Costa Rica · National Parks

3-Day Tortuguero National Park Adventure with Lodge Stay and Canal Tours

4 Days Round trip from San José Province Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Travel by riverboat through lush jungle canals to reach your lodge
02 Visit Tortuguero Village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum with a local guide
03 Explore Tortuguero National Park on an early morning boat tour ideal for wildlife spotting
04 Walk along private nature trails and discover the region's diverse flora and fauna

Experience a 3-day adventure in Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse and remote regions. Depart from San José or La Fortuna and travel through lush rainforests, winding rivers, and vibrant villages. Enjoy guided boat tours through jungle canals, nature walks along private trails, and cultural visits to Tortuguero Village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum. Stay in a comfortable lodge with included meals, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Experience a 3-day adventure in Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse and remote regions.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities San Jose, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Braulio Carrillo National Park

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

San José or La Fortuna to Tortuguero

Begin the day with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in San José or La Fortuna.
Enjoy a scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park with lush rainforest views.
Stop along the route for a hearty breakfast.
Continue the journey by ground to the boat dock.
Board a riverboat and travel through winding jungle canals to reach the lodge.
Receive a welcome cocktail and check in at the lodge.
Have lunch at the lodge's restaurant.
Visit Tortuguero Village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum with a local guide.
Take a guided beach walk to explore the coastline.

Enjoy a buffet-style dinner at the lodge.

Spend the night at the lodge in Tortuguero.

Day 02

Explore Tortuguero National Park

Begin the day with an early morning boat tour through the Tortuguero canals, ideal for spotting wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and caimans.
Return to the lodge for a fresh tropical breakfast.
Join a guided nature walk along the lodge's private rainforest trails.
Enjoy lunch at the lodge.
Spend the afternoon at leisure or participate in optional activities such as a turtle nesting tour, available during nesting season.
Have dinner at the lodge's buffet restaurant.

Spend a second night at the lodge.

Day 03

Tortuguero to San José or La Fortuna

Have breakfast at the lodge before departure.
Transfer by boat back to the main dock.
Continue by ground transportation through the countryside.
Stop for lunch at El Ceibo Restaurant.
Resume the journey to San José or connect with shuttle service to La Fortuna.

Where this trip takes you

Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero canals, Tortuguero Village

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from San José Province 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned bus from San José and back, or from intermediate points
Transfer by comfortable boats from the embarkation port to the hotel and back
Welcome cocktail
Two nights of accommodation in Tortuguero
En-route breakfast on the first day
Two buffet-style breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners in Tortuguero
En-route lunch on the third day
Guided visit to the Green Turtle Museum (STC) and the picturesque town of Tortuguero
Short walk along the beach
Guided walk through the hotel's private trails
Guided boat tour through the beautiful Tortuguero Canals
Bilingual guide (English-Spanish) throughout the entire tour

What's Not Included

Entrance to Tortuguero National Park: US$16.95 per person for ages over 12
Entrance fee for children ages 6 to 12: US$5.65
Children under 5 enter free of charge
Contribution to the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) Museum: US$2.50 per person
Children under 6 contribute free of charge

What to bring

Comfortable, light clothing, preferably quick-dry
Long pants and long-sleeve shirts for nature hikes
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Swimsuit
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Sandals or water shoes
Insect repellent
Sunscreen and hat
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars and camera with waterproof protection, if possible
Flashlight or headlamp
Personal medications and toiletries
Small backpack or daypack
Copy of passport recommended for national park entry

Know before you go

Weather: Tortuguero is a tropical rainforest area; expect warm temperatures, high humidity, and occasional rain throughout the year.
Wildlife: Sightings are not guaranteed, but they are very common - keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, toucans, caimans, and more.
Sea Turtle Nesting: The nesting season for green sea turtles runs from July to October. Tours are available at night during this period (optional and not included).
Cash: Bring some cash for small purchases or tips; there are no ATMs in Tortuguero Village.
Connectivity: Internet and cell phone reception may be limited in some areas.
Sustainability: Tortuguero is a protected area - please respect wildlife, stay on trails, and avoid using single-use plastics.
Travel Light: Pack only what is necessary, as boat space is limited. Luggage restrictions may apply.
Entry Fees: Entrance to Tortuguero National Park and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum is not included in the package price and must be paid in cash upon arrival.