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Tortuguero National Park

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Highlights of Tortuguero National Park

WHERE TO GO IN COSTA RICA

Tortuguero National Park, located on Costa Rica's northeastern Caribbean coast, is often referred to as the "Amazon of Costa Rica." This lush, tropical paradise is renowned for its extensive network of canals, rivers, lagoons, and wetlands, offering a unique opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity and natural beauty.

How to Get to Tortuguero National Park

Access to Tortuguero National Park is primarily by boat or small aircraft. Most visitors take a scenic boat ride through the canals from La Pavona or Moin, enjoying the rich wildlife along the way. Alternatively, there are daily flights from San José to Tortuguero, which provide stunning aerial views of the region.

How to Visit Tortuguero National Park

Visiting Tortuguero National Park typically involves guided tours, which we’re able to organise for you. These tours often include boat trips through the park's canals, guided nature walks, and turtle watching during nesting season.

Tortuguero National Park Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Tortuguero National Park is required for all visitors and helps support the conservation efforts in the area. As of the latest information, the entrance fee is $15 for international visitors and $2 for Costa Rican residents. This fee grants access to the park's trails and waterways, ensuring a memorable and eco-friendly experience.

Best Time to Visit Tortuguero National Park

The best time to visit Tortuguero National Park is during the dry season, from February to April, and from August to October, coinciding with the turtle nesting season. This period offers the best weather conditions for wildlife viewing and exploring the park's waterways.

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WHERE TO GO IN COSTA RICA

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Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is a small biological reserve set on a peninsula atop an enchanting expanse of tropical rainforest, with spectacular views out to far-reaching white-sand beaches of the Central Pacific Coast.

Just a three-hour journey from the capital, San Jose, and one of only two spots in the country where you can see all four monkey species, it is also a great place for sloth-spotting. The smallest of Costa Rica’s nature reserves but by no means the least rewarding, Manuel Antonio offers visitors a tantalising and unusual mix of incredible beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, varied wildlife, and one of the best spots for relaxation in natural splendour.

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Osa Peninsula

Described by National Geographic Magazine as ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth,’ the Osa Peninsula is a unique and remote area in the southwest of Costa Rica. Home to the Corcovado National Park, this region is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience away from more popular tourist areas. The Osa Peninsula boasts vast biodiversity and is a natural wonderland with much of its parkland protected since 1975. It is even possible, though elusive, to sight pumas and jaguars.

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Arenal Volcano

When the skies are clear, the magnificent Arenal Volcano provides one of Central America’s most exhilarating natural sights – a combination of blinding light and rumbling that erupts in a spectacular show for onlookers. Though Arenal has been in a resting period since 2010, it remains a stunning sight. Beyond Arenal’s lava fields, the surrounding rainforest national park is a lush, prime spot for walking and hiking.


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Monteverde Reserve Excursion

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Forming part of the central highlands, an expanse of undulating countryside that spreads as far east as Volcan Arenal to the lowlands of Guanacaste in the west, the luscious and fertile hill country of this region makes it one of Costa Rica’s most enticing for walking, hiking and exploring its natural world highlights. The corridor of settlements that comprises Monteverde and Santa Elena is surrounded by a swathe of famous cloud forests, which generally sit at an altitude of around 1500 metres above sea level and protect a variety of flora and fauna within the spectacular two reserves of the region.

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WHERE TO STAY

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Tortuga Lodge

A haven of tranquility, situated one mile from the mouth of the Tortuguero River.

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Tortuguero National Park climate guide

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
temperature AVG. TEMP24°C24°C25°C26°C26°C26°C25°C26°C26°C25°C25°C24°C
rainfall RAINFALL187mm118mm111mm128mm334mm388mm437mm366mm312mm356mm447mm317mm

Wildlife & Marine Exploration

Tortuguero's vast waterways and dense forests are teeming with wildlife. Guided boat tours through the canals offer sightings of manatees, caimans, crocodiles, and many bird species. The park's beaches are prime nesting grounds for green sea turtles, with the best viewing times between July and October.

Here’s a summary of some of the wildlife you could see on your adventure to Tortugero National Park.

Mammals

  • Jaguars: Though elusive, jaguars roam the park, often preying on sea turtles.
  • Manatees: These gentle giants are found in the park's canals and lagoons.
  • Monkeys: Four species of monkeys inhabit the park: howler, spider, white-faced capuchin, and the endangered Geoffroy’s spider monkey.

Birds

  • Bird Species: Over 400 bird species, including toucans, herons, macaws, and the endangered great green macaw, can be found here.
  • Seasonal Migrants: Many migratory birds make Tortuguero their temporary home during certain times of the year.

Reptiles and Amphibians

  • Sea Turtles: The park is famous for its sea turtles, including green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles. The nesting season, from July to October, is a huge reason for visiting.
  • Caimans and Crocodiles: These reptiles are commonly seen in the park's waterways.
  • Frogs and Lizards: Numerous species of frogs, including the poison dart frog, and various lizards inhabit the rainforest.

Aquatic Life

  • Fish: The park's rivers and canals are home to a variety of fish species, crucial for maintaining the aquatic ecosystem.
  • Sharks: Bull sharks have been known to enter the freshwater canals, adding to the park's diverse aquatic life.

Activities in Tortuguero National Park

Boat Tours

Explore the park's extensive canal system on guided boat tours, offering close encounters with wildlife.

Hiking

Enjoy guided nature walks through the rainforest, spotting diverse flora and fauna.

Turtle Watching

Witness the magical experience of sea turtles nesting and hatching on the park's beaches.

Birdwatching

The park is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 400 species, including toucans, macaws, and herons.

Visiting Tortuguero National Park offers an unparalleled experience of Costa Rica's natural beauty and biodiversity. Get in touch with one of the team if you’d like to include Tortuguero National Park as part of your safari in Costa Rica.

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Tortuguero National Park Facts

Tortuguero National Park Facts

  • Biodiversity: The park is home to 11 distinct habitats, including rainforest, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches, and lagoons.
  • Wildlife: Tortuguero is famous for its sea turtles, including green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles. It's also a haven for jaguars, manatees, caimans, and over 400 species of birds.
  • Size: The park covers approximately 77,000 acres (31,000 hectares).
  • Conservation: Established in 1975, the park plays a crucial role in protecting the nesting sites of endangered sea turtles.
  • Climate: Tortuguero has a humid, tropical climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year, contributing to its rich biodiversity.

Contact a Costa Rica Specialist Today

Visiting Tortuguero National Park offers an unparalleled experience of Costa Rica's natural beauty and biodiversity. Get in touch with one of the team if you’d like to include Tortuguero National Park as part of your safari in Costa Rica.