Tortuguero is Costa Rica’s version of the Amazon — a network of jungle canals on the Caribbean coast reachable only by boat or small plane, with no roads in or out. Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, run by the same family behind Costa Rica Expeditions since the 1970s, sits directly on the riverbank across from the national park, with simple, comfortable rooms and a dock where boats depart straight from the property.
The pace here is set by the canals rather than the couple: sunrise and sunset boat tours through the waterways are the main activity, with a good chance of spotting caimans, monkeys, sloths, and an exceptional range of birdlife. From July to October, this is also one of the best places on Earth to watch sea turtles nest on the beach at night, which makes for a memorable, low-key honeymoon evening.
Two to three nights is the right length — it’s remote enough that most couples pair it with a few more nights elsewhere, like Arenal or the Caribbean coast further south.
Are you ready for an adventure? Tortuguero is a must-see destination for explorers seeking remote and untouched wilderness
The only way to reach this stunning region is by navigating through lagoons, canals, and rivers, or by following a marked path. Once you arrive, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking canals, such as Caño Palma with its dark waters, Caño Harold, or Caño Chiquero. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the biodiversity of the very humid tropical forest, which grows in swampy terrain and features over 400 species of trees that can reach up to 50 meters in height, such as the sangrillo and the mountain almond. In addition, Tortuguero is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it’s home to endangered sea turtles that come to nest on the beaches every year. Don’t miss this unique and unforgettable experience in Costa Rica!
