Where do you want to go?
  1. Peru (26)
  1. Argentina (27)
  1. Brazil (22)
  1. Ecuador (Galápagos) (5)
  1. Costa Rica (15)
  1. Chile (4)
  1. Bolivia (2)
  1. Multi-country (16)
South America Highlights
For how long?
Cost per person
Our Brazil Honeymoon was so well organized. We felt like you booked us the holiday we wanted rather than an off-the-shelf trip.
Michael & Mary Ludlam,
United States
Marc Harrison Travel Specialist & Team Leader

Why should I choose CAT?

Know more >
Call Toll FREE +1 877 240 4770
Chat with a Travel Specialist
Send us an Email

Tortuguero travel guide

Sea turtle TortugueroTortuguero Hill TortugueroWildlife watching TortugueroBasilisk lizardTortugueroCaribbean dish TortugueroCanoeing the waterwaysTortuguero
Image Rotator by .com v2.0
Request Your Free Quote
Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast, is a patchwork of canals and waterways, lush stretches of jungle and sandy beaches. The region is a prime nesting ground for marine turtles, and the name Tortuguero actually means ¨turtle catcher¨. The Caribbean Conservation Corps, highly acclaimed by National Geographic, formed in the 1970s and has done a phenomenal job of protecting and nurturing the endangered sea turtles back to their current, relatively stable numbers. Only accessible by boat or plane, Tortuguero is the largest green turtle nesting site on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. While turtle sighting is the main tourist draw during the breeding season, the canals and lush rainforest offer year-round opportunities to spot over 300 different species of wildlife.

Don´t Miss…

The Sea Turtle Conservation Project - Learn more about the history, life, and preservation of the green sea turtle at the project´s free museum. You can also participate in the conservation of these tranquil sea creatures by volunteering at the center.

Canoeing the waterways - Take a canoe and weave through Tortuguero´s extensive network of waterways, surrounded by a verdant tropical forest alive with fluttering birds and creeping reptiles.

Taking a turtle tour - The prime turtle spotting time is by moonlight. Nesting takes place during the months of July and August and hatching in the months that follow. Make sure to book your tours ahead of time in order to catch this National Geographic moment in real life.

Caribbean flavors - The region cooks up zesty seafood served with Caribbean style beans and rice, as well as delicious snacks. Try the sweet banana and chocolate cake or the savory patties (a pastry stuffed with meat served with spicy banana chili sauce), all of which can be found in Tortuguero Village´s main strip.

The famous Costa Rica frog – One of the most well-known symbols of Costa Rica is the bright green and red gaudy leaf frog. As you stroll down the streets at dusk, keep a keen eye on the foliage and you might just spot him staring back at you.

Testimonials

Our Brazil Honeymoon was so well organized. We felt like you booked us the holiday we wanted rather than an off-the-shelf trip.

Michael & Mary Ludlam
United States

Recommended tours