Tortuguero, located on Costa Rica’s remote northern Caribbean coast, is a destination unlike any other in the country. Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, this coastal village sits between the Caribbean Sea and a network of freshwater canals. Tortuguero National Park, established in 1975, protects over 77,000 acres of rainforest, wetlands, and coastline. Its name, meaning "place of turtles," comes from the thousands of sea turtles that arrive annually to lay their eggs on its beaches, including green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles.

The turtle nesting season, which peaks between July and October, draws visitors from around the world. Guided night tours allow for a close but respectful view of this rare phenomenon. Even outside of nesting season, Tortuguero offers plenty to discover. Early morning boat safaris through the canals reveal howler monkeys, manatees, toucans, and even the occasional jaguar. Kayaking through narrow jungle waterways is another way to explore the region’s biodiversity, offering a quieter, more personal encounter with the environment.

The village of Tortuguero itself is small, with no cars and only a few sandy paths. Locals, many of Afro-Caribbean descent, maintain a strong cultural identity shaped by fishing, cacao farming, and coastal traditions. Visitors can stop by the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Visitor Center to learn more about conservation efforts, or explore Tortuguero’s community-run projects focused on sustainability and education. The laid-back pace of life here allows time for conversation, observation, and slow travel.