The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica offers an impressive diversity of landscapes, cultures and unique experiences for all types of travelers.
The Caribbean coast in Costa Rica is an invitation to explore from the biodiversity of Tortuguero to the vibrant atmosphere of Puerto Viejo, each destination offers something unique for travelers. And if you want to extend your adventure, Bocas del Toro in Panama is an option you can’t pass up – get ready to discover the beauty and diversity of these coasts!
Costa Rica’s most outstanding beaches offer not only spectacular views, but also excellent lodging options, well-organized activities and convenient transportation. However, the best beaches are not only those considered ideal for their natural beauty, but also those that offer a complete experience, combining lodging, activities to enjoy for weeks and breathtaking scenery.
In this article, you will find a complete guide to the best beaches in Costa Rica on the Caribbean coast. In our next article we will take a look at the Pacific. Below, we present a complete list of the main destinations of the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica along with their most notable features. So you can choose which of these beaches is perfect for you.
Although the Pacific beaches tend to be the most popular, the Caribbean coast also has a lot to offer, from lush nature to a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
Here are the main jewels of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, along with an outstanding option in neighboring Panama.
Tortuguero:
This destination is known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica” due to its intricate network of canals and tropical rainforest. Tortuguero is a unique place where nature is the absolute protagonist. It is famous for being one of the main green turtle nesting sites in the world.
During the nesting season, visitors have the opportunity to witness this natural spectacle. In addition, Tortuguero National Park offers a rich biodiversity that includes monkeys, birds, caimans and jaguars. Access to Tortuguero is only by boat or plane, which adds a touch of adventure to the trip.
Cahuita:
This small coastal town is home to Cahuita National Park, a perfect place for nature lovers. The park has trails through the jungle and along white sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The barrier reef at Cahuita is a hidden treasure that is home to a great variety of tropical fish and marine life.
Cahuita also has a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, with local restaurants offering delicious Caribbean food.
Puerto Viejo:
This lively town is one of the most popular destinations on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo is known for its spectacular beaches, such as Playa Cocles and Playa Negra, as well as its bohemian and multicultural atmosphere. Here you will find a mix of tourists, expats and locals that create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Puerto Viejo is ideal for surfers, foodies and those looking for a lively nightlife. In addition, nearby nature reserves, such as the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, offer opportunities to explore the region’s biodiversity.
Remember that if you want to organize a transport or want to know more you can touch the whatsapp button.
Manzanillo:
This quiet town is the last point on the road south along the Caribbean coast and offers a more secluded and authentic experience. Manzanillo is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy secluded beaches surrounded by nature.
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a jewel for wildlife lovers, with trails through mangroves, forests and beaches. Manzanillo is also an excellent place for snorkeling, as its crystal clear waters are home to a rich marine life.
Bocas del Toro:
Although located in Panama, this archipelago is a perfect option to complement a trip along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Bocas del Toro is known for its paradisiacal islands, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Here you can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and boat rides.
Isla Colón is the most developed, with a wide range of accommodations, restaurants and nightlife. However, you can also explore quieter islands such as Bastimentos, where nature and local culture are the main attractions.
To conclude: Conclusion: The magic of the Costa Rican Caribbean and beyond.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is a treasure trove of natural and cultural diversity and unforgettable experiences. From the canals and biodiversity of Tortuguero to the vibrant atmosphere of Puerto Viejo, to the tranquility of Cahuita and Manzanillo, each destination offers something unique that deeply connects with the adventurous spirit of its visitors. Here, nature blends with Afro-Caribbean culture to create an authentic and welcoming atmosphere found nowhere else.
In addition, for those looking to extend their adventure, Bocas del Toro in Panama is the perfect complement. This paradisiacal archipelago combines dream beaches, water activities and a rich culture that invites you to relax and explore.
The Caribbean coast is not only a destination, but an experience that allows you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. It is a corner of the planet where the natural beauty and the warmth of its people will make you feel at home.
So, whether you prefer adventure in the jungle, snorkeling on coral reefs or just enjoying the quiet life on a secluded beach, the Costa Rican Caribbean has everything to offer, so get ready to fall in love with this tropical paradise!
In this podcast, Costa Rican tour guide Olga shares the most popular Costa Rica travel itinerary, highlighting must-see destinations such as San José, Tortuguero, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a well-rounded experience, covering key attractions and practical tips for a memorable visit.
