Places to Visit & Things To Do

Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park is a protected area located in the northeastern part of Costa Rica, and it's considered one of the country's most important national parks. The park covers an area of about 77,000 acres and is situated on the Caribbean coast, which means it receives an abundance of rainfall throughout the year, making it a prime location for a rainforest.

The Tortuguero Rainforest is known for its incredible biodiversity, with thousands of plant and animal species, including jaguars, monkeys, sloths, toucans, and countless others. The area is also home to many endangered species, such as green sea turtles, which come to nest on the park's beaches between the months of July and October.

The park is also home to several rivers and canals, which provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the rainforest by boat or kayak. This unique perspective allows for a close-up look at the park's diverse flora and fauna, including the many species of birds that call the area home.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Tortuguero Rainforest is also an important site for scientific research, and several research stations are located within the park to study the area's ecology and biology.

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Tortuguero

Things to do

01.
Sea turtle watching

Between July and October, Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites for green sea turtles in the world. Visitors can take guided night tours to witness these magnificent creatures laying their eggs on the beach.

02.
Boat tours

One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking a guided boat tour along the rivers and canals. This allows visitors to observe the park's wildlife up close, including monkeys, caimans, and many bird species.

03.
Hiking

There are several hiking trails within the park that take visitors through the rainforest and along the beach. These trails offer great opportunities to observe the area's flora and fauna and to take in stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

04.
Kayaking

Visitors can rent kayaks or take guided tours to explore the park's waterways. This is an excellent way to get a closer look at the wildlife and to experience the rainforest from a different perspective.

05.
Visit the Turtle Museum

Located in the town of Tortuguero, the museum provides information about the sea turtles that nest in the area, as well as other wildlife found in the park.

06.
Enjoy the beaches

The area's beaches are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica, with miles of pristine sand and clear waters. Visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery.

07.
Learn about local culture

Tortuguero is home to several indigenous communities, and visitors can learn about their way of life, traditions, and customs by visiting local villages and participating in cultural activities.

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Lush green rainforest with a distant volcano under a colorful sky