About this tour
Tortuguero Expedition: The Amazon of Costa Rica
Updated: March 2026
An exclusive 3-day expedition through emerald canals, remote jungle lagoons, and the world’s most famous sea turtle sanctuary.
For travelers seeking the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero National Park is the ultimate eco-adventure. This remote paradise is accessible only by boat or plane, ensuring an untouched wilderness where the sounds of howling monkeys and tropical birds replace the noise of traffic.
Here is the complete guide for Jaco360.com to help your clients plan their expedition.
🛶 The Journey: How to Get There
Because there are no roads to Tortuguero, the journey itself is part of the adventure.
- The Scenic Route: Land & Boat
- The Experience: A drive through the misty Braulio Carrillo National Park to the La Pavona dock, followed by a 1-hour winding boat ride through narrow jungle canals. It is the best way to start spotting caimans and river turtles early.
- Estimated Price (from San Jose): ~$125 – $175 (Day Trip) or ~$525 – $675 (3-Day/2-Night All-Inclusive).
- The Jaco Extra: Since Jaco is further west, we recommend a private van transfer to San Jose to join the main tour (~$160 for the vehicle) or a private van directly to the dock (~$350+ due to the 5-hour transit time).
- The Executive Route: Fly with SANSA
- The Experience: A breathtaking 25-minute flight from San Jose (SJO). You’ll soar over the central mountain range and the Caribbean coastline, landing on a small airstrip between the ocean and the canal.
- Recommended Price: Sansa tickets typically range from $135 to $185 each way depending on seasonality.
- The Jaco Extra: A private transfer from Jaco to SJO Airport (approx. 1.5 hours) costs around $160 – $190 for the vehicle (up to 5 people).
🐢 Things to Do: The Eco-Adventure
Tortuguero is a biological powerhouse. Here is what to expect:
- Canal Canoe Tours: Slip through “water trails” in a silent, electric-motor or paddle boat. This is the best way to see sloths, three species of monkeys, and the elusive neotropical otter.
- The Turtle Spectacle (Seasonal): From July to October, witness giant Green Sea Turtles nesting. From September to December, experience the “Turtle Trek” to see hatchlings making their run to the sea.
- Cerro Tortuguero Hike: A guided climb up the area’s only hill for a panoramic view of the canals and the Caribbean. (Note: Requires a separate National Park ticket and a certified guide).
- Night Walks: Explore the jungle after dark to find red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and nocturnal mammals.
📋 What to Expect & Bring
- The Vibe: Car-free, laid back, and humid.
- Weather: Tortuguero is one of the wettest places in the country. Rain is frequent and essential for the lush “Amazon” feel!
- Luggage: If flying Sansa, weight limits are strictly enforced at 30 lbs (14kg) total. Pack light; we can arrange luggage storage in Jaco or San Jose for your larger suitcases.
- Cash: Many small shops prefer Colones or small USD bills. There are no ATMs in the village.
- Gear Checklist: * Rain poncho (essential!)
- Quick-dry clothing & extra socks
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Insect repellent and sunblock
- Flashlight or headlamp for night walks
💰 Pricing Summary (Est. 2026)
Prices include transportation from San Jose, all meals, lodging, and guided tours.
| Package Type |
From San Jose (Per Person) |
From Jaco Beach (Per Person) |
| 3D/2N Standard Eco-Lodge |
$495 – $595 |
$650 – $750* |
| 3D/2N Luxury Lodge Upgrade |
$795 – $995 |
$950 – $1,150* |
| Sansa Flight (One-Way Add-on) |
+$155 |
+$155 + SJO Transfer |
*Jaco pricing includes the necessary private transfer to connect with the expedition.
🗓️ The Ultimate 3-Day Tortuguero Itinerary
Day 1: Into the Wild
- 06:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel in San Jose (or 04:00 AM private transfer from Jaco).
- The Scenic Drive: Travel through the cloud forests of Braulio Carrillo.
- Traditional Breakfast: Stop for a “Pinto” breakfast with fresh tropical fruits.
- The Boat Expedition: Board a covered riverboat at La Pavona. Keep your camera ready for the 1-hour journey—it’s common to see caimans and kingfishers before reaching the lodge.
- Afternoon: Check-in and Caribbean lunch. Visit Tortuguero Village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
- Evening: Dinner at the lodge. (Seasonal: Optional Night Turtle Tour).
Day 2: Deep in the Canals
- Early Morning: Guided boat tour through the National Park canals. Best time for howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, and white-faced capuchins.
- Mid-Day: Lunch followed by a guided hike or a visit to the Cerro Tortuguero lookout.
- Afternoon: Leisure time. Kayak the lagoons or relax by the pool.
- Evening: Night Walk to spot red-eyed tree frogs and nocturnal insects.
Day 3: Farewell to Paradise
- Morning: Final jungle breakfast and boat departure to the mainland.
- The Return: Lunch in Guápiles before heading back to San Jose or your next destination.
- 03:30 PM: Approximate arrival in San Jose.
Note: Prices are current estimates, as close as possible; one of our Jaco360 Tour Experts will verify final pricing based on your specific travel dates and group size.
Important Note on Expedition Details: > Because Tortuguero is a remote destination with varying lodge standards, the specific inclusions (such as meal plans, specific canal routes, and boat transit times) may vary depending on seasonal availability and your selected accommodation. The highlights and inclusions listed above represent our Standard Gold-Tier Package.
Your dedicated Jaco360 Expedition Organizer will provide a finalized, line-item itinerary and verified pricing tailored to your specific travel dates and group size during the booking process to ensure total transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tortuguero Expedition
❓ Tortuguero Common Questions
1. What is the best time of year to visit Tortuguero?
Answer: While Tortuguero is a year-round destination for wildlife, the most popular time is during the Green Sea Turtle nesting season from July to October. If you want to see the hatchlings, plan your visit between September and December. For the best weather, the “dry” months of September and October (ironically) often see less rain on the Caribbean coast than the rest of the country.
2. Is it possible to do a day trip to Tortuguero from Jaco?
Answer: Technically, it is possible via a private charter flight, but we do not recommend it. Because of the travel distance and the boat logistics, a 3-day/2-night stay is the standard for a reason. A day trip involves over 10 hours of transit, leaving very little time to actually see the wildlife and the canals.
3. What should I do with my heavy luggage if I fly Sansa?
Answer: Sansa has a strict 30 lbs (14kg) weight limit. If you are traveling with heavy surfboards or large suitcases in Jaco, we recommend leaving your main luggage at your “home base” hotel in Jaco or San Jose. Most lodges in Tortuguero are remote, and navigating small boats with oversized bags is difficult.
4. Are there ATMs or banks in Tortuguero Village?
Answer: No, there are no ATMs in Tortuguero. While many hotels and larger restaurants accept credit cards, the small shops, souvenir stands, and local guides often require cash (Costa Rican Colones or US Dollars). We recommend withdrawing enough cash for tips and personal expenses before you leave San Jose or Jaco.
5. Is the water safe to drink in Tortuguero?
Answer: Most established eco-lodges provide filtered water stations for guests to refill reusable bottles. However, we do not recommend drinking tap water directly in the village. Always bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the humid jungle environment.
