Costa Rican health authorities have reported an increase in dengue cases in the last days, which is normal during the rainy season.

Currently there are all 4 Dengue serotypes circulating in the country. In 2023 up to the date, there are 8261 reported cases per 5 million inhabitants and mainly in the Caribbean areas (Sarapiqui, Limon and Talamanca), in which only Sarapiqui represents a secondary tourist area.

What is the Costa Rican government doing about this situation?

The Ministry of Health, as has been customary in previous years during this season, has activated a fumigation protocol and a communication campaign with the objective of making the population aware of the importance of eliminating breeding sites to combat the disease, in addition to recognizing symptoms at an early stage.

What can our common guests do?

We recommend our guests to protect themselves during their stay in Costa Rica, especially if visiting some of the areas with higher incidence, with a reliable mosquito repellent, and by wearing light-colored clothing, long shirts or trousers, especially in the late afternoon and during outdoor activities. Mosquito repellent products can be brought from home, and can also be purchased locally at supermarkets and pharmacies. If a client plans to stay longer in the affected non-tourist areas, they should check with the Tropical Institute for recommendations on prophylaxis before travelling. 

Some Foreign Offices have reported cases of malaria in the cantons of Limón and Pococí, specifically in Limón town, Moín and in small villages about 25km north of Guápiles. None of these places are tourist zones.

How is the Costa Rican government responding to the situation?

Information campaigns are being carried out that are directed at the local population and above all urge prevention through correct waste disposal and the avoidance of standing water accumulation, as well as helping to recognize symptoms at an early stage.

What is the situation in the tourist zones?

The tourist zones are much less affected because the entrepreneurs pay attention to regular fumigation. However, one can never exclude the possibility of cases of malaria or other mosquito-borne diseases.

What can our common guests do?

We recommend that our guests protect themselves during their stay in Costa Rica with a reliable mosquito repellent, and by wearing light-colored clothing, long shirts or trousers, especially in the late afternoon and during outdoor activities. Mosquito repellent products can be brought from home, and can also be purchased locally at supermarkets and pharmacies. If a client plans to stay longer in the affected non-tourist areas, they should check with the Tropical Institute for recommendations on prophylaxis before travelling.

Starting Friday, March 3^rd, for about 15 days, there is going to be structural construction work on the bridge which will lead to regulated traffic as well as occasional closure of the route. We are talking about the “ruta nacional 4”, that connects the Caribbean with the Northern Zone driving through Chilamate / Vuelta Kooper over the River Sarapiquí (Río Sarapiquí).

According to official sources, construction work will take place between 6am and 6pm. On weekends (Saturday, March 4^th and 11^th as well as Sunday, March 5^th and 12^th) the bridge will remain entirely closed for traffic.

All our clients coming from the Caribbean, Tortuguero, and Sarapiquí driving to La Fortuna, and viceversa, will be affected. Because of the lack of an alternative route, we suggest that you drive through mentioned bridge as early as possible to avoid delays due to traffic jam during regulated traffic. On weekends, we suggest you drive back to San José. If you need to drive to La Fortuna, you could choose the main route through “ruta primaria 1” to connect to San Ramón, Bajo de los Rodíguez, or Naranjo / Zarcero / Ciudad Quesada, or the route “ruta 126”, that connects to Vara Blanca. If you need to drive to the Caribbean, you could choose the “ruta 32”.

If you need any assistance, we would be happy to help you as follows:

Assistance through Whatsapp:

• Number: +506-8893-3863
• MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 06:00am until 06:00pm
• WEEKENDS: 08:00am until 04:00pm

Assistance by phone during business hours:

• Number: +506-2232-0400
• MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 07:00am until 06:00pm
• WEEKENDS: 08:00am until 04:00pm

Emergency assistance outside business hours:

• Number: +506-8946-8222
• MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 06:00pm until 06.00am
• WEEKENDS: 04:00pm until 08.00am

We publish updated information on our website aratours.com and our group on Telegram.

