Holiday in Tortuguero
National park in Costa Rica — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇨🇷
Country
Costa Rica
Type
National park
Best time to travel
February to April, September to October (turtle season July-October)
Budget/day
100-150€: Lodge with full board and canal tours included
Getting there from Germany
Flight to San José (about 12-14h with a layover), then boat from La Pavona (about 1h) or small plane (30 min.)
Deals for Tortuguero:
What makes Tortuguero special as a destination?
Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is known as "Little Amazon" and is only accessible by boat or small plane. The national park of the same name protects one of the most important nesting sites for Green Sea Turtles worldwide. A labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and mangrove forests is home to caimans, sloths, toucans, and colorful poison dart frogs. The seclusion makes this place a paradise for nature lovers seeking real jungle without mass tourism.
What are the top highlights in Tortuguero?
The top highlights in Tortuguero include Turtle Nesting Site, Canal Tour through the Rainforest, Cerro Tortuguero, Night Hike.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Turtle Nesting Site
From July to October, hundreds of sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach — an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Canal Tour through the Rainforest
Quiet boat tours through the winding canals with caimans, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Cerro Tortuguero
The small hill offers a panoramic view over the endless rainforest to the Caribbean Sea.
Night Hike
Guided tours through the nighttime jungle to see red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and nocturnal insects.
Hotels in Tortuguero
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.
Reise-SIM für Tortuguero
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Tortuguero?
The best time to visit Tortuguero is February to April, September to October (turtle season July-October). Humid tropical, 28-32°C, rain possible year-round In winter: Warm, 25-30°C, slightly less rainfall February-April
Recommended travel time
February to April, September to October (turtle season July-October)
Summer
Humid tropical, 28-32°C, rain possible year-round
Winter
Warm, 25-30°C, slightly less rainfall February-April
How much does a holiday in Tortuguero cost?
Budget travellers: 50-70€: Simple cabin, local sodas, group tours/day, mid-range: 100-150€: Lodge with full board and canal tours included/day, luxury: 250€+: Eco-lodge with private guide and exclusive turtle tour/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50-70€: Simple cabin, local sodas, group tours
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
100-150€: Lodge with full board and canal tours included
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
250€+: Eco-lodge with private guide and exclusive turtle tour
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Tortuguero?
Flight to San José (about 12-14h with a layover), then boat from La Pavona (about 1h) or small plane (30 min.)
Book a package holiday to Tortuguero
Compare thousands of package holidays to Tortuguero and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Tortuguero?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Tortuguero is only accessible by boat — no road access
Waterproof bags and rain gear are essential
For turtle watching, be sure to book a guided tour in advance
Bring cash — there are hardly any ATMs in the village
What should you eat in Tortuguero?
Typical specialities in Tortuguero: Casado — Costa Rica's national dish: rice, beans, plantain, and meat or fish, Caribbean Coconut Rice — rice cooked in coconut milk, typical for the Caribbean coast, Rondon — spicy stew made from coconut milk, fish, and root vegetables, Agua de Sapo — refreshing drink made from lime, ginger, and cane sugar.
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Tortuguero?
Plan your Tortuguero holiday now with our free tools.
