Tortuguero Park
Tortuguero National Park
Wildlife in Tortuguero.
Tortuguero Costa Rica is considered the most important nesting site on the western side of the Caribbean (Atlantic). For the Green Turtle and other species. That return to deposit their eggs on the coast year after year. So, the nesting season begings in July and finishes the last week of october.
Tortuguero Costa Rica, the “Costa Rican Amazon”. This is because, within the park there are no roads. The principal mode of transportation is via dozens of fresh water canals. And you can only access the area by boat or plane.
The Tortuguero Canals represent the country’s second largest wetland. Tortuguero Village lies between the canals and the open sea. And is the only town center area. Tortuguero is definitely a magical place for bird watching. Because you can find more than 400 different species. A unique site for enjoying a unique natural experience.
In the case of the land area, 99% of the park area is protected. 1% is strictly for visitors. In regards to the marine area of the park 100% is for conservation. Not accesible by visitors.
Far from any city and conformed of an extensive network of rivers and canals, access is possible only on small boats. Tortuguero National Park is a place like no other.
Definitely. Tortuguero is a paradise for investigation and ecotourism. Therefore, Tortuguero is an ideal destination for lovers of peace and nature, at any time of the year.
The following are some of the services available within the Tortuguero National Park for the convenience of visitors. Remember that the only means of transportation within Tortuguero is via skiffs canoes or motorboats.
Tortuguero National Park Schedule
- The park is open 7 days per week including holidays.
- It is accessible from 6:00am to 12:00 noon.
- Then after lunch from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Services:
- Boat landing. Remember that in Tortuguero there are no roads. Arrival from the hotels and from the village to the park is only by water via boat.
- Potable water.
- Bathroom facilities. Handicap access facilities are available.
- Public information & bulletin kiosks
- Tourism services such as meals, boarding, guides, transportation, telephone, internet and others are offered privately at the various hotels surrounding the park.
Things to Know Before Visiting Tortuguero National Park
Where is Tortuguero National Park located?
The park is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park is a national park in the Limón Province of Costa Rica. It is situated within the Tortuguero Conservation Area of the northeastern part of the country.
Tortuguero National Park Animals
- Protected beaches are nesting area of 4 species of Marine Turtles.
- 442 bird species
- 138 mammal species
- 118 reptile species.
- 58 species of amphibians
- 460 species of arthropods
Wildlife is abundant in Tortuguero National Park. 138 species of mammals inhabit the park such as spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys and howler monkeys, jaguar, pumas, ocelots, sloths, river otters, and manatees.
Over 442 species of birds can be observed within the park including various species of parrots and parakeets, kingfisher, toucans, spoonbills, and more. There are 118 species of reptiles within the park including green sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, caiman, crocodiles, and boa constrictors. Of the 58 amphibian species, red-eyed leaf frogs and strawberry poison dart frogs are the most popular with visitors.
- Marine Turtle Observation Program: The turtle nesting observation walk is realized respecting sustainability considerations. Visitors are only allowed access to the nesting sites accompanied by guides certified by the National Par. In order to guarantee your participation, you will need to make advance reservations through the hotel where you stay.
- Tha Jaguar Nature Trail: This trail runs 2.5 km along and parallel to the park beach. It is the trail that is used during turtle nesting season and is clearly marked with entrances to the beach available each 100 meters.
- Aquatic Trails: Traveled by canoes, electric motor boat and kayak.
- Caño Chiquero Mora: This 2.3 kilometer route is exclusively accessible to small, non-contaminating boats.
- Tortuguero River Trail: This 4.3 kilometer route is effectively the entrance to the Tortuguero National Park canal network.
- Caño Harold Trail: 3.5 km route along a wide calm – water canal. That facilitates the observation of fauna.
- Caño Palma Trail: This 5.1 km route is the only one that is not accessed via the Tortuguero River.