Tortuguero National Park – Travel Guide
Tortuguero and its National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting and secluded destinations on the Caribbean Coast. Without any roads, visitors navigate through the waters of hidden lagoons and channels amidst flowering vine-covered trees. Rainforests, long stretches of beach and marshlands resplendent with rich and diverse wildlife offer a variety of incomparable activities. Offering a lot more than a strong sense of sustainability, amazing opportunities for adventure, and some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.
All about Tortuguero National Park
Getting Around Tortuguero National Park
By Foot
To access Tortuguero you either have to go by boat or plane as the area is made of jungle canals, lagoons, and dense rainforests. Tortuguero Village itself is very small and is explored entirely on foot along a few pedestrian-only pathways.
Shuttle plus boat
It is recommended to arrive in San Jose the day before your departure as pick up time from hotels in San Jose starts very early (usually between 6 and 7 am depending on hotel location). The journey from San Jose to Tortuguero is around 3 hours, usually on board a bus or van to one of the main docks (La Pavona – Cariari – Cano Blanco – Moin) where you board a long boat and cruise through the lush jungle waterways for approximately an hour to your final destination.
Most of the lodges located in Tortuguero are situated just outside of the main village which is within walking distance from some of the accommodations (Mawamba Lodge – 10 mins and Laguna Lodge – 30 mins). A boat ride will be necessary from other more remote lodges. There are no cars on Tortuguero and the village itself is small enough to wander around and explore on foot.
Plane plus boat
If you decide to travel by plane, this is the fastest way of getting there but this option has an additional cost. Departure times and flight operation may vary according to weather conditions. The route is operated by small planes with a capacity between 8 and 18 passengers. There is a direct flight that operates daily. Extra flights are often added in high season some of them with stops in Arenal.
Upon your arrival at the airport of Tortuguero, you will be picked up at the airstrip and then taken to the dock to board the boat to your lodge.
Tortuguero National Park FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Getting to your hotel in Tortuguero is a unique adventure because there are no roads leading to the area. The final part of your journey will always be by boat through jungle canals or by a small domestic flight. The main international airport to fly into is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José.
From there, you have two primary options:
Option 1: Lodge-Arranged Package (Most Common and Recommended)
This is the most popular and hassle-free way to get to Tortuguero. Nearly all jungle lodges in the area offer all-inclusive packages that handle all your transportation.
The Process: A comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle bus, arranged by your lodge, will pick you up from your hotel in the San José area early in the morning.
The Drive: You’ll travel for about 3 hours, typically driving through the stunning, cloud-draped landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Most tours include a stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast along the way.
The Transfer: The shuttle will take you to a dedicated dock (usually La Pavona). Here, you will transfer your luggage and board a covered riverboat.
The Boat Ride: The final leg is a scenic 1.5-hour boat journey through the winding jungle canals. This is essentially the start of your tour, as guides will point out wildlife like monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and exotic birds along the way. The boat will drop you off directly at your lodge’s private dock.
Benefit: This option is completely seamless. The lodge coordinates everything, making the journey part of the adventure rather than a travel chore.
Option 2: Flying (Fastest and Most Scenic)
For those short on time, a domestic flight is an excellent option.
The Flight: Small planes operated by domestic airlines like Sansa Airlines fly from a terminal at the SJO airport directly to a small airstrip just outside Tortuguero Village.
Duration: The flight itself is only about 30 minutes and offers breathtaking aerial views of the canals and rainforest.
Arrival: Upon landing, your lodge will arrange for a water taxi to pick you up from the airstrip and take you on a short boat ride to your hotel.Benefit: This is the quickest way to get there, but it is more expensive and has strict luggage weight limits.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
There are no car taxis in Tortuguero. To get a “water taxi” (a small motorboat), you can go to the main dock in Tortuguero Village where boats are available for hire. Alternatively, your lodge can easily arrange a water taxi for you to get to and from the village or other specific points.
Where is Tortuguero National Park located?
Tortuguero National Park is located on the remote northeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, within the Limón Province. Often called “Costa Rica’s Amazon,” it is a protected wilderness area famous for its intricate network of freshwater rivers and canals that run parallel to the ocean. The park is a roadless region, accessible only by boat or small aircraft, and is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the green sea turtle.
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More About Tortuguero National Park
Do I need a car in Tortuguero?
No, you absolutely do not need a car. In fact, you cannot drive to Tortuguero at all. If you are driving a rental car as part of a larger Costa Rica trip, you will need to park it in a secure, paid lot at one of the main boat docks (like La Pavona) and take the public boat for the final 1.5-hour journey into Tortuguero.
