La Pavona: Gateway to Tortuguero
The jumping-off point for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tortuguero National Park's waterways and wildlife.
La Pavona is a vital river port and embarkation point on Costa Rica's northeastern Caribbean coast, serving as the primary access point to Tortuguero National Park. It's where travelers transfer from road to river, continuing their journey by boat through the canals to the village of Tortuguero.
A brief summary to La Pavona (Embarcadero a Tortuguero)
- Embarcadero la Pavona, Cariari, Limón Province, 70205, CR
- +50686889374
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early for the boat to Tortuguero, as departure times can be flexible based on bus arrivals and water levels.
- Purchase boat tickets at the restaurant inside the main building upon arrival.
- Bring cash for boat tickets, parking, and potential luggage fees.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife during the boat trip to Tortuguero; the journey itself is a scenic tour.
Getting There
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Driving
From Guapiles, follow Route 247 north, watching for signs to Tortuguero. The road turns to dirt near Cuatro Esquinas, but a 4x4 isn't required. Continue to the large parking area at La Pavona. Parking costs approximately $10 per day.
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Public Transport
From San José, take a direct bus to Cariari from the Gran Caribe terminal (approx. 2 hours). Connect to the La Pavona bus (approx. 1.5 hours) at the same station in Cariari. The boats coordinate with the bus arrival. Bus fare from San Jose to Cariari is around ₡2,20.
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Boat
Boats depart from La Pavona to Tortuguero several times daily. Purchase tickets at the restaurant inside the main building. The boat trip takes 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on water levels. The cost is around ₡4,000 (approximately $8 USD) per person, each way. Luggage may be charged separately.
Discover more about La Pavona (Embarcadero a Tortuguero)
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
La Pavona (Embarcadero a Tortuguero)
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The jumping-off point for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tortuguero National Park's waterways and wildlife.
Tortuguero National Park Local Info Boats & Tours
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Your starting point for exploring Tortuguero National Park's canals, rainforests, and turtle nesting beaches. Boat tours and transport information available.
Tortuga Lodge
8.9 km
Experience Costa Rica's rainforest at Tortuga Lodge: wildlife encounters, eco-luxury, and Tortuguero National Park adventures.
Chinitas Eco Lodge
8.9 km
Discover tranquility in Tortuguero at Chinitas Eco Lodge: comfortable rainforest accommodations, personalized service, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Manatus Hotel
9.0 km
Experience luxury in the heart of Tortuguero's wildlife. Gourmet dining, comfortable rooms, and unforgettable nature tours await.
Evergreen Lodge
9.2 km
Immerse yourself in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforest at Evergreen Lodge, your gateway to Tortuguero National Park's wildlife and natural beauty.
Rana Roja Lodge
9.2 km
Escape to Rana Roja Lodge in Costa Rica's Limón Province: a serene rainforest retreat near Tortuguero National Park with stunning natural beauty.
All Rankin´s Lodge
9.2 km
Discover tranquility at All Rankin's Lodge in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica: An eco-friendly retreat with beachfront access and local cuisine.
Laguna Lodge
9.3 km
Experience Tortuguero's biodiversity at Laguna Lodge: comfortable eco-lodging, guided tours, and Caribbean access.
La Baula Lodge
9.3 km
Discover Tortuguero's wildlife from the comfortable and eco-conscious La Baula Lodge, a perfect base for exploring Costa Rica's natural beauty.
Aninga Lodge
9.4 km
Experience the exotic beauty of Tortuguero at Aninga Lodge, your gateway to rainforest adventures and wildlife encounters in Costa Rica's 'Little Amazon'.
Pachira Lodge
9.5 km
Experience Costa Rica's wild beauty at Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero. Explore lush rainforests, spot exotic wildlife, and relax in eco-friendly comfort.
Tortuguero Adventures
10.1 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.
Sunset Rooms
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Experience comfort and nature in Costa Rica's Limón Province, a short walk from Big Birds Park. Your tranquil getaway awaits!
Tortutours
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sendero Cerro Tortuguero
8.6 km
Explore the breathtaking Sendero Cerro Tortuguero trail, where lush rainforests meet stunning Caribbean views in Costa Rica's captivating landscape.
Cerro del Tortuguero
8.7 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.
Tortuguero River
9.7 km
Explore Costa Rica's Amazon: A river journey through Tortuguero's wildlife-rich canals and rainforest wonders.
Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero
9.8 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero, where nature and adventure come together in a breathtaking eco-friendly oasis.
Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor's Center
10.0 km
Discover the wonders of sea turtle conservation at Tortuguero's Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor's Center. Learn, engage, and protect!
Tortuguero national park - Cuatro Esquinas sector
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Discover the lush beauty and incredible wildlife of Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Casa Cecropia
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Discover the artisanal world of chocolate at Casa Cecropia in Tortuguero, where every bite tells a story of local cacao cultivation and craftsmanship.
Tortuguero Nature Native Guides
10.2 km
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Tortuguero
10.2 km
Explore the untouched beauty of Tortuguero, Costa Rica's serene island paradise, renowned for its wildlife and natural wonders.
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado
13.0 km
Discover the breathtaking biodiversity and stunning landscapes at Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado in Costa Rica's Limón Province.
Parque Nacional Tortuguero
14.5 km
Discover the breathtaking biodiversity of Parque Nacional Tortuguero, a national park and turtle sanctuary in the heart of Costa Rica's lush rainforests.
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
19.5 km
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Blue Day Family Club
37.9 km
Experience family-friendly fun and Costa Rican cuisine at Blue Day Family Club in Guápiles, a must-visit destination for travelers.
Caribbean Botanical Garden
39.9 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
44.2 km
Discover Costa Rica's natural beauty at Figues Nature: trails, waterfalls, paintball, and authentic experiences in Guácimo.
Essential places to dine
Restaurante el Bambú
8.7 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurante el Bambú in Pococí - a must-visit culinary destination for tourists.
Tutti's Pizzeria Y Restaurante
10.1 km
Discover delicious Italian cuisine blended with local flavors at Tutti's Pizzeria Y Restaurante in Tortuguero.
Pollo Frito
10.2 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Pollo Frito in Roxana - home of mouthwatering fried chicken and warm hospitality.
Tree Coffee House
10.2 km
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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.
Cevichera y Marisquería Chiri
10.2 km
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Soda D'Leite
10.2 km
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Taylor's Place Tortuguero Costa Rica
10.3 km
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Soda Lupe
10.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Soda Lupe in Cariari - where every dish tells a story.
Restaurante Los Amigos finca#2
36.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurante Los Amigos Finca#2 in Sarapiquí - a culinary haven amidst lush tropical beauty.
Restaurante La Costa
40.4 km
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Mini Restaurante KEBAB
41.7 km
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Centro Recreativo Las Tilapias
43.6 km
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Restaurante y Área para Acampar Los Sementales
44.5 km
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Palmitour
45.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Abastecedor Palacios
5.7 km
Explore the heart of Limón at Abastecedor Palacios, a local store brimming with authentic Costa Rican products and vibrant culture.
Super San Francisco
8.7 km
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CocoMan
10.0 km
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Souvenir Paraiso Tropical
10.1 km
Explore Souvenir Paraiso Tropical for unique Costa Rican crafts and memorabilia, capturing the vibrant spirit of Limón Province.
Souvenir Pura Vida
10.2 km
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Coco Loco Tortuguero
10.2 km
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Tortuguero Hostel Backpackers, próximamente como Princesa del Río
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Almacén El Gavilán
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Super Ever
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Creaciones Eyd
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Almacén Y Ferretería Gonar
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Horquetas de Sarapiqui
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Outlet Sarapiquí
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AUTOBOUTIQUE BG SARAPIQUÍ
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Copicentro Sarapiquí
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar restaurante ROCK WELL
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Centro Turistico Muka
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Hotel El Deseo Serendipity
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BAR LA PURISCALEÑA
44.2 km
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Bar Arenas
44.6 km
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Chago's Bar
45.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chago's Bar in Puerto Viejo, where refreshing cocktails meet friendly locals in a tropical paradise.
Bar Kike
45.2 km
Experience the authentic tastes of Costa Rica at Bar Kike, a vibrant grill restaurant in the heart of Horquetas, Sarapiquí.
Bar & Restaurante La Terraza
45.4 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Bar & Restaurante La Terraza, a vibrant dining spot in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.
El Cedro Las 24
45.6 km
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Vista Al Río
45.7 km
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Soda el cruce
45.9 km
Discover the heart of Costa Rican cuisine at Soda el Cruce, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Restaurante Stones
46.0 km
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Hotel El Bambú
46.2 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
46.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Cafeteria Avellanas in Puerto Viejo, where local ingredients meet warm hospitality.
Restaurante Donde Yis
46.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica at Restaurante Donde Yis, a culinary haven in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.
