Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s most popular ecotourism destinations. The Tortuguero National Park is a must to do while visiting Costa Rica.
Visit Tortuguero and enjoy the Rainforest, the network of canals, lagoons, and dense rainforest. Depending on the season you will be able to see turtles hatching.
The park stretches along the north Caribbean and the Tortuguero Town has a population of about 500 habitants. There are no cars. The park and the town of Tortuguero are accessible by boat or small aircrafts.
There is a variety of small hotels and lodges in this area. They offer special packages including the round trip transportation, accommodation, all meals, bilingual tour guides, local tours and taxes.
HOTELS OPTIONS
2 Days / 1 Night Package
2 Days & 1 Night Package
Please notice this is just a guide and times and order of activities may vary.
Day 1:
– 5:45 am to 6:45 am: Departure from the main hotels from San José City.
– 8:00 am to 8:20 am: Arrival to Selva Tropical Restaurant in Guápiles from Limón, here you will have a typical Costa Rican breakfast and enjoy the butterfly garden.
– 9:00 am to 9:10 am: Departure from the Rainforest to Pavona Dock.
– 10:45 am: Arrival at the dock to take the boat transportation.
– 11:00 am Boat ride to go to the Lodge
– 12: 30pm Arrival at the lodge, cocktail and welcome briefing.
– 12: 45pm Lunch in the main restaurant.
– 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Visit to Tortuguero Town
– 7:00 pm: Dinner (Pasta Station)
Day 2:
– 5:30 am-7:30am Awakening Tour- Tour through the Tortuguero canals (Entrance to the park is not included- (Cost $15 per person, payable directly in cash)
– 7:30 am: Breakfast
– 9:00 am/9:30am: Departure from the Lodge towards Pavona.
– 10:45 am: Arrival at the Pavona Dock.
– 11:00 am: Drive to Selva Tropical Restaurant in Guápiles
– 12: 30pm Lunch at Selva Tropical in Guápiles.
– 3:00 pm-5:00pm Arrival in San José
- The itinerary is based on the operation using the La Pavona Dock, in case the operation is changed to Caño Blanco, the schedules will be modified. The schedules mentioned above are approximate.
Cancelation Policy:
95% refund if cancel 31 days or more prior to arrival.
70% refund if cancel between 30-21 days prior to arrival.
50% refund if cancel between 20-16 days prior to arrival.
25% refund if cancel between 15-9 days prior to arrival.
0% refund if cancel between 8 days or less prior to arrival.
Refunds don’t apply to the local flights portion, when booking the option with local flights. Flights are not refundable.
2 Days & 1 Night Package
DAY 1
6:00-7:00 a.m. Departure time from major hotels in San José area. We will travel through highway #32 and drive past the scenic Braulio Carrillo National Park. We will stop for a Costa Rican style breakfast, including the local recipe of “Gallo Pinto”, at Grupo Mawamba’s Río Danta Restaurant in Guápiles at approx. 8:00 a.m. Our journey will continue to the dock at either La Pavona in Guapiles or Caño Blanco in Siquirres (La Pavona is our main port of operation, but depending on weather conditions it might be necessary to change to Caño Blanco).
11:00 a.m. Arrival to the pier and after a chance for restroom use, board Mawamba’s boat for your one hour ride to Tortuguero and Mawamba Lodge (times might vary depending on river’s water level). For the first part of the journey, you´ll be cruising on “La Suerte” River, and then, as you get closer to Tortuguero you will get into the wider Tortuguero River.
12:15-1:00 p.m. Arrival to Mawamba Lodge. Welcome by our manager, and check into your room. Afterwards, meet your tour guide and group at the Restaurant by the pool area for a buffet lunch (lunch available 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.).
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. This afternoon is a great opportunity to visit the Village of Tortuguero along with your guide and group. Through this visit, learn about the ways of life of the local residents of Tortuguero, a small town of approx. 1300 people. After the visit and some free time, we will return back to the Lodge walking by the beach trail leading to the Lodge (weather permitting).
From Mawamba Lodge, one can actually walk to/from town without needing to take a boat. In case you’d rather not walk, please inform your tour guide who will arrange boat transportation back for you.
