Tortuguero National Park is located on the Caribbean coast in a remote 31,187-hectare (77,000-acre) national park. Tortuguero National Park is largely made up of a coastal rainforest which has what seems to be an infinite maze of canals. These canals are an engineering marvel. A trip on the canals of Tortuguero has been likened to a dreamy lazy float on the Amazon. It is a lyrical trip where travelers are rewarded with glimpses of sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, numerous species of birds and freshwater turtles. This park contains 11 ecological habitats and an abundance of wildlife.

Tortuguero National Park wildlife includes:

• 60 species of mammals.
• 57 species of amphibians.
• 300 species of birds.
• 111 species of reptiles.
• 30 species of fresh water fish.
• 16 species of endangered animals such as jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees.
• Six of eight sea turtle species nest in Tortuguero National Park including the leatherback.

Tortuguero National Park Wildlife Watching

Returning to the beach of their birth, female turtles can lay eggs up to 10 times per season, although they may only nest every 2-3 years. Tortuguero National Park has six of the eight turtle species found in Costa Rica, including the leatherback turtle. These critters come to shore at night from late July through August, which is prime time but they are seen from March through October. If you are unable to visit during the peak time, the next best option is in April. Leatherback turtles nest in small numbers in April.

Tortuguero National Park is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica for travelers to see wildlife. The best conditions for wildlife viewing are after a rainfall and in the early morning. The animals come out to sun along the edges of the canal. The numbers that come out can be truly astounding. A few of the endangered species, such as the manatees can be found here. There are also otters, jaguars and monkeys in the forest of Tortuguero National Park.

Tortuguero National Park Hiking

The only public trail for hiking in Tortuguero is the El Gavilan Land Trail which is a 2-km (1.25 mi) loop through the humid forest and follows a stretch of beach. It can be very muddy but parrots and monkeys are commonly sighted. This is a short trail and is well marked.

The other hiking option is to head up to Cerro Tortuguero, an extinct volcano, which is located about 6-km (3.75 mi) north of the village. It's not possible to get there by foot, so visitors will need to hire a boat and guide. Cerro Tortuguero is the highest point on the coast so the views are terrific.

Tortuguero National Park Canoeing

Renting canoes in Tortuguero is affordable, possible and the most desirable way to get around but it's important to have a map.

Tortuguero National Park hotels and lodges are as follows:

• Tortuguero National Park Hotels — La Baula Lodge is located on the Tortuguero Lagoon and offers 44 basic rooms with private bath, ceiling fan and hot water. There's a swimming pool and restaurant on site. Package rates start at US$265 per person based on double occupancy.
• Tortuguero National Park Hotels — Mawamba Lodge is also located in the forest and takes visitors to see the nesting turtles. It's a rustic facility offering the basics in amenities and luxury. There is a pool. Rooms come with private bath, safety box, ceiling fans and intermittent hot water. Package rates start at US$245 per person.
• Tortuguero National Park Hotels — Pachira Lodge is located across the canal facing the town of Tortuguero. This hotel has 88 rooms with private bath and hot water. Package rates start at US250 per person.
• Tortuguero National Park Hotels — Pacuare Lodge offers 19 bungalows in the heart of Tortuguero National Park. The bungalows are palm thatched with two levels. There's a restaurant and pool onsite. It's a charming facility. Package rates start at US$375 per person.
• Tortuguero National Park Hotels — Samoa Lodge is located in the jungle with easy proximity to the nesting green turtle. It's a remote and rustic lodge that is very basic but clean. The lodge offers package rates that include accommodation, food, guided tours and bus/boat transport. Rates start at US$265 per person.
• Tortuguero National Park Hotels — Turtle Beach Lodge is located about 5 minutes north of town and offers cabins with private bath. There are also standard rooms available. Package rates start at US$245 per person based on double occupancy.