Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero, on the remote northern Caribbean coast, is one of Costa Rica's most magical and wild national parks, a labyrinth of jungle-fringed freshwater canals and lagoons often called the country's little Amazon. Reachable only by boat or small plane, it teems with wildlife seen gliding along the waterways, from monkeys, caimans and river otters to a wealth of birds, and it is world-famous as one of the most important nesting sites for green sea turtles, which come ashore to lay their eggs.

What you actually see

• The turtle nesting - the sea turtles coming ashore to lay eggs in season.
• The canal tours - the boat and kayak trips through the jungle waterways.
• The wildlife - the monkeys, caimans, otters and abundant birds.
• The village and beach - the car-free village and wild Caribbean beach.

When to go

The green turtle nesting season runs roughly July to October, the highlight for many, though it is also wetter then; the drier spells around February to April are better for general wildlife and canal tours. It is a rainy region year-round.

Honest expectations

It is remote, reachable only by boat or small plane, so it takes time and usually a package or lodge stay to visit; there are no roads. Turtle-nesting tours are strictly controlled and guided at night, with no flash or photos, to protect the animals, and sightings depend on the season and luck. It is wet, humid and buggy, but a genuine wildlife wilderness.

Nearby

The Caribbean coast and the town of Puerto Viejo are to the south.