We wish you a safe journey and unforgettable experiences in Costa Rica!

Your ARA Tours team

Currently, Costa Rica is under the influence of a low pressure system which is causing rain in several parts of the country. According to experts, this rainfall trend will decrease towards the middle of November.

Due to the heavy rains of the last days and months, soils are saturated and some roads are closed as a precautionary measure either because of landslides or other dangers. There have also been closures on secondary roads. Maintenance work is being carried out on an ongoing basis, and each day an assessment is made as to whether the weather conditions permit reopening or closing the roads, and this is sometimes decided without prior notice.

Please be advised that Puente de La Amistad, located in Guanacaste, on Route 18 that allows transit between the city of San Jose and some of the  main tourist destinations of the North Pacific via Nicoya and Santa Cruz (Sámara, Nosara, Tamarindo, Potrero etc.) and the southern Nicoya Peninsula such as Cóbano (Quizales, Montezuma, Malpaís, Santa Teresa), Hojancha, Lepanto, Paquera and Nandayure, will be closed from 6:00 to 16:00 for maintenance work on the following dates:

November: 9th, 10th, 11th, 28th, 29th, 30th.
December: 12, 13, 14

When travelling by rental car, do not risk under any circumstances crossing rivers or floods. We draw your attention to the fact that insurance does not cover damage caused by negligence.

We recommend that you allow plenty time for your route and that you always travel in daylight. Before you leave, ask at reception of the hotel, or contact us to check the current road conditions.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We publish updated information on our Website aratours.com and through our Telegram group.

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

Due to an increase of respiratory infections especially in the child population, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health announced the mandatory use of the mask in closed spaces, mainly public and private transport, as well as educational centres and health centres from Monday 17 October until Monday 31 October.

Tourist transportation is considered as private transport so we wish to inform our clients about this new provision of mask use during this time when using private collective transport services as some of our providers may choose to request its use and transport to/from Tortuguero.

We hope that this measure will considerably reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria in the general population.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We publish updated information on our Website aratours.com and through our Telegram group.

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

Hurricane Julia made landfall on the Nicaraguan coast on Sunday night and has since weakened into a tropical storm. The effects in Costa Rica are indirect and there has been a large amount of rain in the past few hours, which will continue until midday on Monday.

The southern Pacific coast (Osa Peninsula) is particularly affected. Some roads are currently closed preventively or due to landslides.

ARA Tours is in contact with all customers and helps those affected to organize alternative solutions. The situation should return to normal on Monday.

Here are the current road conditions

• Route 1: This road corresponds to the North Inter-American Highway, classified as Primary National Route 1. Due to a major landslide that occurred several days ago in the Alajuela - San Ramón section, specifically between San Ramón and Esparza, it will probably be closed until December while maintenance work is being carried out.
• Route 2: Corresponds to the Interamerican Highway South that goes from San José, towards Cerro de la Muerte, Dota and the South Pacific. Due to heavy rains, some sectors are closed. As an alternative route you can take route 27 to the South Pacific.
• Route 32: The main road to the Caribbean is open, but it may be closed due to prevention or landslides, but the route reopens again without warning, so we recommend that you always contact us or check with your hotel before your departure to be sure of the state of this road.
• Route 27: This is an alternative route between San José and Caldera/Puntarenas, however, at kilometre 44 there is an unevenness, so traffic is slow on this part of the route. Due to the combination of these circumstances, delays of up to 3-5 hours are reported from the Pacific coast to San José and vice versa, so it is recommended to allow sufficient time to travel this route.

There have also been closures on secondary roads. Maintenance work is being carried out on an ongoing basis, and each day an assessment is made as to whether the weather conditions permit reopening or closing the roads, and this is sometimes decided without prior notice. 

