Visit Central America

It's the turtles that'll lure you to this park, a prime nesting site for green, leatherback, and hawksbill reptiles, who arrive mostly between July and September each year to lay their eggs on the beach. You'll have to take to the waters to get here too, since the park's accessible only by boat. But the journey's worth it: Depending on the night, the beach can be littered with turtles.

The fertile waters of Tortuguero
Photo courtesy: The Costa Rica Experts

The beach, of course, has become an essential ecological center, and as a result, almost 19,000 hectares were set aside as national park in 1970. Besides the famous turtles, the park also attracts avine species, including green macawas, great curasswos, and migratory birds from North America. Other denizens include tapirs, jaguars, and monkeys; West Indian manatees are frequently spotted in the canals. The small town has frequent blackouts, so be sure to have your flashlight handy. There's a small visitor's center and hotels in the village.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Moderate to difficult
When to go: February—April

Questions on Central America? Ask GORP's Travel Guru!

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Mainstream Hike Pico Bonito Park Birding at Copan Ruins Dive Bay Islands Explore Monteverde Turtle-Watch at Tortuguero Walk Corcovado Hike Arenal Volcano Swim with the Sharks Experience Belize's Caves Canoe Community Baboon Sanctuary

Off the Beaten Path Birding at Crooked Tree Track Jaguars at Cockscomb Trek the Mosquito Coast Climb in Celaque Park Search for Honduran Wildlife Trek Honduran Forests Hike Costa Rica's Tallest Peak Explore Costa Rica's Volcanic Craters Dive Lighthouse Reef Step Into Belize's Past

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Costa Rica Adventures Luxuriant forests, fascinating wildlife and volcanoes galore — yours to discover in Costa Rica. Top Activity Destinations Canoe Costa Rica Hiking Chirripo Birding: Quetzal Quest Rain Forest Advneture more Central America. . .

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