Tortuguero is a place that transports you to another world. Known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” its winding canals, lush rainforest, and spectacular wildlife create an unparalleled nature experience. Whether you’re chasing the trail of a jaguar, watching a sea turtle nest, or listening to howler monkeys, Tortuguero never disappoints.

Discover an unique world accessible only by water. Glide through mystical canals, witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles, and fall in love with the untamed pulse of the jungle at every turn.

Orientation

Tortuguero is a remote wilderness on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, with no roads leading in or out. Access is solely by boat or small aircraft. The entire area is a network of rivers and canals, with the small, car-free Tortuguero Village as its only town. Most visitors stay at eco-lodges spread along the main canals, using them as a base to explore the national park by boat with certified guides.

Nature & Wildlife

Visit Tortuguero, one of the world’s most important sites for sea turtle conservation, and witness Green Sea Turtles nesting on its shores (peak season is July to October).

Then, take a boat tour through the park’s canals to spot Spider, Howler, and Capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, river otters, and caimans. Birdwatching is spectacular, with Toucans, Herons, and Kingfishers abundant. For the truly lucky, a jaguar—the turtles’ main predator—may even be spotted.

Gastronomy

Tortuguero offers a taste of the Caribbean. Start your day with gallo pinto infused with coconut milk, a regional specialty. Most lodges serve buffet-style meals with a mix of international and local dishes.

In Tortuguero Village, explore the local sodas (small restaurants) to try classic Caribbean rice and beans (cooked with coconut and spices), fresh river fish, and patacones (fried plantains). The cuisine is flavorful, fresh, and deeply connected to the region’s Afro-Caribbean roots.

Nightlife

Tortuguero’s nightlife is dictated by nature’s clock. The headline act is the guided turtle nesting tour. After dark, join a certified guide on the beach to witness the moving spectacle of female turtles laying their eggs. This is a highly regulated and unforgettable experience.

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Beyond the turtle tours, nightlife is about listening to the symphony of the jungle from your lodge—a chorus of frogs, insects, and nocturnal animals. The village has a couple of small, quiet bars for a local beer, but the real magic happens in the wild after sunset.

Beaches Nearby

The main beach is the long, wild, dark-sand strip that forms the border of the national park. It’s a place of rugged, untamed beauty perfect for walking and contemplation during the day. It is crucial to know that this beach is not for swimming. The surf is extremely rough, riptides are powerful, and the waters are home to a healthy population of bull sharks. The beach’s purpose is conservation, serving as the critical nesting ground for several species of sea turtles.

Other Highlights

Enjoy a serene kayak or canoe tour through the smaller, more intimate canals where larger motorboats can’t go. Hike to the top of Cerro Tortuguero for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire canal system and the Caribbean Sea. Don’t forget to spend an afternoon exploring the colorful, car-free paths of Tortuguero Village and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s small but informative museum.

Additional days in Tortuguero

Should you be able to spend additional days in Tortuguero, be sure to book a private boat tour early in the morning. Being the first on the water at sunrise dramatically increases your chances of spotting rarer wildlife and experiencing the jungle as it awakens. 

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You can ask your guide to focus on specific interests, such as birdwatching, herpetology, or photography. For a different perspective, consider exploring the canals that are outside the main national park boundaries. These areas are less trafficked and can offer unique wildlife encounters and a sense of true exploration.

If you are an avid angler, Tortuguero is a world-class destination for tarpon and snook fishing (catch and release is strictly enforced). Local guides can take you to the best spots in the river mouths and coastal waters.

Due to its remote location, day trips from Tortuguero are not feasible. Instead, travelers often combine their visit with other destinations. A popular route is to travel via river and road to the La Fortuna area to see the Arenal Volcano, or to head south down the coast to the beautiful beaches and vibrant culture of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. These connecting travel days are adventures in themselves, passing through diverse landscapes and rural communities.

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