Situated northwest of San José, Tortuguero is a large area of untouched rainforest and a wetland of extraordinary biodiversity – recognised by the Ramsar Convention.
The rivers within the park are home to seven species of river turtle, spectacled caiman, southern river otter, and the endangered West Indian manatee. The rainforest, with more than 400 species of trees and roughly another 2,200 plant species, offers refuge to jaguar, three-toed sloth, and three of Costa Rica’s four species of monkey: Geoffroy’s spider monkey, mantled howler, and white-headed capuchin.
Something approaching 400 different species of birds have been recorded here, with many kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks and parrots. Other inhabitants include basilisk lizards, poisonous frogs and enormous fish-catching bulldog bats.
The beaches are a key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles and the highlight of any stay is a beach walk after dark to watch green and hawksbill turtles coming ashore to nest between July and September (peaking in August), or leatherbacks between February and April – although individual stragglers may be seen at almost any time of year, day and night. Nesting activity peaks at the height of the rainy season, but in this humid, tropical area showers are frequent all year round.
The only way to reach Tortuguero is to fly by light aircraft from San José, or drive down to the flat coastal strip, with its monoculture landscape of dense banana plantations, and take a boat into the national park. Once there, activities centre around boat trips on the creeks and lagoons behind the beaches, walks and birdwatching.
An exceptional trip to discover Costa Rica’s abundant birds and wildlife amid its forests, lagoons and beaches. Highlights include the canals of Tortuguero, Arenal’s volcanic landscapes and howler monkeys, spectacular birdwatching in Monteverde’s cloud forests and the idyllic beaches of Manuel Antonio.
Find out more about Natural Highlights
This family trip has plenty of interesting activities to introduce you to tropical wildlife, yet there is also ample time to relax (all hotels have a pool) if you wish. The distances are not great, so you won’t waste time travelling, but have maximum opportunity to enjoy Costa Rica to the full.
Find out more about Costa Rica Family Adventure
The verdant country of Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast - this small nation is bursting with fascinating flora and fauna. Our extensive 12-day group trip visits some of the finest wildlife locations within Costa Rica to encounter some of its more exotic species.
Find out more about Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonders
Destination: Costa Rica
Price
(inc. flights): 12 days
from £4,995
Trip type:
Group Tour
Tailor-made can be arranged
When to go:
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Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
Situated in the northeastern corner of Tortuguero, this pleasant lodge lies just a five minute boat trip from the main entrance to Tortuguero National Park. Surrounded by towering trees and exuberant tropical vegetation, it offers an ideal location from which to explore this unique area.
Find Out More about Evergreen Lodge
This rainforest ecolodge occupies an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land that lies between the Caribbean Sea and the main Tortuguero Lagoon. There is direct access to the sandy beach where, from mid-July until October, green sea turtles (amongst others) come ashore to deposit their eggs
Find Out More about Laguna Lodge
Built on a sand bar between Tortuguero's canals and the Caribbean Ocean, Mawamba nestles in lush forest, its beautiful gardens and rustic rooms blending in with the exuberant vegetation, exotic birds and wildlife. Your stay here will include morning and afternoon boat trips with a keen-eyed naturalist guide.
Find Out More about Mawamba Lodge
Pachira Lodge is just five minutes from the main gate of Tortuguero National Park and offers guests some of the most scenic waterways with unique flora and fauna in the world. A highlight between July and September are green sea turtles coming up onto the beaches to lay their eggs.
Find Out More about Pachira Lodge
