Tortuguero

Tortuguero is known to be the second largest wetland in Costa Rica. It is considered to be the Amazon of Costa Rica because of its natural richness and biodiversity. It is an intricate network of lakes, rivers, lagoons and canals, both natural and man-made, and is the perfect atmosphere and ecosystem for the exotic array of wildlife that lives within. Tortuguero National Park & canals are a must-see when visiting Costa Rica!

With multiple hundreds of different species of birds, amphibians and freshwater fish species, tree species and thousands of other plants and animals including a variety of different monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and caimans, as well as manatees, tapirs and jaguars.

Traveling to Tortuguero is a whole adventure by itself, there are no roads to get here and you can only access the area by boat or plane, thus, from start to end, adventure is an everyday component. 

View our accommodations, packages and adventures below.

Mawamba Package

*Prices do not include entrance to Tortuguero National Park ($15 USD per person), alcoholic beverages, sodas, bottled water, optional tours, tax

Itinerary

Accommodations

Mawamba Lodge | Tortuguero Canals, Costa Rica

Mawamba Lodge has a unique and privileged location in the exquisitely evergreen Tortuguero Canals and National Park. Nestled on fine strip of land, between the Caribbean Ocean and the Tortuguero Canals, it blends in with the surrounding natural richness to welcome you in this tropical sanctuary.

Adventures & Experiences

THE VILLAGE TOUR (included)

On day of arrival, and after lunch, join your group at tour guide on a visit to town. Depart from Mawamba Lodge by boat, and arrive 5 minutes later to the little village of Tortuguero. This tour will provide with an opportunity to learn about the ways of life of the inhabitants of Tortuguero, a small community of 1300 people. Tour around the main road, and take a look at some of the souvenirs made by the local artisans, you might find something very interesting for you. Return to Mawamba with your tour guide walking by the beach, back to Mawamba Lodge (1 mile – approximately 15 minutes). *In case you prefer to take a boat back, let us know and we will arrange for one of our captains to pick you up in town

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (flip flops and sandals are fine), fast drying cotton clothes, always have your rain gear available and if you'd like to buy some souvenirs, please bring some cash.

MAWAMBA GUIDED WALK (included)

Guests at Mawamba Lodge have unlimited free access to Mawamba’s El Manakin Nature Trail, a guided visit is included in the 3 day & 2 night package (and extended stays). 

Follow your guide and listen to his explanations about the flora of the lodge gardens. He will teach about some of the interesting samples in our gardens including Achiote plants, black pepper, star fruit, ornamental plants and much more. You will also have an opportunity to learn about some of our sustainable projects, when you visit our Bio digester, which takes care of all the sewage waters of the Lodge to convert them into a source of methane gas to heat up our stoves.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, hat, comfortable clothing and camera. We recommend you always carry your raincoat as showers can happen anytime in the Rainforest. 

Tour cost: Guided visit included as part of your 3-day & 2 night program (and extended stays, approximately at 9:30 am on day 2. Unlimited self guided visits to all Mawamba Lodge guests.

TORTUGUERO CANALS BOAT TOUR (included)

Our classic packages always include a boat tour in the Tortuguero Canals and National Park. The 2 day & 1 night package includes for this tour in the early morning of day two (6 am to 8 am). The 3 day & 2 night package and extend stays include for this tour in the afternoon of day 02. 

Depart from the Lodge by boat to the Ranger Station at Tortuguero National park for admission and Park fees. The Park Ranger will tell us which canal we are to explore today, and we will then venture on a 2 hour boat tour inside the canals. Flora and fauna in Tortuguero is amazing, with more than 350 bird species identified so far, including 3 out of the 4 species of monkeys of Costa Rica, caimans, crocodiles, toucans, sloth, and much more.

Your tour guide will happily point out to the wildlife you discover. Keep your eyes open, as nature will arise right in front of your eyes.

What to bring: Light jacket, poncho, sunblock, hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, binoculars and camera. We recommend you always carry your raincoat as showers can happen anytime in the Rainforest.  Please don’t bring umbrellas as these obstruct visibility for other passengers on the boat (tour boats don’t have roof to maximize wildlife observation opportunities).

