Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰
🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃
Some of these include
🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park
🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘
🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.
🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘
🐾It felt more natural 🍃
🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 
🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫
🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 
TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️
🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 
🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 
🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 
☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃
🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 
🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)
🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 
🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 
🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 
🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 
🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising
10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮 1 nig 10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮
1 night - Leon 🌋
2 nights -San Juan Del Sur or Popoyo 🏄🏽‍♀️
2 nights - Ometepe 🌋
2 nights - Laguna de Apoyo/ Granada 🛶
3 nights - Little Corn Island 🌴🌽
📆For those of us who are limited to 25 days of holiday a year - 10 days in Nicaragua is TOTALLY doable. You’ll be on a tight schedule and will need to spend more on transport/taxis to get to places on time …. but it’s all worth it. ✈️
⏰If you have more time, I would say stretch to 14 days and up some of the stays to 3 nights. This will give you a chance to relax in each location. 💤
Would you visit Nicaragua for 10 days?
Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴 📍 Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴
📍Locations
Anse Source D’Argent 
Anse Cocos
Anse Major
Deffo still need to practise being a drone pilot but one step at a time right? 😂
🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in t 🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in the Seychelles it’s one of the only places in the country where you will see wild tortoises roam freely. 
🐢The whole island of Curieuse is a protected marine park where more than 200 🐢🐢🐢 live out their lives in a protected paradise. 
🐢There age of tortoises on the island range from 0-90years old 
🐢You can visit Curieuse Island  on an all boat trip from the nearby Praslin Island (we booked ours through @getyourguide) 
Would you like to see these gentle giants?
Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also tot Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also totally lying to themselves 😂🍁🍂❄️☃️🧣
Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what society expects of you. Live your life by your own rules 🧡
From where I’d rather be with my @dockandbay be From where I’d rather be with my  @dockandbay beach towel🌴🇸🇨🐚
If you’re going if you love swimming or are going backpacking/on holiday soon then you NEED this @dockandbay towel! 
🍃It’s extremely compact
🍃it’s quick drying
🍃it’s sand resistant 
🍃it’s sustainable 
@dockandbay have also just dropped a brand new product so go and check it out 😉
🔖For 15% discount use code CCEV51UN at checkout to get
#dbcabanaclub#gifted
Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺 Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺
Days 1-2 - Mahe Island 
🌴Beau Vallon Beach 
🌴Anse Major Hike 
Days 2-4 - Praslin Island 
🌴Anse Lazio beach day 
🌴Valle de Mai trail
🌴Curieuse Island day trip to see Aldabra Tortoises 
Days 4-7 - La Digue Island
🌴Anse Source D’Argent 
🌴Anse Cocos Hike
🌴Anse Severe
When you start throwing peace signs ironically and When you start throwing peace signs ironically and it accidentally becomes part of your aesthetics✌🏽
I blame my friends 😅
Anyone else like this? 😅
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊
🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)
South Coast (November to April) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 
There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 
East Coast (May-October) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 
Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️ What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️
Not sure this applies to everyone because I someho Not sure this applies to everyone because I somehow don’t think I’m anyone’s airport crush when this is the airport aesthetic 😂😂
Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️ Tell Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️
Tell me a random fact about yourself 💬💕⬇️
(PS I honestly don’t know why I turn around and look shocked at the rainbow in this video. 🌈The rainbow is literally the reason I asked for a picture 😂😂. One too many seltzers I think)
🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya If you’re l 🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya
If you’re looking to spend a boujee day in Sri Lanka make sure you head to @laplaya.hiriketiya. For a cold glass of wine 🍷and some delish pizza 🍕
This was my favourite place in Hiriketiya and the music is just 👌🏽😍
🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in 🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in the Seychelles🍃🌴
😍Pretty much Every Beach on La Digue is incredible but because this one takes a little more work to get to 🥾🌋 you’ll only find handful of other tourists here (in my experience at least) 
🚴🏽‍♀️ How to get there 🚴🏽‍♀️
🍃Head to the entrance of Grand Anse Beach. Most people cycle here and you will see straight in front of you a place to park your bikes 
🍃Head down the small path and follow the trail
🍃You will hike up and over one hill and come to another beach. Don’t get too excited this is Petit Anse beach not cocos so still a bit more to go.
🍃Continue up and over the second hill (this is a little bit longer than the first) 
🍃You have arrived at Anse Cocos
🍃This will take you about 30 minutes in total 
🍹Head straight to the beach shack and grab a mango daiquiri
🌴Welcome to Anse Lazio 🌴 Anse Lazio is on t 🌴Welcome to Anse Lazio 🌴
Anse Lazio is on the island of Praslin in the Seychelles! It’s one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen 😍
Are you adding this one to your bucket list 💕
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Christina in the Clouds

Adventure around a 9-5

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Beach Holidays, Central America, Costa Rica · March 6, 2023

12 Awesome Things To Do In Tortuguero, Costa Rica

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Hidden on the remote riverbanks of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, lies the sleepy village of Tortuguero. Cut off from the rest of Costa Rica, Tortuguero is home to a maze of waterways and thick, dense jungle. 

