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, home to sea turtles, monkeys, sloths, and caimans.
Tortuguero National Park
One of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the world, with four species nesting on the park's beaches: green, leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles. If visiting during nesting season (July to October), join a guided night tour to see the turtles nesting and laying their eggs. The park is also home to over 400 species of birds and mammals such as monkeys, sloths, and tapirs.
Boat and Kayak Tours of the Canals
The canals are home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including caimans, snakes, and iguanas. Most boat tours depart from the village and last about two hours, while kayaking offers a way to get up close to the wildlife from a different perspective.
Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Centre
A great place to learn more about sea turtles and the conservation work being done in Tortuguero, with exhibits and a short film on the sea turtle nesting season.
Cerro Tortuguero
A short and relatively easy hike from the village leads to panoramic views of the rainforest, the Tortuguero canals, and the Caribbean Sea – on a clear day you can even see the mountains of Panama.
The Village of Tortuguero
A small, laid-back community of about 1,000 people, with a few restaurants, shops, small hotels and lodges, plus tour operators offering boat tours, kayak tours, and other activities.
Other Things to Do
- Visit the Botanical Garden
- Go birdwatching
- Go fishing
- Take a cooking class
- Visit a local chocolate farm
Tortuguero is a great stop on a tour of Costa Rica, a nature lover's paradise providing unforgettable memories and a deep connection with Costa Rica's natural beauty.
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