Universidad Tecnica Nacional-Sede Atenas (Campus ECAG)
In Balsa de Atenas, 7 miles from the center of town, this agro-ecotourism and animal husbandry school is one of few specialized institutions of its kind in Latin America. ECAG offers courses (in Spanish) in forestry, wildlife, food technology and animal husbandry. Situated on 1300 acres of primary forest, the school provides tours of its crocodile and tilapia farms and livestock paddocks. Visitors to ECAG can also buy fresh dairy and beef products. ECAG hosts an annual Agro-Festival in November that includes tractor tours, dances, horse rides, rodeos, bullfights, tipico food and agricultural displays.
Half-day tours can be arranged that include cheese tasting and lunch for $35 pp for groups of 10 or more; contact ECAG in advance to arrange tours for smaller groups. Note that if booking tours directly through ECAG, visitors are encouraged to reserve one month in advance, although exceptions are made. Tel: 2455-1000