Lush forests, beautiful beaches and a wealth of wildlife
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 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 Tortuguero National Park’s incredible wildlife to look out for.
We’ll arrange 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. On these tours you’ll have the opportunity to discover more about the community’s history, traditions and the very important role they play in conservation in the area.
Highlights
Enjoy fascinating wildlife tours by boat with a naturalist guide
Hike the self-guided trails and explore at your own pace
Slow down and stroll leisurely along the broad beaches
Head out on incredible turtle nesting tours (July to September)
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!

Lily Bunker
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.
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Corcovado 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.
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Dominical
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.
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Manuel 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.
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Nicoya 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.
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Pacuare 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.
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Puerto 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.
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Rio 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.
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San 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.
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The 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.
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The 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.
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The 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.
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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
Costa Rica travel guides
Plan your trip to Tortuguero
Whatever you want from your adventure in Tortuguero, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.


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.