San Jose to Tortuguero tickets

About the ride from San Jose to Tortuguero

Costa Rica is like a natural amusement park, with each region another section to be explored. 

There is much to be discovered in and around the capital, San Jose, and the city makes for a great base of operations. 

But when you're ready to be immersed in one of Costa Rica's most natural areas, head for the east coast and its most worthy attraction: Tortuguero 

The unspoiled beauty of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast lies in its natural rainforest. Nowhere else is this beauty on full display more than in Tortuguero and the national park that shares its name. Underneath its steamy canopy, you'll find a wealth of plant and animal life to explore around each river bend.

Despite its remote location in the northeast of the country, a 3-4 hour drive from San Jose will transport you from the hilly interior to the vast lowland jungle — and you'll still have most of the day to relax or to explore. 

Top things to do in Tortuguero

Tortuguero continues to draw its share of intrepid travelers seeking to observe its beauty firsthand. One look at the list below, and you'll understand why.  

1. Discover Tortuguero National Park. The park system covers a wide swath of thick rainforest, narrow rivers, and unspoiled coastline teeming with wildlife. To explore, you can either hike the muddy trails searching for monkeys, sloths, and birds or take a guided boat tour that will snake you through its most inaccessible regions.
   
   

Pro tip: Remember to bring insect repellent and shoes that can withstand getting muddy. Both will be sorely needed!

2. Go turtle-spotting at the beach. Tortuguero is particularly notable for being a nesting site for turtles, especially the endangered Green Sea Turtle. July through August is the peak season for witnessing this natural wonder.
   
   

Nighttime is the right time for viewing, so be prepared to dress in dark colors and be super quiet to not disturb the turtles.

Bear in mind that various turtle species come here to nest at different times of the year. So, time your visit to observe the species you wish to see most. And if it's turtle babies you're looking for, remember that they emerge two or three months after each nesting period.

3. Take a walk on the wild side after sundown. An incredible experience not to be missed while in Tortuguero is taking a guided night tour of the rainforest. You'll take a guided trek through the jungle armed with only a flashlight, searching for poison dart frogs, various snakes, and a disturbing variety of spiders.
   
   

These tours usually don't run during the July-October turtle nesting season, so plan accordingly.

4. Kick back in Tortuguero town. Though not a reason to visit the area on its own, Tortuguero does have a rustic charm that will enhance your visit.
   
   

The low-key Caribbean vibe is everywhere, and the main drag of colorful houses and buildings is only about a 15-minute walk away.

In that short stretch, you can sample some local food, arrange a tour for the following day, and do a little souvenir shopping. Later on, you can enjoy your dinner riverside before being sung to sleep by the sounds of the jungle.

What to expect when traveling from San Jose to Tortuguero

It's only about 76 miles (122 kilometers) between San Jose and Tortuguero. However, as anyone who has been to Costa Rica will agree, distances on the map take longer than they appear. Traveling that relatively short distance will take 3-4 hours, but it will be a scenic ride.

From your pickup point in bustling San Jose, you'll head northeast through the green hills and countryside of Costa Rica's center. Soon, you will find yourself in Tortuguero and the jungles of the eastern coast, a great place to spot monkeys, sloths, and numerous other wildlife that may be around. 

How to get from San Jose to Tortuguero

Minivans are your best option for getting from San Jose to Tortuguero. The entire ride should take between 3 and 4 hours, with restroom breaks along the way.

All operators use minivans equipped with air conditioning, and some also offer English-speaking drivers. 

Luggage allowances include one large bag per passenger (usually 44-50 lbs/20-23 kg), depending on the operator, plus a handbag. Some operators allow you to bring your surfboard.

Departures are generally early in the morning, giving you most of the day to settle in or relax before a night tour. Prices start at $89 per person for the one-way trip.

Most operators will have a prearranged pickup point in or around San Jose. It might be a hotel or another popular location. Either way, meeting up with your shuttle is up to you. Drop-off will be at your hotel in Tortuguero. 

When is the best time to visit Tortuguero?

Peak season in Tortuguero runs from July through October, which is peak turtle nesting season. Daily temperatures hover around 79°F/26°C, with high humidity all year long.

November and December bring their share of visitors taking advantage of the holiday breaks. However, not only is it the rainiest time of year, but there's not a lot of turtle activity either. 

January through April is the driest time to visit.

How much time do I need in Tortuguero?

To justify the time, effort, and expense just to get here, you should make room for two to three days in the area. This will give you at least one full day to discover the park and participate in a night activity, with extra time to explore without racing the clock. 

Where to travel after Tortuguero

Once you've had your fill of trekking through the jungle, you can catch some R&R down the coast at the beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. 

If it's more wildlife you're after, the town of Cahuita is also a great option.