Tortuguero has incredible biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. It is located in a tropical climate, is very humid, and receives up to 250 inches of rain a year.

The Tortuguero National Park is located on the Caribbean coast, and its beaches are key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. The rivers within the park are home to sensitive populations of manatees, as well as caimans, crocodiles, and Tropical Gar, which is considered a living fossil. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants.

North of the park is the smaller Dr. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge and then the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. The latter refuge contains habitats similar to those found in Tortuguero National Park, although much of that refuge is even less accessible. To the south the park is bordered by the Parismina River and the Cariari National Wetlands. The park has worked with the neighboring village of Tortuguero to help its inhabitants understand that preserving their natural resources is the key to burgeoning ecotourism.

We will pick you up at the Airport in San José early in the morning and transfer you to your Hotel in San José. Take the opportunity and discover the historic center of the city or if not, make sure to have dinner at the Caribbean Loft Restaurant or simply relax a little.

After a healthy breakfast get ready for the tour to Irazú Volcano which is the tallest active volcano in Costa Rica. Wildlife in Irazú is very scarce; near the summit you can see rabbits, coyotes, armadillos and porcupines as well as weasels and tiger cats. Don't forget to watch out for all the different bird species Irazú has to offer. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Early in the morning we will depart by bus or plane to Tortuguero where you will check in your hotel and have breakfast. Later on a guide takes you on a tour to the marvelous Tortuguero Village and the National Park ($7 entrance fee for the park).

Today we are going to discover the Channels of Tortuguero and its rich and diverse flora and fauna. There are numerous species to discover and the channels are home to 7 species of turtles. It is also home to the sea cow and the rare crocodile.

Early in the morning take the plane to San José, where you, according to your return flight, can either be directly transferred to the airport to catch your flight home, or stay one more night in the city. We will then take you to the airport the very next day.

Enjoy your last breakfast in Costa Rica, because very soon we will transfer you to the airport where you will catch your flight home.