Exploring Tortuguero National Park
Tortuga Lodge Extension
Overview
With its lush rainforest and exotic flora and fauna, Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is a haven for tremendous wildlife viewing. We spend two days here at Tortuga Lodge on our Costa Rica Wildlife journey, and because it’s a very active trip, we’ve created this extension so you can enjoy some more time at this lovely lodge to unwind and relax before returning home—or, you can add some additional adventures! Choose from a wide variety of activities that can be booked directly at the lodge—from visiting a sea turtle nesting site to hiking Cerro Tortuguero and a kayaking excursion in the mystical waterways of Tortuguero National Park. Please note activities are an “on your own” expense.
Arrive: Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Depart: Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Highlights
- Boat or kayak through the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park.
Itinerary
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast after your main Costa Rica Wildlife adventure comes to an end and relax in your room or near the pool. In the afternoon, you can head out on one of the excursions listed below or simply soak in the tranquility of the property. Tortuga Lodge is the only hotel in Tortuguero with its own private nature reserve, and there are four short walking trails behind the property if you wish to explore at no additional charge...LD
Activities:
Activities:
- Visit a turtle nesting site at night (July through October only). In groups of 10 led by local guides, you'll have the opportunity to see Atlantic Green Sea turtles as they lay their eggs. These turtles can weigh up to 300-pound and lay 80-100 eggs. Groups set out at 8 pm or 10 pm.
- Boat Excursion. After an early breakfast at the lodge, join your fellow guests and the local naturalist guide for a three-hour boat expedition into Tortuguero National Park.
- Kayak in Tortuguergo National Park. Spend a couple hours in the morning or afternoon kayaking through the majestic canals of Caño Chiquero or Caño Mora, natural waterways designated for non-motorized boats only. You will be accompanied by a bilingual Tortuguero guide for the duration of the trip.
- Hike Cerro Tortuguero. Get a birds-eye view of the majestic Caribbean lowlands on this two-hour hike up Cerro Tortuguero. After breakfast at the lodge, join your fellow hikers and the bilingual naturalist guide for a boat transfer to the Caribbean village of San Francisco and gateway to Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge.
- Visit Tortuguero Village. Get a glimpse of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast and the fascinating history and culture of Tortuguero Village. This fun, two-hour experience begins with a boat ride from the lodge to town, where you can visit the local school (during weekdays and school year), stroll through the Sea Turtle Conservancy center and museum, visit local artisan shops, general goods store, and walk down the quaint streets of colorful Afro-Caribbean homes.
- Atlantic Coast Fishing. Available for a half-day (6 hours) or full-day (8 hours), set out with your guide on one of the lodge's boats to fish for tarpon, four varieties of snook, rainbow bass, jack cravelle, and much more.
Enjoy a number of activities you can book through the lodge or simply savor extra time in this serene setting...BLD
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights...B
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.