What to see and do in Tortuguero

What to visit in Tortuguero · canals, viewpoint and conservation

• Tortuguero Canals · Cuatro Esquinas sector
• Cerro Tortuguero trail and viewpoint
• Sea Turtle Conservancy visitor center

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Tortuguero · canals, viewpoint and conservation

nature

Tortuguero Canals · Cuatro Esquinas sector

The canals allow you to get closer to the flooded forest and the aquatic environments of the park. Protected area entry and boat service are different concepts.

Activities for your visit

• Travel the authorized canals with a boat service.
• Observe the forest from the water.

Tips for this place

• Agree with the operator what the tour includes.
• It is not guaranteed to observe a specific species.

Reserve entry to channels ↗

In SICORE, log in and select Tortuguero National Park - Sector Canales, corresponding to Cuatro Esquinas, for your date. The admission ticket does not include a boat, guide, transfer from La Pavona or nighttime turtle observation.

Reference sources and location

• SINAC · Tortuguero National Park and its sectors

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 10.5339, -83.5023.

SINAC · Tortuguero National Park and its sectors

viewpoint

Cerro Tortuguero trail and viewpoint

The hill trail offers an elevated perspective of the coast and wetlands around Tortuguero. It has its own admission and requires organizing aquatic access to the sector.

Activities for your visit

• Walk the enabled trail.
• Contemplate the landscape from the viewpoint.

Tips for this place

• Assess the steps and the humidity of the path.
• Check the closure notices due to natural phenomena.

Reserve Cerro Tortuguero ↗

Select Tortuguero National Park - Cerro Tortuguero Sector on the SINAC portal and the available date. Its admission is different from Cuatro Esquinas; Boat transportation to the sector is organized separately.

Reference sources and location

• SINAC · online purchase of Cuatro Esquinas and Cerro Tortuguero

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 10.5877, -83.5282.

SINAC · online purchase of Cuatro Esquinas and Cerro Tortuguero

museum

Sea Turtle Conservancy visitor center

The Sea Turtle Conservancy's small museum and educational materials explain the lives of sea turtles and the research carried out in Tortuguero.

Activities for your visit

• Know the life cycle of turtles.
• Explore the center's exhibitions.

Tips for this place

• Check the opening directly before you go.
• Distinguish the museum from the beach observation program.

Check entrance to the center ↗

The center has its own entrance fee and in-person attention. It is not a nesting tour nor does it guarantee seeing turtles; Night observation is coordinated separately with authorized guides and under current regulations.

Reference sources and location

• Sea Turtle Conservancy · Tortuguero visitor center

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 10.5504, -83.5025.

Sea Turtle Conservancy · Tortuguero visitor center

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

3-day itinerary in Tortuguero · canals, viewpoint and conservation

1. Day 1

   Arrival and visitor center

   Coordinate the boat to Tortuguero and check the opening of the Sea Turtle Conservancy center.

2. Day 2

   Cuatro Esquinas canals

   Combine SINAC admission with the boat and guide service you have contracted.

3. Day 3

   Tortuguero Hill

   Buy the specific ticket and organize the boat to the sector; Check the status of the trail before leaving.

Tips for visiting Tortuguero · canals, viewpoint and conservation

• Tortuguero requires combining land and water transportation or flying depending on availability.
• Don't confuse visiting a museum with nighttime turtle watching.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Tortuguero · canals, viewpoint and conservation

Six flavors to get to know Costa Rica: gallo pinto breakfasts, soda casados, home cooking and Caribbean coconut rice. The guides first show the dishes associated with their area and then other flavors from this national selection. The caption identifies the location of each photo where it appears.

The whole country · A Costa Rican breakfast

Gallo pinto

Rice and beans sautéed with onion, sweet chili and cilantro make up this everyday breakfast. It is usually accompanied with egg, cheese, tortilla or custard. The presentation changes between houses and sodas; The photo shows a version served at Zarcero.

Reference: Costa Rican Institute of Tourism · Gallo pinto

The whole country · Soda lunch

Casado

A plate of rice and beans with salad and sides that vary by kitchen: picadillo, ripe plantain, egg or meat. There is no single fixed combination. The photo shows a casado from Soda Cristal in San José's Central Market.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Food and frequently asked questions

Home cooking · Beef and vegetable broth

Olla de carne

Hearty beef soup with tubers and vegetables such as cassava, potato, tiquizque and plantain. The cuts and vegetables change with the family recipe. It is served hot and combines the broth with large pieces of its ingredients.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Culinary adventure

Family cuisine · Rice to share

Costa Rican arroz con pollo

Rice mixed with shredded chicken, vegetables and aromas such as onion, garlic and sweet chili. Annatto provides color in some recipes. The Cartago recipe book includes a homemade version; The photo shows rice with chicken with salad and avocado.

Reference: Ministry of Culture and ICT · Cartago Recipe Book

Limón and the Caribbean · Rice cooked in coconut milk

Caribbean rice and beans

Rice and beans cooked with coconut milk and spices, characteristic of the Costa Rican Caribbean. They are often accompanied with chicken or fish. It shares ingredients with gallo pinto, but the coconut and the preparation give it a different flavor.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Caribbean Cuisine

Costas and sodas Crispy green banana

Patacones

Green banana slices that are fried, smashed and fried again. In Costa Rica they accompany fish, seafood or meat; They are also served with sauces. It is a preparation shared by several countries in the region.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Caribbean flavors