Is Tortuguero a walking city?
Yes, walking is an excellent way to get around Tortuguero National Park. The village itself is small enough that you can easily walk anywhere. There are no cars in Tortuguero, so there is no need to rent a car. The lodges are located outside the village. You can reach the village of Tortuguero if you staying at the Mawamba Lodge (it is a 10min walk) and Laguna lodge (30 mins). Most of the main accommodations for food restaurants and entertainment are within walking distance.
Is Tortuguero a dangerous city? Are there any areas I should avoid?
Tortuguero is generally very safe from crime due to its isolation. However, the main precautions relate to wildlife and the environment:
Do not swim in the canals or the ocean. The canals are home to caimans and crocodiles, and the Caribbean sea here has powerful currents and sharks, making it unsafe for swimming.
Always use a certified guide for turtle tours and jungle hikes.
The primary “area to avoid” is walking on the beach at night by yourself, which is prohibited during nesting season to protect the turtles and is also unsafe.
What are the customs for tipping in Costa Rica? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted in Tortuguero for tours and at lodges. It’s wise to have smaller US bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips and colones for small purchases in the village. A 10% service charge is automatically included in restaurant bills, but tipping your naturalist guides, boat captains, and lodge staff is customary and greatly appreciated for good service.
I do not speak Spanish. Will many people speak English in Tortuguero?
No, about 90 percent of Costa Ricans speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. You may also hear a unique Caribbean dialect of English spoken by some locals. We suggest that you get a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays of less than 90 days. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica. (Either to return to the U.S. or to go to another country). The U.S. passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica.
Are Vaccinations required to visit Costa Rica? Are there any other precautions I should take?
No, there are currently no vaccination requirements to visit Costa Rica. There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US.
Zika is a risk in Costa Rica. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For the latest updates visit the CDC page https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.
What kind of food is available in Tortuguero?
Most visitors eat at their all-inclusive jungle lodges, which typically serve buffet-style meals with a mix of international and Costa Rican dishes. In Tortuguero Village, you can find small restaurants (sodas) serving authentic Caribbean-style food, most notably rice and beans (cooked in coconut milk), fresh fish, and fried plantains (patacones).
Can I drink the water in Tortuguero?
It is generally recommended not to drink the tap water in Tortuguero due to its remote, jungle location. All lodges and hotels provide purified drinking water, usually from large dispensers, and encourage you to refill your own bottle to minimize plastic waste. Bottled water is also available for purchase.
What is the best time to visit Tortuguero?
The “best” time depends on your interest in sea turtles, as it rains year-round in this tropical rainforest.
Green Sea Turtle Nesting (Peak Season): The main event is from July to October. This is the best time to take a guided night tour to see massive green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Turtle Hatching: You can witness thousands of baby turtles emerging from the sand and making their way to the sea from September to November.
Drier Seasons: The months of September, October, February, and March typically experience less rain, but you should always be prepared for showers.
What do I do if I need medical attention in Tortuguero?
For any emergency, dial 911.
There is a small public clinic (EBAIS) in Tortuguero Village for very minor health issues.
For any serious medical condition, treatment will require an emergency boat transfer to the nearest road, followed by an ambulance to a hospital in a larger city, or a medical evacuation flight to San José. It is crucial to have travel insurance.
Top Attractions
Four Corners Island
The starting point of three trails that include El Gavilan as well as La Ceiba and La Bomba, which both lead to the Cerro Tortuguero.
Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Center
The Sea Turtle Conservancy or STC was established in 1959 specifically to study and protect Caribbean green turtles.
Tortuguero Hill
Tortuguero Hill is the only raised ground in this whole coastal area; thus, an unparalleled panoramic view of canals and also the village.
Tortuguero River
Most visitors refer to it as ‘Central America’s Amazon River’ because one can spot egrets, numerous other birds flying overhead.
Unique Experiences
Canoe tour in Tortuguero National Park
Explore parts of Tortuguero National Park where even motorboats aren’t allowed to go with this small-group canoe tour. Paddle down the park’s smallest canals with your certified guide to see its nature and wildlife without disturbing the animals.
Unique Experience : Sea Turtle nesting in Tortuguero.
A unique experience in which, if nature allows us, we will be able to observe a green turtle nesting as well as the different processes it performs, observed in a respectful way, minimizing the impact we could generate.
What to expect while traveling
