Visit Tortuguero in Costa Rica Family Vacation. Stay in Pachira or Mawamba Lodge

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Tortuguero
Caribbean Northeast
Costa Rica's jungle and canals

Known as the “Costa Rican Amazon,” the Tortuguero region lies on the northeastern Caribbean coast, approximately 50 miles north of Limon. It is accessible by plane, boat or car. Nature lovers seeking a unique jungle experience should not miss this extremely ecologically diverse region. Many visitors looking for a Costa Rica family vacation who want a nature experience tend to choose between Tortuguero and Corcovado, but true nature lovers find important differences in the flora and fauna of each region, and include both in their itineraries.

Tortuguero is the nesting home for four of the six species of sea turtles known on earth. Most people come to the region to visit Tortuguero National Park, where they can watch green sea turtles nest (nesting season spans the end of June to late September). During the peak season, thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Costa Rica’s well organized national park system provides nightly guided tours that virtually guarantee all visitors will be able to observe this unique natural phenomenon.

Tortuguero is home to numerous other creatures as well, including three species of monkeys, sloths, parrots, manatees, land turtles, jaguars, numerous species of freshwater fish and the renowned red-eyed tree frog. Families in vacationing in Costa Rica will find numerous opportunities to spot exotic wildlife while enjoying a boat ride or kayaking in the canals, and hiking in the trails of this unique jungle envorinment.

A system of waterways and lagoons crisscrosses Tortuguero National Park, functioning as the primary form of transportation in the area. Numerous boat tours are available, and observing the impressive flora and fauna is a highlight. Be prepared though, this is the wettest region in Costa Rica.

Typically, a two or three night stay in Tortuguero will include a tour of the canals, a hike in the forest and a visit to the local town. Other activities available include kayaking, fly fishing and a small canopy tour. Costa Rica Hotel packages include transportation to and from San Jose. Flights are recommended when possible for at least one leg of the trip.

While in Tortuguero:

Catch a glimpse of the sea turtles as the lay eggs during nesting season.

Take a nature boat tour or kayak down the canals.

View the Caribbean Rainforest from the top on an exciting canopy tour.

Hike the trails of the parks and reserves in search for wildlife. Spot monkeys, macaws, toucans, sloths and many of the inhabitants of the region.

Families looking for an exotic Costa Rica Vacation should include Tortuguero in their itineraries, especially during the June - October turtle nesting season. While accomodations at top hotels in the area - including Mawamba and Pachira Lodge - are on the rustic side, visitors will get a good feel for this northeast Caribbean region and its culture. To includie a visit to Tortuguero in your Costa Rica family vacation, please call us toll free at (888) 928-3688 or email us at info@memorablecostarica.com for a customized Costa Rica vacation package.