Tour description
Tortuguero National Park and it's surroundings is
an area known worldwide for it's richness in biodiversity. Everyday
hundreds of tourists visit this wonderful waterway, embarking in
motor driven skiffs and boats. Ríos Tropicales and Mawamba Lodge are
setting up the first paddling adventure, in sea kayaks, straight
into the heartland of this National Park. There's no better way to
enjoy Tortuguero's natural wonders than quietly navigating through
it's amazing network of rivers, lagoons and canals. Overnight at the
beach-front Mawamba Lodge with it's rustic accommodations, two
family style restaurants, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, ranchos with
hammocks, Conference Room and many more amenities. You can't beat
Mawamba's hospitality and Ríos Tropicales' "The River Specialist"
combo!
Day 1
After an early morning departure from San José, we will travel east,
riding through Braulio Carrillo National Park. We'll breakfast at
Río Danta. Now in the Atlantic lowlands, we travel through banana
plantations until we reach our starting point in the Tortuguero
National Park Station on the Tortuguero River. Guides will begin the
briefing to become familiarized with your boats, gear and safety
issues. Starting at the boundary of the National Park on the
Tortuguero River will be the most unique experience. Lunch will be
along the way after an hour paddle down the river, in the middle of
the Parks' tropical forest. After lunch, you will continue to
meander in this lush forest with amazing flora and fauna. Late
afternoon arrival at Mawamba lodge, welcome cocktail and dinner here
tonight. We will overnight at Mawamba lodge every night.
Day 2
After a great breakfast we will be shuttled by boat about 25 miles
towards the Colorado River, passing through Penitencia Canal until
we arrive at Samay Laguna. Here we will board our kayaks for a three
to four hour exploration of this area. The "magical" entrance to
Laguna Nueve and a brief visit to the beach will be today's
highlight. Wonderful clean water and total solitude will be part of
the experience. Lunch will be served at the site. Late afternoon
return back to Mawamba lodge.
Day 3
Today's paddle is designed to be very flexible, several options will
be available to paddle from and back to Mawamba lodge. You may want
to visit Caño Palma Biological Station, or paddle to the Tortuguero
hills and take a hike. Lunch at Mawamba lodge. Afternoon you are
free to choose from a number of tours or just plain relax around the
pool-side. Dinner at Mawamba. Optional nighttime turtle viewing
tour.
Day 4
After breakfast, board the boat for the return trip to Matina,
Mawamba's private dock, where your bus will be waiting for your
return to San Jose. Lunch along the way at Río Danta Restaurant.
Note: This tour can be modified to be a two or
three day tour; the first and last days will be the same as Day 1
and 4. For the Three-day tour, you may choose either day 2 or 3 to
remain.
