20-23 janvier 2019

Tortuguero National Park, accessible only by boat or plane, is located on the northern Caribeen Coast of Costa Rica. Its beaches are famous nesting areas for several species of sea turtles, including the endangered green turtle.

In the park's maze of freshwater channels and dense forests, which can only be visited by boat, live a wide variety of fauna and flora. The scenery is impressive, but once again, this natural gem is far too popular with tour operators and it is impossible to enjoy its charm in peace and solitude. In addition, the guides, compulsory, have limited knowledge especially for seasoned naturalists and prices charged are excessive !

We stayed at the end of the spit of land in a friendly and relatively isolated lodge, All Rankins Lodge, with a very helpful owner.

Two walks are possible in Tortuguero : one starts from the entrance to the park in the village and the other, Cerro Tortuguero, leaves from a landing stage 10 minutes away by boat. The latter allows you to climb a small forest hill only 119 meters high and it is very pleasant.

We discovered some species of Amphibians and Birds there and from the top, a splendid view is offered to you.

In addition to the raptors flying at our height, we had the chance to observe the two species of Macaw of the country. It should be noted that this is currently the only region in Costa Rica where such an observation is possible!

Finally, despite the undeniable beauty of the site, we do not really recommend this national park for experienced naturalists.

The other visited regions:

-Arenal Volcano and Heliconias Rainforest Lodge (Red-eyed treefrog and other tropical beauties)

- Palo Verde National Park and Rancho Humo (Pacific coast dry forests and swamp)

- Tarcoles river and Carara National Park (American crocodile)

- Osa peninsula, Punta Marenco (dream beaches)

- Osa peninsula, La Tarde (our favorite place! Sloth and snakes)

- San Gerardo de Dota (Quetzal and magic mountain forests)

- El Copal biological reserve (Lots of Tangaras and very big Terciopelo)

- Cahuita National Park (tropical beaches, racoons and poison frogs)

- Selva Bananito (snakes portraits and few nice birds)