This scenic tour begins with a leisurely drive in a comfortable minibus from San José through the dense foliage of Braulio Carrillo National Park and down to the lowlands of Limón. The lush scenery gradually turns into a tropical countryside dotted with small towns and banana plantations.

The Pachira Lodge, our destination, is located on a sand bar between the Tortuguero Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. After checking into the rustic lodge, guests are invited to explore the hiking trails through the humid, tropical rain forest, which spans a territory of more than 47,000 acres and is home to abundant wildlife. Along the beautiful beach, marked trails cut inland where visitors might spot toucans or even a flock of brightly colored macaws. Howler monkeys playfully swing among the treetops along the paths. Also inhabiting these forests are tiny bright poison dart frogs. They make great photos, but it's wise not disturb these tiny lethal creatures. Guides are available to take visitors through the jungle. Plenty of outdoor activities like tarpon fishing and sea kayaking are also available.

Guests can return to their comfortable room at the lodge, each with a private bath, hot water and a welcome ceiling fan. The rest of the afternoon can be spent resting, swimming in the large pool or soaking in the Jacuzzi. That night, guests will enjoy delicious international and local cuisine in an expansive, family-style restaurant, staffed by a friendly and helpful staff.

Tortuguero National Park covers nearly 14 miles of coastline and is an important nesting beach for four species of marine turtles, including the Green Turtle, which has existed for more than 200 million years and can weigh more than 400 pounds. The nesting of these massive creatures is one of Nature's most amazing spectacles. Green Turtles nest along the beaches of Tortuguero from July to October. The Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles are less common, and come ashore to lay their eggs between March and October. The females usually come ashore at night to dig a nest and bury their eggs in the sand. Night tours are available that give visitors a chance to witness these gigantic reptiles lay their eggs on the beach. After laying her eggs in the hole she has laboriously dug with her flippers, the female turtle completely buries the eggs with sand to disguise and protect them from their natural predators.

Tortuguero Hill, near the beach, is a turtle-shaped hill that local residents say acts as a beacon to draw the green turtles back to their nesting grounds. During the day, snorkelers and divers sometimes see these giant turtles feeding in coral reefs. Only one of every 5,000 baby turtles survives to grow to adulthood. Costa Rica is one of only a handful of countries that protect turtle nesting sites.

On the second day guests can take a boat tour through the canals. The boats use electric trolling motors, which are so quiet they can take guests close enough to photograph some of the wildlife that is so abundant in this giant ecosystem, including the monstrous crocodiles commonly seen resting on the riverbanks.

The final morning at Tortuguero can be spent relaxing in a hammock or playing a spirited game of volleyball with fellow visitors before saying goodbye to this marvelous region of Costa Rica.

Above itinerary includes: All-inclusive package; round-trip transportation from San José by land, bilingual guide and jungle boat (panga) to take you through the canals. Includes 2 nights lodging at the Pachira Lodge or similar, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and jungle canal boat tour.

Optional tours: Fishing for giant tarpon, evening jungle explorations and turtle nesting expeditions at night. One-way air transfer is also available.

Rates

US$188 (2 days 1 night)
US$269 (3 days 2 nights)
p/pax (all-inclusive package; double occupancy, seasonal rates)

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