Tortuguero

This area is the most important nesting grounds for the Green Sea Turtle in the Western Caribbean. During the summer months (July - September), thousands of turtles come ashore along these world-famous beaches to lay their eggs. Often called, "Costa Rica's Amazon", Tortuguero is a navigable network of lakes and channels that crosses this National Park and allows a great diversity of fauna and flora to be observed close at hand. It is possible to observe Iguana basking in trees, Monkeys and Sloths in the forest canopy, and the Raphia Palm with the largest leaves of any plant.

The Parque Nacional Tortuguero and vicinity are famous for its varied ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The park borders the Caribbean coastline for 22 kilometers north to Tortuguero village. The park spans 19,000 hectares, and is the nesting beach of the Green Sea Turtle. Tortuguero is home to 11 ecological habitats, and normally receives about 16 feet of rain a year. It has more wildlife than any other park in Costa Rica. Of the country's 16 endangered mammals, 13 can be spotted within the park's boundaries. The park also boasts 300 species of birds, 57 species of amphibians, 60 mammal species, and 111 reptiles. It is possible to spot jaguars, cougars, ocelots, tapirs, manatees, and river otters. Commonly seen birds include herons, toucans, macaws, kingfisher, and jacanas. Green Sea Turtles nest on the park's beaches from June-October with the greatest number in September.  Crocodiles, caiman, basilisk lizards, and iguanas can be spotted along the canals. The sounds of birds and howler monkeys fill the air.

This park is a national treasure. In 1980 the park had less than 300 visitors. Today over 40,000 people visit the park annually. Do your part in helping preserve the park by packing out what you bring in. 

Biological Station "La Selva":

Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, owned and operated by the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS), an international consortium of universities dedicated to the study of the rain forest and tropical areas. The National Academy of Sciences of the U.S. has recognized La Selva as one of the four most ideal places in the world for Rain Forest research. Over 500 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and 2,000 species of plants have been identified in this biologically rich area.

Tortuguero Hotels

Tortuga Lodge Situated on 50 acres of private land on Costa Rica's northeast Caribbean coast. Tortuga Lodge's main reason for existence is to provide room and board for people interested in experiencing Tortuguero and Tortuguero National Park. Single $85 - $92

Samay lodge Experience the Wildlife Refuges of Barra del Colorado, Rio San Juan. All inclusive packages starting @ $375 /3 days 2 nights.

Hotel Mawamba Located on the Northeast area of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, between the Tortuguero Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. All inclusive from $72 up.

Getting There: