In the area of Tortuguero National Park a number of jungle lodges offer pleasant accommodations and wonderful gardens for wildlife viewing from your balcony. A walk around the grounds may reveal many varieties of reptiles and amphibians such as tiny colorful poison dart frogs, large toads, land turtles, and a colorful variety of lizards.

If conservation and tourism can effectively compete with the local economies such as the sale of wood, land, exotic animals, and sea turtles and their eggs, these natural areas can be forever preserved.

The inhabitants of the village of Tortuguero have shown that this type of sustainable development can be beneficial to both the local economies and the local conservation efforts.

The ex-poachers, loggers, and hunters make excellent jungle/wildlife guides and through training and education, become staunch supporters of local conservation efforts.  Many locals work as park rangers, hotel staff, or own and operate restaurants

Many local guides now have to compete with large tourism organizations from the capital city of San Jose that employ their own guides.

These guides are well-trained. 

However, they are not native to the area and their earnings do not benefit the people of the Atlantic coast.

By supporting the local guides, one is contributing to the local economy that in turn furthers the support of local conservation efforts. 

Integrating culturally friendly tourism preserves the integrity of the native population and enhances the possibility for the survival of the unique biodiversity of Tortuguero National Park.