When I first traveled through Tortuguero (Back in the 1980’s) I was going on a site inspection. A very young unexperienced tour guide that was looking at Costa Rica with brand new eyes. The tour guide that was going with us kept on asking how did I like this or that… You know… a site inspection. When finally we made it to the National Park and the boat slowed down to get into one of the aquatic pathways (As the canals are called), and the guide asked me about my thoughts, I simply could not answer. Period.
I couldn’t talk. My mouth was open, my eyes teary and my heart nearly stopped. The beauty overwhelmed me so.
Almost thirty years after that first impression in my younger years… And after going there for many years, in some, up to twice a week… My mouth opens, my eyes get all teary and my heart nearly stops… And it is really hard for me to talk. The beauty overwhelms me so.
The beauty of Tortuguero goes beyond any description. It is hard to explain, it has the most luscious green you can imagine, the water underneath the forest turns into a perfect mirror, and you can inhale the Peace of nature in every single breath.
Now… other than this almost mystical beauty… Why recommend it? There are so many gorgeous places in Costa Rica! Not to talk about the whole World!
Well! Let’s get then into the practical realm and talk about reasons, hard and concrete travel reasons to go to Tortuguero…
- The only ways to get into Tortuguero are by boat or plane.
This means remoteness, exoticness… it is the place where any passenger feels really like Indiana Jones! It is an affirmation itself “You are in the jungle Baby!”.
- The landscape is absolutely 100% guaranteed. Unlike volcanoes or high places… Here you don’t depend on the weather to see the wonder of the rainforest.
- Wildlife. It is hard NOT to see monkeys and aquatic birds in Tortuguero.
- Lodges. There are all sorts of options in terms of jungle lodges. From very basic to luxurious.
- The turtles: From July to September you can come to see the Green Sea Turtles to lay eggs in the Tortuguero beach.
An article written for Camino Travel
