Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero tickets

About the ride from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero

Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is the very picture of the term laid back. Visitors to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca — a sleepy surf town that serves as a great base of operations for exploring the region — only need a few minutes to adapt to the slower pace and relaxed vibe. 

You can catch some waves in the morning, doze on the beach in the afternoon, and sip a cocktail in the evening without checking your watch.

As blissful as that might sound, there’s another very compelling reason to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. The unspoiled beauty of its natural rainforest is on full display in Tortuguero, with its namesake national park preserving a staggering abundance of plant and animal life under its canopy.

If the possibility of immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s rich wildlife holds the same appeal as lying on a beach, you won’t have to make a difficult choice. By booking a ride from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and not break a sweat while doing it. Well, you’ll probably break a sweat; it’s sweltering in Costa Rica.

Top things to do in Tortuguero

Despite its rather remote location, Tortuguero has consistently drawn its share of international travelers seeking to explore its natural wonders. 

Here are some top things to see in Tortuguero:

1. Visit Tortuguero National Park. The main draw to Tortuguero is the national park of the same name. This protected wetland covers a wide section of lush rainforest, brackish rivers and an untouched coastline.

You can hike the trails in search of its abundant wildlife or take a guided boat tour that will bring you to its otherwise inaccessible corners. Either way, you will be completely immersed in the sounds, smells and rhythms of the jungle. As a pro tip, remember to bring insect repellent and shoes that can handle some mud. You will encounter plenty of both!

2. Go wild after dark. If you haven’t gotten your fill of Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife during daylight hours, book a night walk tour. You’ll be led on a guided trek through the rainforest with only a flashlight to lead the way. Expect to see all sorts of active creatures, from poison dart frogs to snakes to a disturbingly large number of spiders.
   
   The night shift in the jungle is a wonder to behold, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you missed it.

3. Go turtle spotting at night on the beach. Tortuguero is famous for being a nesting site for various types of turtles, including the endangered Green Sea Turtle. 

July through August is the peak season, and nighttime is the right time for viewing. Different species of turtles come to nest at other times, with babies emerging two or three months later. So, time your visit to observe the species you wish to see most.

4. Chill in Tortuguero town. While nobody comes to Tortuguero for the town, that doesn’t mean it’s without its charms. Brightly colored houses line the streets, and that low-key Caribbean vibe can be felt everywhere.
   
   The main drag only takes about 15 minutes to walk, but along the way, you can sample some local food, book a tour, and even pick up a trinket or two. 

What to expect when traveling from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero

It’s approximately 206 kilometers (128 miles) from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero. However, since it’s Costa Rica, that relatively short distance will take about four hours of travel time, but at least it will be scenic.

From the headlands of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you’ll travel north along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, passing small towns en route to the only real city in the area, Limon. 

From there, you will continue north, surrounded by lush greenery, until you come to Puerto Moin. At this point, you’ll either continue down a lonely jungle road or be loaded onto a boat for the remainder of your trip into Tortuguero town.

If you’re out on the river, keep an eye out for wildlife in the trees and along the riverbanks. The river trip to the town is a tour in itself.

How to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero

Minivans are the best way to go from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Tortuguero. The entire ride should take anywhere between four and five hours. 

Tickets start at $68 per person, but most minivan operators require two people to make the trip. So, ask around your hostel and see if you can find anyone heading your way.

Minivans come equipped with air conditioning and sometimes with English-speaking drivers. 

Luggage allowances include one large bag per passenger weighing 20-30 kilograms (44-55 lbs), depending on the operator. Transporting your surfboard is also a possibility for an extra charge.

Most operators will pick you up at your hotel in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Drop-off will either be at your hotel or a designated place in Tortuguero town. From there you won’t be far from your hotel since the town is not all that big. 

Departure times are limited, so keep that in mind when making your plans.

Your final leg of the journey might be by boat, with some operators dropping you off at the main pier in town. Others will include bringing you right to your hotel. 

When is the best time to visit Tortuguero?

July through October is peak season in Tortuguero, which coincides with turtle nesting season. If you’ve come here to see the turtles (and really, you should), this is the best time. If you come in September or October, you will have some of the best weather.

Due to the holidays, December sees a lot of visitors, but it is also the rainiest time of year. Plus, there’s not much turtle action going on. 

Of course, regardless of the time of year you come, you will have plenty of opportunities to see wildlife up close. So if turtles aren’t a big deal to you, then really any month should do.

How much time do I need in Tortuguero?

You will need at least one full day to explore the park and participate in a night activity. But to justify the time and expense you’ve put into getting here, at least two, if not three, days would make it worth your while.

Where should I go after Tortuguero? 

If Tortuguero is all you’ve seen of Costa Rica, your journey is incomplete. 

An excellent destination to strike out for next is the adventure capital of La Fortuna. Here, you’ll have excellent views of the mighty (and active) Arenal Volcano and a host of activities to enjoy, from rappelling to whitewater rafting to soaking in natural hot springs.