7:30 p.m. Meet your guide and group at the restaurant for your buffet dinner, served from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
DAY 2
05:30 a.m. Join us for coffee/tea at the cafeteria next door to the lodge front desk.
05:45 a.m. Departure by boat to visit one of the park’s canals by boat and discover with your guide the wonderful biodiversity that resides in this area. We recommend you bring your windbreaker and poncho. A shower can always be expected in the rainforest! Also, don’t forget to bring cash to pay for your National Park fee.
8:00 a.m. Breakfast is served at the Lodge. We kindly ask you to check out of your room around8:30 am, and gather around the reception/ souvenir shop area for departure at 9:00 am back to La Pavona, on a return ride from your way in.
11:00 a.m. Arrival to La Pavona, use the restrooms before boarding the bus for the return drive to San José.
1:00 p.m. Stop for lunch at Grupo Mawamba’s Río Danta Restaurant in Guápiles.
Those returning to San Jose will arrive between 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., depending on road conditions.
NOTES
- All times are approximate, variations can be expected depending on weather and road conditions. Always verify with your tour guide the departure time for your activities.
- If you have any dietary restriction, please let us know in advance, as options in Tortuguero are limited.
- The order and logistics of the itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.
- There is very limited space in the bus and boats for luggage. We kindly ask you to pack lightly for a maximum luggage of 25 lb per person.
- Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park is not included in the package: USD $15.00 per adult person (as of Nov 1st, 2014). Children 6-11 years old pay $5.00 USD
- Alcoholic beverages, sodas, cocktails/smoothies or bottled water are not included in the package price.
- During turtle nesting season, dinner time changes to 6:45 p.m., so our visitors can join the available tour.
- What to bring: Poncho, comfortable walking shoes and sandals (flip flops), bathing suit, fast drying cotton clothes, windbreaker/light jacket, hat/cap, sun block, insect repellant, camera/ binoculars & items of personal nature. Complimentary services:
- WI-FI service in common areas of the Lodge: (Bar, reception, and pool area) WI FI is not available in the rooms although some might get a weak signal, and Mawamba does not have computers available for Internet use.
- Umbrellas for guest use (Ponchos available for sale at the souvenir shop)
- In room safe
- Self-guided walk in Mawamba Lodge garden’s (Tour map available in reception)
- Hammocks for beach use (ask for hammocks in reception)
OPTIONAL TOURS (EXTRA COST)
- Early rise morning boat tour: Wake up early to enjoy the beauty of the rainforest as everything comes to life with the sunrise. Meet your tour guide at 5:45 a.m. for coffee and 6:00 a.m. departure to discover the beauty and wildlife of the rainforest. Return at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast.
- Twilight tour / night hike: In the tropical rainforest. A great opportunity to hear, live and explore the sounds and behavior of the rainforest at nighttime. Guided tour from Mawamba Lodge. Includes: Guide, flashlights, round trip boat transportation from the Lodge to private trail and trail use
- Katonga Floating Restaurant: A unique opportunity to dine (or take a sunset tour) on board of the only floating restaurant in Costa Rica (or that we know of), while cruising the Lagoon, on a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Dinner is served on the table, from a menu you choose before boarding. A unique experience
- Kayaking tour: Join us on a 2 hour guided kayak tour on the Tortuguero National Park. We will take you on a canal used only for non-motor boats, to quietly explore and discover the wildlife of the National Park.
Cancelation Policy:
95% refund if cancel 31 days or more prior to arrival.
70% refund if cancel between 30-21 days prior to arrival.
50% refund if cancel between 20-16 days prior to arrival.
25% refund if cancel between 15-9 days prior to arrival.
0% refund if cancel between 8 days or less prior to arrival.
Refunds don’t apply to the local flights portion, when booking the option with local flights. Flights are not refundable.
2 Days & 1 Night Package
Day 1
- Between 06:00a.m. and 06:30a.m. Approx. We will pick you up early in the morning at your Hotel in San Jose. Admire the biodiversity of an astonishing protected area in Costa Rica as we drive by Braulio Carrillo National Park, a primary forest in 95% of its extension.
