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Manatus Lodge

  • Manatus Lodge, Tortuguero
  • Manatus Lodge, Costa Rica
  • Bedrooms at Manatus Lodge
  • Bar at Manatus Lodge
  • Dining area at Manatus Lodge
  • Pool area at Manatus Lodge
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A small, comfortable lodge in Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park.

A small, comfortable lodge in Costa Rica’s wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park.

Manatus Lodge sits right in the heart of Tortuguero National Park and is only accessible by boat or light aircraft. With only 12 bungalows, the lodge offers an intimate and comfortable stay. Each bungalow features two queen beds, air conditioning, modern amenities, and a private outdoor patio with a shower – perfect for cooling down after a day’s wildlife spotting.

The lodge makes the most of its beautiful location with a swimming pool, bar, and deck area right on the water’s edge where sightings of monkeys, tropical birds, and other wildlife are common. The open-air restaurant serves à la carte dishes showcasing traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Included in your stay are two boat trips exploring the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park, where you’ll discover its extraordinary biodiversity. Expect to spot a wealth of wildlife, from dozens of bird species to river turtles, caiman, otters, iguanas, sloths, and three types of monkey – Spider, Howler, and Capuchin. You’ll also visit the nearby Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Centre.

Other adventures, such as guided night walks, kayaking, or witnessing Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles nesting (July–October), can be booked for an additional cost.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Highlight: All of Osa - the guided walks in the forest, the early bird-watching trip, the food, watching spider monkeys from the beach and toucans from the balconies, the friendly…

    DH, London Feb 2016
  • Highlights?: The drive Ranch Margot round Lake Arenal, staying there, seeing humming birds feeding from flowers a metre from our bungalow veranda, kayaking in the shadow of the amazing volcano.

    JH, London Dec 2016
  • Most memorable experiences:Seeing the turtles nesting in Tortugero, the magical Tortugero national park and Monteverde.  We also loved Tamarindo to chill and surf!

    EdVC, London Aug 2015
  • We had a really exceptional trip.  The mix of beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife made it a real adventure and yet the logistics made it achievable and stress free. Costa…

    GP, Warwick Jul 2015
  • Clearly the beauty and and profuseness of the country was inspiring.There were multiple highlights including some which we ourselves arranged, chocolate and vanilla farm visits especially.

    DS, Cardigan Feb 2016
  • Costa Rica with Journey Latin America is one of the best holidays we have ever had, if not the best.

    MD, Southam May 2026
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Our Expert's Opinion

Hannah
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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