Tortuguero Canal

Tortuguero National Park Day Tour

Duration: 12 hours
Location: Limón, Northern Caribbean
Estimated Departure from San José: 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.

Depart early in the morning from San José with a bilingual guide for a scenic journey to Tortuguero National Park, passing through the breathtaking Braulio Carrillo National Park. As you travel through the Caribbean mountains, enjoy steep slopes covered in lush cloud forest and catch glimpses of stunning waterfalls along the road.

After crossing Braulio Carrillo, stop for a delicious typical Costa Rican breakfast. Continue to a banana plantation, where your guide will explain the process of growing and exporting this iconic tropical fruit.

Next comes the most exciting part of the tour: a boat ride through the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, covering 29,000 hectares. Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Its forests and waterways are home to many endangered mammals, including sloths, monkeys, agoutis, coatis, and manatees. You’ll also spot colorful birds such as toucans, herons, and egrets, as well as crocodiles, turtles, and vibrant butterflies, including the famous blue morpho butterfly.

Enjoy a hearty typical buffet lunch before taking a stroll through the village of Tortuguero, where you can learn about its history and meet local residents. Afterward, board the bus for the return trip to San José, with a rest stop along the way.

Includes: Land and boat transportation, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), breakfast, and lunch.

What to Bring/Wear:

• Hat or cap

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Binoculars

• Camera

• Light, breathable clothing