We will be traveling in C.R. in January or February. We were thinking of going to Tortuguero but the turtles will not be nesting. Would you recommend going there anyway?

Thanks.

mollybee

I love the area in general for a couple of nights with or without turtles. It's gorgeous and unspoiled. I do recommend choosing a place that has kayaks or canoes for personal use, such as Turtle Beach Lodge, where you can explore the canals on your own. That said, another option (if you're main focus is wildlife) is the Osa Peninsula.

No. I would go to have a chance to see the turtle nesting.

The turtles were a big highlight for us, but if you would enjoy spending the day on the canals and spotting wildlife, you would probably still enjoy it. Wildlife is abundant there. You can't really hike because it's mostly water-based, and the town is tiny. The canals are very cool though. We stayed at Tortuga Lodge, and it's amazing - great food and service. If you think you'll go back to CR in turtle season sometime, I'd save it, but if this is the only time you'll go, the wildlife is worth seeing.

We loved Tortuguero. Amazing wildlife, the canals are "little amazon" feeling. The turtles season is special, but you won't be sorry spending a day or two even for non-turtle season. We stayed at at Turtle Beach Lodge, very simple but tasty food & wonderful staff.

p, how far is Cahuita National Park from Tortuguero? They told us we couldn't swim in the ocean at Tortuguero due to sharks/crocs/rough tides, but I would have loved to do some snorkeling if it's fairly close by.

Cahuita is a good 1 - 1 1/2 hours south of Limon (via car) and Tortuguero is around 3 hours north (via boat) from Limon, so I would not say Cahuita N.P. is close. It's on the Caribbean coast, but other end of the country.

I personally think Tortuguero is worthwhile whether it's turtle season or not. The abundant wildlife on the canals in early morning is magical. We stay at Laguna Lodge and go with Modesto and Fran Watson - Riverboat Francesca Tours.

I love Fran and Modesto too and laguna lodge promises to get kayaks or canoes sometime...so that will be a plus.

Thanks, col. I should have known nothing is close in CR, right?

One of my favorite places in Costa Rica. Look here for more information - www.tortuguerovillage.com