One of most popular Costa Rica ecotourism destinations is Tortuguero National Park. Most famous for its rainforest, Tortuguero also has beautiful canals, rivers, beaches and lagoons.

Tortuguero National Park offers a large variety of Costa Rica Hotels and Lodges and is only accessible by small aircraft or boat. This magnificent and secluded area of the country is a great place to relax and enjoy nature! Nestled in the rainforest bordering the Caribbean coastline, this unique area is an isolated paradise for anyone who loves the natural world.

Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is quite different than the Pacific, as it is more remote and not as built up. You will also find the culture and atmosphere even more laid back than other parts of Costa Rica.

There is some of the most biodiversity in the world, right here in Tortuguero. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle, Tortuguero National Park now protects 51,870 acres, one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. Eleven habitats are found in the park. Three species of monkeys (Spider, Howler and White-faced), Three-toed sloths, and river otters are frequently seen along the natural inland waterways and canals. Caiman, iguanas, river turtles, Basilisk Lizards and Poison Dart frogs inhabit the area, along with more than 320 species of birds including all 6 species of kingfishers found in the new world, 3 species of toucans, 8 species of parrots and other neotropical species such as the Slaty-tailed Trogon, , Purple-throated Fruit Crow, White-collared Manakin, and White-fronted Nun Bird.

Tortuguero is best known for housing the largest nesting ground for green sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere. Between August and November, you’ll get a once-in-a lifetime chance to see these three-foot adult turtles, who can weigh as much as 440 lbs, laying eggs on the beach. Also, you will get to observe the giant leatherback, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles as they nest along the beautiful white sand beaches of Costa Rica.

Other great activities to do in Tortuguero include Costa Rica surfing, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, jungle tours, and of course relaxing on the remote, tropical beaches!