Tortuguero
On Costa Rica's roadless Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is reached by boat through jungle canals patrolled by caimans, kingfishers and howler monkeys.
- Best forTropical
- Approx. flying time~5h 40m from Los Angeles
- Nearest airportNicoya (NOB)
About this place
The main event is nocturnal: between July and October, green turtles nest on the black-sand beach in their thousands. Night viewing is only allowed with a certified local guide in small groups — book one through your lodge and leave the camera behind, since flashes are banned.
Featured in Ten wild tropical trips for animal lovers
When to go
Daytime highs run from about 29°C in November to 35°C in March. Driest January to March; wettest in October, with rain on about 27 days. The sea is warmest in May at around 33°C, coolest at 31°C.
The year at a glance — pick a month for detail
August30° · rain 24 days · sea 32°Warm and often wet.
Monthly figures averaged from daily records for 2020–2024 at this location (ERA5 reanalysis). Highlighted months are warm and mostly dry — December to February. Live conditions from MET Norway, CC BY 4.0.
Where to stay
Pick a budget to open live availability in Tortuguero. Prices are per night for two people.
Flights
Los Angeles Tortuguero, Costa Rica
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Roughly 5h 40m in the air from Los Angeles (LAX), estimated from the distance — check for a direct route. Pick a month to see every available flight with live prices.
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Flight times are estimates; prices open on Google Flights.
