This small village is a collection of rustic wood residences on a narrow spit of land between the Caribbean Sea and a dense maze of canals. The 600 inhabitants of the village make their living from working in the tourist industry and farming and fishing to a lesser extent. There are no roads leading to Tortuguero, visitors can only reach the
village via the Intercoastal Waterway or small plane.
Reaching Tortuguero by canal is an attraction in itself. Hiking, canoeing and kayaking in the area offer excellent wildlife observation. The community takes pride in the adjacent national park and aids in the conservation of turtles nesting there. Cultural and geographical information as well as naturalist guides are available in the village.