Tortuguero National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot
Explore Costa Rica's wild side in Tortuguero National Park: a haven for sea turtles, rainforest wildlife, and unforgettable eco-adventures.
Tortuguero National Park, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, protects vital sea turtle nesting grounds and a rich network of rainforests, canals, and lagoons. Accessible only by boat or plane, it offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
A brief summary to Parque Nacional Tortuguero
- CFXV+H64, Roxana, Limón Province, CR
- +50625226500
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring rain gear! Tortuguero is one of the wettest areas in Costa Rica, with rainfall year-round.
- Book tours in advance, especially during turtle nesting season (July-October), as spots fill up quickly.
- Wear dark clothing for night turtle watching tours and avoid using phones or cameras to protect the turtles.
- Consider bringing binoculars to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities during boat tours and hikes.
- Purchase park entrance tickets online in advance through the SINAC website, as tickets are not available at the park entrance.
Getting There
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Boat
The primary access point to Tortuguero National Park is via boat from the town of La Pavona. From San José, take a public bus or shuttle to La Pavona. Public buses depart from Terminal del Caribe in San José. Alternatively, arrange a private shuttle for direct transport. At La Pavona, purchase a boat ticket for the 1.5-2 hour journey to Tortuguero village. Boat tickets cost approximately $3 USD per person, with an extra $2 USD fee per bag. Boats depart La Pavona at 7:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:30 PM. Parking is available at La Pavona for around $10 USD per day.
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Walking
Once in Tortuguero village, the entrance to the 'Canales' sector of Tortuguero National Park is located at the southern end of the village, about a 5-10 minute walk from the main boat dock. Follow the main path through the village towards the park entrance. Purchase your park entrance ticket online in advance. The entrance fee is $17 USD for foreign adults. The park is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Note that the ticket office has limited hours.
Discover more about Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Los Amigos Hotel
10.0 km
Experience comfort and convenience at Los Amigos Hotel in Pococí, your perfect starting point for exploring Costa Rica's Caribbean wonders.
Tortutours
10.0 km
Discover the wonders of Costa Rica with Tortutours, your premier tour agency for unforgettable adventures and cultural experiences.
Hotel Serendipity Tortuguero Adults Only
10.0 km
An adults-only retreat in Tortuguero, offering modern comfort and easy access to the area's stunning natural beauty and wildlife.
Tortuguero Adventures
10.0 km
Discover the rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes of Tortuguero with experiential tours from Tortuguero Adventures, your expert guide to Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Cabinas Balcon del Mar Tortuguero
10.0 km
Experience the tranquility of Tortuguero at Cabinas Balcon del Mar, your gateway to Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Hôtel Don Quichotte
10.1 km
Experience comfort and nature in Tortuguero at Hôtel Don Quichotte, your perfect eco-friendly retreat in Costa Rica.
Hostal y Cabinas Tortuguero
10.1 km
Discover Tortuguero's natural beauty from this conveniently located and budget-friendly hostel, steps away from the national park.
La Taberna
10.1 km
Savor authentic Costa Rican flavors at La Taberna, a vibrant grill restaurant in Limón Province. Fresh seafood and grilled meats await!
Cabinas Meryscar
10.1 km
Simple and affordable lodging in Pococí, Costa Rica, perfect for budget-conscious travelers exploring the region's natural wonders.
El Icaco
10.1 km
Beachfront comfort in Tortuguero, offering easy access to nature and wildlife in Costa Rica's Caribbean paradise.
Costa Rica Roots Tours
10.2 km
Experience the beauty of Costa Rica with expert-led tours and comfortable lodging at Costa Rica Roots Tours, your gateway to adventure in the tropics.
Tortuguero Natural B&B
10.2 km
Experience the natural beauty of Tortuguero, Costa Rica, with comfortable accommodations and easy access to wildlife adventures.
El Muellecito
10.2 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at El Muellecito in Roxana, Limón Province, where fresh seafood and vibrant culture meet!
Rafa Enchu Tours
10.2 km
Experience Costa Rica's beauty at Rafa Enchu Tours: A serene farmstay amidst lush landscapes and vibrant local culture in Tortuguero.
Turtle Bogue
10.2 km
Discover tranquility at Turtle Bogue, a serene Costa Rican lodge surrounded by lush landscapes and abundant wildlife in Limón Province.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
6.0 km
Explore the vibrant ecosystems and stunning wildlife of Tortuguero National Park, a must-visit natural paradise in Costa Rica.
Tortuguero River
8.6 km
Explore Costa Rica's Amazon: A river journey through Tortuguero's wildlife-rich canals and rainforest wonders.
