Tortuguero and Pacuare

Tortuguero National Park serves as a vital biological corridor to the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve in neighbouring Nicaragua and is only accessible by plane or boat. Despite the added logistics, Tortuguero is Costa Rica’s third-most visited park. The diverse ecosystems are no doubt a draw – ranging from beaches and mangrove swamps to rainforests and lagoons. The wetlands are protected by the Ramsar Convention due to their international importance in biodiversity.

Along the coastline you’ll find multiple species of nesting turtles who migrate here to lay eggs between February and July. The region is further home to land-dwelling turtles, manatee, crocodile, and spectacled caiman. No surprise that birds are a mainstay of Tortuguero, with toucan, parrot, kingfisher and peacock a regular sight. For an added element of activity, try rafting or kayaking on the Pacuare River – or stay on dry land and birdwatch from the lush riverbanks.