Created in 1975, the Tortuguero National Park is located in one of the wettest regions of Costa Rica: 6,000 mm of annual rainfall! It protects one of the most important wilderness areas of Costa Rica in terms of biodiversity. Its 26,156 ha, called the small Amazon, concentrate an exceptional animal and plant exuberance: 2,600 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 30 species of freshwater fish, manatees, jaguars, tapirs, sloths… and, of course, river and marine turtles.
Indeed, as its name indicates, the park is conducive to the observation of turtles (Tortuguero means where the turtles lay). 4 of the 8 species of turtles that inhabit our planet come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Tortuguero. It is certainly thanks to the help of Caribbean Conservation Corporation, created in 1955, that this nesting place still exists. Many of them around the world have been abandoned by the turtles. Pollution, industrialization, looting and poaching have contributed to their desertification.
The canals are very numerous and crisscross this great flooded valley that is the sector of Barra del Colorado and Tortuguero in all directions. This wonderful universe of exuberance and tranquility is unique in the world and can be visited by boat, or by canoe.
Click on the picture to enlarge it and discover its caption.
