Tortuguero is a tranquil little village situated along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It rests on a sandbank and can only be reached by taking a boat ride through a stunning mangrove area. This national park is often referred to as the “Amazon of Costa Rica” and ranks second globally in terms of turtle populations. During the nesting season, from July to October, thousands of turtles simultaneously come to lay their eggs on the beach. Beyond this remarkable spectacle, Tortuguero offers a plethora of experiences. Cruise, paddle, or hike through the exquisite national park with its winding canals, and admire the habitats of numerous exotic creatures. Before you depart, read these tips to make the most of your visit to Tortuguero National Park.
Fun Fact: It’s not surprising that this small village is named “Tortuguero,” as “tortuga” means turtle in Spanish, and Tortuguero translates to “place of the turtles.”
Getting to Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero can only be accessed by boat. Most people travel to Tortuguero from San José or Puerto Viejo. Below, you’ll find information on how to travel from these destinations.
From Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero
Using the local bus: Board the bus from Puerto Viejo to Puerto Limon, and then take a taxi or bus to the Moin port. The boat to Tortuguero departs at 10:00 in the morning from here (double-check with your hotel in advance to confirm this time). The boat journey lasts around 3 hours, offering beautiful views along the way.
Using a minivan: The easiest way to travel from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero is by minivan. The entire journey is well-organized, and you’ll be transported from hotel to hotel.
With a rental car: If you’re driving a rental car from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero, it takes 4 to 5 hours to reach La Pavona Harbour. Park your car at La Pavona Harbour for a daily fee of around 9 dollars. From there, take the boat to Tortuguero, a 1 to 2-hour journey depending on tides.
From San José to Tortuguero
Using the local bus: In San José, head to this bus station and catch the bus to Cariari. Upon arrival, take the bus to La Pavona Harbour, where you’ll board the boat to Tortuguero. This journey takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on tides. Boat tickets might be available on the bus, but they’re more expensive than purchasing them directly at the port.
Using a minivan: The easiest way to travel from San José to Tortuguero is by minivan. The journey takes about 4 hours, including the included boat ride. Check out all departure times and reserve your ticket in advance.
With a rental car: If you’re driving a rental car from San José, it takes around 3 hours to reach La Pavona Harbour, where you can park your car. La Pavona Harbour offers secure parking for around 9 dollars per day. From there, take the boat to Tortuguero, a 1 to 2-hour journey depending on tides.
Flora and Fauna in Tortuguero National Park
Since 1975, Tortuguero National Park has been a protected national park and serves as a habitat for thousands of species of flora and fauna. The park consists of rainforests, mangroves, canals, and beaches, hosting numerous plant species, including some endemics. The park is home to more than 300 bird species and over 150 mammal species, including the elusive jaguar. Unfortunately (or fortunately), jaguars are rarely spotted. Additionally, the park houses tapirs, anteaters, coatis, sloths, and three different types of monkeys. There are around 50 amphibian species and over 30 reptile species, including snakes, frogs, lizards, and, of course, the turtles that Tortuguero is famous for. Tortuguero National Park is one of the world’s crucial nesting sites for green sea turtles.
Things to Do in Tortuguero
There are several activities and tours you definitely shouldn’t miss. To enter Tortuguero National Park, you’ll need an admission ticket for the park. This ticket is valid for a whole day and allows you to engage in multiple activities within the national park on that day.
Witness Turtles Nesting on the Beach
The primary reason Tortuguero is a popular destination is due to its role as a nesting site for the endangered green sea turtle. The nesting season runs from July to October, during which hundreds of turtles come ashore to dig nests in the sand and lay their eggs. From September to early December, the eggs hatch, and the adorable baby turtles make their way from the beach into the world!
If you’re in Tortuguero National Park during these months, be sure to book the turtle tour in advance. This tour allows you to visit the beach at night or early morning to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon. It’s absolutely prohibited to take photos or use your phone and other electronics on the beach. Even the slightest light from a screen can disturb the turtles. Respect and protect the turtles by observing them quietly and creating a mental picture.
Tip: Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy museum in the village if you want to learn more about turtles.
Take a Canoe Trip through Tortuguero National Park
Exploring Tortuguero National Park through its waterways is a fantastic experience. While the motorboats that take you from the mainland to Tortuguero can provide tours, it’s not recommended due to the environmental impact and noise that can scare away the animals. The best way to experience the park is by booking a guided canoe tour. In a canoe with about 8 people, you’ll have a guide who paddles for you. You can relax, take photos, enjoy the journey, or occasionally help paddle.
Embark on a three-hour canoe tour through the canals of Tortuguero at 6 AM. Despite the presence of many boats on the water by then, the experience is beautiful and calming. My guide knew exactly where to find the best spots, spotting animals from a distance. He also shared interesting facts about the wildlife. The area has many caimans and a variety of unique birds, as well as monkeys, iguanas, and even manatees.
