Tortuguero Jungle Canals Excursion
3 days / 2 nights

It’s the Caribbean version of the Amazon. The Tortuguero Canals are an extensive system of natural and man-made waterways used both for simple transportation and jungle exploration. Traveling through the canals is a fascinating experience rich in wildlife that includes monkeys, iguanas, and colorful tropical birds.

Getting there is half the fun. You’ll climb through the verdant coffee plantations outside of San José and pass through the massive Braulio Carrillo National Park, before heading down to the lowlands of Limón, on the Caribbean coast. Here, the jungle finally gives way to small towns and banana plantations, offering a unique glimpse of Costa Rica’s rural life.

Once you arrive at the Canals, the real fun begins. We’ll take a scenic boat ride along the canals to a charming jungle lodge. The rustic lodge, located on a sand bar between the Tortuguero Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, sits next to more than 47,000 acres of forest. Trails cut through the dense humid tropical rainforest, allowing you to observe a startling variety of wildlife species. Once under the forest’s canopy, you might see toucans, brightly colored macaws, and playful howler monkeys above. At ground level, tiny poison dart frogs show off their vivid colors. Knowledgeable naturalist guides are available to point out and explain the various species of plant and animal life - truly bringing the forest to life. Additionally, outdoor activities such as tarpon fishing and sea kayaking are available.

Part of your time at the lodge can be spent relaxing in your comfortable room, complete with private bath, hot water and a much-welcomed ceiling fan. In the afternoon you can enjoy a soothing dip in the Jacuzzi, splash around in the large swimming pool, or just nap on a hammock in the shade. At night, you’ll feast on international and local cuisine in the well-staffed, family-style restaurant.

One of the most important nesting sites in the world for four species of marine turtles, Tortuguero National Park covers nearly 14 miles of coastline. The Green Turtle, one of the park’s most famous visitors, has existed for over 200 million years and can weigh over 400 pounds. It nests in Tortuguero from July to October. Although less common, the Leatherback, Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles also arrive to make their nests and lay eggs between March and October. Egg laying occurs at night, when the females pull themselves out of the pounding surf and up the sand, digging holes with their flippers. After carefully covering their nests with sand, they return once again to the sea. Guided tours are available at night to give visitors a chance to witness this timeless, primordial act.
Costa Rica is one of only a handful of countries that protect turtle nesting sites, and even then, chances of survival are slim, as only one of every 5000 baby turtles reaches adulthood.

The second day begins with a much awaited boat tour through the canals. The boat employs nearly silent electric trolling motors, helping the skipper maneuver close to wildlife without disturbing or scaring it. This gives you a chance to take some great photographs of the abundant wildlife that inhabits this immense ecosystem.

You can spend your last morning in Tortuguero swinging in a hammock or playing some beach volleyball with other guests before bidding farewell to this unique area of Costa Rica.
The above itinerary includes: All-inclusive package, round-trip transportation from San José by land, bilingual guide and jungle boat (panga) to take you through the canals. Includes 2 nights lodging at the Mawamba Lodge or similar, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and jungle canal boat tour.

Optional tours: Fishing for giant tarpon, evening jungle explorations and turtle nesting expeditions at night.