You can listen to the podcast here:
Introduction
Hello, my name is Olga, and I’m a Costa Rican tour guide, travel blogger, and now travel podcaster. Today, I’m going to tell you about the most usual -and popular- itinerary—the vacation that everybody sells. You know, it’s the one that you will find on the big company websites and in local travel agencies. It’s the itinerary that everybody will sell you.
This Costa Rica travel itinerary includes the main destinations that I’ve been discussing recently in other podcasts when talking about must-see places in Costa Rica. It covers San José downtown, Tortuguero, Arenal, and the beach. I will be excluding Monteverde in this occasion. So let’s just start by arriving.
Arrival in Costa Rica
You’re dreaming about going to Costa Rica. I don’t care where you are right now; I know you’re dreaming about coming to paradise and thinking about what to do and what’s best. I’ve been talking about these must-see places in Costa Rica because they are the first destinations that everybody tells you to visit.
This is the most popular route that we use for newcomers; this Costa Rica vacation itinerary can help you get ideas about where to go and how to do it.
Why These Destinations?
Why are they so good? Well, they have everything: good infrastructure, good communication, well-maintained roads, quality hotels, great tours, and responsible operators. This has all been summarized in past podcasts about the must-see places in Costa Rica. You can find them on my website, olgasigns.com, or at costaricapodcast.com.
First Day Itinerary
Now, let’s talk about the first day when you arrive in Costa Rica for this coast-to-coast usual itinerary. You will be arriving in San José. SJO is the main international airport of Costa Rica. Depending on what time you arrive, you may want to know a little about San José and what there is to do in the city. Is it worth a visit?
San José: The Reality
Many people say it’s ugly, dirty, and dangerous. Is that true? Let me tell you a little bit about it in a minute. First, consider what time you arrive. Usually, hotels allow check-in at 2 or 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and some even extend up to 4. This is especially true in high season. In low season, it can vary.
The reason for this is that rooms are empty, so you can check in early. However, when the hotel is waiting for the previous guest to depart, they need time to clean and prepare the room for you. As I mentioned, check-in time usually goes from 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon.
Arrival Example
Let’s say you’re coming from the west coast of the United States, and your flight arrives around 8 to 10 o’clock in the morning—maybe 8:30 or 9:00. Upon arrival, your travel company will welcome you at the airport, or you can get an Uber to take you to downtown San José and your chosen hotel.
I will discuss San José and its areas in future podcasts. For now, suffice it to say that it’s 20 kilometers from the airport. You can take an Uber, a bus, or a private transfer. My suggestion is to opt for a prepaid reserved transfer to take you to your hotel or Airbnb.
Exploring San José
Once you arrive at your hotel, you can leave your luggage while your room is being prepared. If you arrive at 11 o’clock in the morning, you have the whole day to explore. My suggestion is to get a taxi or an Uber and head downtown San José.
I say “come” because I live in downtown San José. Contrary to what I just mentioned, there are very few people living in downtown San José now. It’s more like a huge bus stop, with buses coming from everywhere in the Central Valley. San José is the main city of Costa Rica and a crossing point for many travelers.
Hotels in San José
There are some big, nice hotels downtown, such as Hilton and Marriott, along with charming boutique hotels.
First Hours in San José
What to do during those first hours? You can visit one of the museums. The National Museum is a great place to see the old headquarters of the Costa Rican army and learn about the recent history regarding the abolition of the army. They have a small pre-Columbian collection, a butterfly garden, and an amazing botanical garden. If you have a tour guide, they will definitely recommend this place, as it’s a great spot to discuss Costa Rican history.
The Jade Museum and the Gold Museum are also fantastic places to visit, mainly because of their architecture and the way they display their collections. The Jade Museum, which was built in the last 10 to 15 years, resembles jade rock and has an amazing pre-Columbian jade collection.
Family-Friendly Options
Another museum worth visiting is the National Children’s Museum. If you have kids with you, they’ll have a blast. It was created amidst an old Costa Rican prison, and the building itself is really cool. I highly recommend visiting the National Children’s Museum if you have children.
Art and Culture
There are a couple of art museums, including the Contemporary Art Museum downtown, which is surrounded by parks. This area is worth a stroll, especially around the National Park, the old train station, and the Congress building. You’ll also see the old liquor factory, which is now the Contemporary Art Museum.
