Often compared to Venice and the Amazon, for its navegable canals, the town of Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s hidden treasures. Located in the northeastern area of the province of Limón, the village of Tortuguero lies on a sand bar island facing the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero River. Its name literally means “place of the turtles” because it’s the yearly setting for the arrival of four different species of sea turtle who nest on its beaches.

The town of Tortuguero sustains itself specifically from eco-tourism and as such it’s an ideal location to learn about eco-friendly practices and to be in exceptional commune with nature. The Tortuguero National Park is also home to an infinite number of plant and animal species, including various birds and reptiles. Tortuguero is only accessible by airplane or boat, so keep that in mind before planning your vacation.

Highlights

• Tortuguero is the ideal place to try Caribbean cuisine, including the delicious “rice and beans”.
• The endangered green turtles next in Tortuguero during the months of July to October.
• While motorboat tours are offered, canoe tours are recommended to see more of nature.
• The canals of Tortuguero are becoming more and more popular for sport fishing.