The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour in Alajuela, Costa Rica
Alajuela, Costa Rica

The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour

Outty Ranking 61 4.4 · 12 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $225
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour worth booking?

The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour is a 10-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $225 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (12)
Duration
10 hours
From
$225 per person

“Tortuguero” is considered one of the most important western Caribbean for the green turtle ( Chelonia Mydas) as well as the Carey, who come to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches every year. Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica is located along the northern stretch of our Caribbean coast. It is one of the areas most exotic and rich in biodiversity in the country. It is known as “Tico Amazon” (Costa Rican Amazon) due to the fact that in Tortuguero there are no roads; the principle means of transportation being the dozens of  fresh water canals throughout the park. To arrive at any of the few hotels in the area requires a motorboat ride of approximately 70 km through rivers and canals. It’s a spectacular adventure not to be missed. In the park scientists have identified missed distinct habitats making it likely to observe abundant wildlife including, several species of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, iguanas, parrots, macaws, toucans and much more.

What you get

    About this experience

    “Tortuguero” is considered one of the most important western Caribbean for the green turtle ( Chelonia Mydas) as well as the Carey, who come to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches every year. Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica is located along the northern stretch of our Caribbean coast. It is one of the areas most exotic and rich in biodiversity in the country. It is known as “Tico Amazon” (Costa Rican Amazon) due to the fact that in Tortuguero there are no roads; the principle means of transportation being the dozens of  fresh water canals throughout the park. To arrive at any of the few hotels in the area requires a motorboat ride of approximately 70 km through rivers and canals. It’s a spectacular adventure not to be missed. In the park scientists have identified missed distinct habitats making it likely to observe abundant wildlife including, several species of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, iguanas, parrots, macaws, toucans and much more.

    What's included

    Included

    • Other
    • Lunch
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Guide

    Not included

    • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
    • Drinks
    • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
    • Water

    What you'll see and do

    1. Tortuguero National Park

      One of the finest and richest ecosystems in Costa Rica, a jewel of nature. The Costa Rican Amazon. Tortuguero is an exclusive place to see nature in its purest form. The Amazon of Costa Rica. There are no roads. Highways are rivers and freshwater canals. The beauty of the rainforest at its best. Dozens of species of animals such as monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, lizards, insects and butterflies, toucans, turtles. And a lot of nature, spectacular forests await you in Tortuguero. Situated on the Northern Caribbean side of Costa Rica, in the province of Limon, it is approximately 90 miles northeast of the capital city of San José. Accessible only by air or water. You will experience: Tortuguero National Park and trails. You will navigate rivers and freshwater canals You will see animals like monkeys, birds and crocodiles, sloths. You will get to know the northern Caribbean area of Costa Rica.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Alajuela

    Please wait outside the Aurola Holiday Inn Hotel. A guide will arrive identified and will call you by name.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Please wait outside the Aurola Holiday Inn Hotel. A guide will arrive identified and will call you by name.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Ivantours

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Not recommended for children under 4 years
    • Minumum Passengers Requirement to Book this Tour: 2

    Photos

    The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour in Alajuela, photo 2The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour in Alajuela, photo 3The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour in Alajuela, photo 4The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour in Alajuela, photo 5The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour in Alajuela, photo 6The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour in Alajuela, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    12 verified traveler reviews for The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    8
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    sophiabW8316QR · August 2023

    Amazing Tortuguero

    Excellent experience with Ivantours in Tortuguero. The itinerary struck the perfect balance between guided exploration and personal leisure time, allowing us to immerse ourselves at our own pace. Thank you.

    via Tripadvisor

    Deborah S · July 2019

    Great time

    Had great tour guides and a wonderful day. Our group of three enjoyed it completely. Nice lunch and "off the beaten path".

    via Tripadvisor

    Renee_a · March 2018

    Our guide German was great! On the...

    <p>Our guide German was great! On the ride, he was very animated and pointed out lots of waterfalls, plants, flowers, and the yellow river. He explained everything and let everyone know when a good picture opportunity was coming! He even would offer to take photos for you/of the family. He spotted a sloth and we pulled over and all got a chance to take pictures. We also stopped to see monkeys! Contrary to the description, we didn't visit a banana plantation as an organized activity but rather we stopped at one of Dole's banana fields and got to observe the process of cutting the bananas down and loading them on a conveyor belt. On the river cruise to Tortuguero village, we saw lots of animals including Cayman crocodiles, normal crocodiles, and lots of birds! German bought us all pipa fria or coconuts to drink out of upon arrival to the village. We had a short walk around the village to the beach and then we went to a hotel for a lunch buffet. Afterwards, we took the boat back and saw more animals. On the drive back, we stopped at a local family's house and had the opportunity to see another sloth in their yard and we could buy homemade tamales. A long day but we got to see a lot!</p>

    via Viator

    Arif-Frasha · November 2017

    Awesome tour and knowledgeable tour...

    <p>Awesome tour and knowledgeable tour guide. Walk thru small village and saw the beach where the turtles migrate. Last 10 miles of the tour was bumpy on the dirt road and other than that it was great.</p>

    via Viator

    Max S · April 2017

    Good fun. It is important to be...

    <p>Good fun. It is important to be aware that this is partly a hotel transfer for people spending longer in Tortuguero</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Ivantours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.5.

    See everything Ivantours runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)70
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)25
    Value for money (12% weight)88
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)36
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Alajuela.

    How much does The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $225 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Alajuela usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour take?

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    Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Alajuela is not rushed.

    Is The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Alajuela, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour?

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    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Alajuela can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Alajuela and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Alajuela within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Alajuela?

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    On Outty we rank every Alajuela experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner, Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Alajuela?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Alajuela?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour?

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    Included: Other; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Guide. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); Drinks; Souvenir photos (available to purchase); and Water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 17 listed pickup locations in and around Alajuela. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour?

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    Across 12 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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