Kayaking Through Tortuguero National Park
If you’d like to explore the waterways of Tortuguero National Park in a more active way, you can opt for the kayak tour and admire the national park from that perspective. You can also rent a kayak in the village itself. While this gives you more freedom to paddle where you want, the downside is that you might spot fewer animals.
Hike the Jaguar Trail
If you’ve already obtained a ticket for the canoe or kayak tour in Tortuguero National Park, you can also use it for the rest of the day. It’s enjoyable to take a walk through the park from the main street via the ranger station. You can follow the “Jaguar” trail, which runs parallel to the beach. It’s only a few miles long, so take your time and search for snakes, frogs, monkeys, and other animals.
Tip: Jaguars inhabit this area, hence the trail’s name. However, you’ll need to be “lucky” to encounter one as they’re rarely seen. For sure, check the entrance sign to know what to do if you actually come across one.
Night Jungle Tour in Tortuguero
If you enjoy spotting different types of animals, going on a night tour is a great idea. When it’s dark, creatures like opossums, snakes, and frogs become active, offering a unique way to experience wildlife compared to daytime. Spotting animals in the dark can be challenging, but guides are specialized in this. It’s also fun to join the search with your flashlight – like a treasure hunt. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the famous red-eyed tree frog. I went on this night tour and highly recommend it.
Tip: Contrary to the name, the tour starts in the early evening. It begins at 6:00 PM and lasts until 8:00 PM. So, it’s manageable even if you have to get up early the next morning for a canoe tour, for example.
Beach Stroll on Playa Tortuguero
The beach in Tortuguero isn’t as idyllic as many other beaches in Costa Rica, and swimming in the sea is strongly discouraged due to strong currents and the presence of sharks. Playa Tortuguero, however, is a nice spot to take a stroll, relax on the beach, or go for a morning walk. Keep in mind that you’re not allowed on the beach in the evening, as you might disturb the turtles.
Explore the Village
The village of Tortuguero is nestled between the beach and the waters of the National Park. As it’s accessible only by boat, there are no cars, making it a wonderfully peaceful village. The main street is just one kilometer (0.62 mile) long and offers many restaurants and shops. It’s great to leisurely stroll through. Around the middle of this street, you can sit down at El Patio or Budda Cafe from 12:00 onwards for a bite and a drink by the water. These are delightful spots!
Tip: There’s no ATM in Tortuguero, so carry enough cash. If you still need cash, you can try withdrawing money at one of the counters in restaurants: Budda Café, Pollo Khe Rico, or Souvenir Paraiso Tropical. However, this is often more expensive than using an ATM.
Ascend Cerro Tortuguero
Want to see Tortuguero from a different perspective? It’s said to be enjoyable to hike Cerro Tortuguero. I couldn’t do this due to time constraints, but I’ve heard from others that it’s a lovely hike. Cerro Tortuguero is an old extinct volcano, and at the top, around 100 meters (328 feet) high, you’ll find a viewpoint offering a panorama of Tortuguero’s jungle and its winding canals. This trip takes about 2.5 hours, and you can book it as a guided tour in the village or explore it on your own.
Tip: Going on your own? Ask at the general harbor about the departure time of the boat (Periferica) to Cerro. Don’t fall for a water taxi, as that’s more expensive. Also, inquire about the last boat’s departure time to avoid missing it.
Best Restaurants in Tortuguero
El Patio – For delicious local food in a beautiful waterfront location (see the photo below).
Budda Café – This is my favorite restaurant with something for everyone, including a separate vegan menu. It’s delightful to spend time on the terrace by the water.
Mi Niño – Enjoy tasty local cuisine at Mi Niño without breaking the bank. The cocktails are great here too!
Taylor’s Place – A charming restaurant perfect for a romantic dinner.
Our Favorite Places to Stay near Tortuguero National Park
The hotel options in Tortuguero are quite limited, so it’s recommended to book your accommodation as early as possible. Traveling on a tight budget in Costa Rica? Then Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero is a gem. This budget-friendly hotel is located by the beach and within walking distance of the center of Tortuguero. There’s a lovely swimming pool, and the staff is incredibly helpful. Some rooms have air conditioning while others don’t. Budda Home is a comfortable mid-range hotel. As you’ve already read, this is my favorite restaurant, and it’s also a great place to stay. The rooms are nicely decorated and equipped with amenities like a fridge, air conditioning, and a comfy bed. The location is fantastic too, right in the heart of the Tortuguero village. Mawamba Lodge is a fantastic choice if you want to stay in a unique lodge surrounded by nature. You’ll have a beautiful room with a veranda and a hammock, along with a delightful swimming pool and beautifully landscaped garden.
  Hotel El Icaco Tortuguero |
  Budda Home |
  Mawamba Lodge |
