Why Visit Tortuguero, Costa Rica?

✔ Unique Wildlife – Monkeys, sloths, toucans, caimans, jaguars (rare), and turtles.
✔ Canoe & Kayak Tours – Explore the canals surrounded by jungle.
✔ Sea Turtle Nesting (Jul-Oct) – See endangered turtles laying eggs on the beach.
✔ Birdwatching – Over 400 species, including herons and macaws.
✔ No Roads, Only Waterways – An off-the-beaten-path, peaceful destination.

How to Get to Tortuguero

Tortuguero has no roads leading to it. Your two main options are:

1. Boat Route (Most Common & Budget-Friendly)

From San José:

• Bus to Cariari (~2 hrs, £4) – Take a bus from Terminal Gran Caribe in San José.

• Bus to La Pavona (~1.5 hrs, £3) – Transfer in Cariari.

• Boat to Tortuguero (~1.5 hrs, £3-5) – Boats leave around 7 AM, 11 AM, and 2 PM.
  💡 Pro Tip: The boat ride is beautiful, with chances to see crocodiles and birds along the way!

From Puerto Viejo/Limón:

• Take a bus to Guápiles, then follow the La Pavona route above.

2. Fly from San José (Fastest & Expensive)

• Sansa Airlines operates 30-min flights (£100-150 one-way) from San José to Tortuguero.

• The airport is right next to the village, and some lodges offer airport transfers.

Where to Stay in Tortuguero

Whether you're on a budget or looking for luxury, Tortuguero has great accommodation options.

Budget Stays (£10-30 per night)

• 🌿 Aracari Garden Hostel – Best backpacker choice, clean rooms, great location (£15 dorms, £30 private).

• 🌿 Casa Marbella – Riverfront views, free coffee, and great canoe tours (£30 private rooms).

• 🌿 Tortuguero Hostel & Backpackers – Social atmosphere, hammock area (£12 dorms, £25 private).

Mid-Range & Luxury Lodges (£80-300 per night, all-inclusive options)

• 🌴 Mawamba Lodge – Amazing river & ocean views, great food, on-site wildlife trails (~£150-250, meals included).

• 🌴 Aninga Lodge – Cozy bungalows, pool, great for couples (~£150-200).

• 🌴 Tortuga Lodge & Gardens – One of the best luxury options in the area, stunning location, high-end service (~£250-300).

Pro Tip: Many lodges include meals & tours, making them a great all-inclusive option.

Where to Eat in Tortuguero

Budget Eats (£5-10 per meal)

• 🥘 Soda Doña Maria – Best for local food (casado, rice & beans, £5-7).

• 🌮 Miss Junie’s – Afro-Caribbean cuisine, delicious coconut rice, and fresh fish (£7-12).

• ☕ Tutti’s Pizza & Coffee – Great pizza and smoothies, chill vibe (£6-10).

Higher-End Dining (£15-30 per meal)

• 🐟 Wild Ginger – Best gourmet spot, fresh seafood, unique fusion dishes (£20-30).

• 🥗 Budda Café – Scenic riverside location, fresh salads, and cocktails (£15-25).

• 🍛 Mi Niño – Great spot for lobster & seafood platters (£20-30).

Pro Tip: Many lodges provide full-board dining, so check before booking.

How Long to Stay in Tortuguero?

Recommended Stay: 2-3 Days

• 2 Days → Best for highlights (canoe tour + turtle nesting tour in season).

• 3 Days → Adds extra time for hikes, boat rides, and relaxing.

Pro Tip: If visiting during turtle nesting season (Jul-Oct), stay at least 2 nights to guarantee a sighting.

Top Activities & Tours in Tortuguero

1. Turtle Nesting Tour (Seasonal, Jul-Oct) – £35

• When: Best during turtle nesting season (July to October), especially at night (9-11 PM).

• Experience: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness endangered sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach. You’ll join a certified guide on a night tour to protected nesting sites.

