3 Day Tortuguero National Park Tour Packages
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Tortuguero National Park Itineraries for 3 days
Compiled by
MelissaTortuguero National Park travel expert at TourRadar
3 Day Tortuguero National Park Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Tortuguero
Vibrant Tortuguero unfolds over 3 days: opening with park transfer and canal tours, followed by guided walks and cultural visits, and concluding with morning activities before returning to San Jose. All meals and guided excursions included.
- Day 1
San Jose to Tortuguero
Start early from San Jose at 7 AM for a 4-hour journey. The route goes through Braulio Carrillo National Park's cloud forests. Take a seat on the right side of the bus to catch the best waterfall views. Stop for a traditional gallo pinto breakfast before reaching the boat dock at 10:30 AM. You'll need light luggage and water-resistant shoes for the 1.5-hour boat transfer through jungle canals to your lodge. One traveler shared: "We spotted capuchin monkeys and countless birds just during the boat ride in—keep your camera ready but protected from splashes." Your afternoon includes a guided canal tour from 2:45-4:30 PM to explore hidden waterways. Watch for caiman near fallen logs and look up to spot sloths in the cecropia trees. Your guide will point out the best places to photograph rare birds like the great green macaw.
- Day 2
Exploring Tortuguero
Begin with an early guided morning hike. The trails get muddy so wear good shoes and bring insect repellent. Visit Tortuguero Village in the afternoon to learn about turtle conservation. If you're visiting from July to October you can take an optional night tour to see green sea turtles nesting for $25. "The turtle nesting experience was incredible," one visitor noted, "but bring dark clothing and avoid using flash photography which can disturb the turtles."
- Day 3
Return to San Jose
Check out at 9 AM for your return trip. Morning boat rides are usually calmer and better for spotting wildlife. You'll be back in San Jose around 3:30 PM. If you're flying out book flights after 7 PM to avoid rushing. Staying in San Jose? Try the Barrio Amón area for historical hotels near local restaurants.
3 Day Tortuguero National Park Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Caribbean Coast
The captivating three-day retreat includes 2 nights in jungle lodges. Your first day pairs transfers with village tours, while day two brings canal safaris and nature walks, concluding with a flexible return route.
- Day 1
San Jose to Tortuguero
Leave San Jose early between 6:00-6:30 AM for the 4-hour drive to the Caribbean coast. You'll stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast along the way. "The pickups were punctual and the transitions between transport modes were really smooth," according to a recent visitor. At Pavona Dock, you'll board a boat for a one-hour ride through jungle canals to your lodge. Pack your rain gear where you can grab it quickly. The Caribbean weather changes fast and the boats are open to the elements.
- Day 2
Exploring Tortuguero National Park
Start your day at 6:00 AM for the canal safari. This is when you'll see the most wildlife. One visitor commented: "Sebastian, our guide, was great and really knowledgeable about everything in the area. The boat tours were the highlight of our trip." Bring $15 USD for the park entrance fee. In the afternoon, join a guided walk on the lodge trails. The humidity is high so wear quick-dry clothes. You might spot poison dart frogs, which often come out after a quick rain.
- Day 3
Return Journey and Onward Travel
Take the morning boat back to Pavona Dock after breakfast, usually around 9:00 AM. Your shuttle will stop in Guapiles for lunch before continuing to your next stop. You can return to San Jose, head to Arenal Volcano, or visit Puerto Viejo Beach. If you're going back to San Jose, you'll arrive by mid-afternoon. The trip to Arenal from Guapiles takes about 3 hours.
- Day 1
San Jose to Tortuguero
Get ready for an early start with a 6:00 AM pickup from your San Jose hotel. The trip takes 4-5 hours total, combining bus and boat travel. Pack light and bring rain gear since the boat ride can get wet. One traveler shares: "The bus and boat transfers were both comfortable and safe, though prepare for a long journey." Once you've had lunch at the lodge, head out for a canal tour. Afternoon light works great for wildlife spotting and you'll find fewer boats on the water than in the morning. Bring a dry bag to protect your camera from the humid air.
- Day 2
Tortuguero National Park
Start your day with a guided nature walk while animals are most active. You'll have the best chance to spot sloths and monkeys in the early hours. Wear long sleeves and pants to keep mosquitos away and bring good hiking shoes for the muddy trails. Later, walk through Tortuguero village, home to about 500 people. There are no cars here everyone gets around on foot or by boat. A recent visitor noted: "The beach was stunning and the tours provided were really incredible and intimate." If you're visiting during turtle season (July-October), you might want to join a night turtle watching tour. Just know it can run late until midnight.
- Day 3
Return to San Jose
Have breakfast at the lodge before starting your journey back around 9:00 AM. You'll stop for lunch in Guapiles and reach San Jose by 3:00 PM. If you're flying out book flights after 6:00 PM to have enough time.
