Hiking Cerro Tortuguero, Tortuguero

Your day begins with a boat ride to the Cerro Tortuguero trailhead. From there, you'll hike a well-maintained 1.75-mile (2.8-kilometer) trail through dense rainforest foliage to the top of the hill. Along the way, you'll spot a variety of Costa Rican wildlife, including monkeys, frogs, sloths, and wild cats. At the summit, you'll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle and waterways before returning to the trailhead and your lodge.

This activity costs $43.20 per person, which must be paid at your lodge or hotel upon your arrival.

Your day begins with a boat ride to the Cerro Tortuguero trailhead, where you'll meet your experienced local guide. As you hike through the lush rainforest, your guide will point out the different species of wildlife that call this area home. Keep your eyes peeled for howler, capuchin, and spider monkeys swinging through the trees, as well as colorful poison dart frogs hopping along the forest floor. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a sloth snoozing in the branches overhead or a wild cat slinking through the underbrush.

The first two-thirds of the hike is relatively flat, but the last stretch is a steep climb up over 400 steps to reach the summit of Cerro Tortuguero. It's a challenging ascent, but the reward at the top is well worth it. From the summit, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and waterways, including the colorful community of Tortuguero in the distance.

After taking in the views, you'll make your way back down the trail to the trailhead and board the boat for your return trip to your lodge. Along the way, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your visit is helping to support the local community and protect this beautiful corner of Costa Rica.