In July, 2020, President Carlos Alvarado signed Law 9875, transferring all Holidays that fell on weekends to Mondays. The move is aimed at promoting support for Costa Rica’s Tourism sector, which declined during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the restrictions placed on travel. The President plans to maximize support for the industry by increasing ‘domestic tourism’ in the Country.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic visitors to Costa Rica are advised to check the regulations currently guiding travel procedures before making reservations. The Covid-19 restrictions remain dynamic; changing as the situation warrant.

If you come in contact with someone experiencing symptoms of the Virus or otherwise suspect you may be have been exposed it is recommended that you self-quarantine for the recommended 14 day period and get the necessary medical attention.

During Public Holidays in Costa Rica, most business places and many of the Country’s Government offices, banks, stores, and in some places of entertainment will be closed or have adjusted operating times. Plan your movements to ensure that you will not need the services of an institution that may be closed due to the pandemic or for their public holidays, ‘feriados’ or ‘day-off’, especially on Mondays.

Local tourism is being encouraged so expect gatherings observing the protocols of wearing masks and social-distancing at resorts, hotels, car-rental agencies, beaches and other fun/ scenic places. National Parks have modified their regulations for use and visitors must check their regulations in advance.

Related Blogs

• Entry Documents & Length of Stay
• Airlines, Airports and Making a Booking
• Direct Flights to Costa Rica
• Costa Rica Exit Tax
• Costa Rica LGBT Tourism

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Below is a List of Popular Holidays and Festive Occasions in 2021.

*Due to the Covid-19 pandemic most if not all the festivals can or may be cancelled.

*Special Note: You will find that frequently featured ‘Bull-riding’ and ‘Bullfighting’ these events here are bloodless sport in Costa Rica.

Covid-19 may cause the famous Bonanza Cattle Show to be cancelled. Traditionally held during the first week of March, Costa Rica’s working cowboys demonstrate their skills at horseracing, rodeo events, bull riding and the only bullfight* in the world where the bull is not harmed; the main show is staged in San Jose.

*Costa Rica practices a humane style of Bullfighting. The bulls are not harmed; if any blood is shed it will come from the Matadors. Check it out! The colorful spectators and activity make this a ‘Super Photo-Op’.

At some time in March, 9 usually the second Sunday, is ‘Dia de los Boyeros’, or *Oxcart Drivers day, this is another opportunity for photographers to capture unusual and graphic works of art as the Ox Cart decorators compete for bragging-rights for the ‘Best Cart In Show’. Escazu, San Jose comes alive at this time. It’s a colorful spectacle for the entire family; as usual food and drink are plentiful along with live music.

In mid March, Costa Rica’s agricultural produce is showcased as they celebrate National Farmers Day. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables and their tasty by-products come to show at the hosting of the ‘Fruit Festival’, in Orotina, Alajuela. Costa Rica is well known for their fresh fruit and vegetables; now taste the mouth-watering dishes and beverages made with all fresh, local, produce (Covid-19 may force a cancellation).

Also in mid March, is the National Orchid Show which is a ‘World Event’ staged in San Jose with many challengers for the top-ribbon honors. Over 300 species of orchids in full bloom take the stage. A sensational Photo-Op! (Covid-19 may force a cancellation)

March 19th, 2021, the Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated with Roman Catholic masses, followed by local pageants and celebrations throughout Costa Rica.

March 20, 2021, is the March Equinox, the beginning of the Astronomical Spring; this is evidenced by the many flowering and bearing items on show.

March 29th to April 4th 2021, Holy Week- The week before Easter, known as Semana Santa; it is a time for religious devotion throughout Costa Rica. Many businesses close for the entire week as a mark of respect.

One of the main differences is the limitation on hiking in the National Parks. For some there has been a total lockdown and yet others have had routes changed to provide everything but a real crater close-up.

Below is a map illustrating the hiking routes through the Rincon de La Vieja National Park and identifying the routes that are open to visitors. Additionally, the rules for visiting have been altered slightly. Entrance fees now have to be prepaid and reservations made at least 24 hours in advance (see details below).

Traditionally, the two Trails in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park were the Las Pailas Trail and the Santa Maria Trail, both connected visitors to the main craters.

Complications arose with the volcanic instability of the Rincon de la Vieja Crater, for a long time, since 2011, the volcano has emitted minor eruptions of gas and mud but no lava. As recently as 8th September 2020, at 5:59 a.m. an eruption shot a plume 500 m above the crater’s rim. The Trail sections leading to the craters are all, relatively, steep and challenging; so the loose terrains when wetted by normal rainfall become too dangerous to permit hiking to the summit.

Combined with the above the Covid-19 Pandemic Rincon de la Vieja National Park has revised the Park’s operations; as outlined below-

They have allowed hiking on the Las Pailas Circular Trail only; it is open and safe for visitors.

Warning- Any information to the contrary may be in need of updating; do your research carefully.

Costa Rica COVID-19 Entrance Requirements- September, 2020

September 11, 2020

The following information was recently published in the Tico Times, 8th September, 2020, regarding current travel restrictions for entry into Costa Rica. Please note the link to the Costa Rica Government’s Health Form online.

For more information about the Costa Rica entry requirements for tourists see – the Costa Rica Tourism Board’s website.

NB- U.S. tourists must also demonstrate, via their driver’s license or State ID that they reside in one of the 12 authorized states. Minors traveling with family are exempted from this requirement.

Important information for visitors who reside in U.S. states those authorized to visit Costa Rica:

• Travelers who are residents of 12 U.S. states are authorized to enter Costa Rica via a flight. (These 12 states are: Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Connecticut as of Sept. 1; Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Colorado as of Sept. 15.)
• The flight must originate in an authorized U.S. state or authorized country.
• The flight can be direct or with a connection, and a layover can be in a non-authorized location. For example, you can begin travel in Vermont and have a layover in Miami, Florida. Or, begin travel in New York and have a layover in El Salvador.
• The maximum allowed layover time is 18 hours. During that time, the passenger cannot leave the airport. Upon arriving in Costa Rica, the passenger should demonstrate via their boarding passes that their flight originated in an authorized state/country.

Requirements for entering Costa Rica as a tourist:

• Complete the Health Pass.
• Demonstrate proof of a negative PCR-RT coronavirus test. The sample must have been taken in the 72 hours before departure. The results must be in English or Spanish.
• Have travel insurance covering COVID-19 medical and accommodation expenses.

NB- All visitors must complete the online ‘Health Pass’ as instructed.