Daddy, Mummy, we can hear the monkeys!
Yes, in Tortuguero it's very common to be woken up by howler monkeys, usually heard at dawn and dusk. We were on our way to the lodge's restaurant when a member of staff pointed out a caiman that had come to visit the lodge's guests a few metres from the restaurant. Comfortably ensconced in the bed of a small river, a caiman of respectable size has come to greet us and carefully observe all the people sitting at the table eating.
A great start to the day!
This morning is free, with no activities planned. We take the opportunity to take the children to the lodge swimming pool, which in itself is an activity in its own right, and one that the children really enjoy.
The Caribbean Turtle Conservation Center
In the early afternoon, we make our way to the village of Tortuguero. We start with a visit to the Caribbean Turtle Conservation Center (CTCC). This is an opportunity for the children to see what scientists, volunteers and locals are doing to preserve the turtles. Of the 7 species of sea turtle in the world, 5 are found in Costa Rica and 4 arrive in Tortuguero.
The CCCT is also an opportunity to compare the size of the girls with that of the green and leatherback turtles.
A visit to Tortuguero beach
We then head for Tortuguero beach, facing the Caribbean Sea. It's a wild beach, with dark sand, lots of driftwood and a strong swell. We strongly advise against swimming here, as the current is very strong.
Our guide gives us a wealth of information on the arrival, reproduction and behavior of sea turtles. How they interact with the local people and how tourism has developed around their protection. As interesting as this educational part of the tour was, the girls opted to play in the sand away from the adults.
The village of Tortuguero
Time to visit the village. We pass the Tortuguero school. A nice little school facing the ocean.
It's just a few meters from the beach, and to see children in uniform spending their break on the beach is a dream come true! Soccer games are played among stray dogs and coconut water vendors.
We then take the main street and see an impromptu performance by local children, in front of us and a dozen or so tourists. A dance show in front of the main canal, close to the pier.
Village streets
The rest of the visit to the village is free, as we wander through the winding streets of Tortuguero, between vendors selling necklaces, T-shirts and plaids of all kinds.
The entrance to the local supermarket is of course adorned with two turtles.
Many signs offer guides and tours of all kinds. However, the village's ambience remains very Caribbean, with its colorful walls, relaxed pace, warm, humid atmosphere and the smells emanating from the restaurants.
The village's main square is home to swings and structures for children. It's an opportunity for us to take a little break. Our daughters can play with the village children.
After a final visit to the church and the few remaining streets of the village, we take the boat back to our lodge.
Along the way, we met a lady preparing tortillas for sale to locals and tourists. We filmed her for a while, as her technique is impressive and her good humor infectious.
Tomorrow we'll be heading for Puerto Viejo de Limon in southeastern Costa Rica. We plan to meet the indigenous Bribri community there.
Yes, in Tortuguero it's very common to be woken up by howler monkeys, usually heard at dawn and dusk. We were on our way to the lodge's restaurant when a member of staff pointed out a caiman that had come to visit the lodge's guests a few metres from the restaurant. Comfortably ensconced in the bed of a small river, a caiman of respectable size has come to greet us and carefully observe all the people sitting at the table eating.
The CCCT is also an opportunity to compare the size of the girls with that of the green and leatherback turtles.
Our guide gives us a wealth of information on the arrival, reproduction and behavior of sea turtles. How they interact with the local people and how tourism has developed around their protection. As interesting as this educational part of the tour was, the girls opted to play in the sand away from the adults.
It's just a few meters from the beach, and to see children in uniform spending their break on the beach is a dream come true! Soccer games are played among stray dogs and coconut water vendors.
We then take the main street and see an impromptu performance by local children, in front of us and a dozen or so tourists. A dance show in front of the main canal, close to the pier.
The entrance to the local supermarket is of course adorned with two turtles.
Many signs offer guides and tours of all kinds. However, the village's ambience remains very Caribbean, with its colorful walls, relaxed pace, warm, humid atmosphere and the smells emanating from the restaurants.
The village's main square is home to swings and structures for children. It's an opportunity for us to take a little break. Our daughters can play with the village children.
After a final visit to the church and the few remaining streets of the village, we take the boat back to our lodge.
Along the way, we met a lady preparing tortillas for sale to locals and tourists. We filmed her for a while, as her technique is impressive and her good humor infectious.
Tomorrow we'll be heading for Puerto Viejo de Limon in southeastern Costa Rica. We plan to meet the indigenous Bribri community there.
