Costa Rica holidays to Tortuguero will transport you to a humid tropical rainforest situated on the northeast Caribbean Coast that is criss-crossed by a network of waterways, rivers and lagoons. Around 120 square miles in size, and with 22 miles of unspoilt coastline, it is one of Costa Rica’s largest and most popular national parks, and is a very important breeding ground for sea turtles. It is accessed by a 1.5-hour boat transfer from Guapiles or by light aircraft.
This dense rainforest is alive with birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals and is best explored by boat. Birdlife includes great green macaws, toucans, herons, egrets, woodpeckers, tanagers and stick owls. In the quieter backwaters you can see caiman and if you are lucky you’ll spot a sleeping sloth. Binoculars are a must, as the canopy is high, but with the help of an experienced guide you’ll be able to spot so much more.
Turtles always lay their eggs at the place of their birth, so it is vital that these pristine beaches are kept undeveloped. Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the endangered green turtle. Hawksbill, giant leatherbacks and loggerheads also nest on this coast. Tortuguero turtle season tours take place at night between July and October. Turtle watching is carefully monitored to ensure that the turtles are not disturbed, as they dig holes in the sand into which they lay their eggs.
On Costa Rica holidays to Tortuguera, besides the turtles and the noisy monkeys (howler, spider and the white-headed capuchin) it’s the smaller creatures that can capture the imagination. Brightly coloured frogs such as the blue jeans dart frog and the iconic red-gloved tree frog are favourites, as is the Jesus Christ lizard that can walk on water and the tiny green kingfisher. As this is a high rainfall area, where showers can occur at any time of year, be sure to pack a light rain jacket.
Costa Rica holidays to Tortuguera are often combined with Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, which offers wonderful lowland tropical rainforest birding, as well as white water rafting.
Combine your ideas with our expertise and let us help you create a holiday of a lifetime. We offer a wide range of options at different price points, all of which can be tailor made to your needs.
We have been arranging Costa Rica holidays, including Tortuguero turtle season tours & Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui for over 20 years.