Tortuguero National Park

Parque Nacional Tortuguero

A network of jungle canals and beaches accessible only by boat or plane, often called the Amazon of Costa Rica. It is world-famous for nesting green sea turtles and abundant wildlife including monkeys, caimans and countless birds.

Things to do

• Guided Canal Boat Tour — Glide silently through the jungle canals at dawn to spot caimans, monkeys, sloths and herons in the Amazon-like waterways.
• Green Turtle Nesting Tour — Join a licensed guide at night between July and October to witness green sea turtles laying eggs on the protected beaches.
• Climb Cerro Tortuguero — Hike the short but steep trail up this 119-meter hill for panoramic views over the canals, forest and Caribbean coastline.
• Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum — Learn about turtle biology and decades of conservation research at this visitor center in Tortuguero village.
• Kayak or Canoe the Smaller Creeks — Paddle quietly into narrow tributaries like Caño Chiquero and Caño Mora for close wildlife encounters away from motorboats.
• Walk the Tortuguero Village — Stroll the car-free sandy paths of the colorful Afro-Caribbean village lined with souvenir stands and local sodas.
• Beachfront Wildlife Walking Trail — Take the Gavilán or El Jaguar land trail through primary rainforest to see poison dart frogs, spiders and dense vegetation.

Food to try

• Rice and Beans (Caribbean style) — The signature Limón dish of rice and red beans cooked in coconut milk, often served with stewed chicken.
• Rondón — A hearty Afro-Caribbean seafood and root vegetable stew simmered slowly in coconut milk with fish or snapper.
• Pati — A spicy Caribbean turnover filled with seasoned ground meat, a popular grab-and-go snack in the village.
• Casado — A filling plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and a choice of protein found in nearly every local soda.
• Fresh Coconut Water (Pipa) — Chilled coconuts sold along the village paths offer refreshing relief from the tropical heat.
• Agua de Sapo — A traditional Caribbean ginger and tapa dulce drink with lime, sold cold by local vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Access only by boat or plane — There are no roads to Tortuguero, so arrange transport via boat from La Pavona or Moín, or a small plane to the airstrip.
• Hire a licensed local guide — Night turtle tours legally require certified guides, and hiring locals supports the community-based conservation economy.
• Respect turtle nesting rules — No flashlights, flash photography or touching turtles is allowed on the beach at night to protect the nesting process.
• Afro-Caribbean heritage — Many residents descend from Jamaican and West Indian settlers, so English-based Creole and Caribbean culture are part of local life.

Nearby

• La Selva Biological Station (Heredia) — 56 km
• Sarapiquí (Heredia) — 57 km
• Braulio Carrillo National Park (Heredia) — 64 km
• Turrialba Volcano (Cartago) — 64 km