Tortuguero
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Menu
Nestled between the Tortuguero River and gorgeous plantation-style gardens, this charming lodge offers colourful Caribbean accommodation with sweeping river views all set against the backdrop of pristine rainforest.
Built in harmony with its tropical surroundings, this rustic river lodge offers a tranquil and comfortable base for exploring this wonderfully remote region. Daily nature walks, boat trips and turtle nesting tours (Jul-Oct) are led by the lodge’s experienced naturalist guides, along with kayak trips up the Tortuguero River, twilight nature hikes and more!
Gallery
Facilities & Activities
Adventure here is all about connection with the incredible environment of Tortuguero National Park. Daily guided excursions take guests deep into the waterways by boat, canoe or kayak where you’ll glide slowly past caimans, iguanas and dazzling birdlife. The wonderful in-house naturalist guides are on hand to share insights into the rich biodiversity, from tiny poison dart frogs to sloths nestled in the treetops.
As the only hotel in Tortuguero with its own private nature reserve, guests can also enjoy daily nature walks and exciting twilight tours. For those visiting during the summer nesting season, night tours to witness sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach are truly unforgettable.
Between activities guests can unwind by the small infinity pool which seems to merge with the river beyond, or relax in a hammock in the lush gardens where howler monkeys, toucans and iguanas are regular visitors. The lodge also offers yoga platforms overlooking the water, perfect for a peaceful start or finish to the day.
Start planning your next adventure today!
Contact our team of friendly award-winning specialists to design your bespoke itinerary, or sign up for the Bush Telegraph; our newsletter full of travel tips, advice and special offers.
Dining
The lodge’s open-air restaurant sits right on the riverbank serving a menu which blends traditional Costa Rican recipes with Caribbean flavours, using fresh produce from local farmers and fishermen. Between meals, a complimentary self-service drinks station is available with coffee, tea, infusions and sweet treats.
Employing only local people, the service is relaxed and friendly. This creates a laidback dining experience whether you’re beginning the day with a hearty breakfast before your morning excursion or enjoying a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Rooms
The lodge offers 29 ground and first floor river-view rooms with high ceilings, screened windows and a private terrace or balcony which opens onto lush gardens or enjoys sweeping river views.
The decor is simple with polished hardwood floors and colourful locally crafted furnishings which reflect the Caribbean spirit. We love that the rooms have been named after notable figures from the area, including Miss Florentine, Miss Evelyn, Mr. Mishak, Miss Perla and Papi Brown each with a fascinating story behind them!
Thoughtful guest comforts range from free Wi-Fi and nightly turndown service to rubber boots, walking sticks and umbrellas for your rainforest excursions.
With no televisions or distractions, the focus is entirely on nature. Falling asleep to the calls of frogs and waking to the sound of howler monkeys is all part of the experience.
Take a Video Tour
Family
Guided boat rides and jungle walks are led by experienced naturalist guides who are brilliant at engaging younger travellers and pointing out the incredible wildlife from playful monkeys to tiny frogs.
The atmosphere is relaxed, warm and welcoming, and the lodge balances comfort with adventure. Spacious rooms and a riverside pool help make this remote rainforest accessible for families.
Sustainability
Tortuga Lodge is fully committed to achieving sustainability in all of its operations and it strives to coexist in harmony with the communities and fragile ecosystems of Tortuguero National Park.
26 hectares of land from the property have been dedicated as a private nature reserve – the only of its kind in Tortuguero and as pioneers of sustainable tourism they share the lessons they’ve learned with guests, staff, and the surrounding communities.
Tourism is the primary source of income for the residents of Tortuga and all of the Lodge’s staff are local. To support their development, Tortuga offers regular training opportunities so they can learn new skills and grow professionally. The staff also provide environmental education to school children in nearby communities to strengthen environmental awareness among the youth.
Location
The lodge enjoys a remote setting on the bank of the Tortuguero River, on Costa Rica’s northeast coast.
The hotel can only be reached by boat or plane. There is a small airstrip across the river opposite the property, serviced by flights from San Jose which take approx. 30 minutes. Alternatively, guests can take a road transfer from San Jose to the port followed by a boat transfer, which will take approximately five hours in total.