Canals like mirrors, 300+ bird species and 11 ecological habitats. How to make the most of Costa Rica's Amazon.
Tortuguero National Park protects over 31,000 hectares of rainforest, mangroves, beaches and the famous jungle canals — often called the Amazon of Costa Rica.
Ways to explore
- •By boat: the classic. Glide through mirror-like canals at dawn while monkeys, sloths, caimans and herons wake up around you. Our river boat tour goes deeper into the park than canoe tours can.
- •On foot: the Jaguar Trail day walk follows the coast inside the park — register at the ranger station and hike with a guide who reads the forest like a book.
- •At night: the night walk reveals a completely different jungle — frogs, snakes, scorpions glowing under UV light, and sleeping birds.
Park tickets
Foreign visitors pay $17 per person per day (purchased online). Some of our combo tours include the ticket — check the tour description or ask the front desk.
Wildlife you can expect
Howler, spider and white-faced capuchin monkeys; two- and three-toed sloths; toucans, green macaws and 300+ bird species; caimans and river turtles; poison dart frogs; and with luck, river otters or even a jaguar track on the beach.
Tips from our guides
Go early — wildlife is most active before 9 a.m. Bring binoculars (we lend them on bird tours), wear neutral colors, and always go with a certified local guide: they spot ten times more than any untrained eye.
Planning your Tortuguero trip?
Book direct and we'll arrange tours, meals and transport for you.
