Tortuguero One Day. Private Tour from San Jose

San José , Costa Rica

Tortuguero One Day. Private Tour from San Jose

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(17 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Tortuguero One Day Tour from San Jose is the Best! Enjoy a true ecological adventure in one of the most beautiful National Parks in Costa Rica with a professional naturalist tour guide and comfortable van. Leaving early from San Jose, enjoy the journey through the beautiful Braulio Carrillo National Park in route to Guápiles and later to La Pavona, a beautiful dock located right next to the La Suerte River that communicates with the Tortuguero Canals.

Board a covered and comfortable boat for a full day tour along the Tortuguero Canals, small rivers and picturesque Caribbean Villages. Your guide will explain the rainforest ecosystem and point out the places of greatest interest. Be on the lookout for wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, waterfowl, bats, and crocodiles, as well as abundant vegetation.

Explore the small but beautiful town of Tortuguero. Visit lovely small souvenir stores and taste a delicious Caribbean style lunch.

Tour 100% private. Deluxe service

Available options

Tortuguero One Day. Private Tour from San Jose

Pickup included

What's included

Nature walk in Tortuguero Hill

Private Professional Naturalist Tour Guide just for you

Bottled water

Visit the local town and souvenir stores

Tortuguero National Park Entrance Fee

Delicious Caribbean Style Lunch

100% Private boat for you & family

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Enjoy a true ecological adventure in one of the most beautiful National Parks in Costa Rica: Tortuguero. Leaving early from San Jose, enjoy the journey through the beautiful Braulio Carrillo National Park in route to Guápiles and later to La Pavona, a beautiful dock located right next to the La Suerte River that communicates with the Tortuguero Canals.

Board our covered and comfortable boat for a 60-minute tour along the Tortuguero Canals. Your guide will explain the rainforest ecosystem and point out the places of greatest interest. Be on the lookout for wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, waterfowl, bats, and crocodiles, as well as abundant vegetation.

Cerro Tortuguero has an area of approximately 25 hectares and is the highest point on the entire Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, offering spectacular panoramic views of the forest and the dynamics of canals. In addition, it becomes a micro habitat and refuge for a large number of animal and plant species.
Upon arrival to Tortuguero Park, you will climb the hill directly to the lookout point where amazing views of the canales, rainforest and towns are available.

Once these activities are carried out, our next stop will be the Town of Tortuguero, with its picturesque Caribbean atmosphere and beautiful colorful houses and shops that invite the visitor to spend a pleasant moment in their community. Here you will find many and different gastronomic options that we will leave to your total discretion so that you can choose the place of your preference. After lunch we will visit the new and modern facilities of the National Park, which have a beautiful viewpoint of the lagoon and the forest.

What's not included

Alcoholic beverages

Tip for professional tour guide

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

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4★

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Tripadvisor 5.0

13 reviews

5★

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About San José

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.

Top Attractions

Museo del Jade

This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.

Museum 1-2 hours ¢5,000 (CRC)

Mercado Central

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.

Historical 1 hour ¢6,000 (CRC) for tours

Parque La Sabana

A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Casado

A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian

Chifrijo

A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.

Snack Can be made vegetarian with modifications

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Zip-lining in nearby areas Coffee tasting tours Spa treatments Museum visits Historical tours White-water rafting in nearby rivers Coffee plantation tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center

By bus

Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Barrio Escalante Barrio Amón San Pedro

Day trips

Poás Volcano National Park

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.

Irazú Volcano National Park

55 km (34 miles) • Half day

A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Alajuela

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.

Festivals

Fiesta de las Luces • December Festival de las Artes • March

Pro tips

Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.