Town in Limón, Costa Rica
Tortuguero
Car-free jungle-and-canal village for turtle nesting, wildlife boat tours and quiet days. Getting there takes a bus and a boat, prices are high for Costa Rica, and rain is likely year-round.
At a glance
- Monthly budget$1,860–2,850Comfortable, one person · ₡850,000–1.3MDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, Sep–OctWarmest: Apr, 30°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$66–120Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPublic boat from La PavonaVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashSmall shops, boats and sodas want colones; lodges and tour offices take cards.Details
Where to stay in Tortuguero
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tortuguero village | Budget guesthouses, sodas, tour offices and the beach path |
| Canal-side lodges (north of village) | Package stays with meals and guided boat tours |
Apps that work in Tortuguero
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No taxis or ride apps. Water taxis and tour boats are booked through your lodge or village tour offices.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Mostly cash Small shops, boats and sodas want colones; lodges and tour offices take cards. The village has one BCR ATM that is often out of cash, so bring colones.
- Currency: Colon (CRC). US$1 ≈ ₡456.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense colones or US dollars; foreign cards need a four-digit PIN. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers on tours.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted. SINPE Móvil transfers need a Costa Rican bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Bring an onward or return ticket and proof of funds; airlines often check before boarding.
- The officer sets your permitted stay at entry; overstays are fined about US$100 per month.
- The air departure tax (about US$29) is included in most tickets.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Kölbi has the widest rural coverage. Buy SIMs at the airport or any carrier store with your passport; prepaid monthly plans are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Costa Rica
Going to Tortuguero solo?
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Sources
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- SINAC (national parks)
- CCSS (public health)
- Two Weeks in Costa Rica: getting to Tortuguero (boat and shuttle fares)
- Frommer's: Tortuguero planning (ATM, clinic)
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.