How to go to Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park is one of the most unique destinations in Costa Rica. Located on the Caribbean coast, this remote area is made up of a vast network of jungle canals, rivers, and lagoons surrounded by dense rainforest. Because there are no roads leading into the town, the only way to reach Tortuguero is by boat or small plane, which makes the journey feel like the beginning of a true adventure.

What makes Tortuguero truly special is the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature. The sounds of the rainforest, the slow movement through the canals, and the incredible biodiversity make it one of the most magical places in the country.

You can visit Tortuguero at any time of the year; it’s a destination that can be enjoyed year-round.

As I always recommend, Costa Rica is best explored with a rental car. You can easily drive to the boat departure point with any type of vehicle.

Head toward the Caribbean region and enter Pavona Embarcadero in Google Maps. Once you arrive, you’ll find parking areas where you can leave your car for around $20 per night.

From there, you’ll take a boat that travels through the jungle canals to the village of Tortuguero. The last boat usually departs around 3:00 PM, so I strongly recommend arriving early—preferably before 1:00 PM to avoid any stress

location pavona

Where to stay in Tortuguero
Tortuguero offers several options for hotels and Airbnbs. I highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance, as it’s common for places to fill up and you may arrive without finding availability.

Here I’m sharing a link to an Airbnb that I personally loved during my visit.

Airbnb

What I recommend doing in Tortuguero
On your first day, I recommend arriving as early as possible so you have time to buy your entrance ticket and explore Tortuguero National Park.

On the following day, one of the best experiences is taking an early morning kayak tour (around 5:30 AM). This allows you to enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the lagoon while exploring the canals. The tour usually takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the area, where you can observe a wide variety of wildlife and lush rainforest.

Tortuguero is a destination I highly recommend including in your itinerary, either before or after visiting Costa Rica’s Caribbean beaches like Puerto Viejo de Talamanca or Punta Uva.

Keep in mind that the last boat leaving Tortuguero departs around 3:00 PM. A good plan is to enjoy lunch in the village and then take that last boat before continuing your journey to your next destination.