Day 1 – Arrival in Tortuguero
At around 6am you’ll be picked up at your hotel in San Jose and travel to the Caribbean coast by coach, as part of an international group. As you near the harbour you’ll drive through vast banana plantations. On arrival in Tortuguero you’ll load your bags onto the narrow boat that will take you down the river to your home for the next few days.
At the lodge you’ll go ashore and be welcomed with an arrival drink. Your home for the next couple of nights is a wooden cabin, with your own shower, toilet and fan, set in an enticing tropical garden. This afternoon you’ll have time to settle in and relax by the pool. At the end of the afternoon you’ll start your first activity. If you’re lucky to be here during the right season (Feb to April and July to October for the different species), you will probably want to see the turtles laying their eggs.
Day 2 – Exploring the waterways
You won’t need to set an alarm clock this morning as the howl of the monkeys will definitely be enough to wake you. Bright and early, you’ll leave the rest of the group and embark on a specially organised canoe adventure, with up to 6 people in the boat. As you paddle through the narrow river channels, you’ll need to keep your wits about you and occasionally duck under the branches heading your way.
In the afternoon you’ll head off on another boat excursion. As you cruise down the river you can feel the calm in the air, interrupted only by a sudden rustling of branches or twittering of birds in the trees. Your Costa Rica guide may seem to have eyes in the back of his head as he notices a lizard or kingfisher sitting motionless on a branch.
Day 3 – Departure from Tortuguero
After breakfast the following day, it’s time to check out and leave Tortuguero through the network of river canals. You’ll sail back to the mainland and then travel by bus to Guapiles, from where you’ll carry on to your next stop in Costa Rica.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Switch to a luxury experience
Are you in the mood for luxury? We’ve found the perfect basis for your stay in Tortuguero. Set between the winding Tortuguero River and lush plantation-style gardens, this tranquil lodge offers a front-row seat to one of Costa Rica’s most captivating ecosystems. Surrounded by dense rainforest, it’s the perfect base for exploring the mysteries of the Caribbean coast. Your room opens to sweeping river views and is thoughtfully equipped for rainforest adventures.
Switch to an off the beaten path experience
Feeling adventurous? We’ve got the option just for you! Venture deep into the rainforest to escape the civilised world and reunite with nature. Undiscovered by most, this is a truly unspoilt land, so the experience is pretty special. Think untouched jungle teeming with wildlife, uninterrupted views of the canals from the terrace, tiny fishing villages, sounds of the forest, oh, and no internet (or electricity). Enjoy the luxury of slowing down in a rustic eco-lodge surrounded by nature.