Abundant nature in the coastal jungle
A dense and intricate network of rivers, lagoons, and canals crisscross 11 different habitats of rainforest, swamp and beach, to be explored by either boat or foot. If Costa Rica is one of Latin America’s prime wildlife-watching destinations, this would make Tortuguero one of the finest national parks between Mexico’s borders and Chile’s most southern tip.
Translated as ‘Land of the Turtles’, this is quite simply unmissable to many visiting the country’s Caribbean coast. 19,000 acres of extraordinary biological diversity take up a large portion of the northeastern shoreline and can only be accessed by boat or small aircraft.
Not only an important nesting site for green sea turtles, leatherbacks, hawkbills and loggerheads, Tortuguero is also a vital wetland for spoonbills, herons, parrots, toucans and cormorants to name but a few. Spider monkeys, poison dart frogs, crocodiles, sloths, butterflies and tapirs are just some of the jungle’s incredible wildlife to look out for.
We can provide private transfers to Tortuguero Village, from which most trails and expeditions begin, as well as excellent naturalist guides and exclusive guided tours of the parkland and waterways.
Highlights
Wildlife tours by boat with a naturalist guide
Hike the self-guided trails
Stroll the broad beaches
Turtle nesting tours (July to September)
Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer
There's something special about this spot on the Carribean coast, where hordes of turtles return every year to nest. Feel the silence hang in the air as you glide through the canals of the jungle in pursuit of monkeys and tapirs - if you're lucky you might even catch sight of a sleeping sloth!
Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer
Trip inspiration
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Luxury accommodation in Costa Rica
Where to go
Arenal
The omnipresent Arenal Volcano towers over the region, contrasting against sheer blue skies or framed by verdant jungle foliage as you glance up from your activities. Enjoy hikes, zip lines, hot springs and much more.
Discover moreCorcovado and Osa Peninsula
Osa enjoys an exceptional wealth of biodiversity, from primary rainforests to sandy coastline. Remote and exciting, this is one of the best places for wildlife encounters in Costa Rica.
Discover moreDominical
A sleepy surf village with great access to the national park and various stunning beaches. Learn to ride the big waves or sit back and relax in nature watching fiery sunsets.
Discover moreManuel Antonio
One of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. A marine reserve protecting an idyllic coastline and important, verdant rainforests. Spot dolphins, whales, howler monkeys and kingfishers.
Discover moreNicoya Peninsula
Tangled stone cliffs and winding mangroves greet the rugged, beautiful coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. A natural paradise with a focus on sustainability and respecting the precious environment.
Discover morePacuare Reserve
Exhilarating and remote, get off the beaten track here with white water rafting, vast areas of primary, virgin rainforest and masses of wildlife. Stay at sustainable, luxury lodges in this stunning riverside location.
Discover morePuerto Viejo
Located on the southern Caribbean coastline there’s plenty to do here. Visit Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge for wildlife, surf the big waves on Salsa Brava beach or find the calmer waters and beach bars at Limon.
Discover moreRio Celeste
Over 100 kilometres from San Jose, truly off the beaten track. Many habitats converge here attracting hundreds of bird species. Float on the azure blue river and meet with the Maleku Indigenous Tribe.
Discover moreSan Jose
A cosmopolitan city with some worthwhile highlights to explore. The colonial quarters of the city are vibrant and filled with smells of food stalls and ground coffee.
Discover moreThe Central Cloud Forests
Elevated, tropical evergreen forests, misty and humid, transport you to a magical paradise. Hike to waterfalls among almost luminous green lichen and moss punctuated, with pink tropical orchids.
Discover moreThe Coffee Valley
Fertile volcanic soil and a tropical climate make Costa Rica one of the best places in the world for growing delicious coffee beans. Learn about the culture connected with the land and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and more.
Discover moreThe Guanacaste Coast
Known for wide, long stretches of coastline and consistent sunshine, Guanacaste has long been a ‘surfers paradise’. Explore inland to discover the region's wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
The dry season runs from mid November to April, and most areas are dry, warm and sunny. Occasional blustery winds blow during January and February bringing the temperature down. During the wet season, from May to mid November, expect afternoon rains and sunny mornings.
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
May - November
Birdwatching
Year Round
Plan your trip to Tortuguero
Whatever you want from your adventure in Tortuguero, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
We are finally winding down from our trip, which was absolutely amazing. It exceeded everything I had envisioned and more. We will cherish this experience for the rest of our lives, and we're already dreaming about where to go next! The little notes and birthday surprises were such a thoughtful touch and truly made me feel celebrated and loved for…
outstanding trip! The hotels, guides, and transportation personnel were terrific
We requested an itinerary to see the Costa Rica wildlife. Jacada designed our trip to maximize our sightings with stays at wonderful properties. Our planner listened to what we wanted and delivered the perfect trip for our needs. All of the activities planned were provided by guides with great skill and knowledge. And the Jacada ground support while we were…
I just came back from my Costa Rica trip , it was amazing, the attention to details , everything I wished for in this trip was there , not to mention the lovely surprises arranged by lily and Berni like lovely picnics , photographer and even a helicopter ride . We had the best time this is my my fifth…
Everything from the almost last-minute pivot to travel to Costa Rica and the execution of the scintillating itinerary was amazing. Demi Roberts planning and coordinating was seamless. The Jacada local team accommodated every wish and needed adjustment as did the resorts. But above all, the activities were beyond our highest expectations. Active stops (zip-lining, horse back riding, dolphin watching, hiking)…
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.