There are a whopping 11 different habitats in Tortuguero and as a result,  an abundance of stunning wildlife, from crocodiles to monkeys to jaguars and even the elusive tapir. 

Whilst that list of diverse species is impressive, Tortuguero is best known for its incredible sea turtle nesting season between the months of July-October. In fact, the village and national park are even named after this event, ‘Tortuga’ being the Spanish translation for Turtle. 

This richness in wildlife makes Tortuguero a top destination for animal lovers from all over the globe, and after a trip here myself I can totally understand why! 

Following a fantastic 2-weeks in Costa Rica, Tortuguero was one of my favourite places in the country to witness some of Costa Rica’s spectacular wildlife. 

So, what are the best things to do in Tortuguero? Read on below to find out!

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you 

Contents show
1 Best things to do in Tortuguero
2 Sunrise Canoe tour through the Riverways
3 A Nighttime Jungle Walk
4 Sunset Drinks at Bhudda Cafe
5 Stroll along Tortuguero Beach (Playa Tortuguero)
6 Witness Turtle Nesting Season
7 Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy
8 Explore Tortuguero Village
9 Have Dinner at the Floating Restaurant
10 Walk The Jaguar Trail
11 Go on a Canopy Tour
12 Kayak Through the Riverways
13 Hike the Sendero Cerro Tortuguero
14 Happy Exploring

Best things to do in Tortuguero

Sunrise Canoe tour through the Riverways 

One of my favourite things to do in Tortuguero (in fact one of my favourite things to do in Costa Rica) was a sunrise canoe tour through the canals and riverways of Tortuguero. 

You will be asked to meet your tour guide at the town’s main dock just after sunrise where you and the rest of your group will hop into a canoe to begin your journey. Your guide will steer the canoe and take you on a majestic journey through the waterways of Tortuguero. 

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

You’ll bear witness to some stunning wildlife such as iguanas, otters, monkeys as well as caymans and crocodiles (don’t worry they are harmless in Tortuguero, or so I’m told).

 Your guides will be super knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife. They will be able to divulge lots of cool facts about the animals and the habitats of Tortuguero.

Tours cost around £25 ($30). This is not inclusive on the National Park entrance fee which is $15 per person. 
This is one of the best things to do in Tortuguero, so DO NOT miss this!

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

A Nighttime Jungle Walk

One of the best things to do in Tortuguero is a nighttime jungle tour. The jungle truly comes alive at night and you get the opportunity to see some incredible wildlife like sloths, snakes, spiders poison dart frogs and even an army of working ants. If you’re extremely lucky you might be able to catch a rare glimpse of a jaguar.  

The jungle night tour costs approximately  £25 ($30) and the tour starts at 8 pm lasting 2 hours. The guides will pick you up from your accommodation and you will make your way into the jungle safely. You will each be given a flashlight to help guide your way through the jungle. Your guide will always be at the front of the group so that he can keep an eye out for any animals and ensure that the rest of the group is ok. 

Whilst I am a bit jumpy around creepy crawlies and I did flinch at the slightest of sounds this was still one of my favourite things to do in Tortuguero. Make sure you give this activity a try. 

Top Tip: Make sure you wear long-sleeved, lightweight clothing and tuck your trousers into your socks. Oh and make sure to use LOTS of bug spray.

Sunset Drinks at Bhudda Cafe

Bhudda Cafe is the perfect place to unwind after exploring all that Tortuguero has to offer. The restaurant is located on the banks of the river and is the best sunset viewing spot in Tortuguero. I highly recommend spending at least one of your evenings here enjoying the sunset and indulging in some delicious Italian food.

This was one of my favourite evenings in Tortuguero.

Stroll along Tortuguero Beach (Playa Tortuguero)

Playa Tortuguero is an extremely unique beach. You will see a strip of deep black sand backdropped by a wall of lush green palm trees (it’s honestly like nothing I’ve ever seen before). 

