Tortuguero National Park is located on the northeast Atlantic coast of Costa Rica, about 80 kilometers north of Limon. The park consists of approximately 31,200 hectares of coastal park and 52,000 hectares of marine area. It is a lowland area with an altitude of only 20 meters above sea level and with a few volcanic hills with heights of 100-300 meters. The vegetations that dominate the park are palm swamps, mixed rainforest, tropical wet forest and pre-mountain forest. Additionally, there is a network of black water canals leading through the region.

The park is the most important nesting area for Green Sea Turtles on the Caribbean coast but although turtles is the main attraction for visitors, other types of wildlife can also be spotted in Tortuguero. The area is for example home to half of the bird and reptile species that are found in Costa Rica. Within the park you are likely to see monkeys, sloths, anteaters, lizards, caimans, crocodiles, fresh water turtles, snakes and frogs. More than 400 species of birds have been recorded and manatees, peccaries, tapirs and various members of the cat family are supposed to inhabit the area. There are two ranger stations within the park, Jalova is on the southern part of the canal with access to a nature trail, drinking water and bathrooms. Cuatro Esquinas is the head quarter, located only a few minutes walking from the village and on the north end of the canal. Here you find a 2-kilometer jungle trail leading back to the station via the beach. Night walks on the beach are only allowed during the turtle season and have to be accompanied by a certified guide. Those walks can be organized by the hotels or in the village at a cost of $10- 30. Although the area is protected by law, loggers, plantations, ranches and tourist developments are constant threats for the park. The western parts are eroded and the towns of Cariari and Guapiles are illegally trying to build a road leading to the village. This would harm the fragile eco system and disturb the wildlife of the region. Today the incomes from tourism are therefore needed to protect the area from exploitation and non-sustainable developments.
Opening hours: Daily 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance fee: $7 per person