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Tortuguero  Turtles   Rainforest   Photos


TOURS
 


 I have lived in Tortuguero since 1995. Since I was studying biology, my fascination about the tropical rainforest evolved. In 1988 I participated on a student project in Ecuador in the Amazon. Staying in a small Indian village of the Quechua-Indians in the Rio Napo area, we learned a lot about their way of living and as well the taste of many rainforest animals and plants. In 1989 I received a fellowship to study one year at the University of Săo Paulo, Brazil. After my masters I traveled to Panama and Costa Rica. In Costa Rica I worked as a volunteer in the National Parks. In Tortuguero I was offered a job as a resident biologist at a tourist agency. Today I'm working independent, as well to offer an alternative to mass tourism. Instead of using noisy motorboats I go with traditional canoe and hike in small groups into the rainforest. This is the only manner to observe nature, since you have to open all your senses to know the fascination of the rainforest. As well it is the only way not to destroy the rainforest. During my studies of zoology I studied mainly entomology (insects), but today my passion is the diversity of the rainforest, the interaction between plants and animals and their medicinal use.  

Possible tours:

canoe tour is the best way to go silently into the small canals to observe wildlife.

Hiking allows you another view of the rainforest, its plants and their use,  and as well to observe wildlife, especially the smaller fauna like bats, snakes, frogs, insects, spiders, etc.

I offer also a village walk, considering culture, history, medicinal plants and influence of conservation and tourism in the daily life of Tortuguero people.

Sea turtle nesting tours from June to October (green turtle) and March to June (leatherback).

The tours can be booked as a tour package with lodging and meals or can be booked individually.


The Tour Package includes:

  • 2 nights at Miss Miriam 2 or Coconut , rooms have  private bathroom, hot water and fan
  • breakfast
  • canoe tour (3 hours)
  • rainforest hike (2,5 hours)
Price: 99  $ per person in double room.
Turtle tours are offered only in season (July to October). Add 30 $ p.p. + 6.5 $ p.p to the package National Park entrance fee is not included: 15 $ p.p., children between age 2 to 12 years  pay 5 $ p.p
The turtlebeach is divided in different sectors, some are far and it is necesary to go by bat 5 $ p.p.
 
Option:
  • Rooms can be upgraded:  Cabinas el Icaco, los Amigos (with swimmingpool) 115 $ p.p   
  • la Casona 115 $  p.p. (Pool/AC)
  • Tortuguero Natural, Cabinas el Icaco AC: 120 $ p.p.
  • Casa Marbella Standard 110 $ p.p.,Standard + 120 $ p.p., Superior 140 $ p.p
  • Miss Juni Hotel (Pool) , downstairs 120 $ p.p, upstairs 140 $ p.p.
  • outside of Tortuguero village: Rana Roja Lodge, Mawamba Lodge, Laguna Lodge, Tortuga Lodge, ask for prices
  • It is possible  to arrange a direct transfer (private bus and boat) from San José,  cost: one way 55 $, both way 110 $, including pickup hotel and breakfast 
  • Boatrip from  Moin one way 40 $ p.p., both way 70 $ p.p., 
  • Transfers from/to Arenal 55 $ p.p. one way
  • Tortuguero Hill is open and can be booked as an optional tour
  • without accomodation: canoe & hike 65 $ pp + entrance, turtle tour 35 $ pp + 6.5 $ pp turtlepermit
  • add 13 % of tax, if you pay cash you will get a discount

 


How to arrive at Tortuguero by yourself?  

All boats from Moín (Limón) to Tortuguero leave at 10 o'clock am.  It is better to reserve the Moin boat in advance, tickets at the dock are more expensive.

A very economic way is to arrive from Cariari. You take the bus at 9 am from San Jose to Cariari. In Cariari you take the next bus to La Pavona. 
The Pavona bus normally is crowded and stops all over. You can buy the bus ticket directly in the bus (1100 Col) ,Boatdrivers expect bus/cars at la Pavona, Boat costs 3000 Col p.p.  Boat leaves at 1 pm.  You arrive in Tortuguero between  2 pm and 2.30.pm.

other  connections:

Cariari-La Pavona 6  am, La Pavona - Tortuguero 7.30 am
San José - Cariari  6.30 am, Cariari-La Pavona 9 am, La Pavona - Tortuguero 11 am
San José - Cariari  1 pm, Cariari-La Pavona 3 pm, La Pavona - Tortuguero 4.30 pm

connection from Tortuguero-Pavona: 5 am, 9 am, 11 am and 3 pm

If you are travelling without car  I recommend you to arrive from Moin and leave to Cariari.

Parking is safe at the dock of Moin or  in La Pavona (10 $ per night).  
 If you wish I can sent you a route map Guapiles-Pavona.

I recommend staying minimum two nights in Tortuguero. If you wish to do your tours with me, please call or mail in advance.  Short-timed comunication per  whats app 00506 27098004. Long-termed reservation by mail

Recently many touragencies try to sell you tours in Pavona, many work with not-licensed guide. As well most hotels sell their bookings-reservation to agencies. Please do not support this, there are plenty of independant agencies and guides in town.

Bring: raincoat, hat, sun cream, insect repellent, trekking shoes, binoculars, camera, dark clothes during turtle season, cash, Tortuguero has no bank and no ATM..
In the wet season  it is better to wear rubberboots during foresthike . In town you can rent rubberboots for  2/3 $.  


Contact:

Barbara Hartung

info@barbara-hartung.de

mobile:  (00506) 8842 65 61  whats app: 00506 27098004


Tortuguero   Turtles    Rainforest   Photos

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