"What You Should Know."
before traveling to Tortuguero
Prices
Parking costs:
Cars
Per night ₡10,000 or $17.98
Per day ₡5,000 or $8.98
Motorcycles
Per night ₡3,000 or $6
Per day ₡2,000 or $4
We're here to ensure you have a pleasant experience traveling to Tortuguero.
First, we'll explain how to get to La Pavona Dock from San José, Costa Rica's capital city. The drive takes about three hours.
When you arrive in La Pavona, it's crucial to know that the dock is located on the right side of the road.
Rancho La Pavona Parking is located just 20 meters from the boats, allowing you to avoid extra walking and protect your luggage from potential damage on the gravel roads. At Rancho La Pavona Parking, we have 24-hour security with cameras and professional staff who will look after your vehicle.
We also offer comprehensive insurance coverage for any eventuality that may arise in the park or on our boats.
The boat trip takes approximately one hour, though it may take a little longer depending on the river's flow. It's important to keep this in mind when you arrive at the parking lot on the right, in case you need to use the restroom or buy a snack.
Upon arriving at the parking area, you may encounter vendors attempting to sell you boat tickets and activities in Tortuguero who are not affiliated with Fersa. We recommend entering our parking lot on the right, where you can pay for your boat ticket with cash or credit card. However, we strongly suggest purchasing your boat ticket and parking through our official website, where prices are regulated by the Costa Rican government, ensuring greater security for your purchase.
🌿 Top Activities in Tortuguero
🛶 1. Canal Tours – Wildlife Observation
Exploring the canals of the National Park is one of the top activities. You can do so by guided boat, kayak, or canoe to observe animals such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and more.
What to Bring:
Insect repellent
Camera/binoculars
Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
Raincoat or poncho (due to frequent rain)
🐢 2. Nighttime Turtle Tours (Specific Seasons)
Tortuguero is famous for its sea turtle nesting (mainly green turtles). Between July and October, you can take guided night tours to see turtles laying their eggs; at other times of the year, you can also see hatchlings making their way to the sea.
What to bring:
Dark clothing (many tours recommend it)
Sandals or comfortable shoes
Insect repellent
Headlamp with red light (as instructed by the guide)
⚠️ Cameras and flashes are often not allowed during these hikes to avoid disturbing the turtles.
🌳 3. Hiking trails in the National Park
There are trails like El Gavilán, Jaguar, or the one to Cerro Tortuguero where you can hike through the jungle and observe birds, frogs, monkeys, and butterflies.
What to bring:
Boots or closed shoes
Insect repellent
Hat and sunscreen
Water and snacks
Comfortable clothing for humid weather
🚤 4. Canopy tours / adventure activities
In the area, you can also enjoy canopy tours, zip lines, and other adrenaline-pumping experiences over the jungle.
What to bring:
Sports shoes
Lightweight gloves (if recommended by the operator)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
🏖️ 5. Tortuguero Beach and Village
You can stroll along the beach or walk through the village of Tortuguero, where there are no cars, only trails and canals. There are cafes, small shops, and local art to discover.
What to bring:
Swimsuit
Towel
Sunscreen
Cash in Costa Rican colones (the town has few ATMs)
🧳 What to bring depending on the activity
Activity Essential
Canal tours Insect repellent, camera, binoculars, raincoat
Turtle nesting walk Dark clothing, flashlight, comfortable shoes
Trails/hikes Boots, water, snacks, sunscreen
Adventure (zip-line) Athletic shoes, comfortable clothing
Beach/town Swimsuit, towel, cash.
🐾 General tips for visiting Tortuguero
Humid climate: It often rains in Tortuguero, so waterproof and quick-drying clothing is key.
Insects: There are many mosquitoes, especially near water and in the jungle. Bring good repellent.
Mobility: Everything is done by boat or on foot (there are no cars).
Book tours in advance: especially during turtle season.
Bring local currency (colones): there are few banking services in town.
Would you like itinerary recommendations (e.g., 2 or 3 days in Tortuguero) or the best times to see specific turtles? 🐢✨
🌿 2-Day Tortuguero Itinerary
📅 Day 1 – Nature and Canals
🛶 Tortuguero National Park Canal Tour
Duration: 2–3 hours
Explore the famous canals surrounded by rainforest, home to monkeys, sloths, caimans, toucans, and much more.
What to bring:
Insect repellent
Camera or cell phone with a good battery
Binoculars
Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
Raincoat
🌴 Free afternoon in the town and on the beach
Walk through the town (no cars, only trails and canals).
Walk along the Caribbean beach.
What to bring:
Sandals
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Cash in Costa Rican colones
🐢 Evening (during July–October season) – Turtle Nesting Tour
Guided experience to observe turtles laying their eggs on the beach.
What to bring:
Dark clothing
Closed-toe shoes
Insect repellent
Do not use flash photography or white lights
🌿 3-Day Itinerary in Tortuguero
📅 Day 1 – Canals and Village
(Same as the previous itinerary)
📅 Day 2 – Trails and Adventure
🌳 Hike along the trails of the National Park
Birdwatching, frog watching, insect watching, and monkey watching.
What to bring:
Closed-toe shoes or boots
Water
Insect repellent
Hat
🚣 Kayak or Canoe on the canals
Ideal for those seeking a quieter, more immersive experience in nature.
What to bring:
Comfortable clothing
Sunscreen
Hat
Waterproof phone case
📅 Day 3 – Hill and Culture
⛰️ Visit to Tortuguero Hill
Short hike with spectacular panoramic views.
What to bring:
Sports shoes
Water
Camera
🏛️ Turtle Conservation Museum
Learn more about sea turtle conservation.
🐢 Best time to visit
July to October: Peak season for green turtles (nesting).
September and October: Months with less intense rainfall in the area.
Year-round: Wildlife viewing in the canals.
