COVID-19 Traveler’s Information

All travelers from around the world are currently welcome to Costa Rica and Tambor Tropical can help you facilitate the process:

Costa Rica does not require PCR (COVID) test to enter the country.

If you are going back to the United States, you are required a PCR or rapid Antigen test to enter back and you can have either one taken at our hotel by previous appointment.

These are the remaining 2 requirements:

  1. Purchase travel medical insurance*** that covers COVID-19 related hospitalization and unexpected lodging expenses. We recommend https://www.trawickinternational.com/travel-insurance-plans/costa-rica-required-travel-insurance
  2. Complete an online epidemiological form, known as the Health Pass https://salud.go.cr/

***As of August 1 2021, no insurance is required if you are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before entering the country

Frequently asked questions:

  1. Why do I need a lodging expenses insurance?

Costa Rica is including this requirement to guarantee that lodging would be covered during a potential quarantine period if a traveler gets infected. While two Costa Rican companies (INS and Sagicor) sell pre-approved insurance policies, we at do recommend Trawick International for price* and being user friendly: https://www.trawickinternational.com/travel-insurance-plans/costa-rica-required-travel-insurance. * Price will vary on each individual case.

  1. Is my destination safe?

Tambor Tropical meets all sanitary measures and protocols. We have been awarded the “Safe District Certificate” by local municipality to our establishment.

NOTE: If you have any symptoms please restrain from traveling.

Planning for your journey

Prepare to Travel

Do I need a passport or a visa to travel to Costa Rica? All Canadian, US, and EU citizens who travel to Costa Rica for tourism and pleasure purposes need a valid passport. Please check your passport to make sure you have at least 6 months validity from the time you enter Costa Rica. If it is not, you should get your passport renewed before you come to Tambor. A visa is not required.

Is there a departure tax when leaving Costa Rica? When you leave Costa Rica, you will have to pay a departure tax of $29 USD. Frequently the departure tax is included in your ticket, if not, It must be paid at Juan Santamaria International Airport before going through airport security. The tax is payable in either Colones, U.S. Dollars, or with Visa/Mastercard.

Travel Methods

Getting Here Directions
By Plane

Direct flights operate daily from San José to Tambor on both Sansa Airlines and Aerobell. The short hop takes less than 30 minutes. We provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.

By Car
From San José, the new highway to Puntarenas takes about 90 minutes to two hours. From there, make sure to catch the ferry to Paquera. The Paquera ferry takes about 75 minutes but you might have to wait for it in Puntarenas. The current website schedule can be viewed here. We recommend using the Naviera Tambor ferry to and from Paquera since it is closer to Tambor and the road is paved.

By Bus
We recommend sharing shuttle services by Interbus. Also, Transportes Cobano operates two daily buses from San José to Cóbano, stopping in Tambor. Including the ferry ride, the trip takes about four hours.

Staying Information

Check Out and Check-Ins

Regular Time

Office hours are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wake-up knocks, information on the country’s departure tax (credit cards accepted), and taxi service arrangements are available — just inquire at the office. There are security services on the grounds from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Check-Out Time is 1:00 p.m. If you are leaving Tambor by airplane, and your flight is later than 1:00 p.m., let us know at least one day in advance. If our occupancy level allows, we can be flexible with checkout times. Please return your room key to the office at check out. Transportation to the airport will be arranged with a one-day advance request.
ENJOY and REMEMBER

Make Memories Here

Our reservation team is ready to answer any questions you have.
We love to accommodate our guests and look forward to providing an excellent experience for you.