Getting there · La Pavona
How to get to Tortuguero
There is no road into the village: car or bus gets you to La Pavona, then the final leg is by boat. We’ll get you to the dock — and take you onward with Transporte Smith.
The leg that matters
You reach La Pavona. We take you to Tortuguero.
Whatever your land route, the last stretch is on the water. We run daily shared boats, private charters, and drop-offs at Tortuguero Village or lodging docks along the route — with help at the pier.
- Daily shared ticket La Pavona ↔ Tortuguero
- Private boat with flexible timing
- Direct transport to the village or lodging dock
By car
Travel by car (recommended)
The most flexible way to La Pavona. The drive is scenic; the last 15 km are gravel and doable in any vehicle. Park at the dock, then board with us.
San José to Guápiles
Take Route 32 through Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Turn at Guápiles
Drive through Guápiles on Route 247 toward Cariari.
Cariari to La Pavona
Follow signs for “La Pavona”. The paved road ends ~15 km before the dock; then a rural road leads to the pier.
When you arrive at the pier, Transporte Smith helps with luggage and coordinates your boat to Tortuguero Village or your lodging dock along the canals.
Location
Tortuguero dock
Where the boat drops you off, in the centre of Tortuguero village.
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La Pavona parking
Secure parking at La Pavona
Leave your vehicle near the dock while you visit Tortuguero. Our team greets you on arrival and connects you to your boat departure.
- 24/7 surveillance year-round
- 16 HD security cameras
- Just 20 meters from the dock
- Covered spots (subject to availability)
By bus
Travel by public bus
The most budget-friendly way to La Pavona, with one easy transfer in Cariari. The bus drops you at the pier ready to connect with our boat.
San José to Cariari
Take a “Grupo Caribeños” bus from the Gran Terminal del Caribe in San José. Regular departures from 6:30 am.
Transfer in Cariari
At the Cariari terminal, switch to a “Coopetraca” bus bound for La Pavona.
Arrival at La Pavona
The bus drops you at the pier. From there, the next step is the La Pavona → Tortuguero boat with Transporte Smith.
Book your boat ticket ahead of time so departures line up and you avoid long waits at the dock — especially in high season.
Domestic flights
If you’re short on time, Sansa flies from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) to Tortuguero airstrip (TTQ).
Most travelers choose La Pavona + boat: more affordable, flexible, and part of the river experience. If you fly in, we can still help coordinate boat transportation to the village or lodging docks inside Tortuguero.
Know how to reach La Pavona?
Next step: your seat on the boat. Daily departures, life jackets included, and local dock assistance — shared, private, or to the village or your lodging.