Posted on 10/29/2020

Costa Rica Open to the World - and our Tamarindo Vacation Rentals Are Ready for the Holidays!

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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COVID Travel to Costa Rica: Who's Flying and What Do I Need?


As of November 1, 2020, Costa Rica's national COVID protocols have become a lot easier to interpret. In addition to simplifying entry requirements for travelers, these updated protocols equate to more certainty for airlines, attractions, and other travel-related businesses. Which, for you, means a decreased chance of itinerary changes, cancellations, and other headaches. And all that to say, that flights, airline openings, and other good news have increased over the last few weeks. As of publish, airlines have provided the following updates:
  • Already Flying to/from Costa Rica: Aeromexico, Air France, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Iberia, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Spirit and United Airlines (including service to Liberia, the closest airport to Tamarindo)
  • Scheduled Flight Re-Openings, Coming Soon: Air Canada (November 3), Alaska Air (November 19), British Airways (November 1), Edelweiss (December 23), Southwest (2021)
As for what you'll need, to simplify:
  • A completed Health Pass.
  • 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. (Get in touch and we'll be happy to help you find the right policy.)
For more information on entry requirements, please see our Costa Rica Coronavirus Update.

San Jose and Liberia Airports – COVID Updates and Protocols


We get it – travel is simply different now. There's no getting around it. Before you even book your airfare, you want to know how Costa Rica will help keep you safe. So, here are a few ways we – and the airports – have prioritized your health, from the moment you arrive:
  • Safety Accreditation: Our local airport, Liberia's Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR), is the third terminal in the world to receive the ACI Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) following the Coronavirus pandemic.
  • Masks Required: Masks are required in many public spaces, including Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose / SJO) and Daniel Oduber International Airport (Liberia / LIR).
  • Transparent Barriers: Everywhere from the airport to grocery stores, you'll appreciate plastic barriers that help keep you safe and physically separated, even when you can't be distanced.
  • Sanitizing Carpets: At the airport, you'll walk over disinfectant rugs upon arrival and departure. You will likely walk over several more (although you may not notice them) at businesses throughout Costa Rica.
  • Temperature Measurements: At the airport, cameras offer no-touch temperature (fever) measurement; many area businesses also offer this service, upon entrance to their facilities.
  • Sanitizing Stations & Sinks: The airports, public areas, and many businesses have installed outdoor sanitizing stations – everything from free hand sanitizer to foot-operated sinks, soap and paper towels.
  • Marked Distancing: At the airport, tourist attractions, businesses and other locales, you'll notice that floors are marked for distancing.
  • Constant Disinfection: Costa Rica has seriously stepped up its sanitization measures. At airports and many locations around the country – restaurants, attractions, and more – you'll notice personnel unobtrusively cleaning, disinfecting and wiping down all high-touch surfaces.
For more airport safety measures and COVID protocols:

Stay in Tamarindo Reopens to Travel


As borders open, beaches re-open, and tourism begins to rebound, so do we! And we are so very happy to be back. Welcoming travelers is one of our greatest joys; 2020 has been dull without you. First things first, at Stay in Tamarindo, we prioritize your safety:
  • COVID Cleaning: Among other measures, we clean and sanitize all our Tamarindo vacation homes with both chlorine-based and organic disinfectants proven effective in killing new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2).
  • Courtesy Hand Sanitizer: We've equipped all our rentals with complementary hand sanitizer.
  • Masked Hospitality: All Stay in Tamarindo staff, including our cleaning crews, are fully masked during all moments of traveler contact.
  • Travel with Your "Bubble": Here in Costa Rica, we refer to your COVID companions as your social bubble. And here at Stay in Tamarindo, our concierge ensures your travel plans – transportation, tours and activities – are for your bubble only.
If there's anything else you need to feel safe, we're game! Please get in touch and tell us what we can do to make your travel worry free.

Logistics Complete, Let's Talk Christmas & New Year's Travel!


When you look out your window, what do you see? If you live anywhere north of the border, the scene is likely one of changing leaves (or barren trees, if you're very far north), gray skies, and blustery winds. Here's what we see: Blue skies, warm sun, and a hint of Pacific blue – the perfect view for fall and winter! And it can be yours. That's right, Costa Rica is gearing up for the holidays and for our traditional tropical Christmas, New Year's, and general holiday season. Because, it's definitely the most wonderful time of the year. From twinkling palm trees to snow-less sand-men, Costa Rica loves the season. Want to get into the spirit? Check out our favorite Costa Rican Christmas traditions (all non-religious) and after-Christmas & New Year's traditions – they're guaranteed to light up your day and put a smile on your face, while keeping you distanced! And this year, we love are even more excited about the coming weeks and months, because are ready to welcome you! To help build you the perfect Tamarindo vacation package or offer a just-the-right holiday specials. Because that's what gets us in the holiday spirit! Ready to get started – or just want to window-shop for your favorite Tamarindo vacation rentals? From Tamarindo and Playa Langosta, to Hacienda Pinilla and Playa Flamingo, our carefully curated homes offer the best that Costa Rica has to offer.

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Virtual Work & School? Connect from Costa Rica!


You're already comfortable with social-distancing from home, so why not transition to a paradise home base in Costa Rica? Forget a Tamarindo vacation package – how about a life package? Because there's never been a better or more affordable time to try out life abroad, treat your kids to a little culture, or push your stay-at-home entertainment to its absolute limits. Because, not only is it the best time of year  the transition from green to dry season, when everything is lush but the sun is almost always shining! – but we're also offering incredible monthly deals on Tamarindo vacation rentals. And that means, more to do, more to love, more to get you excited about staying homebound: infinity pools and ocean views, beach walks and nature explorations. All that, without sacrificing the necessary amenities: high-speed WiFi, gourmet kitchens, and plenty of room for the whole family.

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Complimentary Concierge Services with Stay in Tamarindo

As always, when you book a stay with Stay in Tamarindo, you're reserving more than just our Tamarindo vacation rentals; your booking also includes full travel concierge services. Cristina (aka Cris) is our wonderful, knowledgeable, and friendly in-house concierge. She not only knows greater TamarindoPlaya Langosta, Hacienda Pinilla, Playa Flamingo and Playa Junquillal like the back of her hand, but her job is to get to know you that well, too. Here's how it works: When you book, Cristina will get in touch. She'll send you our welcome packet, which includes an intro to many of the most popular Tamarindo activities, tours, and attractions. Have a look. Get a taste of what our region has to offer. Start building your must-do and would-like-to-do lists. Then, it's time to get personal. Because Cris is not your standard travel agent: she doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Her job is to get to know you, and know you well, so she can build your custom Tamarindo vacation packageand suggest activities, tours, and attractions tailored to your specific interests, activity levels, and wish lists. Even better? Our concierge services are absolutely and always free for our guests. Relax, dream, and plan. We'll take care of the details.
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