One of the country’s main attractions is the 47,000 acres Tortuguero National Park with its innumerous lagoons and canals. It protects a terrestrial area of 18956 hectares and 52265 hectares of marine habitat.
Tortuguero (derived from the Spanish word tortuga = turtle) is a one of the most important nesting sites for the Green Sea Turtle, the Leatherback and the Hawksbill Turtle in the whole Caribbean These are best observed between July and September at night. North of the national park, the village of Tortuguero is located on a narrow land strip. To the west side of the village lays the tranquil Tortuguero lagoon; to the east the Atlantic Ocean with strong surf and sharks, so swimming is not recommended here. In the small canals where the bordering vegetation forms amazing tunnels, nature presents itself from the most beautiful tropical side: Caimans, crocodiles, sweet water turtles, poison-arrow frogs, Basilisk lizards, oropendolas, toucans, Anhingas, Amazon kingfishers, bats, howler monkeys and manatees are just a few examples of Tortuguero’s abundant fauna.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1 - San José – Tortuguero:
Off to an early start from your hotel in San José, you drive along a scenic route of lush pasturelands and banana plantations, through the Braulio Carillo National Park. You’ll stop for a typical Costa Rican breakfast before arriving at the village of Caño Blanco or Matina. From there you navigate by boat up the Tortuguero River, alongshore a small peninsula bordered on the other side by the Caribbean Sea. Upon arrival it’s time to check into our overnight accommodations at the lodge.
Enjoy a hearty lunch before taking off with your local naturalist guide on a walking tour of the bustling village of Tortuguero and its immediate surroundings. After visiting the turtle museum we meander, this time along the beach, back to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight stay at Laguna Lodge Tortuguero ***.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 2 - Tortuguero National Park:
A full day of activities begins with the unforgettable sights and sounds of an early morning tour to experience the awakening of Tortuguero wildlife. Follow up a well-deserved breakfast with a boat tour through the quiet backwater canals of the national park, for up-close observation of the flora and fauna so unique to this special part of the world. Head back for lunch and an afternoon of free time; have a “siesta”, relax by the pool, visit the open butterfly garden, take a walk on the beach or another boat tour, explore the trails around the Lodge on your own; you decide. Dinner is served.
During the months of March-April and July-October, an optional guided night hike along the beach is offered, to observe the nesting of the sea turtles (approx. US $25 p.p.).
Overnight stay at Laguna Lodge Tortuguero ***.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 3 - Tortuguero - San José:
After breakfast, embark by boat around 9 a.m. for Caño Blanco. From there you will head off by bus to a typical Costa Rican restaurant for a delicious home-cooked lunch, before returning to San José. Arrival in San José betwenn 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
(B), (L)
Accomodation:
Laguna Lodge Tortuguero*** is located on a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero lagoon. It offers direct access to the beach. Its peaceful environment and lush rain forest gardens includes more than 12 acres with hammock huts, a swimming pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi, it is specially designed for the complete enjoyment of Tortuguero's natural marvels. The 95 rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, hot water and ceiling fans. Divided in blocks of 4 rooms each with hallways. There are 6 Rooms for handicaps available.
Facilities: Swimming pool with hydro massage waterfall, pool bar, ample restaurant and a large bar over the lagoon huts with hammocks; open-air butterfly garden & a Gaudi style building with reception, small conference room & souvenir shop.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included in the price: Tour from / to San José as described; incl. land and boat transfers, 2x overnight stay/breakfast, lunch, dinner Laguna Lodge Tortuguero, guided tours as desribed. English-speaking naturalist guides on spot.
Please note: Entrance fee to National Park has to be paid on spot (US $ 7 p.p.)!
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Nature & Wildlife
National Parks
Rainforest
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