Tortuguero, or « Little Amazon »
in Costa Rica

To begin with, we’ll introduce you tothe Tortuguero region, located on Costa Rica’s northernCaribbean coast. Typically, when people talk about Tortuguero, they’re referring to a small, traditional village, isolated in the heart of a dense mangrove forest and accessible only by boat via the various canals that crisscross this lush ecosystem.

Why is Tortuguero compared to the Amazon?

The reason this site is particularly famous today is due to the development of Tortuguero National Park, which offers the experience of immersing oneself in this unique environment, with its exceptionally rich biodiversity—which people often compare to that of the Amazon. Indeed, as a vast wetland dominated by mangroves and tropical jungle, the Tortuguero region boasts fascinating features that, much like the Amazon, allow visitors to observe exotic flora and fauna endemic to these ecosystems.  

Today, Tortuguero can be considered a must-see destination for travelers seeking a comprehensive view of Costa Rica, as it serves as a perfect example of a mangrove environment. Furthermore, this stop fits well into an itinerary starting from San José, as most accommodations in Tortuguero include transportation from the capital, making it easy to reach this remote and truly exotic region. For us, it’s the ideal first stop to soak up the atmosphere of Costa Rica and begin your trip with a deeply moving experience surrounded by breathtaking nature. It’s also worth noting that the region is famous for sea turtle nesting, with turtles arriving regularly from July through October.

For more information: “Leatherback Turtles: An Exceptional Species in Costa Rica That Must Be Preserved!”

Tortuguero – A Brief Practical Guide

Now, because of these characteristics, the Tortuguero region is among the most expensive in Costa Rica, as it necessarily involves full-board accommodations and additional costs to consider (transfer, local guide, national park entrance fee, etc.). That’s why we also like to offer our clientsalternatives , such as the Boca Tapada region, located upstream along the San Juan River, which forms the border with Nicaragua and feeds the Tortuguero Delta. It is another wetland area, located further inland, that offers the opportunity to enjoy similar activities, such as a floating safari through winding waterways. 

Sample itinerary in Costa Rica that includes Boca Tapada

Alternatives South of Tortuguero

Another alternative to Tortuguero would be the Barra Pacuare area, located south of Tortuguero and sharing the same ecosystem—a mangrove-dominated wetland atthe mouth of a major Costa Ricanriver , which feeds a network of lagoons and canals.

The advantage of these two alternatives is that they can serve as the first leg of a complete loop through the country and are more economical.

However, there are other interesting wetlands in Costa Rica, such as the Palo Verde National Park area, which is notable for its location straddling the influence of the dry tropical forest—a very unique ecosystem—and the tropical rainforest. This region can serve as a stopover, particularly when traveling to the province of Guanacaste.

Example of a route through Palo Verde

The Caño Negro Region

Another interesting region, comparable to the Palo Verde area, is the Caño Negro region in the north of the country—another floodplain that is particularly appealing to birdwatchers. However, this site is more difficult to incorporate into a typical tourist itinerary, so it’s best suited for enthusiasts seeking a specific experience.

More information: The Authentic North of Costa Rica by Milena and Céline of Terra Caribea

Mangroves in the Sierpe Region

Finally, when discussing Costa Rica’s mangroves, one cannot overlook the Sierpe region on the Pacific coast, home to the country’s second-largest mangrove forest. This exceptional natural site is less well-known than Tortuguero, but it’s an impressive mangrove forest that you’ll inevitably pass through on your way to Bahia Drake, the gateway to Corcovado National Park! However, at Terra Caribea, we don’t offer accommodations strictly within the Sierpe mangrove itself; the best option is to stay, for example, in Ojochal, a small beach resort on the southern Pacific coast, and take a day trip to the Sierpe mangroves (also possible from Uvita).

Off-the-beaten-path destinations for adventurous travelers

Of course, it’s worth noting that these wetlands and mangrove regions are best suited for more adventurous travelers seeking to immerse themselves in nature, even under sometimes challenging conditions: intense heat and humidity, large numbers of mosquitoes, and limited access to electricity and the Internet… These are the hallmarks of Costa Rica’s rustic, particularly authentic regions.

As a result, another way to discover the vastness and scale of the mangrove channels in Sierpe or Tortuguero is to view them from the sky during a domestic flight between the capital and these remote regions of Costa Rica.

At Terra Caribea, we generally offer this option to facilitate the return to San José and provide one last breathtaking experience for our travelers, who—after having traveled the country by road—will take to the skies and appreciate the richness of Costa Rica’s landscapes from a small plane. We therefore rarely offer this option for Tortuguero, which is usually at the start of your trip; however, it may be worth including it for a return trip from Drake Bay, Puerto Viejo de Jiménez, or Golfito—the three main tourist destinations on the Osa Peninsula and in the Golfo Dulce.

If you, too, would like to experience nature up close and discover Costa Rica’s mangroves and wetlands, contact us and our travel agents will craft a custom itinerary perfectly tailored to your preferences!

Written by Cristo, a young writer at Terra Caribea