• Turtle Species: You’ll likely encounter Green Turtles, Leatherbacks, and Hawksbills, all of which are critically endangered. The nesting process is magical, with turtles carefully digging their nests and laying eggs in the moonlight.

• Important: It's essential to book this tour with licensed guides to avoid disturbing the turtles and to comply with environmental regulations.

2. Sunrise Canoe Tour – £25-35

• When: Early morning, typically at 5:30 AM, when wildlife is most active.

• Experience: Glide silently through the Tortuguero canals in a canoe or kayak, surrounded by lush rainforest. This is a perfect opportunity for birdwatching, as well as spotting monkeys, sloths, caimans, and toucans.

• Wildlife: Expect to see a variety of animals such as howler monkeys, toucan pairs calling to each other from the canopy, and sloths hanging lazily. The peaceful, early-morning atmosphere makes this experience one of the highlights of Tortuguero.

• Pro Tip: Bring waterproof gear and a camera with a zoom lens to capture the wildlife without disturbing them.

3. Boat Tour Through Tortuguero National Park – £25-40

• When: Typically scheduled for mid-morning or afternoon.

• Experience: A guided boat ride through the dense rainforest waterways of Tortuguero National Park. As you glide through the canals, you'll pass through serene, unspoiled forest areas, spotting a variety of wildlife.

• Wildlife: Look for exotic birds like herons, kingfishers, macaws, and egrets; river turtles basking on logs, and howler monkeys in the treetops. Keep your eyes peeled for caimans and capybaras as they often cruise the canals.

• Pro Tip: If you're particularly interested in birdwatching, make sure to ask your guide to focus on the birdlife and bring a pair of binoculars.

4. Tortuguero National Park Hike – $15-20 Entry

• When: Best done during the day when wildlife is active and you can spot plants and animals in the open.

• Experience: A self-guided or guided hike through the primary rainforest in Tortuguero National Park. The hike is usually 2-3 hours and offers an opportunity to explore the lush greenery of the area.

• Wildlife: The trails are great for seeing poison dart frogs, a variety of insects, and small mammals like coatis and agoutis. The walk is relatively easy, but be prepared for muddy trails and the possibility of encountering snakes (don’t worry, they tend to avoid humans!).

• Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring insect repellent. Make sure to carry enough water and snacks for the hike.

5. Walk Through Tortuguero Village – Free

• When: Anytime, though morning is the best time to experience the local vibe.

• Experience: Take a self-guided walk through the small but vibrant Tortuguero village. The village is nestled between the lush rainforest and the Caribbean coastline, with colorful houses and local shops.

• What to do: Stop at the local markets to buy handmade crafts, explore the village’s small eateries, and interact with locals. There’s also a small turtle museum to learn about the conservation efforts in the region.

• Pro Tip: If you're interested in handmade goods, look for woven baskets or wooden carvings, which make great souvenirs.

6. Cerro Tortuguero Hike – $20 (Optional Guide)

• When: Early mornings are best for avoiding the heat and crowds.

• Experience: A moderate hike to Cerro Tortuguero, the highest viewpoint in the area, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the Caribbean coastline. The 30-minute uphill climb is a bit strenuous, but the reward is worth it.

• Wildlife: On the way up, you may encounter birds, insects, and monkeys in the forest. The views at the summit are spectacular, with vistas stretching to the coast and over the dense forest canopy.

• Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks, as there are few places to stop along the way.

Budget Breakdown (Daily Cost Estimates)

• Accommodation: £10-50 (budget) to £150-300 (luxury)

• Meals: £5-30 per day

• Activities: £25-40 per tour

• Total: £50-150 per day (budget) or £150-400 per day (luxury)

Tortuguero is a magical destination for nature lovers, offering pristine wildlife, stunning landscapes, and an off-the-grid experience. Whether you're there to see sea turtles, explore the canals, or simply relax in the jungle, this Caribbean gem is sure to leave a lasting impression.