Things to Do
Hiking Through Tortuguero
By Explore Costa Rica Staff
Jul 22, 2006, 14:54

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Hiking Through Tortuguero

You can walk the entire length of the beach. Trails into the forests--frequently waterlogged--also begin at the park stations at both ends of Tortuguero National Park. The 2-km-long El Gavilán Trail leads south from the Cuatro Esquinas ranger station south of Tortuguero village and takes in both beach and rainforest.

A trail that begins north of Tortuga Lodge leads to Cerro Tortuguero (119 meters), two km north of Tortuga Lodge; from here--the highest point for miles around--you have a superb perspective over the swamps and coastline from the rusting WWII-era lookout tower at the top. Short hikes from Estación Jalova provide a satisfying adventure for those with only limited time.