Tortuguero

In the north-eastern corner of Costa Rica, Tortuguero is one of the country’s most celebrated national parks, 77 thousand acres of rainforest, mangrove swamps and sheltered channels that spill onto Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast.

Accessible only by plane and boat, Tortuguero provides some of the last remaining nesting sites of four of the world’s eight species of green turtles. Every year between July and October, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill and Olive ridley turtles all make their way onto the dark sands to lay their eggs. There are a number of good lodges dotted around the small village and visitors can head into the park by boat to explore the surrounding forest and waterways. Tortuguero boasts over 375 species of birds and 60 species of mammals including howler monkeys, sloths and jaguar as well as caiman and crocodiles.

Tortuguero Hotels

Pachira Lodge$$$

Excellent value for money, Pachira Lodge is a rustic yet comfortable base for exploring the nearby beaches and national park. The lodge works with comprehensive packages and includes all boat-trips and wildlife tours to immerse its guests in the rich eco-systems. The grounds themselves harbour a wealth of birdlife and it is not uncommon to spot howler monkeys in the trees above your room. There is a large inviting pool in the shape of a giant turtle ringed by sun-loungers perfect for cooling ...