Nestled against Parque Nacional Tortuguero, the village of Tortuguero is a hidden gem at the edge of the world, accessible only by water or air. If you dream of witnessing sea turtles in their element, this is the perfect base in Costa Rica. Kayaking expeditions through the region's luxuriant canals will enchant adventure enthusiasts.

History

Tortuguero was once a refuge for the Zambo-Miskito and escaped slaves. Daily life revolved around agriculture, cacao plantations, and turtle hunting. Jamaican immigrants arrived later to work on railroad construction, in logging camps, and on fruit plantations. Once sailors learned of the seasonal migrations of sea turtles in the region, trade in meat, oil, and shells bound for Europe exploded. This activity flourished throughout the nineteenth century.

Local economy shifted dramatically in the early 1970s. The closure of logging operations forced residents back to traditional livelihoods—agriculture, fishing, and hunting. Shortly after, the opening of the canals revitalized the region and its tourism sector. With the inauguration of Tortuguero National Park, visitors began arriving in greater numbers.

Discovering Tortuguero

Tortuguero transports you to rural Costa Rica. Tucked between beaches and rainforest, the small village retains its picturesque charm, far removed from the artifice of larger cities. Residents maintain a simple way of life: there are no cars here, only travel on foot or by bicycle. Tortuguero inspires a return to essentials, immersed in nature.

Seek Out Turtles at Tortuguero Park

The undisputed highlight here is Parque Nacional Tortuguero. Discover the protected beaches where turtles lay their eggs. With a local guide, embark on a nighttime tour to witness these creatures in action. Don't miss the Sea Turtle Museum either, where you can deepen your understanding of these fascinating beings through biology courses and volunteer programs.

Enjoy a Kayaking Excursion

For the finest kayaking experience in Tortuguero, set out at dawn. Canals meander through the tropical forest, offering views of diverse wildlife: crocodiles, kingfishers, cormorants, monkeys, and more. Along the way, guides share their knowledge of local biodiversity and tips for spotting animals.

Conquer Cerro Tortuguero

Cerro Tortuguero is an extinct volcano. Prepare yourself for an invigorating trek through the forest to reach the base of the hill. From there, climb the stairs leading to an exceptional viewpoint overlooking the peninsula, its lush jungle, and winding canals. This area harbors fascinating wildlife for nature lovers—you'll find birds, monkeys, iguanas, and sloths among other creatures.

Unwind on Tortuguero's Beaches

Tortuguero's beaches aren't suitable for swimming due to strong currents and sharks. Visitors come here to stroll and explore. Wade barefoot through fine sand, admiring the interplay of light beige and brown hues mingling with glinting pebbles. The Caribbean Sea offers a gentle, shallow entry with a sandy and pebbly bottom. Breathe in the fresh sea air and savor the spectacle of nature.

There are only two ways to reach Tortuguero: by boat or by plane. From San José, the first step is reaching the village of La Pavona by bus or private transport—a journey of approximately 4 hours. From La Pavona, board a boat heading to Tortuguero. The crossing takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on river levels. If you prefer flying, regular flights depart to Tortuguero airstrip from San José's Juan Santamaria airport.

When to Visit?

The Caribbean coast's climate is unpredictable. Regardless of season, you may experience both sunshine and rain within a single day. The best period for observing sea turtles runs from July through August.

In Tortuguero, apart from walking, the traditional means of transport is the bicycle, creating a peaceful and environmentally conscious atmosphere.

What to Do in Tortuguero?

• Discover the Afro-Caribbean culture of Tortuguero village
• Observe sea turtles on the beaches of Parque Nacional Tortuguero
• Visit the Sea Turtle Museum
• Kayak or canoe along the canals
• Hike to Cerro Tortuguero, and much more