Tortuguero National Park Tours from San Jose
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10 best Tortuguero National Park tours from San Jose
Compiled by
MelissaSan Jose travel expert at TourRadar
- Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
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- Tortuguero jungle experience
Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Brilliant tour! The guide was super helpful, knowledgable and friendly and made the tour a great experience.”
Fiona, traveled in November
The route to Tortuguero National Park combines 5-6 hours road travel with 1.5-hour boat transfers from San Jose. Expert guides lead park waterway tours from Pachira Lodge, with 8 meals included over 4 days.
Duration 4 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From
- NZ$1,249
Private vehicle transport from San Jose (2.5 hours) connects with a 1.5-hour boat ride to Tortuguero National Park. Kayak tours through the extensive canal network precede boat and vehicle return journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Arenal Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $5,639
15% Off- NZ$4,793You save $846
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero Age Range 14 to 100 year olds Operator Sea Kayaking Costa Rica From
15% Off- NZ$4,858
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $840
10% Off- NZ$756You save $84
The route east from San Jose through Guapiles leads to Tortuguero National Park. Narrow canal boat rides, sea turtle nesting sites, and rich biodiversity await before returning via scenic mountain routes.
Duration 16 days Destinations San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Oasis Travel From
10% Off- NZ$9,908
A scenic boat transfer connects San José to Tortuguero National Park via Guápiles. The park's extensive canal network, turtle nesting beaches, and village life await exploration. Return transfer through La Pavona or Caño Blanco offers wildlife viewing.
Duration 13 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Oasis Travel From
10% Off- NZ$7,091
A 5:30 AM departure from La Fortuna takes you through Guapiles and north via bus and boat to Tortuguero's jungle lodge. Guests can choose between pool time or guided village walks, with three distinct canal tours showcasing local wildlife.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Penas Blancas National Park, Ometepe Island, Granada, Masaya Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, LimonSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Miller Reisen From
10% Off- NZ$8,752
The route from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park winds through scenic canals by boat. Morning and afternoon boat tours showcase the park's waterways and diverse wildlife before returning to San Jose on day 14.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Tortuguero National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Miller Reisen From
10% Off- NZ$7,518
The path from San Jose through Guápiles reaches Tortuguero National Park via La Pavona boat transfer. Remote jungle lodges and wildlife-rich waterways await before returning through Bananito for coastal adventures.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Cahuita, Turrialba Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Miller Reisen From
10% Off- NZ$7,897
Scenic boat rides through Tortuguero National Park's canals lead from San Jose to your rainforest lodge. Two days of park waterways and hiking trails conclude with return boat journey and Guapiles lunch stop.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$824
What people love about Tortuguero National Park Tours from San Jose
- Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
had a great time, the activities were enough to not be rushed or have too much time. I maybe did not read the plan close enough but I was not expecting the meals included. I really liked the hotel being in the middle of nowhere but so nice also.
- Costa Rica's Natural Wonders
This tour was absolutely amazing! It was a Dream Vacation for my husband and I the year we turned 60. We had never travelled to a tropical country together before. The organization of the tours, the customer service, the accommodations, were all outstanding. We have not one bad thing to say. The first part of the tour to La Tortugaro and the Coffee/Cocoa Tour in the Arenal area were the two biggest highlights; but the whole thing, every day, every hour, was amazing! I would do it again in a heartbeat!
- Tortuguero Jungle Expedition, Short Break (On Request)
A fantastic and more unusual spot for wildlife watching. Many 'wishlist' species seen here, including sloth, toucan, croc and red eyed tree frog. Pleasantly suprised by the array of additional options to choose from and fill this trip, including hiking, kayaking, turtle night walk and extra boat trips. Advertising this would help make this tour even more appealing. Would definately recommend
What our customers ask about Tortuguero National Park Tours from San Jose
What's the best way to get from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park?
Getting to Tortuguero National Park from San Jose takes 4-5 hours through a combination of land and water transportation. The journey begins with an air-conditioned shuttle ride through Braulio Carrillo National Park with a breakfast stop. The final leg involves a 1-1.5 hour boat ride through the canals to reach your lodge. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The transportation was excellently coordinated - we got to see beautiful landscapes during the bus ride and then had an amazing boat journey spotting wildlife along the canals."
What accommodations are available on San Jose to Tortuguero tours?
Lodging options range from rainforest eco-lodges to city hotels. In Tortuguero travelers can stay at places like Evergreen Lodge or Tilajari Hotel Resort while San Jose offers urban options such as Doubletree Cariari. The rainforest accommodations come with restaurants gardens and dedicated areas for viewing local wildlife. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We stayed at Tortuguero Beach hotel where everything was well organized and the staff was friendly giving us a true jungle experience."
What wildlife can I expect to see in Tortuguero National Park when starting from San Jose?
The park's rich ecosystem houses three monkey species sloths caimans basilisk lizards and more than 300 types of birds. Green sea turtles nest here from July through October making it a prime time for turtle watching. A TourRadar traveler reports: "We saw sloths iguanas monkeys many birds including toucans and macaws crabs caiman fish and many insects."
What meals are typically included in Tortuguero tours from San Jose?
Full board is standard at most lodges offering three daily meals. A typical 4-day tour includes 3 breakfasts 3 lunches and 2 dinners. The menu features Costa Rican dishes tropical fruits and international options. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The food was great although the variety was sometimes lacking."
What is the typical duration of tours from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park?
Most tours run 3-4 days though some extended itineraries can last up to 11-15 days. The popular 4-day option includes canal boat trips guided jungle walks and wildlife viewing from bases like Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The tour of Tortuguero was a pleasant surprise. We saw so much wildlife on our boat and walking tours."
When is the best time to take a tour from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park?
December through April marks the dry season offering the most reliable weather conditions. The green sea turtle nesting season runs July through October drawing nature enthusiasts. One TourRadar traveler advised: "I don't recommend traveling there in January because it's rainy season but the wildlife viewing and boat tours were still amazing despite some rain." Tours operate year-round adapting activities to weather conditions.
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