- 08:30 a.m. Have a taste of our delicious Costa Rican breakfast on route.
- 10:30 a.m. and 11.00a.m. Approx. Board a comfortable boat upon arrival to the port and let this extraordinarily exotic paradise enchant you, as you travel along the Tortuguero Canals. Have a one-in-a-lifetime experience in this unique place surrounded by a great variety of flora and fauna of breathtaking beauty.
- 01:00p.m Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious Lunch as we welcome you to our hotel.
- 2:45 p.m. After lunch, we will visit the museum, the beach area and the small and picturesque town of Tortuguero.
- 7:00 p.A delightful dinner will be served upon arrival to the lodge.
OPTIONAL NIGHT TOUR: Walk on the beach and admire the green turtles nesting (July through September).
Day 2
- 5:45 a.m Enjoy nature its best as you undertake a journey through the canals at dawn and take your best short of a real Caribbean sunrise.
- 7:00 a.m Discover Costa Rican flavors as you enjoy breakfast at the LODGE.
- 9:30 a.m Departure to San José
- 1:00 p.m Enjoy a delicious lunch on route.
- 4:00 – p.m approx. time Arrival in San José (depending on traffic).
Cancelation Policy:
95% refund if cancel 31 days or more prior to arrival.
70% refund if cancel between 30-21 days prior to arrival.
50% refund if cancel between 20-16 days prior to arrival.
25% refund if cancel between 15-9 days prior to arrival.
0% refund if cancel between 8 days or less prior to arrival.
Refunds don’t apply to the local flights portion, when booking the option with local flights. Flights are not refundable.
3 Days / 2 Nights Package
3 Days & 2 Nights Package
Please notice this is just a guide and times and order of activities may vary.
Day 1:
– 5:45 am to 6:45 am: Departure from the main hotels from San José City.
– 8:00 am to 8:20 am: Arrival to Selva Tropical Restaurant in Guápiles from Limón, here you will have a typical Costa Rican breakfast and enjoy the butterfly garden.
– 9:00 am to 9:10 am: Departure from the Rainforest to Pavona Dock.
– 10:45 am: Arrival at the dock to take the boat transportation.
– 11:00 am Boat ride to go to the Lodge
– 12: 30pm Arrival at the lodge, cocktail and welcome briefing.
– 12: 45pm Lunch in the main restaurant.
– 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Visit to Tortuguero Town
– 7:00 pm: Dinner (Pasta Station)
Day 2:
– 7:00am Breakfast.
– 8:30am a 10:30am: Visit Tortuguero National Park (National Park entrance fee not included).
– 12:30pm Lunch in the main restaurant.
– 3:00pm Guided hike on the trails, gardens and beach of the Lodge.
– 7:00pm: Dinner (Pasta Station)
Day 3:
– 7:30 am: Breakfast
– 9:00 am/9:30am: Departure from the Lodge towards Pavona.
– 10:45 am: Arrival at the Pavona Dock.
– 11:00 am: Drive to Selva Tropical Restaurant in Guápiles
– 12: 30pm Lunch at Selva Tropical in Guápiles.
– 3:00 pm-5:00pm Arrival in San José
- The itinerary is based on the operation using the La Pavona Dock, in case the operation is changed to Caño Blanco, the schedules will be modified. The schedules mentioned above are approximate.
Cancelation Policy:
95% refund if cancel 31 days or more prior to arrival.
70% refund if cancel between 30-21 days prior to arrival.
50% refund if cancel between 20-16 days prior to arrival.
25% refund if cancel between 15-9 days prior to arrival.
0% refund if cancel between 8 days or less prior to arrival.
Refunds don’t apply to the local flights portion, when booking the option with local flights. Flights are not refundable.
3 Days & 2 Nights Package
DAY 1
6:00-7:00 a.m. Departure time from major hotels in San José area. We will travel through highway #32 and drive past the scenic Braulio Carrillo National Park. We will stop for a Costa Rican style breakfast, including the local recipe of “Gallo Pinto”, at Grupo Mawamba’s Río Danta Restaurant in Guápiles at approx. 8:00 a.m. Our journey will continue to the dock at either La Pavona in Guapiles or Caño Blanco in Siquirres (La Pavona is our main port of operation, but depending on weather conditions it might be necessary to change to Caño Blanco).
