Visiting children of all ages and their families are welcomed every year in PachaMama. The Village is fit to accommodate a family’s needs and resident children are always happy to make new friends. Children are an integral part of the PachaMama Community, and have been almost from its inception. PachaMama offers children the opportunity to be immersed in nature, explore the forest, and tune into its magical rhythm.
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.
Family FAQ
What should I pack for my family?
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.
What meals are served in the school? What options are available for food in the village?
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 accommodations have a kitchen.
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.
How does the daily life of the families in PachaMama look?
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.
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?
