Tortuguero National Park, nestled on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, is a vibrant natural paradise known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, winding canals, and pristine beaches. The park is a sanctuary for nesting sea turtles, particularly the green turtle, which arrives to lay its eggs on the dark, sandy shores. 

The park's unique water canals are alive with the sounds of howler monkeys and the calls of countless bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. Visitors can explore the canals by canoe or boat, spotting caimans, sloths, and vibrant toucans amid the dense foliage. 

Just getting to Tortuguero it's an adventure of its own. It is only accessible by boat or small planes, which enhances the experience and immerses visitors in this remote, untouched environment. With its unique ecosystems and focus on conservation, Tortuguero National Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty.

You should arrive to Costa Rica via the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Once you have cleared customs and collected their bags, a representative of Sentir Costa Rica will be waiting for you outside the terminal and drive then to the hotel near the city of San Jose and will make sure that check in goes smoothly for everyone. Hotel TBA.

First things first. Your Sentir Costa Rica Trip Leader will be meeting you for a good morning cup of coffee and quick breakfast, then after,  you will all get on your way to Tortuguero National Park. The 3 hour driving part will take you through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the wildest protected areas in the country, and down to the lowlands, passing by very interesting rural communities, pineapple and banana plantations, among a wide variety of other agricultural activities that provide job opportunities to thousands of people. Once arrived, literally to the end of the road and after stretching the legs for a few minutes, the group will board the boat that will take them through the meandering riverways all the way to your hotel in Tortuguero National Park. This boat ride is like a safari on water, although the main goal of this trip is to get to the hotel, there is no way to avoid not stopping when hearing the loud Howler monkeys or spotting a caiman or crocodile on the banks of the river. Once everyone has checked in to the hotel, scouted the grounds and after a nice lunch, it's time to visit Tortuguero village. Formerly founded by actual turtle hunters and loggers, this small community has transformed and made the conservation of natural resources, specially the turtles that have come to nest on this shores for centuries. Now, a lively and vivid little town, their main source of income is tourism. Learn about the natural history of the turtle while visiting the Sea Turtle Conservation Museum, and about the local culture and history as you walk down the beach with your Trip Leader. Return to the hotel right on time to enjoy a drink watching the sunset. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Hotel TBA

Wildlife is like people, they wake up hungry! Normally for a quite good number of animals and birds, one of the most active parts of the day are mornings, as they are starting to move and fly around looking for their first meal of the day. Taking advantage of that, you will enjoy an amazing and relaxing boat ride along some of the meandering canals in search of colorful birds like toucans, hummingbirds and kingfishers, the super agile Spider monkeys as the swing their way across the canopy of the forest, disturbing the white faced capuchin monkeys as they are trying to eat their breakfast as well. Don’t forget to look down to the water as there could be a Jesus Christ Lizard running across the canal. Return to the hotel to enjoy a nice breakfast and another good cup of coffee. Take some time to relax by the swimming pool, explore the grounds on your own and then join your TL on a nature walk around the gardens and trails of the hotel. This walk will offer a totally different perspective of the forest and a lot more opportunities to see poison dart frogs, woodpeckers, more toucans, the famous Red eye- leave frogs, and a lot of very interesting trees, and flowers. End your day enjoying another sunset by the pool or with a drink by the hotel bar. Dinner at the hotel.  Hotel TBA.

No rush today, but if you are nature lover or have become one during these few days, your TL can offer an optional morning 45 minute walk around the gardens of the hotel, looking to enjoy all the morning wildlife activity, right before you enjoy your own breakfast and second cup of coffee. Around 9am we say goodbye to all the staff and head back to the city of San Jose, taking the same route as the first day. Lunch will be taken along the way, and will arrive at the hotel around mid afternoon. As the group arrives at the hotel and is safely checked in, it is time to say goodbye to your Trip Leader. Dinner on your own. Hotel TBA.