Our comprehensive Tamarindo travel guide explores Costa Rica’s Gold Coast – an iconic travel wonderland of cerulean sea and golden sands, tropical dry forest and hidden waterfalls, beachfront restaurants and ocean-view nightlife. In other words, paradise.
From things to do and budget advice, to attraction information and places to stay, our travel guide to Tamarindo uncovers some of the world’s best surfing, most beautiful beaches, and most epic sunsets. Welcome!
Questions? We have answers! And for anything you don’t find in our updated Costa Rica private villa & Tamarindo travel FAQ, just get in touch! We’re always happy to help.
So, you’re thinking about traveling to Costa Rica this year? We’ll bet you have questions. Luckily, we also have answers.
We won’t cover the standard FAQ fare – where is Tamarindo? (northwestern Costa Rica, in the province of Guanacaste) or do Costa Ricans speak English? (not as their first language, but English is widely spoken) – but rather, we’ll touch on all those things that can and do frequently change – especially after the 2020 we all had.
There’s nothing quite like a last-minute getaway to relieve stress and satiate your travel bug. Tamarindo – and our Costa Rica private villa rentals – are the perfect choice for your next escape.
In times past, there were two basic vacationer types: The pre-planning kind who reserved travel days, booked accommodations, and even researched activities months or years in advance; and the seat-of-the-pants type, who snagged a great deal on flights and left everything else (or thereabouts) until after landing.
Today, our post-2020 world has produced a third type – a type that bridges the gap between the pre-planners and the seat-of-their-pantsers, often pulling each into its thrilling orbit: These are the last-minute vacationers, who embrace the greater flexibility, lower stress, and excellent deals afforded by last-minute plans.
The question is – where will you go? Ask us, and we think Tamarindo and our Costa Rica private villa rentals are the perfect choice. Here’s why:
The family that plays together, enjoys 2021 together! This year, consider taking an extended family vacation in Costa Rica – complete with sun, sand, and virtual work/school!
Hey, parents – quick question: Are your school-age kids still schooling from home?
If you’re nodding your head (while possibly shuddering), you’re not alone: Much of the world is in the same boat. Not quite homeschool and definitely not your standard education, COVID-age virtual schooling is both an understandable safety measure and an almost-guarantee of cabin fever. Whether your kids are 6 or 16, we stand in solidarity.
We also have an idea.
Costa Rica has long been an outdoor playground for kids and their families. From surfing and rainforest hikes to paddle-boarding and waterfall-rappelling, this is the kind of place that’s naturally outward bound. No effort required.
And so, when The Wall Street Journal recently discussed a wild homeschooling alternative in Costa Rica… parents around the world perked up. But wait: That program is only for teens. Teens who are mature enough to travel without their parents – and the parents who are comfortable enough to send them alone.
What about the rest of us? Well, that’s where our idea comes in…
Virtual Schooling + Extended Family Vacation in Costa Rica
https://stayintamarindo.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/03033737/stay_in_tamarindo_logo-300x125.png00Erin Raubhttps://stayintamarindo.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/03033737/stay_in_tamarindo_logo-300x125.pngErin Raub2021-02-22 08:00:342021-02-22 15:38:04An Extended Family Vacation in Costa Rica: Stay, Play & Learn!
Costa Rica is a paradise of natural wonders – of outdoor activities to enjoy beneath the sun, out in the breeze, and amidst your bubble of nearest and dearest. Or all alone. Whatever and however you please.
We’ve said it before (and we’ll probably say it again): The decision to travel right now is a personal one. No one can make it for you.
What we can do, however, is share some information (and a few personal experiences and anecdotes) on what Costa Rica travel is like right now. Is it safe? What kind of restrictions are in place? What about the airport – what’s flying like, right now? And on and on.
And, if you do decide to travel, we can also help put your mind at ease with a selection of Costa Rica private villas and beach houses where you can keep your distance and have your vacation, too.
But first:
Costa Rica and COVID-19: What to Expect on Your Vacation
The first impression you’ll have is that Costa Rica feels safe.
And, within today’s global framework, Costa Rica is safe: Costa Rica has received the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council. This stamp certifies a destination as safe for travel, per 16 health and hygiene protocols.
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Travel to Costa Rica affords privacy, luxury, and plenty of outdoor activity – bathed in sunshine and kissed by ocean breeze. Give yourself something to look forward to in 2021!
Have you ever been quite so excited – hopeful, even – about turning the calendar page to a new year? Because, while 2020 has been challenging the world around, vaccine roll-outs are now underway and 2021 shows promise of better times to come. We have our fingers and toes crossed!
Here in Tamarindo, we’re happy to report that life has mostly returned to normal. Or, our new normal, at least: COVID protocols are comfortably in place: We’re masked, transparent barriers are erected at grocery stores, and disinfection is standard everywhere. And, at Stay in Tamarindo, we’ve prepared our vacation home for safe, sanitized travel. (Read more about our COVID-safe protocols.)
Here, you have the freedom to simply be with family and friends. Travel to Costa Rica and you can play on the beach, swim in the ocean, and soak in the sun. You can hike into solitary dry forest, explore backroads via ATV, and snorkel with only the fish as company. You can get outside. You can enjoy your vacation. You can be content – joyful, even!
Because, we’ve all missed those feelings of anticipation, of pure delight, of elation. Now is the time to feel them again, as you begin planning a trip to Costa Rica.
https://stayintamarindo.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/03033737/stay_in_tamarindo_logo-300x125.png00Erin Raubhttps://stayintamarindo.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/03033737/stay_in_tamarindo_logo-300x125.pngErin Raub2020-12-11 06:00:172020-12-10 19:03:13It’s [Almost] a New Year – Time to Travel to Costa Rica in 2021
You’re just one Costa Rica corona virus insurance policy away from paradise. Here, we detail all the requirements – plus four compliant local and international policies, including costs!
