La Fortuna to Tortuguero tickets

About the ride from La Fortuna to Tortuguero

Say farewell to the volcano-rimmed town of La Fortuna to explore the spectacular scenery on display in Tortuguero and its neighboring national park.

Travelers looking for the best way to cover the 173.5-kilometer (107.8-mile) distance between these two locations must take a minivan.

The region is world-famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, centered around Tortuguero National Park, which spans more than 300 square kilometers (115 square miles).

You'll fall in love with the relaxed atmosphere of the village. But it's not to be outdone by the wildlife in the jungle and baby turtles hatching on the beach.

What is Tortuguero like?

The small village of Tortuguero is surrounded by jungle, meaning you'll feel genuinely cut off from the rest of the bustling world. The area is perfect for disconnecting from the real world and communing with nature. 

Translating to the "Region of Turtles," Tortuguero is most famous for being one of the top places in the world to see nestling turtles up close.

While green turtles are the most common, you'll also see leatherback, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles around.

Alongside this epic sight, you will be astounded by the abundant and dense rainforest teeming with wildlife, like ocelots, jaguars, manatees, and so many monkeys.

Although Tortuguero National Park is one of the top five most visited parks in Costa Rica, it's harder to get to because it is on the country's far eastern coast. The tourists who make it out here are nature-focused, so you won't find any crazy partiers interrupting the peace. 

If you're searching for a party scene, look elsewhere because you'll be waking up at the crack of dawn every day to see the local wildlife.

Six unforgettable activities in Tortuguero

1. Start with the primary reason most people visit: the turtles. Tortuguero National Park was established in 1975 to protect the turtles nesting here.

Book an excursion to see nesting sites for green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. It's best to book a trip with a guide to ensure you do not interfere with their natural habitat. Remember: you are the visitor here, so respect the wildlife.

Stop off at the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center to learn about the work to protect these precious animals.

2. Dive into the jungle to see toucans, eagles, monkeys, ocelots, and the eagle-eyed few can see a jaguar. You can hike various trails, but boat tours are the best way to get around the park.

3. Take a canoeing or kayaking trip to the remote areas the motorboats cannot reach. Traveling like this is the best way to experience the park's most peaceful state. 

4. Book a night tour to see the nocturnal animals in the area in an eerie yet tranquil setting. You will see crocodiles, frogs, and bats as the guide shines a torch on the critters.

5. Tortuguero National Park is also home to more than 300 species of birds. While you can go independently, it's worth investing in a guide to help you spot the colorful birds through the dense forests. You can see scarlet macaws, green macaws, green ibises, kingfishers, and toucans.

6. For a little variety, hike Tortuguero Cerro, a small inactive volcano and the highest point on Costa Rica's Caribbean side. It's a steep trek but manageable for anyone with a moderate fitness level. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys and toucans on the way up the hundreds of steps to see the panoramic views at the peak.

How do I get from La Fortuna to Tortuguero?

The best way to get from La Fortuna to Tortuguero is by air-conditioned minivan. You can buy a ticket in a shared minivan. Or rent the whole thing, driver included, which is ideal if you're traveling in a group. 

It will take 3.5 hours to reach Tortuguero. 

Prices for a shared minivan seat start at $113, but most operators require two people, so find a travel partner. Starting from your chosen hotel in La Fortuna, the driver will drop passengers off at the Tortuguero Dock. From there, you'll need to find your way to your accommodation. 

Pick-up is confirmed within 24 hours of booking. 

Private minivans can accommodate up to five passengers, and the price is $228 per vehicle. Find a group of friends to make the trip with you and keep the cost down! A big perk of hiring a private van is choosing your start time, as well as pick-up and drop-off locations. 

Additionally, you'll be able to stop whenever you'd like to rest and get that perfect picture.

Possible minivan amenities include:

A luggage allowance of one 20-23 kg (44-50 lb) bag and one piece of hand luggage per passenger

Additional luggage may be added for an extra charge. This must be arranged before the journey; select the option at check out.

Reclining seats with a small leg rest 

A charger point is sometimes available to charge smartphones.

The best things about the ride from La Fortuna to Tortuguero

The journey between La Fortuna and Tortuguero is primarily spent on the main roads, so you won't miss much if you take a long nap on the way there.

However, like most of Costa Rica, the distance between the locations is still packed with gorgeous scenery because the whole country is drenched in lush forests. 

Snag a window seat to alternate between napping and catching glimpses of wildlife poking out of the thick jungle. 

Pay close attention as you near Tortuguero. The coastal area boasts spectacular views, and the glimpses of Tortuguero National Park will make you impatient to dive straight into exploring.

When is the best time to visit Tortuguero?

The best time to visit Tortuguero is between July and October when most turtles come to nest. 

However, nesting times vary according to species. Leatherback turtles usually nest from March to May, and green turtles will nest between July and October. Pick your favorite turtle to decide on the best month to visit the area.

Tortuguero's best weather arrives in September and October, with plenty of sunny days and less rainfall to interrupt your outdoor adventures.

The busiest months of the year for tourists are July, August, and December, even though it rains heavily in the last month of the year.

How many days should I spend in Tortuguero?

Most visitors to Tortuguero book a three-day excursion to experience everything the vast park offers.

However, if you're limited in time, you could go on a day trip. But this approach risks losing out on the day if it rains. Book up to a week's accommodation to take multiple tours and increase your chances of seeing a jaguar in the wild.

Where should I go after Tortuguero?

Expand your Costa Rican adventures with a visit to Cahuita National Park a little further south along the coast. Yet another awe-inspiring national park, the area is packed full of wildlife and verdant forest to immerse yourself in.

If you want to exchange nature for a city vibe, consider heading west to the bustling city of San Jose. Learn about the country's history in one of its museums, sample sumptuous street food, and dance the night away in one of the city's bars.