Casa Cecropia
9.9 km
Discover the artisanal world of chocolate at Casa Cecropia in Tortuguero, where every bite tells a story of local cacao cultivation and craftsmanship.
Tortuguero national park - Cuatro Esquinas sector
9.9 km
Discover the lush beauty and incredible wildlife of Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Tortuguero Nature Native Guides
10.2 km
Discover the lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife of Tortuguero with expert guided tours through Costa Rica's stunning natural paradise.
Tortuguero
10.3 km
Explore the untouched beauty of Tortuguero, Costa Rica's serene island paradise, renowned for its wildlife and natural wonders.
Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor's Center
10.9 km
Discover the wonders of sea turtle conservation at Tortuguero's Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor's Center. Learn, engage, and protect!
Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero
11.4 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero, where nature and adventure come together in a breathtaking eco-friendly oasis.
La Pavona Jungle Expeditions & Boat Tours in to Tortuguero
14.5 km
Your jump-off point for exploring the canals and wildlife of Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica's Limón Province.
Sendero Cerro Tortuguero
14.9 km
Explore the breathtaking Sendero Cerro Tortuguero trail, where lush rainforests meet stunning Caribbean views in Costa Rica's captivating landscape.
Cerro del Tortuguero
15.2 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Cerro del Tortuguero, a majestic mountain peak in Costa Rica’s Limón Province, perfect for hiking and wildlife watching.
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado
27.5 km
Discover the breathtaking biodiversity and stunning landscapes at Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado in Costa Rica's Limón Province.
Pacuare River
32.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and thrilling adventures of the Pacuare River in Costa Rica's lush Limón Province, perfect for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers.
Caribbean Botanical Garden
33.7 km
Experience the vibrant colors and tranquility of the Caribbean Botanical Garden, a tropical paradise in Limón, Costa Rica.
Figues Nature is Calling... Senderos, cataratas, hotel, restaurante, paintball y salón de eventos
37.2 km
Discover Costa Rica's natural beauty at Figues Nature: trails, waterfalls, paintball, and authentic experiences in Guácimo.
Essential places to dine
Tutti's Pizzeria Y Restaurante
10.0 km
Discover delicious Italian cuisine blended with local flavors at Tutti's Pizzeria Y Restaurante in Tortuguero.
Taylor's Place Tortuguero Costa Rica
10.1 km
Discover the culinary delights at Taylor's Place in Tortuguero, Costa Rica – where local flavors meet breathtaking views.
Cevichera y Marisquería Chiri
10.2 km
Discover the authentic taste of Costa Rica at Cevichera y Marisquería Chiri - your go-to destination for fresh ceviche and local seafood delicacies.
Tree Coffee House
10.2 km
Discover the warmth and flavors of Tree Coffee House in Limón – where every cup tells a story!
Restaurante Mi Niño
10.2 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Restaurante Mi Niño in Pococí – a must-visit for food lovers exploring Limón Province.
Soda D'Leite
10.3 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Soda D'Leite in Limón Province - where every dish is a celebration of local cuisine.
Pollo Frito
10.5 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Pollo Frito in Roxana - home of mouthwatering fried chicken and warm hospitality.
Restaurante el Bambú
14.8 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurante el Bambú in Pococí - a must-visit culinary destination for tourists.
Soda Lupe
16.4 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Soda Lupe in Cariari - where every dish tells a story.
Restaurante Los Amigos finca#2
41.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurante Los Amigos Finca#2 in Sarapiquí - a culinary haven amidst lush tropical beauty.
Restaurante La Costa
43.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Restaurante La Costa, where every meal is a celebration of local flavors amidst stunning natural beauty.
RESTAURANTE PANTERA
44.6 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Restaurante Pantera amidst breathtaking landscapes in Limón Province.
Mini Restaurante KEBAB
45.5 km
Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at Mini Restaurante KEBAB in Sarapiquí - where every dish tells a story of flavor.
Centro Recreativo Las Tilapias
46.5 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Centro Recreativo Las Tilapias amidst Sarapiquí's breathtaking natural beauty.
Restaurante y Área para Acampar Los Sementales
46.5 km
Discover delicious Costa Rican cuisine amidst stunning natural beauty at Restaurante y Área para Acampar Los Sementales in Sarapiquí.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Super Ever
10.0 km
Explore Super Ever in Roxana for a taste of local life and fresh Costa Rican produce in Limón Province.
CocoMan
10.3 km
Discover the flavors of Costa Rica at CocoMan, a vibrant snack bar and coffee shop in Pococí, perfect for a refreshing break during your travels.
