CR
Tortuguero
A remote Caribbean village among canals and rainforest, famous for nesting sea turtles
A remote Caribbean village among canals and rainforest, famous for nesting sea turtles
Guided boat and canoe trips through the park’s canals and lagoons are the best way to see wildlife, especially early in the morning.
Choose a quiet canoe or electric boat tour for the best wildlife sightings.
Photo: S. Rae, CC BY 2.0
From July to October, certified guides lead night tours to watch green turtles nesting on the long black-sand beach. Visits are only allowed with a guide, and flash photography is forbidden.
Photo: Rômulo Gama Ferreira, CC BY 2.0
Howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, sloths, caimans, basilisk lizards, toucans and herons are commonly seen from the water.
Photo: Lars0001, Public domain
Try Caribbean dishes such as rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, rondón (seafood and coconut stew) and fried plantains.
Most lodges offer full board; the village has a few small restaurants.
There is no road to Tortuguero. Most visitors take a shuttle from San José to La Pavona or another dock, then a boat (about 1 to 1.5 hours). Small planes fly to the Tortuguero airstrip. Many lodges sell packages that include transport.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, Australia and many other countries can visit Costa Rica visa-free; stays of up to 180 days are allowed for many nationalities, though the length granted is at the officer’s discretion. You may be asked for proof of onward travel. Check current rules before you travel.
Many visitors buy all-inclusive packages with transport, meals and tours. Costa Rica uses the colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted. It is one of the more expensive countries in Central America, especially for tours and park entry fees.
Canals and turtles.
Arrive by boat, explore the village and walk the beach; in season, join a night turtle tour.
Take an early morning canoe tour of the canals, then hike a short trail in the national park.
Only go to the beach at night with a certified guide; use no lights or flash.
It rains a lot here; bring a rain jacket and quick-drying clothes.
Bring strong repellent.
Bring cash; ATMs are unreliable in the village.
Quick answers for planning time in Tortuguero.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK and many other countries do not; you may be asked to show proof of onward travel.
Green turtles nest mainly from July to October; leatherbacks from about March to May.
By shuttle to a dock such as La Pavona, then by boat, or by small plane.
It is possible but rushed; most people stay at least one or two nights.
Guides are required for turtle tours and recommended for the canals and park trails.
Waze is the most popular navigation app in Costa Rica; download offline maps for rural roads.
Free
Spanish is the language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Costa Rica travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.