11:00 a.m. Arrival to the pier and after a chance for restroom use, board Mawamba’s boat for your one hour ride to Tortuguero and Mawamba Lodge (times might vary depending on river’s water level). For the first part of the journey, you´ll be cruising on “La Suerte” River, and then, as you get closer to Tortuguero you will get into the wider Tortuguero river.
12:15-1:00 p.m. Arrival to Mawamba Lodge. Welcome by our manager, and check into your room. Afterwards, meet your tour guide and group at the Restaurant by the pool area for a buffet lunch (lunch available 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.).
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. This afternoon is a great opportunity to visit the Village of Tortuguero along with your guide and group. Through this visit, learn about the ways of life of the local residents of Tortuguero, a small town of approx. 1300 people. After the visit and some free time, we will return back to the Lodge walking by the beach trail leading to the Lodge (weather permitting). From Mawamba Lodge Mawamba Lodge, one can actually walk to/from town without needing to take a boat. In case you’d rather not walk, please inform your tour guide who will arrange boat transportation back for you.
7:30 p.m. Meet your guide and group at the restaurant for your buffet dinner, served from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
DAY 2
Breakfast available from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. This morning and a time you will confirm with your naturalist guide (usually around 9.30 a.m.) go on a visit to the “Mawamba Park”, a private facility in our Lodge’s gardens that features two butterfly farms, a frog garden, our bio-digester and river turtles area. The bio-digester is a very important effort in conservation, through which we treat the sewage waters of the Lodge to convert them into a natural source of methane gas to heat up the stoves. Now days, approximately 30% of the gas we use at the Lodge comes from the bio digester. This visit is combined with a walk in the trails at the Lodge.
12:30 p.m. Gather for a buffet lunch at the restaurant by the pool. Lunch is served from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. (or at a time agreed with your tour guide) Meet for the afternoon canal tour in the Tortuguero National Park. Visit one of the park’s canals by boat and discover with your guide the wonderful biodiversity that resides in this area. We recommend you bring your windbreaker and poncho. A shower can always be expected in the rainforest! Also, don’t forget to bring cash to pay for your National Park fee. Return to the Lodge approx. at 4:15 p.m. for some free time to relax before dinner time.
Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m at the restaurant by the pool.
DAY 3
7:30 a.m. Breakfast is served at the Lodge. We kindly ask you to check out of your room around 8:30 a.m., and gather around the reception/souvenir shop area for departure at 9:00 a.m. back to La Pavona, on a return ride from your way in.
11:00 a.m. Arrival to La Pavona, use the restrooms before boarding the bus for the return drive to San José. 1:00 p.m. Stop for lunch at Grupo Mawamba’s Río Danta Restaurant in Guápiles.
If you are continuing your trip to Arenal, Sarapiqui or Puerto Viejo de Limón, Rio Danta is your best connection point.
Those returning to San Jose will arrive between 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., depending on road conditions.
NOTES
- All times are approximate, variations can be expected depending on weather and road conditions. Always verify with your tour guide the departure time for your activities.
- If you have any dietary restriction, please let us know in advance, as options in Tortuguero are limited. • The order and logistics of the itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.
- There is very limited space in the bus and boats for luggage. We kindly ask you to pack lightly for a maximum luggage of 25 lbs. per person.
- Entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park is not included in the package: USD $15.00 per adult person (as of Nov 1st, 2014). Children 6-11 years old pay $5.00 USD
- Alcoholic beverages, sodas, cocktails/smoothies or bottled water are not included in the package price.
- During turtle nesting season, dinner time changes to 6:45 p.m., so our visitors can join the available tour.
- What to bring: Poncho, comfortable walking shoes and sandals (flip flops), bathing suit, fast drying cotton clothes, windbreaker/light jacket, hat/cap, sun block, insect repellant, camera/ binoculars & items of personal nature. Complimentary services:
- WI-FI service in common areas of the Lodge: (Bar, reception, and pool area) WI FI is not available in the rooms although some might get a weak signal, and Mawamba does not have computers available for Internet use.
