We arrived at Tortuguero on Thursday - an island off the coast of Costa Rica (Caribbean side). Just in time for a night time adventure: a boat ride through the rivers of the Tortuguero National Park. It was pitch black which allowed us to see the most magnificent stars. You don't realize the extent of the light pollution of the north east until you are in the rain forest and the blackness of this part of the world at night. We motored in an open boat for three hours with our guide at the front of the boat looking for wildlife. He has this uncanny ability to find birds, crockadiles, caymans, spiders and bugs in the pitch black with one light. Just sitting in the boat and listening to the stillness and the sounds of the rainforest was magical.
On Thursday we took a day time boat ride through other rivers and canals - a different perspective in the day time. Back in time for a local hike before lunch and then a boat ride into the town of Tortuguero. We visited the the Turtle Conservancy where we viewed a film about the transformation of the turtle industry from hunting to tourism Instead of the slaughter of these beautiful animals (for meat and shells) the turtles are now protected and the men who were once hunters are now guides. What a great story!
The town was charming and after a walking tour of the beach and town we found the Buddha Cafe - a perfect spot for pizza and drinks - and on the water!
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