Tortuguero, Costa Rica's little Amazon

The meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the tropical forest gives Tortuguero its very special atmosphere. The little Amazon can be explored on foot along one of the paths that criss-cross the national park. The Sendero Cerro trail, which is easily accessible and little used, winds its way through the vegetation to the highest point in the national park: the summit of the inactive volcano. The panorama of the river flowing into the ocean is sensational.

The songs of exotic birds - toucans, macaws, anhingas and many others - accompany the walkers, delighting both budding and experienced ornithologists. The attentive observer will even be able to spot monkeys darting from branch to branch between the leaves of the trees or recognise a sloth, well camouflaged but easy to observe because of its famous slowness. Finally, the most patient and lucky visitors may spot a jaguar moving between the branches. A hike rich in encounters and emotions.

In a small motorboat or rowboat, you can cruise the winding canals of Tortuguero in silence, up close to the local wildlife. Along the way, the boat meets locals taking a dip in the river, skirts little huts made from odds and ends and passes through impressive banana plantations. At that moment, you feel like an explorer plunging into the dense mangroves of the Amazon.

At dawn, when the first rays of daylight caress the mangroves and the wild animals slowly wake up, the spectacle is most striking. Various species ofamphibians and reptiles proliferate beneath the surface of the Tortuguero canals: frogs, lizards and, of course, caimans! Some canoes even come across a manatee grazing nonchalantly on the algae in the canals.

At the heart of the national park lies the small, picturesque and colourful village of Tortuguero, inaccessible by car. Around 2,000 people live here from fishing and ecotourism in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Despite its small size, it is pleasant to stroll through the village and discover its colourful houses, churches and football stadium among the coconut palms. There are also a number of souvenir shops, grocery shops and restaurants where gourmets can enjoy casado (a dish of meat, rice and vegetables) or gallo pinto (a speciality made from rice and black beans), two mainstays of Costa Rican gastronomy.

As you walk through the village, it's hard not to notice the locals sitting around a table playing a noisy game. As you get closer, you realise that they are in fact playing dominoes, a game much appreciated by the locals. Friendly and welcoming, they rarely refuse when a visitor challenges them to their favourite game. When the game begins, we finally understand what all the fuss is about: they have their own way of throwing the pieces...

As well as being known as "the little Amazon", Tortuguero National Park is also nicknamed "the land of turtles". The park was created to protect the reproduction of turtles, which are disappearing due to pollution. To find out more about this fascinating animal, the curious can visit the Turtle Museum in the heart of the village. As well as welcoming tourists, the museum also aims to raise awareness among the local population to help protect this endangered species.

Today, hundreds of sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the paradisiacal beaches of Tortuguero in the silence of the night. At the end of the summer, thousands of baby turtles make their way through the sand to the surface before rushing back to the ocean and disappearing into the foam under the light of dusk. It's a moving sight that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

More than 35 kilometres of magnificent beaches line the Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast. With golden sand, coconut palms and turquoise water, you'll immediately feel like a budding robinson, and the temptation to go for a dip is immense. Unfortunately, **swimming is prohibited** as the sea is very rough. Even the best swimmers wouldn't risk a few laps.

As you stand on the beach, it's not uncommon to spot the fin of a shark passing by in the distance. So you can just sunbathe on the fine sand or read a book in the shade of the palm trees. Another option is to choose accommodation with a swimming pool for a refreshing di p after a long day of trekking through Tortuguero's winding canals and lush vegetation.

Tortuguero is a destination for all kinds of people. From backpackers who want to immerse themselves totally in the local culture to holidaymakers who dream of a luxurious getaway in exceptional surroundings, there's something for everyone here. For two or three days, Tortuguero becomes your home away from home.

Homestays**, youth hostels, guesthouses and hotels** are just some of the options for staying in the village, close to places of interest and the beach. But for those seeking a little more comfort and privacy, magnificent lodges with swimming pools and king-size beds line the banks of the canals. Isolated from the rest of the village, they promise total but luxurious immersion in nature, in communion with the local flora and fauna.

⛵ How do I get to Tortuguero Park?

If you want to get to Tortuguero from the country's capital, San José, you can take a domestic flight to Tortuguero airport or take a bus to the town of La Pavona. From there, you can take a small boat to the village. There is no direct road to Tortuguero, so access by land is very limited.

👉 How do I book?

On the official Tortuguero Park website, you can book your guided tours in the form of Paquetes or packages. Some tours even include one or more nights on site, as the park has small cabins in the forest. An incredible immersive experience.

👛 How much does entry cost?

The price depends on the packages you choose. For example, for a 3-day package with meals, tours, transport and taxes, the package costs USD 315 per person.