- Umbrellas for guest use (Ponchos available for sale at the souvenir shop)
- In room safe • Self-guided walk in Mawamba Lodge garden’s (Tour map available in reception)
- Hammocks for beach use (ask for hammocks in reception)
OPTIONAL TOURS (EXTRA COST)
- Early rise morning boat tour: Wake up early to enjoy the beauty of the rainforest as everything comes to life with the sunrise. Meet your tour guide at 5:45 a.m. for coffee and 6:00 a.m. departure to discover the beauty and wildlife of the rainforest. Return at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast.
- Twilight tour / night hike: In the tropical rainforest. A great opportunity to hear, live and explore the sounds and behavior of the rainforest at nighttime. Guided tour from Mawamba Lodge. Includes: Guide, flashlights, round trip boat transportation from the Lodge to private trail and trail use
- Katonga Floating Restaurant: A unique opportunity to dine (or take a sunset tour) on board of the only floating restaurant in Costa Rica (or that we know of), while cruising the Lagoon, on a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Dinner is served on the table, from a menu you choose before boarding. A unique experience
- Kayaking tour: Join us on a 2 hour guided kayak tour on the Tortuguero National Park. We will take you on a canal used only for non-motor boats, to quietly explore and discover the wildlife of the National Park.
Cancelation Policy:
95% refund if cancel 31 days or more prior to arrival.
70% refund if cancel between 30-21 days prior to arrival.
50% refund if cancel between 20-16 days prior to arrival.
25% refund if cancel between 15-9 days prior to arrival.
0% refund if cancel between 8 days or less prior to arrival.
Refunds don’t apply to the local flights portion, when booking the option with local flights. Flights are not refundable.
3 Days & 2 Nights Package
Day 1
- Between 06:00 a.m. and 06:30 a.m. Approx. We will pick you up early in the morning at your Hotel in San Jose.
- Admire the biodiversity of an astonishing protected area in Costa Rica as we drive by Braulio Carrillo National Park, a primary forest in 95% of its extension.
- 08:30 a.m Have a taste of our delicious Costa Rican breakfast in route.
- Between 10:30 and 11.00 am Aprox. Board a comfortable boat upon arrival to the port and let this extraordinarily exotic paradise enchant you, as you travel along the Tortuguero Canals.
- Have a one-in-a-lifetime experience in this unique place surrounded by a great variety of flora and fauna of breathtaking beauty.
- 01:00 p.m Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious Lunch as we welcome you to our hotel.
- 2:30 p.m After lunch, enjoy nature in all its splendor by touring the canals and taking your best photos .
- 7:00 p.m A delightful dinner will be served upon arrival to the lodge.
OPTIONAL NIGHT TOUR: Walk on the beach and admire the spawning of Tortuga Verde. (July to September).
Day 2
- 7:00 a.m Discover the flavors of Costa Rica with breakfast at the Lodge.
- 9:00 a.m Walking tour the Lodge’s private trail.
- 1: 00 p.m Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Lodge.
- 2: 45 p.m After lunch, we will visit the museum, the beach and the small and picturesque town of Tortuguero.
- 7:00 p.m A delightful dinner will be served upon arrival to the lodge .
Optional tour in the evening: Evening walk to admire green turtles spawning (July to September).
Day 3
- 7:00 a.m Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Lodge.
- 9:30 a.m Departure to San Jose.
- 1:00 p.m Lunch on the way, at El Ceibo Restaurant.
- 3:30 p.m Arrival to San José in the afternoon hours.
Package includes:
Round trip transportation from San José
Lodging
All meals
Tour to the canals by boat
Visit to Tortuguero National Park (entrance fee not included)
Bilingual tour guides
Daily departures
Cancelation Policy:
95% refund if cancel 31 days or more prior to arrival.
70% refund if cancel between 30-21 days prior to arrival.
50% refund if cancel between 20-16 days prior to arrival.
25% refund if cancel between 15-9 days prior to arrival.
0% refund if cancel between 8 days or less prior to arrival.
Refunds don’t apply to the local flights portion, when booking the option with local flights. Flights are not refundable.