Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
El Tortuguero National Park, established in 1975, spans a vast expanse of lowland rainforests, wetlands, mangroves, beaches, and a network of natural and man-made canals on Costa Rica’s northeastern Caribbean coast. Often called the "Amazon of Costa Rica," this biodiverse park covers about 26,000 hectares of protected territory, making it one of the country's most significant tropical ecosystems. It serves as a crucial nesting site for green sea turtles, leatherbacks, hawksbills, and loggerheads, attracting researchers and turtle enthusiasts every year from July to October during the nesting season. The park’s dense jungles are home to a dazzling variety of wildlife including howler monkeys, jaguars, sloths, caimans, and hundreds of bird species such as toucans and scarlet macaws. Visitors explore the park primarily by boat along its extensive canals, which offer a unique way to experience the lush surroundings and spot wildlife. Guided tours through the jungle trails, night walks, and boat rides to watch turtles nesting are popular activities that provide intimate encounters with the rainforest. The remote village of Tortuguero serves as the gateway to the park and offers modest lodges, local culture, and a visitor center with educational exhibits. A paradise for nature lovers and eco-tourists, El Tortuguero’s combination of ecological importance and engaging wildlife-viewing opportunities make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Costa Rica’s natural heritage.
