Hike up Cerro Tortuguero for the best views in the region

On Cerro Tortuguero you hike through moist lowland rainforest to one of the most striking hills on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. It is worth being patient in the lower third of the path: here you can look for the bright red strawberry poison dart frogs with blue legs. Howler monkeys can be heard from afar thanks to their distinctive calls, while capuchin monkeys curiously swing through the treetops. At the summit you reach an elevated viewing platform with an unobstructed view over the rivers, rainforest and Caribbean all the way to the horizon.

The hiking trail is about 2.1 km long (out and back) and starts after a short boat trip north of Tortuguero. The route leads over well-maintained paths with numerous wooden steps through dense greenery. It is easy to moderate in difficulty. Depending on how much time you spend wildlife watching, allow around 2 hours. The tour is ideal as a short excursion from the village, is less busy than the much-visited canals and offers a focused nature experience.