Tortuguero National Park

Hystorical Background
This wildlife area was created in 1975. It is located in the Costa Rican Caribbean region, 80 km north from Limon City.

One of the main reasons of its creation (promoted by the herpetologist Archie Carr II) was the protection of the Green turtles, where Tortuguero is the most important nesting area in the Occidental Caribbean region.

Besides, this area is a very important zone because of its Tropical Rain Forest remnants that only 50 years ago covered the entire Northeastern area of Costa Rica.


Extension
Tortuguero National Park has an extension of 26.156 hectares of land and approximately 50,160 hectares of marine zone. In this area the Tropical Rain Forest predominates with an average annual temperature of 26°C and with an annual precipitation of approximately 4.500-6.000 mm.

The abundant rivers, canals and lagoons are constantly used by local people and tourists to navigate throughout the park. These waterways are like windows that help tourists admire the exuberant flora and fauna, making the trip a wonderful experience for those who love nature.
Flora and fauna
In Tortuguero there is a very high biodiversity We can find more than 400 species of trees and even 2,200 species of other kinds of plants.
This is due to the variety of environments the park presents, such as:
The typical coast vegetation of the Caribbean zone with species such as Seagrape tree. The coconut palm, a typical species from Southern India, is also common. Behind the coast sand strip, the forest grows on flooded or swampy lands. There, it is common to find trees such as Swamp blood wood, Cativo tree, Hwak, and Shaving-brush tree. The Royal palm grows in easily flooded zones. The aquatic iris and the aquatic ferns can be found in places with deeper water floating vegetation.

In areas as highs as 311 meters above sea level (such as the Sierpe Hills), the Tropical Rain Forest grows majestically.
The average precipitation is around 5.000 mm/year. This forest has an extraordinary diversity of flora. Among the most characteristic trees, the tourist can observe the Hyeronima alchornoides, Copal tree and Cloud forest calabash.
In this park there is also an enormous diversity of fauna that includes endangered species of mammals such as jaguar, ocelot, manatee, tayra, sloth, three species of monkeys and tapir (the American tropical forest’ biggest animal).

This area contains approximately 50% of the birds and reptiles species of Costa Rica. The 405 bird species present in the region overcome those from the entire European Union.
This diversity is repeated concerning the amphibians and reptiles, fish and insects. One of the park’s main attractions is the sea turtle nesting. Tortuguero is the place where the four turtle species of the Caribbean Sea come to nest.
These species are the giant Leatherback turtle, Green turtle (2nd in size and the most abundant in the park), Hawksbill turtle (brown color), and Loggerhead turtle (the smallest in size and threatened around the world due to the value of its shell used to produce art crafts).

Interest facts
In the park there are several information stations where our staff will be delighted to help you. Moreover, there are natural rails, waterways and beaches where your can find direct contact with nature.
Next to the park you can find the communities of Parismina and Tortuguero. In these places you can observe and get to know he characteristic features of the Caribbean culture. There you can find facilities and services you need, such as food, lodging, guides, and phones, among others.

Regulations
* Please remind the guide to be aware of abuse of speed. The noise that outboard engines make scare animals away, cause erosion and tend to disrupt nature’s equilibrium and quietude.
* All the protected wildlife areas of Costa Rica have legal regulations on visitors’ activities and resource protection. Ask the guides about this.
* In case you need help, look for the Park personnel. They will be ready and willing to help you.
* Don’t litter. Nature does not know what to do with garbage.
* It is forbidden to feed the animals. Feeding animals favors their aggressive behavior and make them dependent up to the point they stop looking for their own food and die. All living beings share this planet with you. Respect their lives.
* For your own security, please stay only on the trails. Protect the banners and any other sign you find.
* Nature’s sounds are unique. Keep silence, avoid noisy activities when sailing or hiking in the forest. Don’t disturb the environment.
* Denounce any anomaly concerning guides services to the park’s administration office.

The Costa Rica National Park System protects more than 25 % of Costa Rica