From San Jose: The Ultimate 3-Day Tortuguero National Park Excursion

Are you looking for the perfect weekend getaway from San Jose? Whether you’re already a resident or just visiting from fellow Central American countries, nothing beats the adventure and natural beauty of Tortuguero National Park.

There’s just something special about this lush tropical paradise, made up of 11 different eco-systems and located at the heart of Costa Rica’s eastern coast. It is one of the most accessible parks in Costa Rica and an appealing site to explore thanks to its unique mangrove forests, the Caribbean Sea, and its rich biodiversity.

And what better way to explore it than through a 3-day excursion? To help you plan your dream breakaway weekend, we’ve created this ultimate guide to a 3-day Tortuguero National Park excursion from San Jose. Read on to find out how you can get to the park from San Jose, as well as the best attractions and activities to enjoy while you’re there!

Getting to Tortuguero National Park from San Jose

The most popular way of getting to Tortuguero from San Jose is via the Caribe Shuttle Costa Rica. Caribe Shuttle is a shuttle service and tour operator providing transport from the San Jose airport to Tortuguero for reasonable prices.

• The bus starts its journey in the morning, usually at 10am, departing from the airport
• The trips are punctual and there are pick-up services available too
• You can also book seats online
• Caribe Shuttle Costa Rica provides check-in luggage storage

They also offer excursions with a reliable and professional guide, providing 3 convenient packages: 1-Day adventure in Tortuguero, 2-Day Nature in Tortuguero National Park, & 3-Day Tour in Tortuguero National Park. With these packages, not only will you feel comfortable on your journey, but you will also experience an informative and entertaining day, or days, spent in the park.

Accommodation in Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park has all types of accommodation available, from basic hotel rooms to high-end luxury resorts. The main advantage of staying in Tortuguero rather than San Jose is that you’ll be close to the park, making it easier for you to enjoy its attractions.

Tortugero Village

Tortugero Village is the main town inside the park. It has several hotels and lodges catering mostly to budget travelers, including Hotel Laguna Lodge, Hotels Jaguar Inn and The Green Turtle Lodge. All of them offer basic rooms and facilities but with a unique atmosphere.

The Beachside Resort

The Beachside Resort offers more luxury and is the most popular choice among tourists. It offers quality accommodation on the beachfront with great views of the park.

Ramon’s Village Resort

Ramon’s Village Resort offers traditional cabins and villas to give you the “jungle experience” with a dash of luxury. The resort has its own private beach, nature tours, and a delicious restaurant serving local cuisine.

Activities in Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is one of the best places in Central America to observe wildlife and enjoy nature—there are plenty of activities that you can do during your visit! Here are some of our favorite attractions:

Paddling on the Canal

Paddling on the canal is the most popular activity for tourists visiting the park and one of the most enjoyable ways of exploring nature here. You can rent your canoe or boat and travel on your own or join a guided tour.

Hiking

You can take self-guided hikes along nature trails inside the park, or take a guided hikes with an experienced local guide who can share their knowledge of the park and its facilities. The local guide will also help you spot wildlife that you may otherwise not have noticed.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to travel around the canals of the park and observe wildlife up close. Kayak rentals are available at some hotels and resorts or guided kayaking tours can be arranged too.

Bird Watching

Tortuguero is famous for its bird watching opportunities and is especially appealing during summer months (April – October). A visit during this season allows you to observe a wide variety of tropical birds such as toucans and macaws.

Social Tours

Social tours are becoming popular among tourists who want to get more involved with local communities and learn more about sustainability, conservation efforts and other projects carried out in the park. Social tours usually involve visiting local communities and their projects, as well as learning about traditional customs.

Take Away

Taking a 3-day excursion to Tortuguero National Park from San Jose is an unforgettable experience that promises adventure and breathtaking scenery–something which will live on with you long after you finish your trip. From comfortable accommodation to incredible activities like kayaking and bird watching, this trip will certainly be one for the books! To make sure you get your perfect weekend away at an affordable price, book your tour with GetYourGuide. Let’s make a memories together!