How To Plan Your 3-Day Tortuguero National Park Excursion From San Jose

Have you ever wanted to explore the beauty and wonder of Costa Rica? One of the best ways to do so is by taking a guided tour to some of the country’s most breathtaking national parks. One such park is Tortuguero National Park, located in the Limón Province. The park can only be reached by boat or airplane, making it an adventure in itself.

This 3-day Tortuguero National Park excursion will allow you to experience the wonder of the park’s 11 different habitats, including rainforest, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced tour guide who will show you the incredible plants and wildlife that the park has to offer, as well as take you on a tour of the village of Tortuguero and its beach.

If you’re interested in taking this tour, here’s everything you need to know to plan your excursion.

Experience and Highlights

During this tour, you will cruise along the wonderful Tortuguero Canal and take in the wealth of biodiversity in the park’s 11 different habitats. You’ll admire the incredible plants and wildlife, visit the village of Tortuguero and its beach, learn about Green Turtles at the Sea Turtle Museum, and even see the Green Turtles nesting (July to September).

Trip Itinerary

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during your 3-day Tortuguero National Park excursion:

Day 1

After an early morning hotel pickup, you’ll admire the biodiversity of a primary forest through the window as you drive past Braulio Carrillo National Park. Sample a delicious Costa Rican breakfast during the drive. Mid-morning, you’ll board a comfortable boat and travel along the Tortuguero Canals. You’ll be enchanted by the surrounding paradise and its varied flora and fauna. After the boat tour, you’ll enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the hotel’s amenities or explore the village of Tortuguero.

Day 2

On the second day, after breakfast, you’ll go on a guided walk in the trails near the hotel, where your guide will show you the different habitats that exist in Tortuguero. You can expect to learn a lot about flora and fauna, geology, and history from your experienced guide. Later in the morning, you’ll visit the town of Tortuguero and the Sea Turtle Museum before a delicious lunch back at the hotel. In the afternoon, you can continue exploring the village of Tortuguero, relax at the pool, or take an optional boat tour (additional cost) to explore more of the canals and their surrounding nature.

Day 3

After breakfast on the third day, you’ll depart from Tortuguero and take a boat ride back to the town of La Pavona. From La Pavona, you’ll take a comfortable bus back to your San Jose hotel. The estimated arrival time is around noon.

Booking Your Tour

To book your 3-day Tortuguero National Park excursion, head to this link. Be sure to read all the details and select the date and number of people in your group when booking. The package includes transportation, accommodation, meals, bilingual guide, and tours.

Conclusion

Exploring the Tortuguero National Park can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and this 3-day excursion offers the perfect opportunity to do so. From the comfortable hotel to the guided tours and boat rides, this package includes everything you need for a truly unforgettable adventure. Book your tour today and get ready to explore the beauty of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural treasures.

An Insider’s Guide to San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is a thriving hub of culture and history in Central America. Known for its bustling central market, delicious coffee shops, vibrant nightlife, and exciting museums, the city offers a multitude of experiences for visitors to explore. Here’s our guide to San Jose’s local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

Local Attractions

1. National Theater of Costa Rica – This iconic and historic architectural masterpiece is one of the most visited sites in San Jose. The theater has hosted world-renowned performers, musicians and orchestras for over a century and continues to entertain visitors today.

2. Mercado Central de San Jose – The central market of San Jose is an excellent place for some shopping and to try out some delicious local food. From fresh fruits to arts and crafts, you’ll find it all here.

3. Museo del Oro Precolombino – The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum has one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian artifacts in the world. It’s a must-visit for history and art lovers.

4. Parque La Sabana – This beautiful urban park is a popular spot for a picnic, sports activities or just to relax and enjoy a peaceful stroll. It also happens to be the largest urban park in Central America.

Dining Spots

1. Café Mundo – A popular spot for breakfast and brunch, this chic and rustic café offers a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

2. Machu Picchu Restaurant – A Peruvian-inspired restaurant located in the heart of downtown San Jose. From seafood to meat and vegetarian options, this restaurant has something for everyone.

3. Tenedor Argentino – This Argentine steakhouse is a carnivore’s paradise. From exquisite cuts of meat to delicious empanadas, it won’t disappoint.

4. Luv Burger – A vegan burger restaurant that is changing the culinary scene in San Jose. Their burgers are made with fresh and organic ingredients and are guilt-free indulgences.

Cultural Experiences

1. Theatre and live performances – Costa Rica has a vibrant and diverse theater scene, and there’s always something new and exciting to watch. From plays to musicals, you’ll find a variety of shows to enjoy.

2. Art Galleries – San Jose is home to a variety of art galleries and museums. Visit the contemporary art museum, or check out some of the galleries in the downtown area.

3. Costa Rican Coffee Tour – Costa Rica is known for its delicious and high-quality coffee, and there are several tours available that offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and production process.

Local History

1. Museo Nacional de Costa Rica – The National Museum of Costa Rica is located in a 19th-century building and is an excellent place to learn about the country’s rich history, from pre-Columbian times to modern day.

2. Barrio Amón – This historic neighborhood was built during the late 19th century and is home to many of the city’s colonial-era buildings, including museums, galleries, and shops.

3. Costa Rican Architecture – San Jose is known for its beautiful architecture, ranging from colonial-style buildings to contemporary art museums. Walking tours are available for visitors interested in learning more.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Orosi Valley – This picturesque valley is located an hour from San Jose and is home to several small, historic towns. It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination with plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring local culture.

2. Bajos del Toro – A stunning outdoor destination located in the foothills of the Tilaran Mountains. This area is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, bird watching, and outdoor activities.

3. La Paz Waterfall Gardens – A scenic nature reserve that offers visitors the opportunity to see exotic birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, as well as several beautiful waterfalls.

San Jose is a fascinating city with a wealth of experiences waiting for visitors to explore. From the historic neighborhoods to outdoor adventures, and an ever-evolving restaurant scene, the city never disappoints. Plan your 3-day Tortuguero National Park excursion, but don’t forget to take some time and explore the best of San Jose.