Tortuguero

Serious Nature Accessible and Affordable

The Canals at Tortuguero National Park

The Canals at Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero is another region of the country that offers accessible wilderness. Since the area is relatively flat, this is a good choice if you are not prepared for the rigors of hiking on uneven terrain.

The area consists of swamps, marshlands, canals, virgin rainforests and a narrow strip of beach which has become famous for the sea turtles that lay their eggs there. This is an awe inspiring experience, and if you are in Costa Rica during turtle season (July through September) this is almost a must do.  However, the turtles are only a small part of the ecosystem here.  This area is worth visiting any time of the year.

Getting to Tortuguero is an experience in itself. The easiest way is to book a one or two night package from one of the many lodges in the area.

Our favorite two night package includes transportation, guides, meals, and lodging.  A comfortable bus will pick you up at your San Jose hotel early in the morning.  You start your day at an altitude of 3000 feet.  You pass through the cloud forests of the Braulio Carrillo National Park, home to over 500 species of birds, and 150 species of mammals.  You cross the Continental Divide at 5000 feet, before stopping for breakfast at sea level!  And you do all of this in only two hours.

After a delicious meal, you reboard the bus to pass through the huge banana plantations of the Caribbean slopes.  The bus ride ends at a river terminal.  There are no roads from this point!  You will have a few minutes here as the boat to the lodge is loaded and unloaded.  This is a bustling place.  All goods and people going in and out of this region pass through this terminal.  It is a great spot to grab a beverage and watch the world go by, before you board the boat.

The guide and boat driver are experts at spotting wildlife.  Along the way you can expect to see monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and dozens of varieties of waterfowl. Numerous tours available from the lodges include nightly walks along the beach during turtle nesting season. A little further north is Barro del Colorado, which boasts some of the world’s best tarpon fishing. This is a completely different side of Costa Rica that you do not want to miss.

The package includes numerous tours during your stay at the lodge.  They will keep you busy.  All meals are included and are served from a multi choice buffet.  (We can handle any dining restrictions, just let us know)

The return trip can be the exact reverse on the trip in to Tortuguero.  We also offer round trips from San Jose or Arenal volcano, or a combination of the two.  If you plan to visit other parts of the country, we can arrange for you to pick up ayou can take a quick and inexpensive flight back to San Jose.  You will arrive in the early morning, with a full day to get to your next destination.

Featured Lodging:

*Contact us for multi-day package prices.