Everything before you book.

Book directly through our online reservation system, by phone at +506 2293-8181, by email at servicioalcliente@grupomawamba.com, or via WhatsApp at +506 8978 9844. Our San José office is open 6 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. On weekends, our customer service team will assist you via WhatsApp from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Costa Rica time.

There is no minimum stay required. However, we highly recommend staying at least 2–3 nights in order to fully enjoy all the activities and experiences the destination has to offer, while also having time to relax after the adventure of getting here and enjoying our remote location surrounded by nature.

No — there are no roads to Tortuguero. The lodge is reachable only by boat or small plane. See our Getting Here page for the four ways in.

Pack fast-drying or light cotton clothes, a swimsuit (for the pool), a reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, a flashlight, hat or cap, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and sunblock. During turtle nesting season (July–October) you'll need dark or black clothes for the evening tour — and this applies to your raincoat or poncho too. A white or bright rain jacket is just as disruptive to the turtles as a white t-shirt.

No restrictions — we accept cash (either colones or US dollars) and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX).

No. Some guests do, but you can also continue to the South Caribbean, Sarapiquí, or La Fortuna / Arenal. Ask us and we'll help you plan — we offer transportation solutions.

You can book your tours either at the hotel or in advance. We strongly recommend advance reservations to secure your spots, especially in high-demand seasons or if you are coming for just one or two nights. When booking at the hotel, keep in mind that tours will be subject to availability. All our tours are operated directly by Mawamba Lodge and depart and return from the hotel. Our commitment is to quality, service, safety, professional tour guides, and top-notch equipment.

Some — we are in the rainforest. But because the lodge is close to the ocean and not in swampland, mosquitoes are fewer than in similar areas. Bring repellent (we sell it at the souvenir shop too); rooms have screens.

Costa Rica observes a strict smoking law. Smoking is prohibited in public areas and also in the rooms. We have two designated smoking areas: one close to the restaurant area and another in the garden area closer to reception. Please ask reception for assistance.

Hair dryers are provided as standard in Superior and Bungalow rooms. For other categories, we have a limited supply at reception — ask the front desk.

Yes — we offer a flat-rate laundry service. Ask reception when you arrive for pricing and to get your laundry bag.

Yes — Wi-Fi is available in all public areas of the lodge, but not in the rooms.

Getting here and the tours involve hopping on and off small boats. We welcome guests with limited walking ability and assist however we can, but some activities may be challenging. Tell us your needs and we'll let you know what we can accommodate.

Costa Rica uses 110 V with two-prong outlets. We have a limited number of 220 V converters at reception, but we recommend you bring your own.

We offer an à la carte menu plus a buffet breakfast — a mix of Costa Rican, Caribbean, and international cuisine, with plenty of local vegetables and fruit. We also offer a pool snack menu from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In reception you'll find a mini market for snacks and drinks. And Mawamba Lodge features the only navigating floating restaurant in Costa Rica — a signature experience that combines cruising the river with a delicious four-course meal on board.

Yes — we offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options if you let us know in advance. For other special diets, please tell us before arrival so we can confirm we can meet your needs.

Tortuguero is one of the most biologically rich and fragile ecosystems in Costa Rica, surrounded by rainforest, canals, and extraordinary wildlife. Many of our operational decisions are made with the purpose of reducing environmental impact and preserving the natural surroundings that make this place so special. For that reason, we do not offer certain amenities commonly found in city hotels, such as air conditioning or mini-fridges. Instead, our rooms are designed to maximize natural airflow, complemented by ceiling fans, allowing guests to remain connected with the surrounding environment while minimizing energy consumption. Likewise, Wi-Fi service is intentionally concentrated in common areas, encouraging guests to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in nature, wildlife, and the peaceful atmosphere of Tortuguero. No A/C, TV, or telephone in the rooms.

Mawamba Lodge sits just 1 kilometre from Tortuguero village — nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero canals. Close enough to walk for a coffee or shopping, far enough for a peaceful, immersive rainforest stay surrounded by wildlife. During the day you can reach the village along the beach or on the parallel jungle trail. We don't recommend walking to or from the village after dark: rainforest wildlife is active at night, and the trail is intentionally not lit. This isn't an oversight — Tortuguero National Park restricts artificial light along the beach during sea turtle nesting season, because lights facing the shore disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings.

Tropical rainforest — warm, humid, and rainy. The Caribbean coast has very different conditions from the Pacific. The driest months are April–May and September–October. See our Weather page for monthly averages and a live satellite view.

Sudden showers can happen any time of year. Bring a raincoat or poncho and keep it handy on hikes and boat tours. Our souvenir shop sells raincoats; umbrellas are available for guests at the lodge.

Tortuguero village is small but reachable on foot from the lodge by walking the beach (we're the closest lodge to town). You'll find supermarkets, coffee shops, and souvenir shops. There is no ATM or bank.

No — and this matters: swimming on the Tortuguero beach is prohibited. The currents and undertow here are genuinely dangerous, and those who have ignored this warning have faced very difficult moments. Even if you see locals in the water, that doesn't mean it's safe. Predators — including sharks and crocodiles — also come close to shore looking for turtle prey. The beach is beautiful for walks, ocean breeze, and watching turtle hatchlings — but it is not safe to swim, no exceptions. The main attractions here are nature, wildlife, and birdwatching.

Yes — and many of our most-loved guests are families. Bring proper rain gear, repellent, and shoes that handle wet trails. Kids should be able to stay quiet on the turtle night tour.

Yes — optional freshwater fishing tours are available in the canals (snook, tarpon). There's an extra cost; ask us for current rates.

Only if you take a tour inside the national park — not for simply visiting Tortuguero. Travelling to Tortuguero village by boat does not require a park ticket. If you join a canal tour (kayak, canoe, motorboat, Jaguar Trail) or hike Cerro Tortuguero, you'll need a SINAC ticket: Canal Sector $15 + 13% tax per adult, $5 + 13% tax per child; Cerro Sector $2 + 13% tax, all ages. The pass is good for one day; each sector needs its own ticket. Buy online at the official SINAC portal — your guide will walk you through it.

Much more than turtles. 350+ bird species (toucans, macaws, herons), three monkey species (Howler, White-faced Capuchin, Spider), two sloth species, American crocodiles, caimans, basilisks, iguanas, and many more. See our Fauna page for the highlights.

Green sea turtles nest from July to October. The Tortuguero National Park sets the tour rules: certified guides only, two raffled time slots (8–10 p.m. or 10–12 a.m.), max 200 visitors per departure, and 5 base points along the beach — one of which is right in front of Mawamba. See our Green Turtles page for the full ritual.

Grupo Mawamba is a Costa Rican family-owned company operating Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero and Trogon Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota. We've been operating since 1985 — one of the pioneers of tourism in Tortuguero.