From there, you can walk to Parque España and the Morazan Park. These parks are very green and beautiful. From there, you can head into Central Avenue, take the pedestrian walkway, and return to the Gold Museum and the Plaza de la Cultura.
National Theater
Then, you will find the National Theater, a real landmark of Costa Rica. You should go with a guide or take one of their guided tours, as it has so much information about Costa Rican history and culture.
Understanding Costa Rica through the National Theater will give you insight into how the country values beauty, art, peace, and agriculture. The building is beautiful, with golden details and lots of artwork, and it reflects Costa Rican democracy and the drive for peace and work.
Central Market
From there, you can walk down the pedestrian boulevard on Central Avenue to the Central Market. In that area, you will find some nice cafeterias on the second floor of a couple of buildings where you can have lunch or enjoy delicious Costa Rican coffee.
The Central Market also offers authentic Costa Rican food, souvenirs, and a chance to see locals interacting. You’ll find traditional artisan shops, flower stores, and iconic artisanal ice cream known as “Helados de Sorbetera.”
Safety Tips
San José is a very small city. When I lived in Mexico, the locals would joke that there were more people in their neighborhood than in all of Costa Rica. I totally agree because it’s true.
Costa Rica is refreshingly small. One thing to note is that there is some petty crime, so be mindful of your belongings. Keep your purse close and your wallet in your front pocket. Tourists are not typically targets for violent crime, but petty theft can occur.
You will also find a special police force called Policia Turistica. They are bilingual and available to assist you if anything happens.
Next Steps
After your first day in Costa Rica, in the most popular travel itinerary in Costa Rica, you’ll head to your hotel for dinner, and the next day, you will travel to Tortuguero. You will wake up early and drive through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, which is a gorgeous rainforest filled with massive amounts of greenery.
Journey to Tortuguero
Through the mountains, you will go through a tunnel to reach the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. The landscape changes dramatically.
You’ll have breakfast in the Caribbean lowlands and start to see ornamental plantations, pineapple plantations, and banana plantations. Livestock is also a significant product in the area. You might even see local tropical fruits like yuca, malanga, or guanabana.
At the pier, there is usually a small grocery store where you can buy snacks, juice, or water. This is where your luggage will be taken to the boat. We usually recommend that passengers come down from the bus and wait for their luggage to be unloaded. Once the luggage is out, passengers need to take it to the assigned boat.
The tour guide will inform you where to find your boat, and then you can use the restroom or buy snacks before departing for Tortuguero. Depending on the time of year, the most commonly used pier is La Pavona. After arriving at La Pavona, it’s about an hour to Tortuguero.
Exploring Tortuguero
You will arrive at the lodges right before lunch, enjoy a meal, and then explore the town. This isn’t the usual hotel package; it’s a chance to get to know the people and see where the grocery store is located. If you’re staying at one of the hotels, I recommend taking a walk through the gardens while heading into town.
You can do some shopping in town, which has a bank office and supermarkets. You’ll find some needed medicines if necessary, but they do not provide pharmaceuticals, so bring what you need with you.
Tortuguero National Park
Once you are in Tortuguero, as I mentioned in previous podcasts, you will explore the national park either by boat or canoe. On the third or fourth day of your vacation, you will move from Tortuguero to Arenal. You will depart around 9:00 a.m.
Once you’ve done all the activities in Tortuguero, your transportation will be waiting for you at La Pavona. If you’re in a group, the bus will be waiting for you at the pier. In some cases, the group bus will take you to where you had breakfast, which is also where you will have lunch.
Journey to Arenal
After breakfast, you will head to Arenal, which is about a three and a half to four-hour drive. You will likely depart around midday, arriving in Arenal around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. It’s worth noting that there are a few stops you can enjoy along the way, but don’t take too long; you don’t want to be on the road at night, as it can be dark and confusing.
You will drive through Horquetas, Puerto Viejo, and the Rio Sarapiquí area, which is a haven for bird watching and rainforest exploration. There are fruit stands along the way where you can stop and taste some exotic tropical fruits.
Exploring La Fortuna
Once you arrive in La Fortuna, I highly recommend taking a walk around the town to see what it has to offer. If you’re in a tour group, your guide will likely take you to the town. La Fortuna has great galleries, pubs, restaurants, banks, and pharmacies, making it a vibrant place to explore.
