Your Costa Rican adventure begins the moment you land in San José, and one of the most exciting stops along the way is the famous Crocodile Bridge over the Tarcoles River. This incredible vantage point allows you to witness dozens of massive American crocodiles lounging along the riverbanks or gliding through the water below. Some of these prehistoric giants grow up to 15 feet long, making for an excellent photo opportunity.
At Tulemar Resort, we want to ensure your journey is as enjoyable as your stay, which is why our drivers are happy to stop at the Crocodile Bridge during your transfer from SJO. This gives you the chance to stretch your legs, take in the sights, and start immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity right from the start. The air-conditioned vans seat up to 8 people and are well-maintained. All drivers are commercially licensed, and fully insured to ensure a safe and convenient transfer to the hotel.
The cost is US$240 + 13% VAT one-way between Tulemar Resort and the San José International Airport.
Warm wishes this festive season from all of us at Tulemar Resort. We hope your holidays are filled with fun and laughter and offer our very best wishes for a prosperous New Year!
This Thanksgiving, let us handle the cooking. We’ve put together a special Thanksgiving menu filled with all the classic flavors to make your celebration feel just like home. Join us at Victoria’s just steps away from our front desk on Nov. 28th from 3-10 pm for a festive meal with friends and family. This 3-course meal costs 18,500 colones or $36 USD per person (plus 10% service charge & 13% VAT).
Celebrate Thanksgiving with us at Tulemar Resort. We can’t wait to make this day memorable for you and your loved ones.
We are excited to share that Victoria’s Gourmet Italian Restaurant, a highlight of dining at Tulemar Resort, has earned the prestigious 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. This recognition places us in the elite top 10% of restaurants globally, a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional cuisine, service, and dining experiences.
Italian Cuisine with A Costa Rican Twist
As Manuel Antonio’s premier award-winning Italian restaurant, Victoria’s brings the enchanting charm of Italy right into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle. Specialising in authentic Italian flavours with a tropical twist, Victoria’s has become a favourite for guests and locals alike. From handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, every dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and passion.
Thank You for Your Support
A huge thank you to all our wonderful guests! Your amazing reviews and ongoing support have helped us achieve this award. We appreciate every kind word and can’t wait to welcome you back to enjoy another meal with us.
Costa Rica is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, accounting for approximately 5% of the world’s total species. This small country is home to an array of ecosystems, including rainforests, cloud forests, and coastal environments, which support a vast variety of wildlife. From mammals to amphibians, Costa Rica’s fauna offers an unparalleled look into nature’s diversity.
The Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Among Costa Rica’s remarkable species, the Red-Eyed Tree Frog is known for its distinctive red eyes, green body, and orange limbs, making it easily recognizable. This nocturnal amphibian plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by maintaining insect populations and serving as prey for larger animals. Its unique ability to camouflage itself by closing its eyes and tucking in its limbs allows it to blend into its surroundings, evading predators.
A Rare Sight
At Tulemar Resort, tour guide Oscar has documented an extraordinary example of genetic variation within the species. His favourite photograph captures a Red-Eyed Tree Frog exhibiting heterochromia, a condition where one eye remains the typical bright red, while the other is silver. Heterochromia is most commonly observed in mammals, making this occurrence in an amphibian extremely rare. Oscar notes that these frogs are most easily observed during Costa Rica’s green season, when their activity increases due to the abundance of moisture in their environment.
Green Season at Tulemar Resort
From Aug. 27 to Oct. 31, 2024, Tulemar Resort’s Green Season Special lets you experience Costa Rica’s rainforest in full bloom and vibrant landscapes. Enjoy the country’s rich biodiversity with fewer tourists and the best rates of the year. Learn more on our website.
Costa Rica’s biodiversity is a product of its diverse climate and topography. The country’s varied landscapes, from dense rainforests to coastal mangroves support over 900 bird species and a wide array of wildlife. This rich variety is made possible by the country’s tropical climate, the range of elevations, and the years of conservation efforts.
Female 3 Toed Sloth
King Vulture
Fiery Billed Aracari
Meet Oscar Herrera
Oscar Herrera, one of the incredible guides at Tulemar Resort, is a biologist, nature photographer, and certified guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. With extensive knowledge of the rich variety of flora and fauna found, Oscar provides valuable insights into the perse natural world in Costa Rica.
Smallest and Largest Bird in Costa Rica
Smallest: Costa Rica is home to at least 50 species of hummingbirds, and the scintillant hummingbird is the smallest, measuring just 2.5 inches in length.
Largest: The Jabiru stork, with its impressive wingspan of up to 10 feet, is the largest bird in Costa Rica. Found in wetlands and along rivers, it’s distinguished by its striking black and white plumage and distinctive red throat pouch.
Endangered Animals
Costa Rica is home to several endangered species, many of which face threats from habitat loss and environmental changes. The country’s ongoing conservation initiatives aim to protect these species and their ecosystems.
Titi Monkey: Also known as the squirrel monkey, the titi monkey is critically endangered due to deforestation. Native to Costa Rica and Panama, this small, agile monkey may be spotted at Tulemar, where conservation efforts are dedicated to preserving its natural habitat.
Squirrel Monkey
Rare Sightings in Costa Rica
While jaguars are among Costa Rica’s rarest animals due to their elusive nature, Oscar has encountered other rare species:
Jaguarundi: Costa Rica has 6 different types of wild cats, all of which are rarely seen. During the National Park tour in the rainy season, Oscar and his guests saw one of the wild cats, a jaguarundi.
