Fodor's Expert Review Tortuga Lodge

Lush lawns, orchids, and tropical trees surround this thatch riverside lodge, renowned for its nature packages and top-notch, personalized service. Tortuga sets itself apart with its smaller size, and markets itself to a higher-budget clientele, although during the off-season, rates are competitive with the other lodges. Most of Tortuga's packages include its own charter flights to Tortuguero as well as meals and tours, but you can ask for a land-boat combo from San José as well. Guest rooms are comfortable, with much-appreciated mosquito blinds. Request one of the remodeled rooms refreshed in 2021. The villa, with a king-size bed and an extra smaller bed, has ample room for a family. The chefs do an excellent job preparing hearty food, which is served à la carte rather than in a buffet line. Tortuguero National Park is 10 minutes south by boat. In addition to the standard Tortuguero tours, a variety of unique activities are offered including a laguna excursion that features dinner with a local family. Tortuga is the closest lodge to the area's tiny airstrip, although with only a couple of flights in an out daily, noise is not an issue.