Tortuguero Travel Guides & Itineraries

Tortuguero National Park is a network of canals, rivers, wetlands, rainforest, and Caribbean beaches. There are no roads connecting the main village to the mainland; visitors typically arrive by boat or small aircraft.

The landscape is best understood from the water.

Canal tours

Early-morning boat trips are the classic activity. You may see:caimans, river turtles, monkeys, sloths, herons, kingfishers, iguanas, and an enormous variety of wetland birds

Small boats are generally better for wildlife viewing than large, noisy vessels.

Sea turtle nesting

Tortuguero is associated with nesting sea turtles, especially green turtles. Nesting is seasonal, and access to beaches at night is regulated. Visitors must follow guide instructions closely; lights, photography, and approach distances are controlled to protect the turtles.

Village and coastal walks

The village is small and easy to explore on foot. The beach is beautiful, though swimming conditions can be dangerous because of currents and surf.

How long to stay

Two or three nights is usually enough.

Tortuguero is not a conventional beach destination. Come for canals, rainforest, and turtles—not for easy swimming or a long list of road-accessible attractions.