A Wild Journey through Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Exploring the Wildlife Sanctuary within Tortuguero National Park
Mountain ranges swathed in rainforest stretched towards the horizon. A small prop plane started its descent towards a narrow strip of runway amidst all the greenery.
I was off to Tortuguero National Park, a secluded wilderness haven in Costa Rica that's the nation's third most visited park. Despite its remote location, accessibility is by boat or aircraft.
Upon landing, I grabbed my bag and stepped onto a waiting water-taxi parked along the canal nearby. A network of waterways and canals crisscross Tortuguero, making boats the primary mode of transport here.
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Click for Details## Tropical Jungle Oasis
Our boat gently glided through the small town of Tortuguero. Homes of vibrant hues clung to the water's edge, making swimming in your front yard a common occurrence. My destination was Evergreen Lodge, eco-friendly and comfortable cabins nestled on the park's edge.
Behind the lodge lies a pristine network of rainforest trails, perfect for wildlife spotting. And that's exactly what I did once settled in.
The path was bounded by ancient trees reaching high for water and sunlight, while vines and other flora filled the gaps. Parts of the trail boasted narrow suspension bridges that hovered above swampy jungle.
Stealthy Beauties
It was on these winding trails that I was fortunate to chance upon my favorite creatures, the diminutive yet enchanting Strawberry Poison Dart Frog. These elusive frogs can be hard to find under the dense jungle canopy.
However, one sunny day, this particular one leaped from the trail onto a pile of leaves as I approached, its sudden motion betraying it. I managed to snap a few shots before it disappeared once more amidst the undergrowth.
Did you know these colorful dart frogs secrete poison from their skin as a self-defense mechanism?
In fact, they earned their name because indigenous groups used to coat blowdarts with the poisons for hunting. So, no snacking on these strawberries!
Furry Friends
Tortuguero National Park is home to 3 species of monkeys, and I encountered them all. Howler monkeys let out thunderous cries from the treetops, making them sound like monstrous nightmares. But don't let their scary noises deceive you; they're not as fearsome as they seem.
Spider monkeys and White-faced Capuchins coexist in the park as well. Every evening, a large family of Capuchins would traverse the treetops near the cabins, foraging for food. If you happen to be eating outdoors and aren't paying attention, you might find yourself sharing your meal with one of these intelligent and resourceful creatures.
Boating Tours
In the afternoon, I joined local guides Michael and Eddie on a cruise through Tortuguero's water canals. There, we paid the park entrance fee, and an imposing male green iguana could be seen on the bank.
Just a few meters away from the iguana, a baby crocodile sunned itself on a fallen log.
Already, my wildlife spotting game was off to a great start!
Armed with a pair of Swarovski CL Pocket binoculars, I easily located vibrant tropical birds like the Keel-Billed Toucan and endangered Green Macaw perched in the trees along the water's edge.
Spot the Spectacular
What else did my 2-hour safari unearth? Plenty of birds, like the Snowy Egret, Bare-Throated Tiger Heron, and Anhinga. We came across speckled Caimans (a part of the crocodile family) and a Black River Turtle as well.
Cruising slowly through the jungle canals amidst the jungle sounds was serene and calming.
Back at the lodge, a powerful evening downpour drenched my cabin. No wonder they call it a rainforest!
Last-Minute Hatchling Surprise
The primary draw of visiting Tortuguero National Park is the annual army of Green Sea Turtles laying their eggs on the sandy beaches. However, most of the babies hatch in September and October.
Since my visit was in early December, I assumed I had missed the hatchlings. Or so I thought...
Before I took off on my flight the next morning, Henry from Evergreen asked if I'd like to tag along to search for any delayed hatchlings. With his 16 years of wildlife guiding expertise, we might just have a chance.
After searching abandoned nests with him for an hour, we found three stragglers. Each nest can contain around 100 eggs, making these finds even more remarkable. I watched them clumsily run towards the waves as the sun rose.
A fantastic conclusion to my wildlife adventure in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. ★
MORE COSTA RICA TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed my guide to wildlife safari through Tortuguero National Park! Here are a few more travel tips that might inspire you next:
- Costa Rica Travel Costs
- Hiking Corcovado National Park
- Charming Magic at Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Tips for Visiting Monteverde, Costa Rica
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Note: While inferred health and safety measures were mentioned, no specific 2021 COVID-19 travel requirements were provided due to data limitations.
- Enrichment Guide Updates:
- Entry and Tickets: Be sure to purchase your entrance ticket through the Costa Rican National Park Online System before visiting Tortuguero National Park. If you plan to visit the park's canals or hike the Jaguar trail, buy the Cuatro Esquinas ticket. Note that visiting Tortuguero Hill requires a separate ticket, and taking the "periferica boat" to the main entrance is a cheaper option than the water taxi[1].
- Travel and Transportation: Tortuguero is normally accessed by a combination of road travel and boat rides through jungle waterways. Visitors typically travel by road to a river dock and then hop on a boat into the park area, where eco-lodges are located[4].
- Preparation and Packing Recommendations: Hiking boots or rubber boots can be rented locally, since muddy trails are common in Tortuguero. Bring waterproof gear such as a waterproof backpack, as rain can be expected throughout most of the year, including the dry season[2].
- General Visitor Tips: Hiring an experienced local guide can improve your experience, as they have extensive knowledge of the area’s wildlife and practical navigational skills, especially for canoe tours and night walks[1].
In this tropical jungle oasis of Tortuguero, Costa Rica, the primary mode of transportation is boats due to the network of waterways and canals that crisscross the region. Travelers can opt for travel insurance to secure themselves from injury, illness, or theft while exploring the remote wilderness haven.
As for the local wildlife, the secluded Tortuguero National Park is home to various monkey species, including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-faced capuchins, as well as endemic poison dart frogs like the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog. The park also boasts an array of vibrant tropical birds, such as the Keel-Billed Toucan and Green Macaw. During a boat tour, visitors might encounter species like the Snowy Egret, Bare-Throated Tiger Heron, and Anhinga, along with caimans and even Green Sea Turtle hatchlings.