In Arenal, there’s so much to do. You can visit the national park, go hiking, ziplining, canyoning, rappelling, or rafting. Depending on your adventurous spirit, you can enjoy various activities or relax at one of the amazing spas and soak in hot mineral volcanic waters.
Journey to the Beach
After enjoying Arenal, you will drive all the way to the coast.
In this travel itinerary in Costa Rica you will go to Manuel Antonio, but it’s important to clear that you can also go to the Guanacaste beaches.
This itinerary spans about seven to eight days. At this point, you can choose whether to visit Monteverde. For this itinerary, we will head straight to the beach, specifically to Manuel Antonio instead of Guanacaste.
Why Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio is much closer to the international airport, which is a good reason to choose it. It’s also part of the Central Pacific area, where you can enjoy both the rainforest and the beach. Manuel Antonio is the most well-known place in the area, featuring a national park filled with wildlife, including monkeys and sloths.
Other Beach Options
However, it can be crowded, and finding hotel space can be challenging. Other options include Jaco Beach, which is close to San José and known for its nightlife. Just be cautious of the riptides there. Playa Hermosa is great for surfers, while Esterillos is a beautiful, empty beach perfect for relaxation.
Accommodation in Manuel Antonio
In Manuel Antonio, you have Quepos, the downtown port, but not many accommodation options. I recommend heading up the hill to Manuel Antonio, which has stunning views and beautiful boutique hotels, some of which are rated among the best in the world.
Manuel Antonio | Must See Destinations in Costa Rica
Exploring the Southern Pacific Coast
Further south, you can explore Dominical and Uvita, which are also great areas, especially for surfers. The whale festival takes place here in August, September, and October when whales migrate from the southern hemisphere.
Conclusion
After enjoying the Manuel Antonio area, you will drive back to San José. This is the usual itinerary that travel agents sell as the most common Costa Rica travel itinerary. It’s not the best or the worst; it’s just the main destinations. These places have everything you need for comfort in every way you can think of.
While there are other less-known destinations that are just as beautiful, I’ll stick to discussing this Costa Rica travel itinerary in this podcast. I plan to share information about other itineraries in future podcasts.
As I mentioned, I’m not a travel agent and do not operate tours, but I can recommend the best options. If you’re coming with family, on your honeymoon, or planning a wedding here, I can provide guidance tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your trip further, please let me know, and we can arrange a short meeting to go over my fees and services.
Thank you for listening, and enjoy your trip to Costa Rica!
Among the Must See Places in Costa Rica, the first destination (or the last) is usually the Tortuguero National Park and Region. Why is this? What is it that makes Tortuguero a unique place? Keep on listening, or read on, and we’ll tell you about it!
Introduction to Tortuguero
Tortuguero is a tropical haven. It’s a dream for any nature lover. When I first went to Tortuguero, it was so breathtaking that I was literally speechless. Each visit reveals something new and stunning.
It is usually chosen to be the first destination in itineraries as it is one of the most beautiful must see places in Costa Rica, yet very remote and isolated.
It does not have a road. .
Unique Experience in Tortuguero
Biodiverse: Incredibly biodiverse and offers a unique way to see the forest.
Birdwatching
Butterflies, frogs and reptiles identification and sightseeing
Garden and rainforest interpretations and Walks
Night Tours
Hiking in the Rainforest: You’re part of the environment, feeling blended into the forest.
Boat Tours: Observing the forest like artwork from a distance. Different experiences on larger boats vs. canoes/kayaks.
Accommodation in Tortuguero
Hotels:
Packages: Three days, two nights or four days, three nights.
Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and bird watchers.
Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in San Jose.
Downtown Tortuguero:
Family-owned hotels and a lively atmosphere.
Note: Noise from the town may disrupt the rainforest experience.
Activities in Tortuguero
National Park: Nearly 200,000 acres (77,000 hectares), with 124,000 acres of protected water.
Usual Activities:
Hiking
Kayaking
Boat trips into the national park
Canopy tours
Coco tours
Bird watching
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Home to:
300+ bird species
60+ species of mammals
118 species of reptiles
Four species of turtles
Dozens of frogs and butterflies, including the blue morpho butterfly
Weather and Conditions
Weather: Super humid rainforest.