EARLY MORNING BOAT TOUR (6:00 A.M. - 8:00 A.M.)

This tour is included in our 2-day & 1 night tour and becomes an optional (extra cost) experience in all the other packages.

Wake up early to enjoy the beauty of nature as a new day rises. Meet at the cafeteria for coffee (available since 5:30 am) to depart by boat to the Tortuguero National Park.  From here, we will venture inside one of the Park’s backwater canals offering great opportunities for wildlife seeing. Take an opportunity along the ride, to close your eyes, clear your mind and inhale the refreshing sounds and feel of the Rainforest. 

What to bring: Light jacket, poncho, sunblock, hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, binoculars and camera. We recommend you always carry your raincoat as showers can happen anytime in the Rainforest.  Please don’t bring umbrellas as these obstruct visibility for other passengers on the boat (tour boats don’t have roof to maximize wildlife observation opportunities).

TWILIGHT TOUR

As the day comes to an end, nocturnal animals and insects awaken. Our twilight tour is an opportunity to enjoy the sounds of the Rainforest at night, a completely different experience from your daytime outings. With the guidance of your expert naturalist guide we will leave Mawamba by boat around 5:30 pm to our private facility near the National Park and just 5 minutes away. 

Your 2 hour guided walking tour will take you on a loop inside the rainforest to discover the magic of the Rainforest as it turns dark. The trail has been carefully built raised from the ground and in cement, to allow your most comfortable walking experience. 

Return by boat to the Lodge just in time for dinner. 

What to bring: Closed comfortable walking shoes, insect repellant (we recommend you spray it on before departing) and don’t forget to bring your raincoat.  A small flashlight is provided to lead your way (we don’t want to scare insects and animals away, just for you to feel comfortable walking in the darkness). 

TURTLE NESTING TOUR

Tortuguero is one of the most important sites on the Western Hemisphere for the nesting of sea turtles. Four out of the seven sea turtle world species come to Tortuguero to nest. Moreover, 3 of these species are in high danger of extinction, so no scheduled tours are available. We offer nesting tours for the green sea turtles that come to nest between July and October. 

Turtles nest in the evening, to avoid predators. Guided nesting tours are available during this time and these are regulated by the National Park and conditions for participation apply. We invite you to read our Green Turtle Bulletin to learn more about the tour.

What to bring: Black clothes (colors reflect on turtles, so they will return to the water if scared), closed shoes for comfortable walking on the beach (no flip flops or sandals), Long sleeved shirts preferable, odorless bug repellant and poncho/rain gear. No cameras or videos are allowed on the beach. A flashlight may be used only to light up the path to the station, once at the station, no flashlight will be allowed to use. 

KATONGA FLOATING RESTAURANT

Katonga is not a canoe, and definitely not a boat either. It is the new fun way to quietly navigate the Tortuguero Lagoon while enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner on board (Sunset tours also available).  Katonga was carefully built to provide a fun, refreshing and relaxing way to cruise around the Lagoon. On board, it features restrooms and bar for soft drinks, beers and wine. 

CANOE TRIP

Our new expedition! During this adventure, you will go through the Tortuguero canals on canoe, not on a motor boat, led by a naturalist guide who will make of this experience a true unique opportunity to discover the wild life and vegetation inside the Tortuguero National Park. With a maximum of 06 passengers on board, the experience is personal and different

To start the trip, we will first go to the Tortuguero National Park ranger station by motor boat. Once the registration is done, you will board the canoe along with your guide for the 2 hour tour. This experience may be booked to leave at 5:30 a.m., 8:15 a.m. or 2:15 p.m.

What to bring: Insect repellant, cotton, fast dry t-shirt and shorts (Long sleeve shirts are very useful if you desire more sun protection). Water resistant sun block (SPF 15 or higher), hat/cap. We recommend that you place your camera and binoculars in a dry bag. Do not forget your raincoat.