Tortuguero National Park Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Tortuguero National Park, located in the Limón region of Costa Rica, is a nature lover's paradise. This remote park is only accessible by boat or small plane, adding to its allure as a pristine and untouched destination. The park is known for its network of navigable canals, which wind through lush rainforests and offer visitors the chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, and an abundance of bird species.
One of the main attractions of Tortuguero National Park is its role as a nesting site for endangered sea turtles. Visitors can experience the awe-inspiring sight of female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, as well as the incredible spectacle of baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea. The park plays a crucial role in the conservation of these magnificent creatures, and guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about their lifecycle and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.
In addition to its natural wonders, Tortuguero National Park is also home to a vibrant array of plant life, from towering trees to delicate orchids. The park's diverse ecosystems make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting around every corner.
Limón
Tortuguero National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore
Tortuguero National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rio Negro–Rio San Sun mangroves, Tortuguero Conservation Area. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Tortuguero National Park
Learn when is the best time to travel to Tortuguero National Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill sea turtle, a critically endangered species in the Cheloniidae family, is the only extant member of the Eretmochelys genus. These turtles are distributed globally, with populations in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
Reptiles
West Indian manatee
The West Indian Manatee, affectionately known as the "sea cow" is the largest surviving member of the Sirenia order of aquatic mammals. This gentle giant is divided into two subspecies: the Florida manatee and the Antillean, or Caribbean, manatee.
Mammals
Black-handed Spider Monkey
Geoffroy’s spider monkey, also known as the black-handed spider monkey or Central American spider monkey, is a captivating New World primate native to Central America, parts of Mexico, and possibly a small region in Colombia.
Mammals
Jaguar
The jaguar is a large cat native to the Americas and the only member of the Panthera genus found in this region. These majestic creatures can be found from the southwestern United States through Central and South America, thriving in tropical and subtropical forests.
Mammals
Baird's tapir
Baird's tapir, also known as the Central American tapir, is a remarkable mammal native to Mexico, Central America, and northwestern South America. It holds the title of the largest land mammal in Central America and is named after the American naturalist Spencer...
Mammals
Limón