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The Tortuguero Canal along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica
Tortuguero means región de las tortugas, or region of the turtles. This area in Costa Rica is appropriately named since it abounds with turtles. The Tortuguero Canals are an extensive system of canals on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. They pass through the dense rain forests of the Braulio Carrillo National Park and continue on through Tortuguero National Park, both of which are known for their great diversity of flora and fauna. The area is often referred to as the “Amazon of the Caribbean.” In addition to river turtles, sea turtles such as green sea turtles, leatherbacks, and hawksbills all nest on the beaches here. The nesting of sea turtles is one of nature’s most amazing sights, and Costa Rica protects this turtle habitat.
Explore More:
Learn more about this turtle nesting site—about how turtles lay their eggs in the sand and how the babies scurry into the sea. Look on the Internet for some amazing videos of the turtles at the Tortuguero nesting site.
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Why do you think this area of canals is called the “Amazon of the Caribbean”?