The Mystic Tortuguero National Park
The most important attraction of Tortuguero National Park is definitely its turtles. Green Sea, Leatherback, and Hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches here. Costa Rica car rental
Green Sea Turtles are considered an endangered species because they are hunted for the adults’ meat and for turtle soup. Additionally their eggs are poached for their supposed aphrodisiac qualities. An interesting fact is that Hawksbill turtles have a natural defense against ending up in turtle soup. Their flesh and skin are extremely toxic and there’s no antidote for it.
The mass arrivals of the turtles known in Spanish as “arribadas” occur at night usually under a waning moon. Bear in mind that a guide is required to visit the beaches at night. If you are an independent traveler you can arrange tours through the kiosk in the middle of Tortuguero village or through your hotel. Car rental Costa Rica
Tortuguero was protected as a nesting sanctuary in 1963 and declared a National Park in 1970, mainly due to the efforts of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation and a turtle biologist named Archie Carr. He started a turtle-tagging program at Tortuguero in 1955 that still continues today.
An extraordinary region, Tortuguero and its surrounding areas get the heaviest rainfall in the country. The presence of parallel coastal banks here has given rise to the formation of lakes, channels and marshes. All these formations are home to an overabundance of fish and marine life.
Additionally, the wide network of freshwater creeks and lagoons behind the beaches of Tortuguero shelter seven species of river turtles, as well as the spectacled caiman, southern river otters, a number of crustaceans, and more than 50 species of freshwater fish. If you arrange a tour boat through the freshwater canals you might also see spider, howler and capuchin monkeys and dozens of species of birds. Even though they are difficult to spot, West Indian manatees also inhabit the area.
Heliconias are very popular in Tortuguero and they adorn the place in a very special way. Their flowers are similar to clusters of lobster claws and are pollinated by hummingbirds.
It is important to take into consideration that this is one of the rainiest areas of Costa Rica, and even in the dry season afternoon showers are common. Expect rain at any time of the year, but the three wettest months are December, June, and July, and the three driest are February, March and September.
In the Tortuguero village you will find lodging, restaurants, and tour operators.
Keep in mind that there are no roads to Tortuguero. It can be accessed by boat from Moín near Puerto Limon, or by small plane.
Tortuguero is a relaxed place with many lodges, hotels, and cabinas for all budgets. It is very important to book hotels and tours in advance as this is a major tourist destination.
While in the Tortuguero town you can go to a visitor center and museum. There are other activities that you might also enjoy such as hiking and canoeing.
Come to Tortuguero and enjoy its magical beauty!