We recommend that you allow plenty of time, always contact us or check with your hotel before your departure to be sure of the condition of these roads.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We publish updated information on our Website aratours.com and through our Telegram group.

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

We are in the rainiest month of our country; therefore some national roads could have partial or total closures. Below, we inform you about the current state of the roads:

• Route 1: This road corresponds to the Interamerican Highway North listed as Primary National Route 1. Due to a large landslide that occurred several days ago that caused a traffic accident, in the Alajuela - San Ramón section is closed while the work of lifting material and maintenance continues.
• Route 27: Corresponds to an alternative route between San José and Caldera/Puntarenas, however, at kilometre 44 there is a difference in level, so traffic is slow on this part of the route. Due to the combination of these circumstances, delays of up to 3-5 hours are reported from the Pacific coast to San José and vice versa, so we recommend that you allow enough time to travel this route.
• Route 2: Corresponds to the Interamerican Highway South that goes from San José to Cerro de la Muerte, Dota and the South Pacific. Due to heavy rains, it remains in the following condition:
  • Kilometre 31: Conventillos with regulated passage.
  • Sector of Rio Claro, at kilometre 215 at the height of Rio Coto, remains closed due to a washed-out bridge.
• Route 32: The main road to the Caribbean is being widened for several more months and progress is sometimes slow. Please allow plenty of time for this route. On some occasions there may be closures due to prevention or landslides, but the route reopens again without warning, so we recommend you always contact us or check with your hotel before your departure to be sure of the status of this road.

When travelling by rental car, do not risk under any circumstances crossing rivers or floods. We draw your attention to the fact that insurance does not cover damage caused by negligence.

We advise you to drive with caution during the rainy season and to inform yourself at the hotel or by using an app with current data about the condition of the route you will be driving on before setting off with your rental car.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We publish updated information on our Website aratours.com and through our Telegram group.

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

September and October are the rainiest months in our country, therefore some national roads could be partially or totally closed. Below please be advised of the the current state of the roads:    

• Route 32: Main road to the Caribbean is being worked on an extension for several more months and progress is sometimes slow. Please allow plenty of time for this route. Occasionally there may be closures due to prevention or landslides but the road reopens again without warning so we recommend you always contact us or check with your hotel before your departure to be sure of the status of this road.
• Route 1: This road corresponds to the Inter-American Highway listed as Primary National Route 1. Due to a major landslide that occurred several days ago and caused a traffic accident, the Alajuela - San Ramón section of the road is closed while rescue and material removal work continues. Alternatively, take route 27 from San José to Caldera/Puntarenas, although at kilometre 44 there is an unevenness, so traffic is slow on this part of the route. We recommend that you allow enough time to travel this route.

When travelling by rental car, do not risk under any circumstances crossing rivers or floods. We draw your attention to the fact that insurance does not cover damage caused by negligence.

We advise you to drive with caution during the rainy season and to inform yourself at the hotel or by using an app with current data about the condition of the route you will be driving on before setting off with your rental car.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We publish updated information on our Website aratours.com and through our Telegram group.

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

Costa Rica is at the peak of the rainy season, so heavy rainfall is normal.  Due to the above and the saturation of soils, the following routes are currently closed due to landslides:

• Route 32: Main Road to the Caribbean remains closed. Route 10 (Cartago-Limón via Turrialba), which connects Cartago in the Central Valley with Siquirres on the Caribbean slope, can be taken as an alternative route, but is currently regulated road crossing (single carriageway)
• Route 1: This road corresponds to the Inter-American Highway listed as Primary National Route 1. Due to a major landslide yesterday, that caused a traffic accident, the Alajuela - San Ramón section of the road is closed while rescue and material removal work continues. Alternatively, take route 27 from San José to Caldera/Puntarenas.
• Route 304 (Cartago - Desamparados): Officially Ruta Nacional Terciaria 304, it is a national route located in the provinces of San José and Cartago.

