3-DAY TORTUGUERO EXPEDITION

*Please note that any service (excursion, transportation, package, etc.) Will be subject to the 13% sales tax. The taxes will not be reflected in the price, but have to be paid at the time of payment.

Please note, an additional 1.75% booking fee will also be applied.

Tortuguero National Park is the best place in Costa Rica to encounter wildlife. It consists of a large system of waterways irrigating the majority of the Northern Caribbean area of the country. Because of its remote location and difficult access this pristine rainforest remains virtually untouched and it is home to many animals like sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, trogons, water birds, colorful frogs and butterflies. This National Park is also the prime nesting site for the green and leatherback sea turtles from July to October, during which months an optional turtle nesting night tour will be available.

On the first day we will drive to the Caño Blanco embarking area where we will access the main canal to go north into the National Park. We will check in and at 1:00 p.m. there will be a visit to Tortuguero Village.

On the second day we will embark on a Canoe trip into the jungle where you will explore the lagoons and hidden canals, as we go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. You can expect to receive plenty of good information from your naturalist guide. We work hard at making this tour a learning experience.

After the Canoe tour we will go back to our hotel for breakfast and and at 11 a.m. we will start the hike to Tortuguero National Park. This is a very different way to experience the surrounding Tropical Rainforest. And again, you can expect good information from your guide. The afternoon is on your own. Optional activities include a Hike to Cerro Tortuguero at $40 pp. It is a 4 hour trip over and back.

On the third day after  breakfast you will have leisure time.  At 12 noon we start our boat ride out back to Caño Blanco and drive out with the option to be dropped off in San José, Puerto Viejo or the Arenal Volcano.

Both La Casona or similar (standard option) and Hotel Miss Mirian (economy option) are located  only five minutes  from the Tortuguero National Park. They are  focused on the respect, protection and conservation of the environment and of the flora and fauna of the area. Both feature rooms with private bath, hot water and fans. They have authentic Caribbean style, painted with bright colors that identify the culture of the area and  lush  gardens. Prices based on double occupancy. For single travelers, an additional charge of $15 per night applies.

Included:

• 1 naturalist Canoe tour
• 1 tour of town
• 2 nights of lodging
• 1 guided hike
• 3 breakfasts
• Transportation to/from San José, Puerto Viejo or Arenal

• Lunches
• Dinners
• National Park entrance ($15)
• Caribbean Conservation Corporation ($2)
• Turtle nesting night tour (if you stay at La Baula Lodge for transportation)

Light clothes, swimming suit, sunscreen, hat, camera (ideally water proof), water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars, raincoat. For the night-tour please wear dark clothes.

Itinerary

Day 1

Morning:
Drive from San José, Arenal or Puerto Viejo, breakfast at Exploration Center.

Afternoon:
Hotel check-in, Tortuguero Village Tour, leisure time.

Evening:
Seasonal turtle nesting tour or night hike tour (optional). Additional $35 / from July to October only.

Day 2

Morning:
Naturalist Canoe Tour at 5:30 am. Breakfast, and at 11 a.m. start the guided hike to Tortuguero national Park.

Afternoon:
On your own. We recommend you take the tour to Cerro Tortuguero ($40).

Day 3

Morning:
Breakfast, leisure time, and check-out.

Afternoon:
Shuttle out leaves at 12 noon from Costa Rica Roots Tours Office, the boat ride and drive to Exploration center and on to San José, Arenal or Puerto Viejo.