Hotels in Tortuguero Costa Rica

Stay in Tortuguero: The Land of Turtles

Nestled amidst the vibrant Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park offers a remote haven for nature lovers. While accessible only by plane or boat, your journey will be rewarded with excellent accommodations and an unparalleled wildlife experience. At Tortuguero, you will immerse yourself in biodiversity as you cruise through the navigable rainforest canals by boat. From July to September, witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of green sea turtles nesting on the pristine tropical beaches. You will also have time to discover the local village’s laid-back atmosphere. Stroll along the sandy streets lined with vibrant Caribbean-style houses, browse local shops with handcrafted souvenirs, and savor fresh seafood and local dishes in welcoming restaurants. The friendly locals are always happy to share their warm hospitality and unique culture. So pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted by this magical “Little Amazon” of Costa Rica. See our Tortuguero and Tropical Rainforests tour.

Best Things to Do in Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park

Explore Tortuguero National Park with diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife! Boat tours offer unique perspectives on the rainforest, showcasing turtles, caimans, monkeys, tropical birds, and more. Witness the magic of nesting turtles on Tortuguero Beach with guided night tours during the season (July-September). Evergreen Lodge is an ideal hotel in Tortuguero, accessing the park, natural canals, and local highlight attractions.

El Gavilan Trail through Tortuguero National Park

Immerse yourself in Tortuguero National Park’s diverse ecosystem on the Gavilan Trail! This 2 km hiking path leads you through lush rainforests and offers stunning views of the region. Start your adventure at Cuatro Esquinas Center and discover the wonders of Tortuguero! Choose Pachira Lodge, conveniently located amongst other Tortuguero hotels, for convenience and effortless exploration.

Cerro Tortuguero Hike

Hike Cerro Tortuguero & witness stunning rainforest & ocean views! Hike starts flat then climbs 400 stairs. Watch for monkeys, sloths, & birds along the way. Must-do for Tortuguero visitors that like to hike! Consistently praised as one of the best lodging options in Tortuguero, we recommend Tortuga Lodge as your gateway to explore the vibrant beauty of the area.

Kayak along the Canals

Kayak through Tortuguero National Park wetlands and riparian forest teeming with wildlife! See water birds, iguanas, caimans, monkeys, and more on this 2-hour guided tour, led by expert naturalists. We recommend Mawamba Lodge as an ideal accommodation for exploring the canals and other nature attractions by kayak.

Cultural Tours in Tortuguero

Miss Junie’s

Savor a delicious local lunch at Miss Junies, a Tortuguero legend. This charming “soda” has served hungry visitors for over 70 years, including Dr. Archie Carr and even Che Guevara! Today, Miss Junies serves up fresh Caribbean flavors and shares local customs. Among the hotels of Tortuguero, we recommend Manatus Lodge as it is ideally situated for exploring the area’s natural treasures.

Local Children’s Music School Band

Enjoy a pre-dinner musical treat by the talented children of Escuela de Música Infantil Caribeña, a local music school in Tortuguero. Your support helps them purchase new instruments, nurturing their passion for music and enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the community. If you’re looking for the best hotels in the area, we recommend Laguna Lodge among Tortuguero hotels.

Wildlife Observation in Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, offering diverse ecosystems with animals and plants. Here’s some information to help you plan your wildlife observation adventure. Tortuguero boasts an impressive variety of creatures, including:

• Sea turtles: The park is most famous for its nesting turtles, with green sea turtles being the most common. Other turtle species like hawksbill, loggerhead, and leatherback also nest here.
• Monkeys (howler, spider, white-faced), tapirs, sloths, peccaries, anteaters, and jaguars are some of the mammals you might encounter.
• Over 300 bird species, including toucans, macaws, parrots, motmots, herons, and kingfishers.
• Red-eyed leaf frogs, poison frogs, dink frogs, rain frogs, bull frogs, marine toads. Among reptiles you may see green iguanas, basilisk lizards, river turtles, crocodiles and caimans.
• A large variety of freshwater fish and marine species are recorded for the area with some famous species including the bull shark, tarpon, snook and the prehistoric-looking tropical gar fish.

How to Get to Tortuguero

Tortuguero’s remote location makes travel an adventure in itself. Here are your options:

• Private transfer by bus and boat: Take a private transfer directly to Tortuguero. This option involves a private land transfer from San Jose to La Pavona or Caño Blanco and a private boat to Tortuguero. Travel time is around 4 to 6 hours.
• By plane: Daily flights from San Jose to Tortuguero’s airstrip. Flight time is approximately 30 minutes.

Visit Tortuguero with Costa Rica Sun Tours

Tortuguero offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and exciting activities, making it a perfect destination for eco-travelers and nature enthusiasts. Plan your trip and discover the “Little Amazon” of Costa Rica!