Although appearing to be a natural river, our boat-tour guide informed our group that the Tortuguero Canal was actually created by workers from the wood working industry in the 1940’s. Boat tours along this wide canal, provide ample viewing of crocodiles, monkeys, tropical birds and vibrant flowers, as well as a vast variety of trees and other species. We were blessed with more abundant sightings of birds, monkeys and other exotic creatures, than on our prior Peruvian Amazon River excursion.
Located within the Tortuguero National Park, situated in Northeastern Costa Rica, this remote area is accessible only by boat or small plane. Tortuguero Canal is bordered by dense rainforests, receiving an average of 250 inches of rain per year, which appeared to have all fallen during our 3 day visit!
We had an enjoyable stay at the eco friendly Aninga Lodge across the Canal from Tortuguero Village (on the Caribbean Sea), and later enjoyed a walking tour through the small, colorful village. We witnessed laughing native children laying on a flat piece of wood, being pulled behind a small boat, on the crocodile-infested waters.
Our visit to this richly diverse area of Costa Rica was the highlight of our journey.