TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK - A MINI AMAZON EXPERIENCE

Our package allows a choice of two different hotels as described below:

1. Tortuguero Hotel or similar

This hotel lies along Costa Rica's northern Caribbean Zone, an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land between the sea on one side and the Tortuguero-Lagoon on the other.

Activities include fishing trips for tarpon, snook, among other species. Kayaking is available so you can explore some of the canals on your own if you have a chance.

This region is the most important nesting site in the entire Western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. The season starts around mid July and ends by October and you could be able to take a guided night walk to search for green sea turtles.

The hotel offers 80 standard rooms with views to the gardens and forest. The rooms offer private bathroom, hot water, ceiling fan, reading lamps, and a wooden bench outside your room to sit and admire the gardens.

The open-air restaurant is located in front of the Tortuguero lagoon, providing beautiful views of the forests nearby. You can also admire the boats of local people passing by to the nearby village. Meals are served buffet style with a variety of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. Coffee, tea, and cookies are available 24 hours a day at the restaurant.

Facilities and services:

• Open air restaurant.
• 2 bars, one located over the lagoon and another one next to the swimming pool area.
• Swimming pool with hydro-massage waterfall and a small islet.
• Huts with hammocks to take a nap, read a book or simply relax.
• Fifteen acres full of trees and exotic plants.
• Open butterfly garden with local plants that attract local species.
• Private trails ideal for bird watching.
• Access to the beach.
• A Gaudi style building with a small conference room, reception and souvenir shop.
• Covered boats to transport guests from the boarding port and open boats that are used to tour the canals. All boats are equipped with life jackets and rain ponchos for your safety and comfort.
  
• Fishing trips with experienced local captains for tarpon, snook, jacko bell, red snapper, and macko among other species (trips upon request).
  
• Turtle nesting night walks (from mid July to October approximately)
  
• Botanical garden.
  

Rates:

Standard Accommodation - 3 days / 2 nights
Includes:

• All meals included
• Tours as noted in package details itinerary below
• Transportation by bus and boat from San Jose and return
  

NOTE: All rates may be subject to change due to possible changes in taxes and gasoline locally.

Package description - 3 days / 2 nights tour
Day 1 - We begin our trip early in the morning between 6:00 am to 7:00 am (depending of the hotel you are staying at) from San Jose. You will be traveling with a bilingual naturalist guide on an air-conditioned bus. Drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you have the opportunity to see beautiful views and abundant vegetation. On the way we will stop for breakfast at a restaurant where you can enjoy a butterfly garden with a variety of tropical flowers. After breakfast we will continue our trip to Caño Blanco deck driving by banana plantations.

At Caño Blanco, you will board the covered boat to the lodge, passing the Tortuguero canals arriving between 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. At the lodge our staff will be waiting for you with a refreshing cocktail, your rooms will be assigned and the guide will explain the afternoon activities after lunch - the visit to the Turtle Museum of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation and to colourful Tortuguero town.

You will return to the lodge around 5:15 p.m. Free time to enjoy the pool, the bar service and prepare for your dinner. Dinner service from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and then rest of the night free to enjoy the surroundings, pool and bar.

Day 2 - Optional 6:15 am tour to admire the awakening of the wildlife of Tortuguero. Return for breakfast (service between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.). Then another boat tour to admire the canals of Tortuguero National Park. This is a wonderful and interesting experience where you can see abundant flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park. Return to the lodge for lunch and free time for a siesta, enjoy the pool or go for a walk to the beach. Then you have another optional tour to the canals or stay at the lodge to explore the private trails of the lodge, visit the open butterfly garden or simply enjoy the pool. Dinner at the lodge and night at leisure.

Day 3 - After breakfast we will begin our trip back to San Jose or to your next destination around 9:00 a.m. The boat will arrive at Caño Blanco around 11:00 a.m. Then our bus will be waiting for the drive back to San Jose. Stop en route for lunch. Arrive in San Jose area around 3:00 p.m. unless you are being transported to another destination in which case, we will supply you with the details.

4 Day / 3 Night Package
As above but add an extra day as below:
Day 4 - Day at leisure where you are able to enjoy the pool, butterfly garden, lagoon deck, stroll at the beach or join another boat tour to explore the canals.

2. Tortuguero's Lodge or similar

Tortuguero, is a navigable network of lake and canals that cross the National Park from Southeast to Northwest and accessible only by land, boat or air. There are no roads to get here!

During your stay, enjoy the pool surrounded by exotic gardens and relax in the ranchos with hammocks. Comfortable rooms with ceiling fans provide tranquil garden views. Stroll through the nature trails or take a leisurely walk on the pristine beach in front of the Lodge.

Guest accommodations consist of 36 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, ceiling fans and chairs for a pleasant, relaxing evening. Hotel facilities include two docks on the canals, swimming pool with Jacuzzi, two family-style restaurants with local and international cuisine , BBQ, bar, souvenir shop, relaxing ranchos with hammocks, natural trails, beach access in walking distance, sand volleyball court, and conference room where daily lectures on Tortuguero's natural history are presented.

Rates:

Standard Accommodation - 3 days / 2 nights
Includes:

• All meals included as described
• Tours as described
• Transportation by bus and boat from San Jose and return or to the next area of Costa Rica to be visited.
  

Entrance fees to Tortuguero National Park (US$7) and Caribbean Conservation Corporation (US$10) are not included and need to be paid at location.

NOTE: All rates may be subject to change due to possible changes in taxes and gasoline locally.

Package description - 3 days / 2 nights