With a population that only just exceeds 1,000, there’s a surprising amount to do around Tortuguero. Full of character and colour, the village itself is well-worth a wander around if you have time. Browse the shops and street stalls in search of some souvenirs, or tuck into some Caribbean-style food at one of the local restaurants.

To continue your culinary adventure, you can head over to Casa Cecropia to make some chocolate. You’ll learn about why the cocoa bean was so important for cultures like the Mayas and the Aztecs, before having a go at grinding your own cocoa on a traditional stone table.
If you’re after a slightly more thrilling kind of activity, a hike up Tortuguero Mountain is just the ticket. You’ll have to climb a few hundred steps to reach the outlook of this ancient volcano, but the incredible views of expansive forest canopies below will make it worth your while.

Undoubtedly, the best thing about Tortuguero National Park is the wildlife. A large nesting site for the endangered green sea turtle, this poacher-free paradise is one of the most important places in Costa Rica. You’ll head down to the beach at night, along with your expert guide, to see these 300-pound creatures plod up the sand to lay their eggs. Or, if you visit after nesting season, you might get to see some newly-hatched baby turtles, as they take their first steps towards the sea.

There’s plenty more to see in terms of wildlife here, too. And, the best way to see it all is on a boat tour. Float along the winding canal of the mangrove forest, keeping an eye out for the long-bodied crocodiles that poke their head above the water. It’s also likely you’ll see iguanas, monkeys, sloths and otters, along with countless species of bird. 

Heavily influence by Caribbean culture, Talamanca is a lively coastal town that lies around 120 kilometres south of Tortuguero. Famed for its surfing scene and home to gorgeous, golden-sand beaches, it’s the place to go if you’re wanting to do some sunbathing. Or, if you fancy some exploring, you can take a leisurely bike ride through downtown, discovering the palm-lined streets and local landmarks. And, in the evening, why not head to one of the town’s bustling restaurants or bars? Tuck into some jerk chicken, or sip on a cocktail whist listening to some reggaetón.

There are plenty of other coastal spots for you to visit along Costa Rica’s Caribbean side. Just a half hour drive further south from Talamanca is Manzanillo, which is a great location if you’re looking do some snorkelling or diving. Or, you can make your way to the black-sand beaches of Cahuita.

If you’re planning a holiday to Tortuguero, it’s probably the case that you’re wanting to see some turtles. The best time for this is during the nesting season, but this varies depending on which species you’re wanting to see. For leatherback turtles, May to March is the time to go. Weighing up to 500 kilograms, they’re the largest type of turtle in the world. Or, if you want to catch a glimpse of some green sea turtles, between July and October is your best bet. In November, you’re unlikely to see any full-grown turtles, but you might spot some hatchlings if you’re lucky.

Weather-wise, the temperatures in Tortuguero stay pretty stable all year round. It usually sits between 24°C and 30°C, which is ideal for hiking, biking, and embarking on exciting wildlife tours.