Temperatures: 75 to 86 Fahrenheit (24 to 30 Celsius).
Biodiversity: Visible even on rainy days, with sunny periods being especially magical.
Final Recommendations
Camera Gear: Bring a good camera or phone lenses for macro photography.
First or Last Destination: A must-see in Costa Rica, whether it’s your first or last stop.
I hope this works for you! Let me know if there’s anything else you need.
The transcripted podcast about Tortuguero as one of the first of the must see places in Costa Rica
Let’s talk about these must-see places in Costa Rica. And we’re starting with Tortuguero. Tortuguero is a tropical haven. It’s really the dream of any nature lover. When I first went to Tortuguero, it opened my mouth. It was so breathtaking, I couldn’t close it almost for hours, like I couldn’t talk. Literally speaking. And up until my last visit, which was a couple of years ago, I haven’t closed my mouth yet. It’s. Every time I go, I discover something new. It is just stunning. Other than that, it is incredibly biodiverse, and it has a way to see the forest that is very different from the usual.
A different way to see the rainforest, from hiking to sliding on a boat.
You see, when you go to hike in the rainforest, you are in; you are part of it. It’s like somehow the monkey within takes over; you know, somehow it’s; it’s a very inclusive sensation, so to say, you know, it’s; you’re part of it; you belong to the forest somehow. Either you are by yourself, which is actually the way I usually hike, especially if I know the place very well and you feel you’re part of it.
You feel that somehow this place blends you in. You know, while when you’re on a boat in the forest, it’s like looking at an artwork. It’s like you’re there, but at the same time you are in this secluded place.
When you’re hiking, you’re touching plans because you just pass through them. You know, somehow when, and then branches fall, you know, it’s just different.
And being on a boat, either on a boat with an engine with 15 other people, or being on a kayak or on a canoe, it’s a different feeling for both. I mean, when you’re on a bigger boat, which is the way I used to tour guide there, you still have your own little private paradise. But sometimes people talk.
Depending on the tour guide, they will want to give you a lot of information. You know, it’s that one thing, that one fact. When you have people around, when you have only two people with you or three people because you’re in a canoe, or when you are in a kayak, even better with a guide and everything because you cannot get in by yourself.
For me, this is enough of a reason to make Tortuguero National Park one of the must see places in Costa Rica.
But it’s like a very personal, close, and personal feeling, you know, to this work of art. It’s like you’re seeing it but you’re not in it. It’s a very weird sensation, but it’s so amazing. So I totally recommend you go.
If you’re going, you can go either with one of the hotels that are in the area. They will give you all the included packages, which are three days, two nights, or four days, three nights. The first one is better for people who don’t have time and who are not, you know, as fanatics. The latter, which I totally recommend for real nature lover photographers, especially your bird watchers, may enjoy three-night, four-day packages.
So you can choose one of these hotels that are either on the side of the beach or on the side of the national park, and you can stay with them. They’ll give you everything. They’ll pick you up at your hotel in San Jose, and they will bring you back to your hotel in San Jose.
They can bring you back also to set different places where you can catch your car rental or you can catch a local transfer to take you to the arena, volcano, or elsewhere. But it’s a choice.
The other choice, if you’re driving, is that you can also go to one of the piers, and you will have to find out about it. You can ask me, actually send me a note or a WhatsApp, and find out about which is the pier that they are using. Every now and then the river dries up, and so they have to temporarily go to one pier or another pier. So it’s important to find out where you are going. If you’re driving, you can stay in Tortuguero town, at the very entrance of the Tortuguero National Park.
Downtown, there are a few pretty good little hotels, usually family owned by local people. There are a few expats that have moved and integrated in the town of Tortuguero. The low side of the town of Tortuguero sometimes is the noise, at least in my experience.
I mean, if you are in the rainforest, you want to hear the rainforest sounds at night, not reggae. However, it is always humane, depending on your preferences. Want to listen to some reggae and want to go partying. So, you know, depending on your likes and wishes, I would highly recommend asking a little bit, you know, to research some more. If you would like to stay out of town or in town, I can find you some really good operators and some amazing experts that live in the area. Here in Tortuguero, or in any of the must see places in Costa Rica
So having said that, let’s talk a little bit about the national park. The national park of Tortuguero. It’s a little bit under 200,000 acres, which is 7,76,000, actually 77,000 hectares. But out of this, 124,000 acres are in the water.
