Since Costa Rica closed their borders mid March, Tamarindo went from a booming surf town gearing up for the unprecedented “Semana Santa” busiest week of the year to a ghost town in the course of a few days. These Covid times have certainly offset everyone’s plans and been a time of reflection and rebirth for everyone. We’ve taken the down time to beefed up our YouTube Channel, remodeled the Pueblo Dorado with an awesome communal kitchen, and put our Online Store on our website with some killer products.
As many know, Costa Rica’s largest industry is tourism. If you’ve ever been here and seen the miles of breathtaking beaches, the perfectly groomed waves, the picturesque volcanoes, the lush green cloud forests, the exotic fauna, etc, you understand why tourism comprises 8.2% of Costa Rica’s GDP.
On November 1st, 2020, Costa Rica opened its boarders to the entire world with many airlines operating at normal capacity.
Here’s what you’ll need in addition to your plane ticket to enter Costa Rica.
- All people entering Costa Rica must complete the digital epidemiological form. This is known as the “Health Pass” or “Pase de Salud.” Click here for a link to the form.
- Tourists must purchase travel insurance that covers accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19. This policy can be international or purchased from Costa Rican insurers. We’ve heard the best company for this is Sagicor (tiendasagicor.com)
What is Costa Rica like during these COVID times? What’s open? What’s Closed?
Most common tourist attractions are allowed to operate normally. This includes all open-air activities, such as hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, snorkeling, etc.
Costa Rica’s beaches are open every day, all day. Most national parks are open. Hotels and other forms of accommodation can operate at 100% capacity. Restaurants can operate at up to 50% capacity.
All essential services, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, health clinics, etc. are operating normally, and masks are required for entry.
Bars and nightclubs are open until 10pm with stricter regulations about common areas, dancing, music volumes, etc. Basically all the dance halls have transitioned to restaurants for the time being.
Mass-gathering events in general remain suspended, though there are exceptions for religious gatherings (and some others) that maintain proper physical distancing.
You must wear a mask when inside any public establishment. Exceptions include: While eating at a restaurant and while in your own residence/hotel room. Infants and people with certain disabilities are also exempted. If you do not have a mask, you may be denied entry into an establishment.
If you’re looking to start planning your trip, please contact us at 1-888-318-7873 and we’ll start planning.
Pura Vida!
