Author:
Alice – @discoveny and discoveny.com
Tortuguero National Park is a spectacular protected area on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Although initially set up as a sanctuary for nesting turtles, Totuguero, like most of Costa Rica’s National Parks, is home to jaguars, ocelots, toucans, eagles, monkeys, and more!
So what’s so special about Tortuguero?
Why would you want to visit Tortuguero National Park over, say, Manuel Antonio or Monteverde Cloud Forest? Well, unlike most of Costa Rica’s National Parks, walking quietly through the forest isn’t necessarily the best way to see the amazing wildlife that Tortuguero has to offer. Instead, you’ll have to take to the waters.
That’s right! Unreachable by road, Tortuguero National Park consists of a network of canals, jungle, rainforest and lagoons. The best ways to see wildlife in this national park are to take a boat tour, hire kayaks, or head to the beach. Of course, like any national park in Costa Rica, jungle walks are still an option too.
But Costa Rica, costs a-lotta! If you’re visiting Costa Rica on a budget, you might be wondering how to see everything Tortuguero National Park has to offer, without having to pay that ~$15 USD park permit every day of your stay. Well, here is our advice on how to structure your itinerary and our top tips to get the most out of one day in Tortuguero National Park, plus 8 things you can do on a budget.
The Tortuguero National Park Permit
The rates for Tortuguero National Park are currently $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
It’s super important to pay for a National Park pass. Your park entry fee is not just for upkeep and maintenance, but it also funds conservation and wildlife protection. For more information on why the Costa Rica Park Pass is so important head here.
But with Costa Rica’s National Parks usually cosing ~$15 – $20 USD, what’s a budget traveller to do?
How to get the most out of your Tortuguero Park Pass on a budget:
Here’s how to get the most out of 2-days in Tortuguero National Park with just a 1-day park permit. This will cost you ~$60 USD all in, a bargain for two fun-packed days in Costa Rica!
Take the morning boat from La Pavona (~1,5 hours) or Moin (~4 hours) to Tortuguero Village
The boat ride to Tortuguero is one of the best parts of this 2-day itinerary! We took the 10 am boat from Moin (Limon province) and arrived at around 2pm. If you’re lucky, your boat driver will also act as a guide, slowing down to show you any wildlife they spot. We saw sloths, crocodiles, two species of monkey and a toucan!
Explore the town
Head to your accommodation and ditch your backpack. Then, take some time to explore this little town. Stroll down the main street, have a chat with friendly locals, and savour the laid-back atmosphere. Discover local shops and eateries, offering a taste of the Costa Rican culture that permeates this remote village.
See the sun set
Hit the docks for a spectacular view.
Go on a night walk
As the sun sets, head out on a night walk to witness Tortuguero’s nocturnal wildlife. Armed only with a flashlight, explore the trails and witness the park come alive with the sounds of creatures that thrive in the darkness. So many animals are more active in the evening, and you have a high chance of seeing armadillos, sloths, snakes (we saw a Boa!), frogs, lizards, and moths.
Secure your park pass for the next day
So far all your experiences have not needed a permit, but the rest of the visit requires a one day permit. You can do this in the evening to save time, or on the next morning – it doesn’t matter! This pass grants you access to the forest, beaches, and rivers that make Tortuguero National Park so incredible.
Experience wildlife on the water
Book a boat wildlife-watching tour for a unique and immersive adventure. Set your alarms early – that’s when the wildlife will be most active – and get ready to glide through the park’s intricate waterways. You may spot howler monkeys, colourful birds, and perhaps even a lazy caiman. You’ll need your park permit for this, so make sure to have it with you.
Tip for an extra ~$5 USD you can include unlimited use of kayaks for the day. This allows you to enjoy the waterways at your own leisure later on in the day and is excellent value compared to booking a separate kayak tour.
Visit the forest by foot
After your boat tour, grab some breakfast. Then lace up your hiking boots and explore the park on foot. Follow well-marked trails that wind through the dense rainforest, offering a chance to encounter diverse flora and fauna. Listen to the symphony of birdcalls and the rustle of leaves as you discover the park’s hidden treasures. Or, head down to the beach and see if you can spot any turtles!
Kayak at your own pace
Cap off your two-day budget-friendly adventure by renting kayaks for a leisurely afternoon paddle. Navigate the waterways at your own pace and connect with nature on a more intimate level, rounding out your exploration of Tortuguero National Park.
Alice:
AKA @discoveny
Alice is a tea-drinking, mountain-climbing lass from Yorkshire, UK. She started Discoveny in 2020 to encourage more sustainable ways of travelling. Alice has visited more than 25 countries and writes hiking guides, eco-travel tips and is an advocate for responsible travel. Alice currently works for the UK government, helping them to plant sustainable forests for carbon offsetting. She is currently living in Edinburgh. Read Alice’s blog posts here.
Travel doesn’t have to destroy the planet! From trip planning, to transport, to enjoying the destination, Discoveny will help you make sustainable travel fun! Equip yourself with the knowledge and know-how to do good for our planet and those we share it with at www.discoveny.com
Love that I could share some tips on visiting Costa Rica on a budget! Thanks GapBeetle for having me as a guest on your blog! 🙂