Posada casa tucán tranquilo (PCTT), which means “the house of the tranquil toucan”, was founded by our multi-generational family in 2017. We are 100% Gandoqueños (Gandocans), and are descendants of Afro-Caribbean and indigenous Bribri ancestors. In addition to lodging and food services, we specialize in providing sustainable experiential learning, environmental, cultural, and adventure experiences to promote rural tourism and economic development in Gandoca. Our team consists of bilingual professionals from the community, with extensive knowledge in providing authentic experiential learning experiences to students and volunteers as well as national and international tourists.
We are located in the southeast of the province of Limón, in the rural community of Gandoca. Some special features of Gandoca are a wetland of international importance and the largest and best-preserved mangrove forest in the southern Costa Rican Caribbean region. Gandoca is also a nesting site for 3 species of sea turtles (hawksbill, green turtle and leatherback) and is the only coastal community in the southeast of the province of Limón, which has not yet been negatively impacted by touristic development like its neighboring communities (Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Punta Uva and Manzanillo).
The safety of participants in our adventures and experiential programs is the number priority. This is the first and most critical step we take to delivery our programs effectively.
Encouraging eco-friendly practices to preserve our village environment.
Supporting the local community through responsible volunteer programs and tourism practices that respect people, their culture, traditions and the environment.
Ensuring the comfort of guests by providing clean, well-maintained rooms and amenities.
Offering warm and friendly hospitality to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Promoting a peaceful environment where everyone can enjoy a tranquil stay.
At Casa tucán tranquilo, nature is right outside your door! Immerse yourself in the rainforest environment and enjoy tropical birds, sloths, monkeys and more in this costal Costa Rica town that is off the beaten track.
Snorkeling in Punta Mona Reef is an extraordinary experience that promises a day filled with adventure. Nestled along Costa Rica’s stunning Caribbean coast, this picturesque reef teems with an abundance of marine life and dazzling coral formations. Visitors are greeted with crystal-clear turquoise waters that invite them to immerse themselves in nature’s aquatic playground. Accompanied by experienced guides, snorkelers of all levels can delve into the depths, discovering a mesmerizing array of tropical fish, colorful corals, and other captivating marine species. We will provide all of the equipment, experienced guides during the duration of the tour as well as light refreshments. This is a six-hour tour that includes a hike to Punta Mona and a boat tour from Punta Mona back to Gandoca.
For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, a snorkeling day tour in Punta Mona Reef is a must. It offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature, appreciate its wonders, and leave with a profound sense of admiration and responsibility for the preservation of our oceans. So, if you’re planning your next escapade, don’t miss the chance to explore the enchanting Punta Mona Reef – a true paradise beneath the waves.
Glide over the tranquil waters of the Gandoca Lagoon by boat as you are surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the tropical mangrove forest!
During this tour, we will explore one of the most important wetlands in the Southern Caribbean zone of Costa Rica, which has the largest and least contaminated mangrove forest in the country. An expert local guide will lead you on a journey through the ecosystem, the animal and plant life that it supports, the different types of mangroves, and human impacts on mangrove health. After exploring the mangroves, we will go to the mouth of the lagoon where it meets the sea, enjoy light refreshments and take a swim in the refreshing waters of the lagoon.
Embrace the wilderness with a beach and mountain hike, traversing through dense rainforests, encountering exotic flora and fauna, and connecting with the raw beauty of the landscape. The panoramic views from these remote, untouched beaches are an awe-inspiring example of nature’s grandeur. This hike is a full-day adventure which takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the physical condition of the group. The hike is on soft-surface trails and is medium intensity due to the distance. If the group prefers a shorter hike, we can plan half of the route to reduce the distance.
There are a variety of pristine beaches along the hike as well as primary forest ecosystems, which we will explore during the tour as the educational component. We will stop for a snack and go swimming at one of the beaches. The landscape is hilly, forested and, depending on whether it rains or not before the hike, the trail can be muddy. The hike is approximately 15 kilometers total (9.3 miles). After the hike, we will dine at one of the best local restaurants in the area and then head back to Gandoca village by boat, looking for dolphins and other animals along the way. If the weather is not favorable, we will return to Gandoca by shuttle.