Luxury Lodge
Costa Rica

Tortuga Lodge
Tortuguero National Park

Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Highlights

  • Riverside Setting: Tortuga Lodge is nestled along the serene banks of the Tortuguero River, providing picturesque views and direct access to the surrounding waterways and canals. This location makes it ideal for exploring the park’s vast network of rivers and canals by boat, offering an intimate experience with nature in an untouched environment.
  • Wildlife Encounters: The lodge is a hotspot for wildlife viewing, offering opportunities to see iconic species such as sloths, howler and spider monkeys, caimans, toucans, and vibrant birdlife. With the lodge situated right in the heart of the rainforest, guests can often spot wildlife directly from the property or during guided tours through the surrounding jungle and waterways.
  • Eco-Friendly Luxury: Tortuga Lodge is committed to sustainability, blending eco-conscious practices with a luxurious stay. The accommodations are designed to immerse guests in nature while offering comfort, featuring spacious rooms with private verandas, hammocks, and open-air designs that allow the sounds and sights of the rainforest to be enjoyed fully.
  • Turtle Nesting Tours: One of Tortuguero’s most famous attractions is its sea turtles. Between July and October, the lodge offers special tours to witness endangered green sea turtles nesting on nearby beaches, an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience. During the season, guests can also see turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
  • Guided Nature Excursions: The lodge offers a range of guided excursions, including boat tours through the national park’s intricate canals, which are often compared to the Amazon. These tours allow guests to explore the lush rainforest, spot rare wildlife, and learn about the region’s biodiversity. Jungle hikes and birdwatching tours are also popular activities.
  • Tranquil Retreat: With its remote location in the heart of Tortuguero National Park, Tortuga Lodge offers a peaceful and secluded escape. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the sounds of the rainforest and the river, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a deep connection with nature.

Good to know

How to get there

Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero National Park is not accessible by car and can only be reached by boat or plane. The nearest airport is Tortuguero Airport (TTQ), which is approximately 10 minutes away by boat from the lodge. Tortuguero Airport primarily serves domestic flights, with connections from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. The flight from San José to Tortuguero takes about 30 minutes, followed by a short boat ride to the lodge.

Alternatively, you can reach Tortuga Lodge by taking a 3 to 4-hour drive from San José to the port town of La Pavona, followed by a 1- to 2-hour boat transfer to the lodge through the canals of Tortuguero.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero National Park. The lodge is family-friendly and offers various activities that are suitable for children, such as wildlife viewing, boat tours, and nature walks. The peaceful environment and opportunities to see monkeys, birds, and even sea turtles make it an exciting destination for kids interested in nature. However, the lodge’s tranquil setting also ensures a relaxing atmosphere for families, providing both adventure and relaxation.

Additionally, Tortuga Lodge offers spacious accommodations and child-friendly meal options to cater to families.

Giving back

Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero National Park is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices as part of its operations within the fragile rainforest ecosystem. Their sustainability policy focuses on several key areas:

  1. Conservation and Biodiversity: The lodge is located in a sensitive ecological area, so great care is taken to protect the surrounding environment. This includes minimizing the ecological footprint through responsible waste management and energy-saving measures. The lodge also actively supports the conservation of local wildlife, including sea turtles, by participating in and promoting sustainable tourism.
  2. Sustainable Construction and Energy Use: The design of the lodge incorporates sustainable materials and methods that reduce environmental impact. Solar panels and energy-efficient systems are used to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  3. Local Community Support: Tortuga Lodge strives to benefit the local community by employing staff from nearby villages and sourcing ingredients locally to support regional farmers and reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
  4. Eco-friendly Practices: The lodge implements several eco-friendly measures, including waste reduction, composting, and avoiding the use of single-use plastics. They also promote water conservation by encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens, reducing water and detergent usage.
  5. Education and Awareness: The lodge educates guests on environmental protection, encouraging eco-conscious behaviour during their stay, such as respecting wildlife and supporting local conservation initiatives.

How to spend your time here

At Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero National Park, you can enjoy a variety of activities that allow you to immerse yourself in nature and experience the unique biodiversity of the region. Here’s how you can spend your time:

1. Wildlife Viewing

The lodge is located in one of Costa Rica’s richest areas for wildlife. You can explore the rainforest on guided hikes or boat tours and spot animals like howler monkeys, sloths, caimans, and colourful tropical birds. Birdwatching is particularly popular here, as the area is home to over 400 species of birds.

2. Boat Tours Through Tortuguero Canals

Explore the intricate canal system that winds through Tortuguero National Park. Guided boat tours take you through mangroves, rivers, and lagoons, where you can observe wildlife and learn about the area’s complex ecosystems. Early morning and evening tours are often the best times to see animals.

3. Sea Turtle Nesting Tours

From July to October, Tortuguero becomes a key nesting site for sea turtles, including endangered green sea turtles. The lodge offers guided night tours where you can witness the nesting process on the beach. If visiting between November and December, you might see baby turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean.

4. Kayaking and Canoeing

For a more active exploration of the park, you can take a kayak or canoe through the peaceful canals. Paddling through the water provides a closer, quieter approach to observing wildlife and allows you to navigate areas inaccessible to motorboats.

5. Cultural and Educational Activities

The lodge often hosts presentations and educational sessions about the history, ecology, and conservation efforts in Tortuguero. You can learn about the importance of protecting this fragile ecosystem and the community’s role in sustainable tourism.

6. Relaxation at the Lodge

Between adventures, spend time relaxing in the lodge’s tranquil setting. You can unwind by the pool, enjoy riverside views from a hammock, or indulge in a wellness treatment while listening to the sounds of the rainforest. The lodge’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for relaxation after a day of exploring.

Why we love Tortuga Lodge

Located in the heart of the National Park, this is one of the best spots for up close and personal wildlife encounters and with some of the best guides on hand you’ll have no problem identifying different species.

team member on an arctic adventure
Karen Chapman

Specialises in

Latin America, The Caribbean and Polar Regions
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.