The Tortuguero National Park covers 311 square kilometres of lush coastal landscape and extends 5200 square kilometres out into the Caribbean Sea. The national park takes its name from the four species of marine turtles (tortuga in Spanish) which clamber up the beach to nest each year between July and September. Though this is undoubtedly a highlight, Tortuguero is about more than just turtles and most visitors also come to explore the jungle-lined waterways which are teeming with wildlife; watch caimans sunning themselves on the river banks or cruising through the mangrooves, toucans hopping along branches and kingfishers swooping down to catch their dinner.
With its isolated position on the steamy Caribbean coast, the Tortuguero National Park can only be accessed by plane or motorised canoe from simply wooden jetty's and the journey is part of the adventure! The lodges here are rustic but visitors are rewarded by a unique experience and the abundance of wildlife.
To the south lies an alluring coastline and a diverse blend of cultures unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica, with influences from Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous communities . The coast is dotted with beautiful palm lined beaches, ranging from volcanic black to pristine white sands, with waves to tempt all surfers from experts to complete beginners. You will also find the Cahuita National Park where visitors can enjoy a variety wildlife, beautiful corals and well maintained walking trails. From Puerto Viejo you can also travel by boat to access the islands of Bocas del Toro in Panama.
Nobody offers more ways to explore than with Trailfinders.
Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular holidays visiting the Caribbean coast. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in Costa Rica.
Classic Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Private Tour
13 days / 12 nights
Experience some of the highlights of this beautiful country on this classic journey. With diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery in abundance it will be an unforgettable trip.
Cruise around Costa Rica at your own pace – from the turtles and mangroves of the Caribbean coast, to the surfers’ paradise of the Pacific. Whizz through Monteverde’s cloud forest canopy in the birthplace of the zipline, soak in La Fortuna’s natural hot springs, and kayak on serene Lake Arenal with unbeatable volcano views. Better yet, do it all on your own terms, only moving on when you’re ready.
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
14 days / 13 nights
Costa Rica may be small, but there is plenty of adventure to be had. Visit all of the major highlights and get off the beaten path to discover a lush and wild world with the aid of National Geographic supported projects.
Travel from the rugged coastline of the Pacific to the laidback Caribbean via scenic rivers and misty cloud forests on this wonderful tour showcasing Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Each region of Costa Rica boasts it's own attractions and the Caribbean coast is no different. Discover Tortuguero's winding waterways by boat with expert local guides, or take a night walk to watch the turtles making their way under starlight onto Tortuguero's peaceful beaches. To the south, Puerto Viejo has a beach for everyone; from challenging surf beaches with great waves, to white sands backed by swaying palms, perfect for whiling the day away.
A short boat ride from Puerto Viejo, across the border in Panama, you will find Bocas del Toro (often referred to as Bocas town) and the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos.
Tortuguero National Park
This park can be explored by boat or on foot.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Once only frequented by intrepid surfers, this colourful town is now a bustling hub with many shops, eateries and boutique hotels.
Cahuita National Park
The Cahuita National Park encompasses a huge area of land and ocean and offers great snorkelling and hiking.
Bocas del Toro
Just across the border in Panama, the province of Bocas del Toro comprises of a chain of islands off the Caribbean coast.
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN TORTUGUERO & THE CARIBBEAN COAST
We feature a great range of accommodation in this region, with something to suit all tastes. From simple lodges in the heart of the jungle to boutique beach retreats, we have the perfect property for you.
What you won't find here are thousands of hotels to wade through. We've done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Aninga Lodge
Tortuguero National Park
Located just 5 minutes by boat from the entrance of Tortuguero National Park, Aninga Lodge is surrounded by rainforest and canals.
Built in the style of a plantation house and located just outside the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo, this tranquil hotel has been lovingly decorated with artistic touches throughout.
Tucked between lush gardens and the river, this lovely little property is the only hotel in Tortuguero with its own private nature reserve and offers a range of fantastic excursions both on land and on the river.
Surrounded by tropical rainforest, Evergreen Lodge is located just a 5 minute boat ride from the main entrance of Tortuguero National Park making this an ideal base from which to explore this fascinating destination.
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