Tortuguero Tour : 2 Days /1 Night

Tortuguero 2 Day 1 Night Tour in Costa Rica

Escape into one of Costa Rica’s most incredible wildlife destinations with this Tortuguero 2 Day 1 Night Tour. Known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is a remote paradise of winding jungle canals, tropical rainforest, and extraordinary biodiversity accessible only by boat or small aircraft.

Often considered one of the best wildlife experiences in Costa Rica, this overnight adventure combines scenic transportation, guided nature excursions, and an authentic Caribbean rainforest experience. Travel through lush waterways surrounded by dense jungle while searching for monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, caimans, colorful birds, frogs, butterflies, and countless other native species.

Tortuguero National Park protects one of the largest tropical rainforest ecosystems in the country and is widely recognized as one of Costa Rica’s premier wildlife viewing destinations. During the green sea turtle nesting season (July through October), visitors also have the opportunity to join an optional nighttime turtle nesting tour, one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Costa Rica.

Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, couples, families, and adventurous travelers, this Tortuguero overnight tour offers the perfect combination of wildlife, culture, and relaxation in one of Costa Rica’s most unique and biodiverse regions.

Why You'll Love This Tour

• Visit one of Costa Rica’s most famous wildlife destinations
• Explore Tortuguero’s canals by boat and canoe
• Spot monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, caimans, toucans, frogs, and tropical birds
• Stay overnight in the heart of the rainforest
• Visit the colorful village of Tortuguero
• Learn about local conservation and rainforest ecosystems
• Optional sea turtle nesting tour during nesting season (July–October)
• Professional bilingual naturalist guides
• Convenient transportation from San José, Puerto Viejo, or La Fortuna

Accommodation Options

Economy Package

Hotel Liah's (Without Air Conditioning)

This budget-friendly option offers simple and comfortable accommodations in Tortuguero Village. Rooms feature private bathrooms and essential amenities, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic Tortuguero experience at an affordable price.

Standard Package

La Casona Eco Lodge or Hotel Liah's

La Casona is an eco-friendly, family-operated lodge located just minutes from Tortuguero National Park. Surrounded by tropical gardens filled with hummingbirds, butterflies, frogs, and other wildlife, the property offers a peaceful atmosphere and a strong commitment to sustainability and community-based tourism.

If La Casona is unavailable, guests will stay in Hotel Liah's or a similar property of the same standard.

Hotel Liah's features comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, and a convenient location just steps from Tortuguero Beach and the village center.

What to Expect

• Early morning pickup from San José, Puerto Viejo, or La Fortuna
• Breakfast stop at the Exploration Center
• Scenic drive through Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands
• Boat transfer through Tortuguero’s jungle canals
• Overnight stay in Tortuguero Village
• Guided village tour
• Naturalist canoe tour through hidden rainforest waterways
• Excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography
• Optional turtle nesting tour or night walk (seasonal)
• Return transportation to your selected destination

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in San José, Puerto Viejo, or La Fortuna. Guests departing from La Fortuna should expect pickup between approximately 5:20 a.m. and 5:40 a.m. The journey includes a breakfast stop at the Exploration Center before continuing toward the Caño Blanco dock.

From Caño Blanco, you'll board a boat and travel through the canals leading into Tortuguero National Park, offering your first opportunities to spot wildlife along the waterways.

Afternoon

Upon arrival in Tortuguero, you'll check into your hotel and have time to settle in before joining a guided visit to Tortuguero Village. Learn about the area's unique culture, history, conservation efforts, and local way of life.

Evening

Enjoy free time to relax, explore the village, or join an optional nighttime experience. During turtle nesting season (July through October), guests may participate in an optional sea turtle nesting tour. During other months, an optional guided night walk may be available.

Day 2

Early Morning

At approximately 5:30 a.m., you'll depart on a guided naturalist canoe tour through Tortuguero's smaller canals and lagoons. These narrow waterways provide exceptional opportunities to observe wildlife up close while learning about the rainforest ecosystem from your expert guide.

Late Morning

Return to the hotel for breakfast, enjoy some leisure time, and check out.

Afternoon

At approximately 10:20 a.m., begin your boat transfer back toward Caño Blanco, followed by ground transportation to San José, Puerto Viejo, or La Fortuna. Arrival is typically around 5:30 p.m., depending on weather and traffic conditions.

What's Included

• Round-trip transportation from San José, Puerto Viejo, or La Fortuna town
• Boat transportation to and from Tortuguero
• 1-night accommodation
• 2 breakfasts
• Naturalist canoe tour
• Guided Tortuguero Village tour
• Professional bilingual naturalist guide
• Insurance
• Wildlife observation opportunities

What's Not Included

• Lunches
• Dinner
• Tortuguero National Park entrance fee ($15 + tax)
• Caribbean Conservation Corporation fee ($3)
• Optional turtle nesting tour (approximately $37 per person)
• Hotels located outside La Fortuna town may incur additional transportation fees
• Personal expenses and gratuities

What to Bring

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimsuit
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hat and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars
• Camera (waterproof recommended)
• Small overnight bag with personal essentials
• Dark clothing if participating in the turtle nesting tour or night walk

Tour Details

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Location: Tortuguero National Park and Tortuguero Village, Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Departure Locations: San José, Puerto Viejo, and La Fortuna (option to return to a different destination)

Departure Time: Early morning pickups. La Fortuna pickups typically begin between 5:20 a.m. and 5:40 a.m.

Return Time: Approximately 5:30 PM

Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

Experience Required: No previous experience necessary.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families and beginners?

Yes. The tour is designed for travelers of all ages and experience levels and is ideal for families, couples, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

What wildlife might we see?

Common sightings include sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, crocodiles, caimans, toucans, trogons, kingfishers, herons, colorful frogs, butterflies, and many other tropical species.

When is turtle nesting season?

Green sea turtle nesting season generally runs from July through October. During this period, guests may join an optional nighttime turtle nesting tour.

Will we visit Tortuguero National Park?

Yes. The tour includes navigation through the waterways and ecosystems that form part of Tortuguero National Park and its surrounding protected areas.

What happens if it rains?

Tortuguero is a tropical rainforest destination where rain is common year-round. Tours operate rain or shine unless weather conditions create safety concerns.

Do I need hiking or boating experience?

No. All activities are beginner-friendly and guided by experienced naturalist guides.

Are meals included?

The tour includes two breakfasts. Lunches and dinner are not included, allowing guests to choose from local restaurants in Tortuguero Village.

What is the cancellation policy?

Reservations not yet fully confirmed are 100% refundable. Once confirmed, cancellations incur a 10% cancellation fee. Tours become non-refundable within 72 hours of departure. Earlier cancellations may be partially refundable according to the provider’s policies.