Meaning that nobody can fish there; nobody can catch turtles or fish there. You know, it’s there; it’s all the water protected so that the turtles can be safe to lay their eggs. Coming to Tortuguero, it’s part of the main conservation projects in the area.
So what do we do when we get to Tortuguero? What are the usual activities? Usually, of course, you have hiking and kayaking, and you usually go to the hotels and packages that I told you about; they usually include one or two trips into the national park by boat. And then you have. Actually, there is; I think that there is a canopy tour somewhere.
There is a fantastic with a capital F Cocoa tour that I highly recommend. I will bring an expert to discuss this tour, as it is truly fascinating. Then you have, of course, bird watching. It is a paradise for photographers. If you are into macro tropical nature, just simply take your breath away. Wherever you see a picture, it’s stunning. I used to take a lot of photography in Tortuguero, and it was like a never ending game.
It’s really an amazing place to take pictures when you are anywhere in Tortuguero. But when you’re in any of these hotels, close to the beach or close to the rainforest, you’re so used to seeing animals up on their gardens. You know, you iguanas and basilisks and sloths, it’s, it’s like, it’s. You’re so in the jungle there.
So just being there, it’s an activity on its own. And I super recommend you to have some time for it because it’s wherever you look you will find something. Bring a good camera or have some lenses for your phones because it’s really a place to take macro.
Okay, let’s talk about good lenses. If you possess a high-quality camera, such as a 500 or higher, you will derive immense pleasure from capturing the fleas in the sloths’ fur.
So anyways, let’s talk a little about weather and biodiversity. The weather in Tortuguero is super humid. It’s. The forest is a rainforest. It’s mosquito coast. Actually. The movie was supposed to be set very close to Tortuguero in Nicaragua, but very close to Tortuguero Mosquito Coast, Harrison Ford. It’s a movie from the 70s. I never watched it, but it was; it pictured the rainforest as hell. Anyways, it’s very close to where we are talking about. Usually the temperatures range from 75 to 86 Fahrenheit, which is 24 to 30 in Celsius.
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Corcovado or Tortuguero? A hard choice if you don’t have the time to do both. Both are stunning rainforests and offer abundant wildlife. Both are hot and humid, and it really depends on some conditions on you to enjoy more one or the other.
Corcovado or Tortuguero shouldn’t be a question; as for a real nature lover, the decision would be to stay longer and enjoy both.
However, it also happens that you want to see a volcano and spend some time just lying under the sun.
So well! Let\’s choose!
First of all, where are Corcovado and Tortuguero?
As you will see in the map below, Tortuguero is in the North Caribbean, and Corcovado is almost in its opposite, in the South Pacific.
What do Corcovado and Tortuguero have in common?
Both Tortuguero and Corcovado are known to have certain conditions in common:
They are hot and humid.
They both are low in height above sea level.
In both, we see pretty much the same rainfall.
They have approximately the same biodiversity, and wildlife sightings are very common in both places.
Both are remote and isolated.
Both are luscious and gorgeous.
In both, you may find beautiful and comfortable accommodations.
If flying from San José (SJO), you are 45 minutes away from both.
So! What are the differences between Tortuguero and Corcovado?
The first big difference would be in the driving distance from San José; Tortuguero is closer than Corcovado if you are driving.
However, if you are flying, they are both, more or less, at the same 45-minute distance from San José.
Now the question should be actually:
Where are you coming from to see Corcovado or Tortuguero?
Well!
Tortuguero is closer than Corcovado to Sarapiqui, Turrialba, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo in the South Caribbean and pretty much at the same distance from Monteverde or any of the Guanacaste regions and beaches.
Corcovado is closer than Tortuguero to Dominical, Manuel Antonio, Perez Zeledon, all of the Central Pacific, and the Nicoya Gulf.
Same distance to Guanacaste regions and to Monteverde.
Tortuguero can be seen from three main areas (see the map below in dark red):
The Jaloba Park Ranger Station, which is at the entrance of the National Park on the South, staying in the region of Parismina to see it.
The Cuatro Esquinas Station, which is closer to Tortuguero Village and the main hotels.
And the Palma Biological Research Station, which is by the Tortuguero Mountain and on the way to the San Juan River.
None of them are accessible by land.
And even by plane, you must have a boat to take you from the airport to the hotels or villages.
