Tortuguero Cerro

_{Hiking at Tortuguero Cerro –}

Besides Tortuguero National Park, there is also Tortuguero Cerro. But unlike the national park, Tortuguero Cerro is hikable in less time and costs cheaper.

_{Tortuguero Cerro (in the middle) from afar}

What is Tortuguero Cerro?

It is a cerro or translated as a hill made of an inactive volcano and located just across Tortuguero island. Tortuguero Cerro is the highest point of the Caribbean coastal and hiking there will give you a viewpoint of Tortuguero.

_{Tortuguero Cerro Viewpoint}

How much is the admission?

It is 2 USD per person. Please note you can only buy the ticket online from the official website. Check it here.

How to get there?

You need to go to the ferry terminal and buy the Ferry Peri ticket to San Francisco. A return ticket costs 1.500 CRC per person. _{Departure from Tortuguero Port}

How was the hike?

Well, there are roughly 430 steps. But the steps are clear since they are made of betons and stairs with metal rails. Therefore, you won’t get lost.

_{The trail}

What should you prepare?

Wear comfortable walking shoes & take your light rain jacket, umbrella, binocular and water with you. If you want to hike with sleeveless or short sleeves clothes, make sure to use insect repellent.

What awaits you?

Rainforest with some animals and a viewpoint of Tortuguero.

_{Golden orb spider during the hike}

Where can you eat?

Since you need to take the boat from San Francisco anyway, just walk to the town and there you will find some places to eat.

_{Chalupa from El Bambu Soda for 2.000 CRC per piece – lecker!}

Do I think a guide for Cerro is worth it?

Why did I list this question in the first place is because once you arrive in Tortuguero, you will be approached by different tour providers. But, among all the tours, this is the least that I personally think would be worth it.

Why?

It depends on your goal, but if your goal is to see the wildlife, you would only get so little. The best way to enjoy wildlife in Tortuguero is if you take a boat trip from Moin to Tortuguero, the national park itself, or the night tour. Read more here.

_{This is from the boat ride from Moin to Tortuguero – Can you spot the wildlife?}

The main selling point of Cerro is the view as the highest point on the Caribbean. And like what I have written above, the trail is so easy to see and the steps are not that many. So, in a healthy, normal condition, anybody can hike. And once you are on the viewing point, there will be a banner that self explains where you are.

_{The writing on the banner is still readable when you are directly in front of it}

Since the hike is short, you will most likely finish your hike early. Afterwards, you will need to go to San Francisco town to take your return boat. And the way to go there when it rains is muddy. Plus, the town is rather suitable to be called by village since there is way less life there in comparison to Tortuguero, so your options are very limited.