Silky Anteater: On the Mangrove Tour, Oscar encountered the silky anteater, the smallest anteater species. Its tiny size and shy behaviour make this sighting particularly special.
Red-Eyed Tree Frog: Oscar’s favourite photograph features a red-eyed tree frog with heterochromia—a rare condition where one eye is red, and the other silver. This unique genetic trait is mostly seen in mammals but is exceptionally rare in amphibians.
Jaguarundi
Silky Anteater
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Experience Wildlife with Oscar
For those keen to explore Costa Rica’s wildlife, Oscar leads several tours at Tulemar Resort, including the Mangrove Tour, Manuel Antonio National Park Tour, Night Jungle Tour, and Birdwatching Tour. Oscar’s favourite time to guide is the rainy season, from May to November. “This period is ideal for spotting a variety of creatures, including amphibians, reptiles, snakes, and birds. With fewer visitors around, we can fully immerse ourselves in each location and enjoy a more personal experience,” he shares.
From August 27th to October 31st, 2024, Tulemar Resort presents a unique opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the season, along with the best prices of the year. Book with our Green Special directly on our website today.
It’s Green Season in Costa Rica – a magical time of year; a time of renewal and natural abundance, characterized by refreshing rains that transform the landscape into a lush paradise. What better way to experience it than to get off the beaten path with an unforgettable, full-day tour to discover three magnificent waterfalls with Tulemar Resort!?
At 8 am, guests will be picked up in the resort shuttle van to escape the crowds and begin exploring three different waterfalls like a local. As they journey through the rainforest, guests will witness the vibrant flora and fauna come alive. All of the waterfalls have a watering hole that guests can leap into, and one even features an exciting 20 ft. natural water slide.
As the tour nears its end, guests will unwind on a beautiful semi-private beach, concluding a day filled with adventure and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adventurous soul, a wildlife enthusiast, or a relaxation-seeking yearning for tranquility, this tour has it all. Designed for all ages, our tour ensures safe and memorable experiences for families.
Regular Tour Price: $130 USD per person
Private Tour Price: $160 USD per person (min 2 people)
Pickup Time: 8 AM
Average Tour Length: ~3-8 hours
Minimum Age: 5 years old
Meals, snacks, and water included
Interested? From August 27th to October 31st, 2024, Tulemar Resort presents a unique opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the season, along with the best prices of the year. Book with our Green Special directly on our website today.
Nestled in 33 acres of lush Tulemar Gardens, Tulemar Resort lets guests experience Costa Rica’s rich diversity right at their doorstep.
This ecological preserve extends the habitat of the natural flora and fauna of Manuel Antonio National Park, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Among the many creatures that call this reserve home, the playful monkeys are a highlight for most visitors.
One of the most frequently spotted at Tulemar Resort is the White-faced Capuchin monkey. These highly intelligent and curious primates are often seen traversing the “monkey highway” in the jungle. Capuchins are social animals, living in groups and communicating through a series of vocalizations and gestures. They are easily identified by their distinctive white faces and dark bodies.
Another commonly seen monkey in Tulemar Resort is the Squirrel Monkey, also known as Titi Monkeys. These small, energetic monkeys live in large, active troops, and their high-pitched calls can often be heard echoing through the forest. They are often seen effortlessly leaping through branches and navigating the canopy. They are easily identified by their bright striking orange and black fur, and their expressive faces.
Tulemar Resort’s commitment to preserving the natural environment creates an ideal environment for these cherished primates. The maritime zone surrounding the property provides ample food sources and dense vegetation, offering both sustenance and protection. Tulemar Resort is more than just a destination; it’s a vibrant ecosystem where the wonders of nature are on full display, inviting guests to experience the magic of Costa Rica’s wildlife up close.
From August to October, Manuel Antonio offers the best time to witness the majestic California and Antarctic Humpback Whales. These whales migrate thousands of miles, with California Humpbacks traveling from Alaska and Antarctic Humpbacks journeying from the Southern Ocean.
During these months, visitors can observe the whales breaching, tail-slapping, and singing as they pass through our waters. It’s a unique opportunity to see both populations converging in one place. The warm, protected waters around Manuel Antonio provide an ideal environment for humpbacks to breed and give birth, making it a safe haven for mother whales and their calves.
If you are considering a trip to the ‘Rich Coast’, don’t miss our Green Season special. Discover the magic of whale season, enjoy the stunning Tulemar Beach, and create lasting memories with these magnificent marine giants—all for less.
We’re proud to announce that Tulemar Resort Hotel, has accomplished something truly remarkable. We’re thrilled to reveal that in the esteemed 2024 Tripadvisor “Best of Best” Gold awards, Tulemar Resort Hotel has secured the #4 spot in Costa Rica for hotels and #5 in Central America. This annual distinction recognizes our consistent delivery of exceptional experiences, placing us in the top ranking 1% of properties globally.
For five consecutive years, Tulemar Resort Hotel has proudly maintained its position among Tripadvisor’s Top Hotels in the World, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.
Since its opening in 1992, Tulemar Resort Hotel has been a sought-after destination for luxury travel, attracting discerning guests from around the world. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the exceptional management, services, and amenities that have become synonymous with the Tulemar Resort Hotel
We extend heartfelt thanks to our amazing guests, whose reviews and recommendations have been instrumental in shaping our success.
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