Corcovado has two gateways: Carate (getting in by Puerto Jiménez) and Drake Bay.
Puerto Jiménez will get you to the southern part of the National Park, in Carate Beach and La Leona Park Ranger Station. You can also reach the Golfo Dulce and all its richness and fantastic isolated lodges and hotels. (See in the map in light blue.)
And Drake Bay on the North that is reachable by air and by boat (from Sierpe in Palmar Sur). From there you can also get to the Biological Reserve Isla del Caño (Caño Island) and its super diverse marine fauna and flora.
You can reach both Carate and Drake Bay by land, but only on a four-wheel drive.
What are Corcovado and Tortuguero about?
While Tortuguero is about the rainforest and the sea turtles in their season (July to September to see the nesting), Corcovado is about the ocean and the rainforest, making it clear that we are talking about the ocean wildlife and not jet skiing.
In Tortuguero, in the turtle season, for the nights you are there and if you pay the tours, you can witness the amazing turtle nest making and eggs laying. The days will be spent exploring the breathtaking beauty of its rainforests and the wildlife sightings, which are pretty common.
In Corcovado, while in the hotel and in the National Park, you will witness one of the most intense rainforests of the world. The ocean can also provide a lot in terms of wildlife sightings, as this is an area where whale and dolphin sightings are pretty common.
You can snorkel or dive in Isla del Caño (Caño Island), and you can also enjoy in some areas the waves or kayaking in mangrove forests.
So, Corcovado is about rainforests and marine life.
Corcovado National Park boasts intense marine life, making it a unique destination where you can witness whales, dolphins, and a plethora of other species while journeying to one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Unlike Tortuguero, which primarily focuses on exploring its canals and observing wildlife from a distinctive vantage point, Corcovado offers an immersive experience in both its rich terrestrial and vibrant marine ecosystems, providing a comprehensive glimpse into Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity.
Then again, the answer to Corcovado or Tortuguero if you could only choose one lies on…
What else do you want to do in Costa Rica, and how long do you have to do it?
If you have all the time, money can come any time of year, and you are a true nature lover:
Go to both! You will enjoy their similarities and differences very much! Stay in Tortuguero for at least two nights and in Corcovado for at least three nights.
Usual choices that can determine if Corcovado or Tortuguero?
If you have all the money and time to visit but can’t come whenever you like:
The best months to visit Corcovado are from November to April.
The best months to visit Tortuguero are March and April and definitely September and October (sunny, affordable, and empty).
Corcovado or Tortuguero? If you have the time but not as much money and not whenever you want, go to Tortuguero. You will find, in general, Corcovado accommodations and transportation can be more expensive.
Corcovado or Tortuguero? If you want to visit a volcano and cannot do both because of time issues, go to Tortuguero. It’s closer to the very active Turrialba Volcano and the diverse Arenal Volcano Region.
Sloths are abundant in both national parks.
In both places you may see amazing wildlife
Corcovado or Tortuguero? If you want to go for leisure and rest in a nice resort after the rainforest, go to Corcovado. It is closer to Manuel Antonio, where you can find some breathtaking resorts to enjoy the beach.
Corcovado or Tortuguero? If you don’t have all the time in the world but can spare three nights (and not really into a volcano): Go to Corcovado. You will enjoy more diversity of activities as you have one day for the rainforest and another one to go in the ocean in Isla del Caño.
If you like diving or snorkeling, go to Corcovado.
If you come in July, August, or September, Definitely Tortuguero is your place, as you will witness the massive sea turtles nesting.
If you love kayaking on flat water, Tortuguero is your place.
If you cannot live without AC but love nature, Corcovado is your destination.
If luxurious and extremely comfortable accommodations are a must for your vacation, in the Osa Peninsula, you will find more luxury than in Tortuguero.
Now… don’t go to either if you are into only beach, leisure, and rest in a gorgeous hotel. Both destinations are about the jungle.
If you want big beach resorts and volcanoes with rainforest, we would recommend going into Liberia and visiting Guanacaste, its gorgeous beaches, and Arenal or Rincon de la Vieja Volcanoes and National Parks.
But most of all, ask questions! If you have a good local travel agent, ask him or her about these two destinations. If you are planning the trip by yourself or would like to get in contact with an expert to ask some questions, I would be more than happy to help.
