This area is the most important nesting grounds for the Green Sea Turtle in the Western Caribbean. During the summer months (July - September), thousands of turtles come ashore along these world-famous beaches to lay their eggs. Often called, "Costa Rica's Amazon", Tortuguero is a navigable network of lakes and channels that crosses this National Park and allows a great diversity of fauna and flora to be observed close at hand. It is possible to observe Iguana basking in trees, Monkeys and Sloths in the forest canopy, and the Raphia Palm with the largest leaves of any plant.

Biological Station "La Selva":

Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, owned and operated by the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS), an international consortium of universities dedicated to the study of the rain forest and tropical areas. The National Academy of Sciences of the U.S. has recognized La Selva as one of the four most ideal places in the world for Rain Forest research. Over 500 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and 2,000 species of plants have been identified in this biologically rich area.

Tortuguero/La Selva Excursion

3 nights/4 days

DAY 1 - SAN JOSE / TORTUGUERO

Early morning pick up at your hotel for ground and boat transfer to Mawamba Lodge.  Mawamba Lodge is located in the midst of Tortuguero National Park, a tropical rain forest, and a navigable network of lakes and channels that crosses the area from southeast to the northwest. This allows a great diversity of fauna and flora of the region to be observed close at hand. Additionally, it is the most important nesting site in the western half of the Caribbean for the Green Turtle. Located on a sand bar between the Tortuguero Lagoon and Caribbean Sea, the lodge has 40 comfortable rooms all with private baths with hot water, ceiling fans, a dock on the canals, swimming pool, family-style restaurant with international and local cuisine, nature trails, walking beach access, and a conference room where daily lectures on Costa Rica's natural history are presented. (B) (L) (D)

DAY 2 - TORTUGUERO

Day of tours on Tortuguero's navigable network of lakes and channels. Optional nighttime tour to observe the nesting of the leatherback turtles. (B) (L) (D)

DAY 3 - TORTUGUERO / SARAPIQUI

Leave Mawamba enroute to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí and Hotel Sueño Azul. Sueño Azul Hotel & Spa, is located in Horquetas of Sarapiqui, approx 1 hour and 45 minutes north of San Jose.  Its’ proximity to Braulio Carrillo National Park and the rivers surrounding it make it a sanctuary for nature lovers. The area around the Sarapiquí River is one of Costa Rica’s best natural destinations and Sueño Azul is the finest hotel in the area.  The hotel prides itself on its unique rustic elegance where good taste and nature combine to make it the ideal destination for rest and relaxation. Afternoon free to explore the area on hikes or horseback. (B)

DAY 4 - SARAPIQUI / SAN JOSE

Early morning guided hike to La Selva Biological Reserve, owned and managed by the Organization for Tropical Studies, a consortium of universities dedicated to rain forest research. The U.S. Academy of Sciences has recognized La Selva as one of the four most ideal places in the world for this kind of research. Afterwards, begin 2 hour drive back to San Jose with an enroute stop at the Rain Forest Aerial Tram. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is only 45 minutes away from San Jose and is located in a 1000 acre private reserve of virgin rain forest that borders Braulio Carillo National Park, one of the most biologically diverse parks in Costa Rica and possessing one of the richest canopy communities in the world. This unique experience consists of an aerial excursion through the rain forest canopy, home to two-thirds of all rain forest species, accompanied by local guides.
(The guide training program is designed to provide locals with new work opportunities which protect the natural environment) (B)

Dec 1, 2009 - April 30, 2010
Total cost: $825.00 per person based on double occupancy.

May 1, 2010 - Nov. 14, 2010
Total cost: $750.00 per person based on double occupancy.

Please inquire for pricing during Holiday period (Dec 15, 2009 - Jan 5, 2010)

Package includes:


• 3 nights lodging
• All transportation
• All meals where indicated (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
• Aerial tram tour
• Tortuguero tours
• Guided hike to La Selva Biological Reserve

For further information about Tortuguero tour Click Here

Recommended Hotels

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	Pachira Lodge: The lodge is strategically located only 5 minutes away from the extraordinary Tortuguero National Park, and right across the main "canal" facing the town of Tortuguero. Surrounded by a network of very scenic canals, this is considered one of the most exotic regions of the world, characterized by its rich in flora and fauna.
	Rara Avis: A new way to save rain forest, as well as learn about it, while you experience the richness and splendor of the most diverse environment on earth. Rara Avis was developed to show that we can make rain forest economically productive and so save it from destruction.
	Mawamba Lodge: Located on a sand bar between the Tortuguero Lagoon and Caribbean Sea, the lodge has 40 comfortable rooms all with private baths with hot water, ceiling fans, a dock on the canals, swimming pool, family-style restaurant with international and local cuisine, nature trails, walking beach access, and a conference room where daily lectures on Costa Rica's natural history are presented.
	Laguna Lodge: This small and cozy lodge, especially designed for the complete enjoyment of the mystic marvels of the Tortuguero National Park, is located in a narrow strip of land, between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero Lagoon. It allows direct access to the beach, where it can be observed, during the appropriate season, the egg-laying and hatching of the green turtle, and several other marine turtle species.
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