A white sign with the number 45 on a tree
white flower with green leaves
Mountain and forest landscape with a resort at the bottom.
A mountain stands tall amidst clouds and greenery.
green mountains under white clouds during daytime

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.)

About Tortuguero

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.

Nature
99
Adventure
85
Safety
80
Romance
75
Relaxation
70

Top 4 highlights in Tortuguero

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Turtle Nesting Site

From July to October, hundreds of sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach — an unforgettable natural spectacle.

2

Canal Tour through the Rainforest

Quiet boat tours through the winding canals with caimans, monkeys, and exotic birds.

3

Cerro Tortuguero

The small hill offers a panoramic view over the endless rainforest to the Caribbean Sea.

4

Night Hike

Guided tours through the nighttime jungle to see red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and nocturnal insects.

Hotels in Tortuguero

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

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Reise-SIM für Tortuguero

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Tortuguero

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?

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

Book a package holiday to Tortuguero

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4 travel tips 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

Food & drink in Tortuguero

These specialties you must try!

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
Suitable for:TurtlesRainforestNational ParkCaribbeanCosta RicaBoatWildlifeEco

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