Costa Rica Guide
Limón Province and the Caribbean coast
Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Despite its isolation – 254km from San José by road and water – PARQUE NACIONAL TORTUGUERO ($7; 
710-2929) is among the most visited national parks in Costa Rica. Tortuguero means turtle-catcher in Spanish, and turtle-catchers have long flourished in this area, one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the green sea turtle, one of only eight species of marine turtle. Along with the hawksbill turtle, the green sea turtle lays its eggs here between July and October.
Tour operators to Tortuguero
Several companies offer all-inclusive packages to Tortuguero, usually including accommodation at one of the upmarket lodges lining the canal. Budget options tend to involve some form of bus/boat transfer while the more expensive tours fly direct from San José.
Costa Rica Expeditions C Central, Av 3, San José ( 257-0766, 
257-1665, 
www.costaricaexpeditions.com ). They offer upscale Tortuguero packages including flights from San José, accommodation at the comfortable Tortuga Lodge and three meals a day. Prices start at $328 per person for a three-day, two-night package. They also offer trips to Barra del Colorado.
Ecole Travel C 7, Av 0/1, San José ( 223-2240, 223-4128, www.ecoletravel.com ). One of the longest-established companies offering Tortuguero tours, Ecole has excellent budget tours popular with students and backpackers. Tours ($199 for two days and one night) start from Moín dock near Puerto Limón.
Riverboat Fracesca Tours ( 226-0986, www.tortuguerocanals.com ). Riverboat Fracesca features two-day, one-night tours of the Tortuguero canals for $190. The price includes bus transportation from San José to Moín (where you embark on the canal tour), meals and lodging.