Country Guide » National Parks
Located in the northeastern region of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is the third most popular park in the country. This park is part of the larger Tortuguero Conservation Area whose aim is to protect endangered species in the region. With more than five different habitats, the park is one of the richest biological destinations in the country and is famous for being the nesting ground for several species of endangered turtles including the Green Sea Turtle and the Leatherback.
Entrance to the park is in the village of Tortuguero from which visitors can decide whether they want to try the water or hiking routes. When visiting by water, people can see manatees, caimans, crocodiles and Tropical Gar. People on the hiking paths can see monkeys, peacocks, toucans, sloths and jaguars.
Turtles are of course the most popular attraction and hundreds of visitors arrive each year hoping to see the newborns hatch from their eggs and go on their first swim. Guided tours are suggested in order to help the birth process remain undisturbed.