Travel in 2020 is unlike travel ever before: In addition to all the normal concerns – Do I have my passport? Did I pack the right type of shoes? What if the airline loses my luggage? – the pandemic has layered on a whole new tier of topics to consider.
Here’s one concern we can help allay: What is this Costa Rica corona virus travel insurance– (officially, COVID-19 or coronavirus, but we’ve adjusted to corona virus, to account for how many of our travelers are searching) – and what available policies will cover the requirements? More specifically, what’s the cheapest [qualifying] Costa Rica travel insurance available?
But first, let’s talk basics:
November 2020: Costa Rica Travel Requirements
How about a private, oven-view pool for the ultimate in luxury (not to mention, perfection in social distancing)?
As of November 2020, our national borders are open and Costa Rica corona virus protocols are evolving. Evolving to be easier-to-understand, that is!
Costa Rica’s simplified travel requirements are the following:
Traveler’s Medical Insurance (international or Costa Rican), effective for your visit and that covers at least $50,000 in medical expenses (including COVID) and a minimum $2,000 for COVID-related (possible quarantine) lodging expenses.
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Talk about social distancing! There’s no better place to spend the holiday season – or to connect to your virtual office, the kids’ online school, or your colleagues – than from one of our exclusive Tamarindo vacation rentals – your own private enclave. (Pictured: Casa Ventana, in Tamarindo)
Oh hello, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? Because wow, what a year! In some ways, 2020 feels like the punchline to a cringe-worthy riddle – when did a decade fall within the span of just a few months? – but in other ways, it’s just been… unprecedented. That’s a good word for it.
So, we thought we’d brighten your day with a little bit of much-needed precedent: The Costa Rican holiday season is upon us – and our Tamarindo vacation rentals are ready play! More than ready. We are delighted and excited and all the other good things!
Because, whether you’re planning a Christmas in Costa Rica or a New Year’s abroad, a break from the office or a long-term, work-from-home rental in paradise, we have the Tamarindo vacation package or just-right-for-you vacation home to fulfill all your travel needs and dreams.
All while keeping you safe, of course. Here’s what’s been happening in Costa Rica – at our airports, in our local businesses, and even on the government level. Or, just skip ahead to the fun stuff – plan your holiday in Costa Rica, check out our longer-term rentals (work or school abroad, anyone?), or jump right to finding the Tamarindo vacation rentals perfect for you.
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We’d like to give you a Costa Rica Coronavirus Update, so you will feel safe, booking a trip with us.
In the final months of this challenging year, who doesn’t need a vacation?! There’s nothing better for your physical and mental health than sunshine, clean air, warm salty ocean water, and exercise.
Costa Rica is the ideal destination for your first post-pandemic vacation! We, at Stay in Tamarindo are a local organically-grown vacation company located a stone’s throw from the sand in Tamarindo, Costa Rica and we can’t wait to host you! We’ve been here throughout lock-down and the travel freeze holding down the fort, keeping our Costa Rica vacation rental homes cleaner than ever and in perfect condition. We’ve kept our vans running and our certifications active so that now, as Costa Rica Travel restrictions lift and flights begin to arrive, we’re ready for you and it’s time to make your 2020 Costa Rica travel dreams come true!
Need some post-Covid Relaxation in Costa Rica? We’ve got you covered.
Planning a Costa Rica surf vacation? This guide will help you narrow down where and when – and where to stay, after you’ve figured out your where and when.
So, you’re planning a Costa Rica surf vacation. You’re excited! You’re hopeful. You’re already shopping for special vacation surfboard wax.
The only problem – you’re not quite sure of where to go. Or when. Or where you’ll stay. Or, well, any of it. Because Costa Rica’s surf is legendary and, whether you’re a beginner who’s only popped up a few times or an advanced surfer looking for your next-greatest challenge, all you’re sure of is that you’ll soon be surfing in Costa Rica.
That’s an exhilarating thing to be sure of. This guide will fill you in on the rest.
Popular Costa Rica Surf Destinations
The good news is that you’ll find both beginner-friendly and good surf almost everywhere Costa Rica. The great news is that you’ll find world-class surf in a few of those areas.
The not-quite-as-good news is that you won’t have time to surf it all. (Well, unless you’re here for a few years.) So, you’ll have to prioritize. At least, for this trip.
Here’s our rule of thumb: Stick to one major surf region per each 7-10 days of your trip, so you have plenty of time to explore, enjoy, and surf every must and many of the if-you-cans. And, be sure to identify all a region’s bucket-list breaks that meet your skill level and preferences.
Have a yen to quench your tropical thirst. We have a few (okay, many!) Costa Rican microbrews, craft beers, and other brews for you to try.
In the land of sun and fun, you’ll likely to crave an ice-cold one. That’s our motto, at least.
It’s true – if you’re like many of your fellow travelers, you’ll often be on the hunt for some chilly refreshment. Luckily, craft beer and Costa Rican microbrews are readily available and pairs perfectly with Costa Rican fare and the warm tropical sun.
You’ll quickly discover that there’s one MAJOR player in Costa Rican beer: the Florida Ice & Farm Company (FIFCO), which produces all of Costa Rica’s more mainstream, standard brews, including those that maraud under the brand names of Imperial, Pilsen, and Bavaria.
Since you can find those everywhere and on every menu, we thought we’d highlight a few of the harder-to-find, you-may-have-to-ask-for-them Costa Rican microbrews, craft beers, and artisan lagers that we’ve grown to know and love.
