Tortuguero Village

Introducing Tortuguero Village

Wholly surrounded by protected forest and sea, accessible only by air or water, this magical spot is best known for the hordes of hatchling turtles that lurch across its dark sands. Indeed, the name Tortuguero means ‘turtle place.’ For the ‘turtle season, ’ which peaks from late July through August, make all reservations well in advance.

Once the turtles are safely at sea, however, both park and village sort of fall off the radar screen. Perhaps it is because these luxuriant jungles rank among the rainiest of all rain forests, and thus are threaded by canals and rivers that are your only way into this place. It’s not easy to get to, but it’s worth it.

Tortuguero is a quieter destination than others on the Caribbean coast, and the vine-draped trails that weave through the lush, slender peninsula are frequented by a host of wild creatures. This is where the line between sea and dry land is blurred, which may be the reason why so many sea turtles, caught by a trick of evolution between these two worlds, begin their lives here.

It’s certainly why so many fishermen originally settled this spot, and the recipes they stirred from the jungle and ocean are still served up faithfully by folks around town.

Last updated: May 19, 2009