How to get to Tortuguero Costa Rica

Want to know how to get to the Tropical Venice of Costa Rica: Tortuguero?

The distance between Tortuguero and San Jose is approximately 121 kilometers (75 miles).

However, due to Costa Rica's geographical features, such as mountains and dense rainforests, traveling between these two places requires multiple modes of transportation.

The most common way to reach Tortuguero involves taking a combination of road and water transportation.

First, travelers typically take a bus or drive to the town of La Pavona or Caño Blanco, which are the main departure points for boat transfers to Tortuguero.

From there, a boat ride through the canals and rivers of Tortuguero National Park leads to the village of Tortuguero.

This journey can take several hours, approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the chosen mode of transportation and any potential delays.

It's important to note that there are no direct roads connecting San Jose to Tortuguero, so travel to Tortuguero usually involves some degree of adventure and exploration through Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.

Here's how to get to Tortuguero from different geographical points:

IF YOU DECIDE TO COME BY PRIVATE TRANSPORT FROM SAN JOSE:

From downtown San Jose, you'll pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Then, continue through Guapiles, followed by Cariari, and finally arrive at Rio La Pavona Parking where you take the boat.

IF YOU DECIDE TO COME BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM SAN JOSE:

Arrive at the Caribeños Terminal, their number is 2222 0610, and their WhatsApp is 6034-2578. Take the bus to Cariari. Then, take the bus or a taxi to La Pavona and arrive at the port.

IF YOU DECIDE TO COME FROM PUERTO VIEJO - CAHUITA:

Arrive at downtown Limón, pass through the town of Guapiles, then Cariari, and arrive at Rio La Pavona.

IF YOU DECIDE TO COME FROM ARENAL:

Arrive at Puerto Viejo Sarapiquí, pass through the town of Guapiles, then Cariari, and arrive at Rio La Pavona.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT PUERTO LA PAVONA, KEEP THIS IN MIND:

Entering Tortuguero by car is impossible. Due to the abundance of rivers and water, you can only enter by boat, that’s why is the tropical Venice of Costa Rica.

At Puerto La Pavona, you can safely park your car for approximately $15 per night.

Where the boats are located, indicate which hotel you'll be staying at and take a boat that will take you to your specified destination.

Normally the price of the water transportation is between 8 to 10 American Dollars. Private transportation have different price.

The two main public water transportation companies are:

Tortuguero Public Transportation.

Phone: +506 7152 5846.

FERSA

Phone: +506 8831 6401.

Boat departure and arrival times are approximately every 2 hours and depend on the water level of the river.

We recommend that you be at the port before 4 p.m (the last boat), as otherwise, you may need to take a private boat, which costs between $100 and $120 depending on the number of people and the water level of the river.

The boat trip from the port to your hotel can take between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.