Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Tortuguero is a village on the Northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the Limón Province. You can only reach this small village by boat or airplane. The village has around 1,200 to 1,500 people and is mainly supported by eco-tourism. Its name, Tortuguero, means "Land of Turtles."

The village is located on a sand bar island, close to the Caribbean Sea and separated from the mainland by the Tortuguero River. It is famous for its canals that go through the rainforest, earning it the nickname "Central America's Amazon."

The beaches around Tortuguero are important places for four kinds of sea turtle to lay their eggs, including two that are in big danger of disappearing. The area is also home to many different animals, such as insects, birds, jaguars, and four types of monkeys. There are four special places for learning about nature and protecting animals nearby, where scientists study and help take care of the local plants and animals, especially the turtles. However, the ocean can be rough and strong currents make it unsafe for swimming.

Transportation

Tortuguero can only be reached by boat or plane.

Air travel

There is a small airstrip with daily flights from Sansa Airlines through San José. Charter flights are also offered by Nature Air or Sansa Airlines.

Canals and boat navigation

Some canals were built by the woodworking industry in the 1940s. Later, an engineer named Rogelio Pardo Jochs improved them in the 1970s. Today, these canals connect several lagoons, rivers, and streams, allowing boat travel from Moín, near Limón city. Boats can go north via La Pavona or south via Moín.

Sightseeing

During September and October, many local guides offer tours to see baby turtles hatch. Remember, it's important not to dig up nests or touch the turtles, even if a guide suggests it. Only scientists from the STC (Sea Turtle Conservancy) are allowed to work with the baby turtles. When looking for baby turtles or if you find them, avoid using white lights or cameras with flash, as this can confuse the turtles.

The canals around Tortuguero are known as "Costa Rica's Amazon" and are a great place to see wildlife. Many boat tours leave from Tortuguero and nearby lodges, letting visitors explore the jungle and canals.

Cerro Tortuguero is a small hill about 6 km north of the village, but it has been closed by park services due to too many visitors and damage to the area. Some local guides may still offer tours, and the hill can only be reached by boat. Though it’s not very tall—only 119 meters—it offers nice views of the surroundings. The hill is closed to help protect the habitat.

habitat destruction

Climate

Tortuguero has a tropical rainforest climate, which means it gets a lot of rain all year long. This climate is perfect for lush, green forests and supports many different plants and animals.