When travelling by rental car, do not risk under any circumstances crossing rivers or floods. We draw your attention to the fact that insurance does not cover damage caused by negligence.

We advise you to drive with caution during the rainy season and to inform yourself at the hotel or by using an app with current data about the condition of the route you will be driving on before setting off with your rental car.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We publish updated information on our Website aratours.com and through our Telegram group.

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

Currently, all tourist routes in the country are open. Route 32, the connecting route to the Caribbean coast, will be under construction for several more months and progress is slow at times. Please allow enough time for this route.

Since September and October are the rainiest months, there may be closures for precautionary or maintenance work, especially on the crossing of the Braulio Carrillo National Park (Zurquí). However, saturated soil and landslides can also occur in other parts of the country during or after heavy rainfall. In most cases, these are cleared fairly quickly.

We recommend you drive with caution, especially during the rainy season, and inform yourself at the hotel or by using an application with current traffic data about the condition of the road you are going to drive, before leaving with your rental car.

Dear Guests:

Route 32, the main route towards the Caribbean, continues to be closed after the landslides that occurred in the last few weeks. Its opening may be delayed until the end of July as clean-up work continues.

Those who are traveling between San Jose and the Caribbean can use alternative routes such as Turrialba (Route 10) as well as Vara Blanca (Route 126)

Alternative Route 10 via Turrialba

This was the old highway to the Caribbean coast. Connects Cartago in Central Valley to Siquirres on Caribbean slope. The most popular tourist destination on this route is Turrialba. A possible stop en route could be Irazú Volcano, when start travelling from San José (online reservation is necessary on https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/).

Alternative Route 126 via Vara Blanca

Connects the city of Heredia to Northern Lowlands near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Popular attractions along this route include Poas Volcano (online reservation is necessary on https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/). and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

Dear Guests:

As a follow-up to our bulletin last Thursday on Tropical Storm Bonnie, today we can give you the good news that, although there were heavy rains and local flooding, the national emergency commission was able to avoid the worst for the local population, thanks to good prevention work.

Fortunately, the tourist infrastructure was not damaged. Most of the routes are passable except for Route 32 towards the Caribbean, so we recommend taking Route 10 (Limón-Siquirres-Turrialba-Cartago) as an alternate route. Normal weather conditions for the rainy season are expected for this week.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

Dear Clients,

Costa Rica is in the rainy season, so heavy rainfall is generally to be expected.

A tropical storm is expected for the coming days, which will most likely make landfall north of Costa Rica, in Nicaragua, on Friday, but could also have an impact in the northern parts of Costa Rica in the form of heavy rainfall and possibly local flooding.

We recommend to please check with your hotel reception whether the planned route is passable or alternative routes should be considered. If there are any changes to pick-up times for Tortuguero packages or other transfers, we will proactively contact you at your hotel.

Our office team is available this coming weekend with an expanded team and can be reached as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We will publish updated information on our website aratours.com and via our telegram group should the tropical storm have a relevant impact on your travel.

We wish all our guests a safe and pleasant journey!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

Costa Rica is in the rainy season, so heavy rainfall can be expected. Additional bad weather fronts are currently passing the country, so that local flooding can occur in some regions. Meteorologists expect further heavy rainfall, especially in Guanacaste and along the entire Pacific coast.

For activities in endangered zones, for example near streams and rivers, as well as hikes in forests, please inquire locally about possible dangers, eventually with the local tour operator.

If you are traveling by rental car, under no circumstances risk driving through rivers or floods. We draw your attention to the fact that the insurance does not cover damage caused by negligence.

Please drive carefully: visibility is severely restricted in heavy rain, there could be fallen soil and vegetation on the road.

Major roads could be closed due to landslides. This currently includes Route 32 between Guápiles and San José, which is normally reopened quickly after evacuation, but is sometimes closed at night for safety reasons.

Inquire at your hotel before departure about the road situation of your route and consider possible alternative routes.

