minutes drive from PachaMama or at the river, which is just next to the village.

Drawing from our extensive experience and valuable feedback, we highly recommend renting a house that includes essential amenities such as a kitchen and a private toilet, as well as sufficient space for your child.

It’s important to note that open-air housing options may not be the most suitable choice, especially when you have young children to consider.

We are more than willing to assist you in finding the perfect accommodation tailored to your family’s needs, taking into account the ages of your children.

Long-term rental rates can be negotiated once specific dates are established.

For a comprehensive overview of all available accommodation options, including their respective prices, please visit our accommodations page.”

To come as a visitor we ask for a minimum stay of 10 days so that a true taste of PachaMama can be experienced. Alternatively, shorter stay of minimum 5 days is possible if you join a Workshop or Retreat. Please plan to arrive a day before the workshop starts.

No visiting pets allowed due to safety concerns. We have wild animals, including snakes, raccoons, and large cats. Your pet’s safety is our priority. Thank you for understanding.

PachaMama is not considered to be an accessibility friendly site. The terrain is rugged with uneven trails that may have loose dirt, rocks, tree roots, and can be slippery when wet. If you anticipate difficulty navigating our property, kindly contact us with your concerns.

No Waste Policy. Refrain from bringing tetra packs, plastic bags, straws, water bottles, wraps, foil, cans, and non-biodegradable hygiene products. The Jungle Shop provides eco-friendly alternatives for your food and hygiene needs.

Academics for visiting kids

Long-term visiting children can enroll into the school’s academic program (apart from the fun, creative, and outdoor activities). This needs to be planned together with the school team.

Should my children be vaccinated for anything before traveling to PachaMama?

Please consult your children’s physician for advice on vaccinations specific to Central America.

Where is the closest doctor in case we need one?

In Nosara (35 minutes drive from PachaMama) there is a clinic.

Do I need to rent a car for my stay in PachaMama?

It is highly recommended to rent a car or ATV while in PachaMama. Since it is nestled on a hillside, the village isn’t easy to get around by foot with kids in tow.

Would we be able to find a babysitter if we need one?

There is not an official babysitting service in PachaMama, but there are usually some ladies that are happy to watch kids for extra money.

For more information on life in the school, please contact the Jungle School directly.

More questions about life in the PachaMama Village?

Visit our FAQ page