Tortugero Village

The community is built on the strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and Tortuguero Lagoon. It’s only a couple of blocks wide at most and the main street stretches between guest houses, tourist shops, mini-supermarkets and restaurants. Along the lagoon side are docks where all the visitors and provisions arrive by small boat because there are no roads that reach here.

Sea turtle mosaic — Tile mosaic mural of the Sea Turtles that made the region famous

Many tourists stay at boat in lodges along the canal or Tortuguero Lagoon, visit the National park and turtle nesting beaches without ever seeing the village but it’s worth walking around and stopping for an authentic Caribbean meal like Rondón a traditional slow simmered stew of fish and coconut milk with whatever else is to be had – onion, sweet potato, plantains and peppers.

canal to moin — One of several ways to arrive at Tortuguero is via the coastal canals to the south from the dock at Moín.

Playing Mahjong in the central park of Tortuguero village

Rusty dredging equipment that was used to create the canals both north to Barra del Colorado and south towards Parismina and Moin.

Gourd bowls with brightly painted interiors

Pachinko and other slot machine style games are still popular in rural Costa Rica

Caribbean style cuisine is distinct from the food in the rest of Costa Rica. Jamaican jerk, coconut milk curry and red beans and rice are some of our favorite specialties of the region.

Visitors typically stay at boat in lodges in the jungle along the Río Tortuguero or one of the side channels off the lagoon but the village is an interesting stop and the only place to pick up groceries or try a local restaurant.

The tree trimming crew duping logs in the current to be carried out to sea

When you’re done exploring the village the main attractions await.