Tortuguero Village

A lost stuffed animal at the mouth of the Laguanas del Tortuguero.

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  The only way to get to the remote area of Tortuguero is by boat or plane. I chose a boat ride out of a small connecting town called Cariari where I was fortunate enough to meet a Tourist worker by the name of Adolfo (Coopetracta window). Adolfo was very helpful leading me in the right direction as far as transportation and lodging in Tortuguero Village. I was to meet the owner of La Casona, Andreas at the boat dock upon my arrival. After a bumpy bus ride on a gravel road (a road I was very surprised a bus would even drive on) via boat (through a very skinny channel of water off Laguna Penitencia) sure enough Andreas was waiting for me right at the boat dock with a warm welcome to the village.

     Tortuguero Village is surrounded by ocean on one side and river on the other. The Village is very small but has more than enough places to eat, shop, and take in local activities. At the North end of the village a small Museum run by Caribbean Conservation  Corporation informed me on the local turtle migration and at the south end the National Park entrance led me to some fascinating wildlife. I decided to stay for six nights being a little tired of the "on the go" daily routine. I must say my stay has been both relaxing and active. The first day I decided to hike along the beach (a total of six miles round trip) to the mouth where the Caribbean Sea and Lagunaus Tortuguero intersect. Six miles hiking on a beach turned out to be quite the journey. Although the warm water and fresh ocean are was a nice change from the cool mountain air I had just traveled from. During the Hike I saw a total of 6 people all being locals. Once at the mouth I was greeted by a gang of turkey vultures that seemed content on hanging out right at the mouth of the river.

Sunset in Tortuguero Village

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     This small village is mainly notorious for the Sea Turtles that migrate specifically to the beaches along the protected National Park. Out of the Six Species of Sea Turtle four migrate to this area. This has in return created a huge Tourist boom and is the main livelihood of the Village. The competition for business is fierce with the locals. I just happened to be here during the slow season which in actuality was most beneficial. I´ve been mostly taking long hikes and learning a great amount of knowledge about the Conservation of the area of Tortuguero.

   On one day I was fortunate enough to tag along with an outside community volunteer group to a very remote farm within the actual Park. This families property is only accessible by boat. After a very active 4 mile Kayak trip into Canal Harold we hiked in about a mile which uncovered an amazing property of farm land. The family has no electricity and lives by raising cattle and chickens. It was fascinating to see a family that has built everything from a hammer and a nail. The only metal I saw was on the small roof of their house. The husband has an impressive amount of skill in carpentry.

My guide and host Andreas showing off a prehistoric Alligator Gar.

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    Along this particular tour I was able to view Howler Monkeys, White-faced capuchins, Caimans, River Turtles, and various Herons. A well invested time to a day filled with wildlife.