Allow enough time for your journey to reach your destination before dusk.

During office hours:

• Monday-Friday 6 am-6pm
• Saturday and Sunday 8 am-4pm
• Whatsapp Chat: +506 8893 38 63
• Office landline: +506 2232 04 00
• e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Outside of office hours

• Emergency number +506 8946 82 22

Please visit our website at www.aratours.com for updated information.

Please drive carefully and take care of yourself!
Your ARA Tours Team

Thanks to the constantly declining number of infections and hospital admissions, the Costa Rican government  communicated the gradual lifting of the Covid measures as follows:

Period March 01 – 31, 2022

• As of March 7th, restrictions on private transport will be lifted. However, rental cars have been excluded from this for a long time anyway.
• The Health Form (Pase de Salud) still has to be filled out by tourists, but is only randomly checked at the airport. This is an attempt to shorten the long waiting times when entering the country.
• Unvaccinated people still have to provide proof of insurance.
• Checking the QR code/vaccination certificate for entering facilities that are working at full capacity will remain until 31.3. Without checking the QR code/proof of vaccination, these facilities can only continue to operate at 50% capacity.
• From March 7th there will no longer be any restrictions on opening times for restaurants, bars, discos and clubs.

From April 01, 2022

• The Health Form (Pase de Salud) no longer needs to be filled out. Entry will be as normal as before the pandemic.
• Those who have not been vaccinated no longer have to provide proof of insurance.
• All capacity restrictions are lifted and there is no longer a need to show a QR code.
• Masks are compulsory in closed rooms until further notice.

From 16.01.2022, Germany will classify Costa Rica among many other countries as a high-risk country. Accordingly, travellers returning to Germany need to register on www.einreiseanmeldung.de and upload their proof of vaccination there.

Dear Clients:

In parallel to many European countries, the number of cases in Costa Rica is also increasing sharply due to the highly contagious Omicron variant. A tightening of the entry regulations is nevertheless not to be expected.

Thanks to a high vaccination rate and solid public health system, the country feels well prepared for the new wave. A very strong increase in the number of cases is expected in the next few weeks, followed by an equally rapid decline. Hospitalization and death rates currently remain low in Costa Rica.:

The tried and tested hygiene protocols, as well as the requirement to wear a mask indoors and where the distance cannot be maintained, are retained. Since January 11th today and initially until January 23rd, private traffic will be restricted again from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. However, rental cars are excluded.

The test infrastructure is stable and reliable.

Current information on entry and travel conditions can be found on our Website.

If you need further information, you can contact us as follows:

During office hours:

• Monday-Friday 6 am-6pm
• Saturday and Sunday 8 am-4pm
• Whatsapp Chat: +506 8893 38 63
• Office landline: +506 2232 04 00 (except Sunday)
• e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Outside of office hours

• Monday-Friday 18h00-06h00
• Saturday and Sunday 16h00-08h00
• Emergency number +506 8946 82 22

Your ARA Tours Team

Dear Clients:

Some countries require negative Covid-19 tests again for entry.

Costa Rica has a very good test infrastructure and it is possible to get the result on time without any problems almost anywhere in the country. Appointments can be booked online with the two leading laboratory chains. Both are also represented at the airports of San José and Liberia, or in the immediate vicinity:

Laboratorios Labin 

• PCR test with result in a maximum of 24 hours: USD 100 .--
• PCR test with result in 2 hours: USD 119.—
• Antigen test with result in 2 hours: USD 40.—

Laboratorios Echandi 

• PCR test with result in a maximum of 24 hours *: USD 99.—
• PCR test with result in a maximum of 3 hours: USD 240.—
• Antigen test with result in 1 hour: USD 65.—

* If the sample is taken on Sunday, the result will be delivered within a maximum of 48 hours.

Warning: not all countries accept antigen tests. Please inform yourself accordingly.

Further laboratories across the country can be found under this link.

