Besides, this area is a very important zone because of its remnants of Tropical Rain Forest that just 50 years ago covered all the Northeastern area of Costa Rica.

Tortuguero National Park has an extension of 26.156 ha. of land and around 50.160 hectares of marine zone. In this area it predominates the Tropical Rain Forest with an average annual temperature of 26°C and with an annual precipitation around 4.500-6.000 mm. The abundant rivers, channels and lagoons are constantly used by the locals and the tourists to navigate in the park. These water ways are like windows that help the tourist admire the exuberant flora and fauna, making the trip a wonderful experience for those who love nature.

In Tortuguero there is a very high biodiversity We can find more than 400 species of trees and even 2.200 species of other Kinds of plants. This is due to the variety of environments the park presents, such as:

The typical coast vegetation of the Caribbean zone with species such as "uva de playa" and "icaco". The coco palm, a typical species from the South of India, is also common.

Behind the coast sand strip, the forest grows on flooded or swampy lands. There, it is common to find trees such as "sangrillo", "cativo", "gavilán", and "poponjoche".

In easily flooded zones grows the yolillo palm. In places with deeper water floating vegetation can be found, for example, the aquatic iris and the aquatic ferns.

In areas as highs as 311 meters above sea level (such as Lomas de Sierpe), the Tropical Rain Forest grows majestically. The average precipitation is around 5.000 mm/year This forest has an extraordinary diversity of flora. Among the most characteristic trees, the tourist can observe pilón, canfin and jicaro de montaña.

In this park there is also an enormous diversity of fauna that includes endangered species of mammals such as jaguar, ocelot, manatee, tayra, sloth, three species of monkeys and tapir (the biggest animal of the American tropical forest).

This area contains approximately 50% of the birds and reptiles species of Costa Rica. The 405 bird species present in the region overcomes those of the entire European Union.

This diversity is repeated in relation to the amphibians and reptiles, fish and insects. One of the main attractions of the park is the sea turtle nesting. Tortuguero is the place where the four turtle species of the Caribbean Sea come to nest. These species are the giant Leatherback turtle. the Green turtle (2nd in size and the most abundant in the park) the Hawksbill turtle (brown color) and the Loggerhead turtle (the smallest in size and threatened around the world due to the value of its shell to make artcrafts).

In the park there are several information stations where our staff will be delighted to help you. Moreover, there are natural r?ails, waterways and beaches where your can find direct contact with nature.

Next to the park you can find the communities of Parismina and Tortuguero. In these places you can observe and get to know he characteristic features of the Caribbean culture. There you an find facilities and services you need, such as food, lodging. guides, and phone, among others.

* Please remind the guide not to abuse of speed. The noise that outboard engines make scare animals away, cause erosion and break the equilibrium and tranquility of nature.
* All the protected wildlife areas of Costa Rica have legal regulations about the activities of the visitors and the protection of the resources. Ask the guides about this.
* In case you need help, go to the ACTo workers in the Park. They wili be pleased to help you.
* Don't litter. Nature does not know what to do with the garbage.
* It is forbidden to feed the animals. Feeding animals favors their aggressive tendencies and make them dependent up to the point that they stop looking for their food and die.
* All living beings share this planet with you. Respect their lives.
* For your own security, please stay only in the trails. Protect the banners and any other sign you find.
* Sounds of nature are unique. Keep silence, avoid noisy activities when sailing or hiking in the forest. Don't disturb the environment.
* Denounce any anomaly about guides services in the administration office of the park. You are the only one who can help us to detect the weaknesses in the service we offer to help us improve it!

Enjoy your trip !