Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
Tour Overview
Embark on a 4-day independent adventure through Costa Rica's Tortuguero National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Begin your journey in San José, where you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The next day, travel to the lush canals of Tortuguero, where guided boat tours and hikes offer the chance to spot caimans, monkeys, sloths, and vibrant birdlife. Stay at the secluded Turtle Beach Lodge, where you can unwind by the pool or explore the surrounding jungle. During turtle nesting season, witness these majestic creatures on the beach. Conclude your adventure with a return to San José, enriched by the natural wonders of Costa Rica. This tour includes guided activities, transport, and meals, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: San José
Location: San José
Accommodation: Hotel Fleur de Lys
Accommodation Name: Hotel Fleur de Lys
Arrive at any time, arrival transfer included.
You will be met at San José International Airport and transferred to your hotel for the night. There are no planned activities, so enjoy the city on your own.
TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
ACTIVITY: Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
ACTIVITY: Upon arrival at your hotel on Day 1, you will receive a welcome package providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers and pick-up times for all included activities. It also will contain contact information, should you have any questions about your tour.
Day 2: San José/Tortuguero
Location: San José, Tortuguero National Park
Accommodation: Turtle Beach Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Tortuguero National Park and enjoy guided boat trips and wildlife viewing within the canals and coastal jungle. In leisure time, relax at the secluded lodge or take an optional nocturnal animal-spotting boat excursion in the evening.
Enjoy a a delicious Costa Rican breakfast en route as we transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife.
Additional Information: The tropical rainforest gives way to prime secluded beaches, ideal nesting grounds for Green turtles (nesting July-October) and Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles (nesting March-June). We cannot guarantee you will see turtles but odds are fairly good from July through October.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.
Day 3: Tortuguero
Location: Tortuguero
Accommodation: Turtle Beach Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a guided boat trip and jungle walk in search of caiman, monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced Capuchin), sloths, and basilisk lizards.
Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to spot a variety of birds, monkeys and other wildlife. In our downtime, relax at the secluded lodge on a hammock or at the pool or beach. Opt to explore the gardens and beach, or go kayaking.
ACTIVITY: Hop on board, kick back, and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as we motor through the black water canals of the Tortuguero NP. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas and frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.
ACTIVITY: Take a guided walk along the trails surrounding the lodge to learn more about the flora and fauna of the jungle. Learn about the delicate ecosystem and get a close-up view of some of the frogs and insects that play an important part in nature's cycle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Relax at the pool or take a walk along the beach.
Day 4: Tortuguero/San José
Location: Tortuguero, San José
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head back to San José after breakfast. Tour ends on arrival.
After an early morning breakfast, it is time to return to San José, where the tour ends back at the starting hotel location. Have lunch on the road, returning to the capital in the afternoon.
Additional Information: Post tour accommodation in San José (not included) is recommended. Please speak to your sales agent.
TRANSPORT: Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
ACTIVITY: Depart on arrival to your final destination.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Jungle lodge (2 nts), hotel (1 nt). -
Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners -
Arrival Transfer
An arrival transfer is included to take you from San José International Airport to your hotel.
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Guided Hikes and Boat Tours
Enjoy guided hikes and boat tours in Tortuguero National Park.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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International Travel
International travel to and from Costa Rica is not included.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
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Tortuguero National Park Fee
A $15 USD entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park is not included and must be paid while on tour.
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Night Turtle Tour
The optional night turtle tour is not included and costs $35 USD per person, payable locally.
Accommodation
Experience the lush surroundings of Tortuguero with a stay at a jungle lodge for two nights, and enjoy the comfort of a hotel for one night, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Transport
Shared shuttle/bus, boat, walking.
Meals Included
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. As meals are included in this trip, please advise of any special food preferences at the time of booking.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Costa Rica with ease using shared shuttles, buses, and boats, complemented by walking tours to explore the natural beauty of Tortuguero National Park.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 2 years for this trip.
Important Notes
1) PROOF OF DEPARTURE REQUIRED
Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.
2) NIGHT TURTLE TOUR - SEASONAL
Please note you will have the option (June-August) for one night turtle tour during your stay. Since this tour is operated by the National Park and the number of people allowed and tour times are strictly controlled, this tour will be arranged and confirmed for your applicable night once you arrive. This option is paid locally costing 35USD per person. Please be advised photographic and videographic equipment are not allowed and you must wear dark clothing in consideration of the turtles.
3) TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK FEE
Please note that you will need to pay a 15USD Tortuguero National Park entrance fee while on tour.
4) WILDLIFE VIEWINGS
Please note that all wildlife viewing is subject to nature and we cannot guarantee you will see specific animals or turtles. While Green turtle nesting season is usually July-September, nature does not always follow a specific calendar.
5) ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
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Group Leader
This tour is run by lodge staff and includes local guides for included tours. There is not a G Adventures representative on this tour and any group accompanying you on your day trips is not a G Adventures group. Local guides can provide specific knowledge about the area we are visiting which will add to the overall enjoyment of your trip. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
A variety of accommodation standards are available for Independent tours, see your dossier for the accommodation class specific to your tour. Please remember that hotel/lodge
esort standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.
If you have booked this tour for 1 traveller, you will have your own room throughout. If you have booked this tour 2+ travellers, you will be sharing a twin-room/s throughout.
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What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Tortuguero National Park tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including caimans, monkeys such as spider, howler, and white-faced Capuchin, sloths, basilisk lizards, and a wide range of tropical birds. The area is also known for its sea turtles, especially during the nesting seasons. ...more ...less
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available such as a nocturnal animal-spotting boat excursion and a night turtle tour during the nesting season. You can also choose to explore the gardens and beach, or go kayaking during your leisure time.
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What should I bring for the tour in terms of clothing and equipment?
It is recommended to bring binoculars and bug spray for wildlife viewing. You should also be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather, so appropriate clothing is advised. For the night turtle tour, dark clothing is required, and photographic equipment is not allowed.
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Is there a fee for entering Tortuguero National Park?
Yes, there is a $15 USD entrance fee for Tortuguero National Park that you will need to pay while on the tour.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation at a jungle lodge for two nights and a hotel for one night. The specific accommodations are Hotel Fleur de Lys in San José and Turtle Beach Lodge in Tortuguero.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age requirement for this tour is 2 years.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
4 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: San José, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24597
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Age range:
2-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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