Tortuguero Hostel Backpackers, próximamente como Princesa del Río
10.3 km
Experience the heart of Tortuguero at Tortuguero Hostel Backpackers, where nature meets comfort in a vibrant community setting.
Almacén El Gavilán
10.4 km
Discover Almacén El Gavilán in Tortuguero, where local crafts meet practical supplies in a vibrant shopping experience.
Souvenir Pura Vida
10.4 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican souvenirs and clothing at Souvenir Pura Vida in Limón Province, a vibrant reflection of local culture and craftsmanship.
Coco Loco Tortuguero
10.5 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Coco Loco Tortuguero, a juice shop in Costa Rica's Limón Province offering refreshing, locally sourced drinks in a tropical paradise.
Souvenir Paraiso Tropical
10.6 km
Explore Souvenir Paraiso Tropical for unique Costa Rican crafts and memorabilia, capturing the vibrant spirit of Limón Province.
Abastecedor Palacios
13.2 km
Explore the heart of Limón at Abastecedor Palacios, a local store brimming with authentic Costa Rican products and vibrant culture.
Super San Francisco
14.6 km
Explore Super San Francisco, your go-to supermarket in Tortuguero for local flavors and everyday essentials during your Costa Rican adventure.
Creaciones Eyd
19.7 km
Explore Creaciones Eyd for authentic local crafts and unique souvenirs that embody the spirit of the region's artistry and culture.
Horquetas de Sarapiqui
51.2 km
Experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Horquetas de Sarapiqui, a hidden gem in Costa Rica's Heredia Province.
AUTOBOUTIQUE BG SARAPIQUÍ
54.5 km
Explore the heart of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí at AUTOBOUTIQUE BG SARAPIQUÍ, where local culture meets vibrant shopping and delicious cuisine.
Almacén Y Ferretería Gonar
54.5 km
Explore Almacén Y Ferretería Gonar for all your home and tool needs in Puerto Viejo, a local gem with friendly service and a wide selection.
Outlet Sarapiquí
54.7 km
Experience the charm of Outlet Sarapiquí, where shopping meets local culture amidst Costa Rica's breathtaking scenery.
Súper Mercado La Viña
54.7 km
Experience the local flavors and vibrant culture at Súper Mercado La Viña, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí's quintessential supermarket.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hotel El Deseo Serendipity
10.1 km
Experience the tranquility of Tortuguero at Hotel El Deseo Serendipity, where stunning beachfront views meet exceptional comfort and local culture.
Bar restaurante ROCK WELL
14.6 km
Experience the flavors of Costa Rica at Rock Well Grill in San Francisco de Tortuguero, where delicious grilled dishes meet a vibrant atmosphere.
Centro Turistico Muka
14.8 km
Experience the flavors of Costa Rica at Centro Turistico Muka, a culinary paradise in Limón Province, perfect for food lovers and adventurers alike.
Bar Kike
50.2 km
Experience the authentic tastes of Costa Rica at Bar Kike, a vibrant grill restaurant in the heart of Horquetas, Sarapiquí.
Bar Arenas
51.3 km
Discover Bar Arenas in Sarapiquí, a lively bar offering refreshing drinks and a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Costa Rica.
BAR LA PURISCALEÑA
52.8 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Bar La Puriscalena, a must-visit bar in Puerto Viejo for every traveler.
Bar & Restaurante La Terraza
53.6 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Bar & Restaurante La Terraza, a vibrant dining spot in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.
El Cedro Las 24
53.8 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Costa Rica at El Cedro Las 24 in Sarapiquí, where vibrant dishes and a lively atmosphere await you.
Chago's Bar
54.0 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chago's Bar in Puerto Viejo, where refreshing cocktails meet friendly locals in a tropical paradise.
Soda el cruce
54.4 km
Discover the heart of Costa Rican cuisine at Soda el Cruce, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Vista Al Río
54.4 km
Discover the flavors of Costa Rica at Vista Al Río, where local cuisine meets breathtaking views in Puerto Viejo.
Restaurante Stones
54.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Restaurante Stones, a culinary haven in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, celebrating local ingredients and traditions.
Hotel El Bambú
54.9 km
Experience the charm of Costa Rica at Hotel El Bambú, a serene hotel surrounded by lush nature and close to thrilling outdoor adventures.
Cafeteria Avellanas
54.9 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Cafeteria Avellanas in Puerto Viejo, where local ingredients meet warm hospitality.
Restaurante Donde Yis
54.9 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Restaurante Donde Yis, a culinary haven in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.
