Tortuguero National Park

The Turtle Sanctuary and a Refuge of Biodiversity in Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park, located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, is one of the country’s most iconic ecotourism and conservation destinations. Famous for being a sanctuary for sea turtles, especially the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), this park is a natural sanctuary that houses one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Central America. In addition to its turtles, Tortuguero is home to a variety of ecosystems, such as tropical rainforests, mangroves, lagoons, and rivers, creating a mosaic of habitats that support thousands of species.

Tortuguero has played a key role in the conservation of endangered species and has become one of the country’s most visited destinations for those seeking a unique connection with nature.

History and Creation of the Park

Tortuguero National Park was created in 1975 with the main goal of protecting the beaches used by sea turtles for nesting. Since its establishment, the park has played a crucial role in the conservation of sea turtles, especially the green sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Over time, the need to protect not only the beaches but the surrounding ecosystem, including the channels, rivers, and tropical forests, became apparent.

Furthermore, Tortuguero National Park has become one of the most important destinations for ecotourism in Costa Rica, a model of sustainable tourism that promotes conservation and respect for local nature.

Location and Accessibility

Tortuguero National Park is located in the Limón province, on the northeastern coast of Costa Rica. Access to the park is limited due to its remote location, which has helped preserve its biodiversity. It cannot be reached by road, so the most common ways to get there are by boat or plane.

Visitors can reach the park from La Pavona (a small village on the Caribbean coast), where they take a boat that travels along the rivers to the park’s entrance. There are also regular flights from San José to Tortuguero on small planes. The boat ride is a unique experience, allowing tourists to navigate rivers and canals surrounded by lush nature, where they may spot wildlife along the way.

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Tortuguero National Park hosts an incredible variety of ecosystems, which contributes to its exceptional biodiversity. From the beaches where turtles nest, to the dense rainforests and complex systems of channels and wetlands, each part of the park is a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of species.

Tropical Rainforests

The park is primarily covered by tropical rainforests, which harbor a rich variety of flora and fauna. Giant trees such as ceiba, almond, mango, and vines create a dense canopy that provides shelter to many mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Notable mammals in the park include the howler monkey (Alouatta palliata), the spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), and the puma (Puma concolor).

Rivers and Canals

The river and canal systems are one of the most distinctive features of Tortuguero National Park. These natural canals and rivers are crucial habitats for many species of animals, such as crocodiles, alligators, and various species of fish. The canals also allow tourists to explore the park by boat, observing rich aquatic life and getting a close look at species such as water lilies, colorful fish, and various species of migratory birds.

Mangroves and Wetlands

The park's mangrove and wetland areas are vital for the ecosystem, as they serve as breeding grounds for fish and provide refuge for many bird species, such as herons and egrets. Mangroves also protect the coastline and act as natural barriers against erosion.

*Wildlife in Tortuguero National Park:

Tortuguero is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. Some of the park’s most iconic species include:

Sea Turtles

Tortuguero National Park is known for being one of the world’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles, especially the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), which visits the park's beaches between March and October to lay its eggs. The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) also nest along these shores, both of which are endangered species. Monitoring and protecting turtle nests is one of the park’s primary conservation activities.

Mammals

The park is home to a wide diversity of mammals, including several species of monkeys, such as the howler monkey, the spider monkey, and the capuchin monkey. Other mammals include big cats such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), the ocelot (Leopardus wiedii), and the puma, although these are more difficult to spot due to their elusive nature.

Birds

The park’s birdlife is incredibly rich, with over 400 species of birds recorded. Among the most notable are the trogon (Trogon elegans), the woodpecker, the night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), and the great egret (Ardea alba). Migratory birds also use the park as a stopover on their northward or southward journeys, making Tortuguero a key destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles and amphibians in the park are numerous. Visitors can find alligators, crocodiles, and various species of snakes, such as the boa constrictor and the coral snake. The park is also home to several species of frogs and toads, including the famous red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas).

Read more about Tortuguero National Park on the SINAC site: Read more