TORTUGUERO COSTA RICA TRAVEL GUIDE

Tortuguero is located on the Caribbean Coast . After the overland drive to the city of Limon , a major Caribbean port city, you will take a short boat ride (you can fly if you wish) to your hotel just outside the village of Tortuguero . The area cannot be accessed over land.

Of course, when you say "Tortuguero" your first thought is turtles. The word means "region of the turtles." It is one of Costa Rica's most important ecotourism destinations and is recognized worldwide for the significant role it is playing in safeguarding endangered sea turtles. There are eight species of sea turtles in the world, and six of them nest in Costa Rica . Four of those frequent the Tortuguero region. This is the most important breeding ground for the Green Sea Turtle.

The second thought that comes to mine is "rainforest." The area, which cannot be accessed by land, (you have to get there by boat or small aircraft) is a series of canals, rivers, beaches and lagoons surrounded by the rainforest. The Tortuguero National Park , which you will visit during your stay here, is exactly that - a rainforest.

Because the area is so remote and because it is a wildlife refuge dedicated to saving sea turtles, it is a tranquil place, a place of peace and quiet.

While you are here, however, there are a number of other interesting, fun thing to do:

A major attraction is the national park. During your stay, you will be exploring the national park and its rich diversity of plant life, birds and wildlife.

The park is a lowland marine area with an altitude of about 20 meters above sea level and a few small hills. It is the most important nesting area for the endangered Green Sea Turtle. Beside the turtles, the park is home to a huge variety of wildlife. While you are here you are likely to see monkeys, sloths, anteaters, lizards, caimans, crocodiles, fresh water turtles, snakes and frogs. More than 400 species of birds have been spotted and manatees, tapirs and member of the cat family are reputed to live in the area. The park is home to more than half the species of birds and reptiles found in Costa Rica .

The park includes a two kilometers (1.25 miles) jungle trail leading back to the ranger station via the beach. For a nominal sum, the walk can be organized for you. This is done to protect the fragile ecosystem of the area and to support tourism as an eco-friendly industry (verses logging, plantations and ranching which threaten the area).

BOAT TOURS

A guided tour through the canals and waterways is the best way to see the rich variety wildlife that make their home in the rainforests of Tortuguero. Your guide is an expert at spotting them in the canopy of the forest and will help you witness them living in their natural habitat.

Nesting season extends from June to October. Walking tours are conducted at night. You must be accompanied by a guide so that the turtles are not disturbed, but you can watch the turtles as they lay their eggs in the sand and then cover them.

Two months after the eggs are laid, the little hatchlings dig themselves out of the sand and scamper to the sea. It is a dangerous journey and many end up as dinner for birds, crabs and other beach dwellers. Despite the urge to rescue, you are there to observe and not to interfere with nature's process. All this takes place in the afternoon and evening and again, you must be accompanied by a guide. Hatching season is from August to December.

If you want to explore the canals and waterways on your own, a kayak or canoe is easily rented.

Tarpon and snook can be found in the waters on the Caribbean side. There is a 100-mile region of canals and inlets just north of the city of Limon and within easy distance from Tortuguero that boosts some of the best tarpon fishing in the world.