Best Hotels in Tortuguero

For a true immersion into Costa Rica's wild side, head to the remote canals of Tortuguero. This is a place defined by water, where the main streets are rivers and the soundtrack is a chorus of howler monkeys and lapping waves. The primary reason to visit is to witness one of nature's great events: the arribada, when thousands of sea turtles, primarily green turtles, haul themselves onto the black sand beaches of Tortuguero National Park to nest between July and October. Days are spent gliding silently through the jungle canals by boat, spotting caimans, sloths, and troops of spider monkeys along the banks.

Access is part of the adventure, as there are no roads into the village of Tortuguero itself. You'll arrive by boat or small plane, which naturally filters the crowd to curious, nature-focused travelers. It's ideal for eco-adventurers, wildlife photographers, and couples seeking a unique retreat, though families with older children will find it magical. The entire community is strung along a thin strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main canal, so anywhere you stay puts you right in the heart of the jungle atmosphere.

On HOTEVI, you'll find 19 places to stay, ranging from simple, family-run lodges with ceiling fans to more comfortable eco-lodges that include guided canal tours and meals in their rates. Accommodation is almost exclusively in these rustic-chic lodges, as large resorts simply don't exist here. Your choice often comes down to the style of experience and the package of tours you want included.