Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, on the Tortuguero River

Tortuga Lodge sits on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast between the Tortuguero River and its own gardens and private nature reserve. It is the more refined way to see Tortuguero, with air conditioning in every room and a 25 minute flight in from the San José area. It suits couples, families and serious nature lovers who want the turtles and the canals with real comfort around them.

Why we choose it

• Air conditioning everywhere. Every room category has it, which makes a real difference to a good night's sleep in the Caribbean humidity.
• Gardens and a reserve of its own. The lodge's private reserve and gardens mean wildlife walks start outside your door.
• Easy with children. There is no minimum age, and for children aged 7 or under we book some activities privately so the pace suits them.

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Rooms and views

The rooms carry the names of local people from Tortuguero's history. The Papi Brown Rooms have a terrace looking onto the gardens, the forest and part of the canal. The Miss Perla Suites have balconies over the canals and the grounds, and the one we usually suggest for a first visit. The Mr Mishak Suites and Miss Evelyn Suites add space, and the Miss Florentina Villa is the largest option, for a family or a small group.

Expect hardwood floors and a hammock to rest in between tours.

On the property

The restaurant and bar look over the river, with meals cooked fresh and a Caribbean feel at the bar in the evening. There is a pool area, gardens full of birds, hammocks for slow afternoons and fishing poles for anyone who wants to try from the dock. The grounds are non-smoking, and Wi-Fi reaches the rooms.

Location and getting there

Tortuguero is a remote corner of the northern Caribbean, reached only by boat or small plane. The lodge promotes a 25 minute Cessna flight from the San José area, and we can also arrange the road and boat route. From the lodge we book guided walks with Tortuguero naturalist guides, canal boat tours in the park and, in season, night tours to watch sea turtles nest and morning walks to see the hatchlings head for the sea. Read more about Tortuguero National Park.

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