Tortuguero

Costa Rica - Why visit Tortuguero

A Costa Rican Paradise for Nature Lovers

Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Costa Rica, Tortuguero is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to experience the country's incredible biodiversity. This remote village is located on a narrow sandbar between the Caribbean Sea and a network of canals and lagoons, and it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, monkeys, sloths, and caimans.

If you're planning a trip, here are a few things you won't want to miss:

  1. Visit Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the world. Four species of sea turtles’ nest on the park's beaches: green turtles, leatherback turtles, hawksbill turtles, and loggerhead turtles. If you're visiting during nesting season (July to October), you can join a guided night tour to see the turtles nesting and laying their eggs.

Even if you're not visiting during nesting season, Tortuguero National Park is still a great place to see wildlife. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, as well as mammals such as monkeys, sloths, and tapirs. You can explore the park on a guided boat tour or kayak tour, or you can hike to the top of Cerro Tortuguero for stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.

  1. Take a boat tour of the canals

One of the best ways to see the wildlife is to take a boat tour of the canals. The canals are home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including caimans, snakes, and iguanas. You may also be lucky enough to see monkeys swinging through the trees or sloths hanging from the branches. Most boat tours depart from the village and last for about two hours. You can book a boat tour in advance or simply show up at the dock and ask one of the boat captains to take you out.

  1. Go kayaking

Another great way to explore the canals and lagoons is by kayak. Kayaking is a great way to get up close to the wildlife and to see the rainforest from a different perspective. There are a few different places to rent kayaks in Tortuguero. You can rent a kayak for a few hours or for a full day. If you're new to kayaking, you can also hire a guide to take you out.

  1. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Centre

The Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Centre is a great place to learn more about sea turtles and the conservation work that is being done in Tortuguero. The visitor centre has exhibits on the different species of sea turtles that nest in Tortuguero, as well as the threats that sea turtles face. The visitor centre also shows a short film about the sea turtle nesting season in Tortuguero. The film is a great way to learn more about the process of sea turtle nesting and hatching.

  1. Hike to the top of Cerro Tortuguero

Cerro Tortuguero is a small hill located on the outskirts of the village of Tortuguero. The hike to the top of Cerro Tortuguero is relatively short and easy, but it offers stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and Caribbean Sea. To get to Cerro Tortuguero, you'll need to walk or bike for about 15 minutes from the village. The trail to the top of the hill is well-maintained and easy to follow.

Once you reach the top of Cerro Tortuguero, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the rainforest, the Tortuguero canals, and the Caribbean Sea. On a clear day, you can even see the mountains of Panama in the distance.

  1. Visit the village of Tortuguero

The village of Tortuguero is a small, laid-back community with a population of about 1,000 people. The village is located on a narrow sandbar between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero canals.

There are a few different restaurants and shops in the village of Tortuguero, as well as a few small hotels and lodges. The village is also home to a number of tour operators that offer boat tours, kayak tours, and other activities. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Tortuguero, the village of Tortuguero is the perfect place to stay.

Other things to do in Tortuguero

In addition to the activities listed above, there are a few other things you can do, such as:

  • Visit the Botanical Garden
  • Go birdwatching
  • Go fishing
  • Take a cooking class
  • Visit a local chocolate farm
  • Go shopping for souvenirs

Tortuguero is a great stop on a tour of Costa Rica with the local culture, friendly people, and fresh cuisine enhancing the overall experience. It is a nature lover's paradise, providing unforgettable memories and a deep connection with Costa Rica's natural beauty.

TOP