Costa Rica Road Trip (Part 4) Tortuguero…..how humid?
The secluded dream of Central America
The next morning, we were picked up at 5:45am for our 3-day trip to Tortuguero. As the final hop to Tortuguero is only accessible by boat, the travel company that helped us organise the tour (www.latitudesadventure.com), suggested that we do this part of the Sloths & Mojitos road trip as a package. That way all the transfers, food and accommodation was included.
Kayaking along the waterways of Tortuguero
We head off in the coach and admire all the small towns and villages we pass through along the way.
The closer we get to Caño Blanco (where we pick the boat up) the more rural the scenery becomes, we travel through banana plantations and what appears to be farmers backyards.
Quick Links
The next step of the road trip – by boat
The journey to Tortuguero is fabulous
We picked up the boat to transport us to the hotel, instantly you were immersed into another world.
With the verdant flora all through the Tortuguero National Park you knew this experience was going to be special.
A warm welcome from the Ticos
We found Costa Rica to be a wonderfully friendly place, the local Ticos came across as a fairly relaxed nation.
Further Reading
If your heading off on your own Costa Rican adventure, than grab a copy of this DK Eyewitness book.
I love planning trips and these guides are so helpful.
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
Tranquil canals of Tortuguero
We arrived to a warm welcome at our hotel, The Laguna Lodge, which is situated on a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main lagoon.
It is only a short stroll from one side to the other (650 feet), on this occasion the Caribbean was a bit choppy, but it didn’t stop me from going in for a paddle, WOW it was cold….
The Caribbean is meant to be warmer than this
The Laguna Lodge is an Eco-touristic lodge; the rooms are wooden, reasonably basic although they are comfortable.
However, what we didn’t expect was the humidity, so any items of clothing that required drying would take an eternity.
At the Lagoon's edge in Tortuguero
The amazing thing about Tortuguero is that it can only be explored by boat, so we tour through the peaceful canals and Gary is once again armed with his camera.
A sloth in the rain
A Jesus Christ Lizard, or Green Basilisk
We weren’t disappointed we saw reptiles, monkeys, sloths, amphibians including the Poison Dart Frog and an abundance of tropical birds (the photos speak for themselves).
A Little Blue Heron
A Mantled howler monkey - contemplating a snack
Tortuguero town
Later that day we took a guided tour to Tortuguero town itself. Once again this is only accessible by boat and the mode of transport in the town is either on foot or by push bike.
The busy little town is mainly made up of single storey buildings and huts, selling all kinds of items, from the essentials to the more unusual gifts.
Tortuguero is extremely colourful, the streets are narrow and full of welcoming people, trying to make a living.
Gifts available, as the sign says
Peaceful Tortuguero
The lodge’s restaurant is located in an open building along the waterside, so while you enjoy your meals you have beautiful views across the lagoon.
Don't just take our word for it!
If you're tempted by the enchanting rainforests full of incredible wildlife or the golden sandy beaches, take a look at the 'Visit Costa Rica' official website. The local Ticos know what they are talking about.
The next morning
We take the opportunity to head further into Tortuguero’s maze of meandering narrow canals. With the lush vegetation dangling just above our heads.
The channels around Tortuguero lagoon
You could spend days navigating the waterways and see it from a different perspective each time.
I have never been to the Amazon Rainforest, although this evokes images to me, of what it would be like. (Another one to add to the ‘To Do’ list)
A family on the water in Tortuguero
One of the ways that people make a living is by fishing and we saw a family moored in a little boat protecting themselves from the sun with a parasol.
We don’t know if they caught anything, but it appeared, they had been there a while.
On this second trip we were lucky enough to see wildlife including a crocodile, more sloths, Iguanas and a family of bats lined up a tree asleep ready for the night’s adventures ahead.
The Green Iguana
Several Long-nosed proboscis bats, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
After a meandering cruise back to the lodge, we spent the afternoon strolling alongside the Caribbean Sea, trying not to believe we were heading back to the UK in 2 days.
The last walk, Tortuguero
And it comes to an end…
We have had a fantastically memorable Sloths & Mojitos road trip, visiting Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal and Tortuguero
Laguna Lodge rapid transport
We complete the same journey to Tortuguero but in reverse and arrive back at San Jose late afternoon. The last hotel of our holiday was Hotel Grano de Oro. We have another couple of sneaky mojitos, which was a lovely way to end.
Have You?
Why wouldn’t you? It’s a great way to see many ecological wonders of the world.
Inspired to visit Costa Rica?
Why wouldn’t you? It’s a great way to see many ecological wonders of the world.
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