ARA Tours naturally supports customers who need help. For tips and information on where you can best get tested, feel free to contact our Customer Experience Team, via Whatsapp to 8893-3863. 

Your ARA Tours Team

Dear Clients:

As announced by different media, Costa Rica will introduce mandatory and full vaccination certification against COVID 19 for tourists and Costa Ricans as of December 1, 2021.

From this moment on, everyone over 12 years of age will have to show a QR code at the entrance of hotels and different establishments, otherwise they will not be allowed to enter.

In a transition phase, hotels and businesses can decide whether to allow entry to persons not fully vaccinated, but in this case they can only operate with 50% of their capacity in certain areas of the facilities.

According to communications received from different providers, there are few businesses that will allow entry to non-fully vaccinated persons.

In case you have reservations between December 1, 2021 and January 7, 2022 and you do not have a complete vaccination schedule, we recommend that you check with the tourist service provider to see if you will be able to enjoy your stay. It should be assumed that there is no reimbursement of costs of stay in case of not meeting all entry requirements, since they were informed in advance in the official media of the country.

For tourists, the QR code is generated when completing the Health Pass online before entering Costa Rica. There, the vaccination certificate valid in your country must be uploaded. The QR code can be presented on the smartphone or printed and will be scanned by the company.

As of January 8, only by presenting the QR code of the vaccination certification you will be able to enter the following establishments:

• Hotels
• Restaurants, cafes, bars
• National parks (to be confirmed)
• Stores and shopping malls (except supermarkets and pharmacies)
• Gymnasiums
• Private theme and adventure parks
• Sports facilities
• Casinos
• Museums
• Churches
• Halls for business, academic or social events

In this link you can download an official document from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute with more information.

Kind regards,
Your Customer Experience Team
ARA Tours

Dear guests

Routes 36 Limón - Cahuita - Puerto Viejo and 142 La Fortuna - Nuevo Arenal - Tilarán are now open again. The entire road network of Costa Rica is now passable. Work is still going on to repair damage and the saturation of the soil can continue to cause new disruptions. You can therefore expect traffic jams and longer travel times in the coming days. Please inform yourself about the current situation locally or via our Customer Experience Team in the next few days before departure.

With this bulletin we end our reporting on this extraordinary situation and thank you for your understanding.

Your ARA Tours team

Dear guests

After the extreme rainfall of the last few days, the weather situation should slowly calm down and work is being done at full speed to repair the damage in the affected areas. The following streets are open again as of today:

• Route 32 Limón - Guápiles - San José
• Route 10 Siquirres - Turrialba - Cartago - San José

The following routes still have problems:

• Route 36 Limón - Cahuita - Puerto Viejo: Here a bridge near Penshurt was scoured and therefore closed. Work is underway on the installation of an emergency bridge. According to the Ministry of Transport, the route will reopen on Wednesday. Until then, guests will be driven to the defective bridge, where they can cross the bridge via an emergency walkway and be picked up on the other side.
• Route 142 La Fortuna - Nueva Arenal - Tilarán: is currently closed due to landslides. Recommended alternative route: route 702 to San Ramón and then route 1

When you are traveling by rental car, under no circumstances risk driving through rivers or floods. We draw your attention to the fact that the insurance does not cover damage caused by negligence.

We very much regret that the storms are affecting your trip and will try everything to work out appropriate alternatives. Inquire about possible alternative routes in good time. Our customer experience team will be happy to help you at any time. You can contact us as follows:

During office hours:

Monday-Friday 6 am-6pm

Saturday and Sunday 8 am-4pm

Whatsapp Chat: +506 8893 38 63

Office landline: +506 2232 04 00 (except Sunday)

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Outside of office hours

Monday-Friday 18h00-06h00

Saturday and Sunday 16h00-08h00

Emergency number +506 8946 82 22

Please visit our website www.aratours.com for updated information

Please take care of yourself

Your ARA Tours team