Tortuguero beach is not suitable for swimming (due to the risk of riptides and shark attacks). However,  it is a great place to leisurely walk and admire nature. And, if it’s not too hot, it’s a great spot to chill and read a book.

Playa Tortugeuro

Witness Turtle Nesting Season

For those heading to Tortuguero between the months of July-October, you’ll be able to witness turtle nesting season which takes place right on Playa Tortuguero. This is one of the most magical things to do in Tortuguero and is what has made the town so popular. Oh and the best bit, it’s a totally free experience! 

If you’re visiting outside of these months you may be able to catch a glimpse of the turtles, but it’s definitely not as likely. 

Unfortunately these beautiful creatures a prime prey for Jaguars, and this may also be one of the only times you’ll see a jaguar during the day, as they occasionally make their way onto the beach to prey on the turtles. 

Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy

Want to understand more about the Turtle nesting season in Tortuguero? Well, a trip to Sea Turtle Conservancy could be for you. The Sea Turtle Conservancy has been open in Tortueguro since 1959, making it the oldest turtle conservation centre in the world. 

Here you can learn all about the work the Sea Turtle Conservancy is doing to educate both tourists and locals on the importance of preserving the ecosystem for the green turtles that nest here every year. 

You can also learn more about the turtles themselves. There is a lot of information about the species, their migration routes and their lifecycle. 

Explore Tortuguero Village

Tortuguero is a super small village which makes it easy to explore. It has lots of cute little cafes, bars and restaurants for you to try. It’s important to note that most places close around 9pm in Tortueguro. I wasn’t lying when I said this was a sleepy little village.

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Have Dinner at the Floating Restaurant 

Ever had dinner in a floating restaurant? No! Well now is your chance. One of the coolest things to do in Tortuguero is to have dinner at Katonga (the floating restaurant). 

Katonga is part of a popular accommodation in Tortuguero called Mawamba Lodge. Thankfully to have dinner at Katonga you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel. However, you must book a reservation with the restaurant, as you will need a boat taxi to escort you there and back.

Dinners range from approximately $20-$40 dollars and they offer up a set menu with chicken, beef and fish options.

Walk The Jaguar Trail 

The Jaguar Trail begins just outside Tortuguero Village and adjacent to the beach. The trail takes you through the forest where you have the chance to see even more wildlife, such as monkeys and snakes. Whilst this trail is named after the jaguar, it’s quite unlikely that you will see one. Jaguars are nocturnal animals and highly avoidant of human interaction.

If you decide to complete this trail I highly recommend walking through the forest and then making your way back to the village via a walk along the beach.

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Go on a Canopy Tour

For those who are seeking that extra adrenaline rush, you can explore Tortuguero from above with a super fun canopy tour. Walk along 11 platforms, 4 suspension bridges, 7 cables, 1 scaling wall and a Tarzan swing. 

Tours start from $45, last around 2 hours and is suitable for all the family.

Kayak Through the Riverways 

Fancy rowing yourself through Tortuguero’s waterways? Then why not opt for a Kayaking tour. Much like the Canoe tour, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with some of Tortuguero’s wonderful wildlife (and even more so in your kayak). 

You’ll join a small group of fellow kayakers and get guided through the river by yet another super-knowledgeable guide. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and will cost around £38 ($45).

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Hike the Sendero Cerro Tortuguero

Sendero Cerro Tortuguero is an extinct volcano and one of the only places of elevation on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Hike up to the top to see a stunning view of the riverways meeting the sea. Plus, It’s also yet another opportunity to see some more of Tortuguero’s wildlife (such as poison dart frogs and vipers) and thick green jungle. 

You can hike Cerro Tortuguero as part of a guided tour (usually booked through your accommodation) or you can do this on your own. To get here you’ll need to catch a 15-minute boat taxi from the main dock and it will drop you 100m from the start of the trail. 

Thankfully the trail is short and not too difficult, which means its a hike suitable for those of all experience levels.

The trail is open from 8 am-4 pm and you will be charged a $2 entrance fee.

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Happy Exploring

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring all that Tortuguero has to offer. If you want to know how to get to Tortuguero, check out my blog post here.

If you have any more questions about anything discussed in this blog post, please feel free to reach out! Looking for more Costa Rica inspiration? Check out my other Costa Rica guides.

 

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of this beautiful world.

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christina.inthe.clouds

Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰
🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃
Some of these include
🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park
🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘
🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.
🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘
🐾It felt more natural 🍃
🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 
🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫
🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 
TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️
🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 
🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 
🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 
☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
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