Safe Travel Seal in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is now has open air borders with the World and there is no Covid Test required. There are only three requirements:

1. Fill out the electronic epidemiological HEALTH PASS form, available at https://salud.go.cr/step0. 

2. Travel Insurance  that Guarantees coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the pandemic COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for at least USD $50,000 (fifty thousand United States Dollars). And includes minimum coverage of USD $2,000 for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic.

3. Follow all Safe Travel protocols and use Personal Equipment at all time. 

The Costa Rica Institute of Tourism  created 16 protocols for the tourism industry and is now granting the seal locally to those who qualify.

160 Costa Rican tourism companies have obtained the Safe Travels seal for complying with health protocols. Including as you know our local ground operator IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL:

 

 

The Costa Rica government also announced that they encourage tourists to offset the carbon footprint generated by air flights and land travel in order to facilitate the raising of financial resources for the Payment of Environmental Services Program (PSA), thanks to the agreement signed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the National Forest Financing Fund (Fonafifo).

To know the economic amount to compensate the emissions of each journey, the traveler can use the calculator located on the sitehttps://www.fonafifo.go.cr/en/calculadora/and make the purchase right there.

 

 

No more COVID test to enter Costa Rica

COSTA RICA'S PRESS RELEASE:

October 22, 2020. In order to reactivate tourism employment, especially in rural areas of Costa Rica belonging to the Guanacaste, North Zone, Central Pacific, South Pacific and Caribbean regions, the Government decided to facilitate entry requirements to the country. This is why as of Monday, October 26, national and foreign passengers entering Costa Rica by air must NOT present a negative RT-PCR test result, (same that determines the presence of SARS CoV-2 that produces Covid-19), Gustavo J. Segura, Rector Minister of Tourism, announced this Thursday.

"This decision is made in view of the air opening to all the countries of the world on November 1 and takes into account that the Pan American Health Organization, in a document dated October 9, considers it unnecessary to demand tests or order quarantines for the resumption of international travel ”, said the Minister of Tourism.

In addition to the migratory visa requirements for each country, the requirements within the framework of the pandemic that remain in force are to complete the epidemiological digital form called the Health Pass, the acquisition of medical insurance that meets the parameters established and follow all protocols like wearing PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT.

We welcome the WORLD!!!!

 Costa Rica will be open to the World!!!!

Opening of Air Borders will happen on November 1st, 2020.

The requirements that all travelers need to present upon arrival are:

• RT-PCR diagnostic test with a negative result; the sample must have been taken within 72 hours of travel to Costa Rica. (please consider that no other type of COVID TEST is accepted)

• Fill out the electronic epidemiological HEALTH PASS form, available at https://salud.go.cr/step0.

• Travel Insurance  that Guarantees coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the pandemic COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for at least USD $50,000 (fifty thousand United States Dollars). And includes minimum coverage of USD $2,000 for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic.

We do have to mention that airlines are opening flights into Costa Rica from various destinations:

• Volaris will renew operations on Novermber 23rd,  five flights daily from Los Angeles, Washington DC , New York, Mexico City and Cancun. Offering 70% discount to flights into and from Central America. 
• United Airlines will enlarge the quantity of flights from 4 to 7 per week, adding to the list Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

For more information of flight coming into Costa Rica please visit this official site.

The whole country, the tourism sector and our company have implemented protocols to secure the safety of our visitors. You can see them:

• Institute of  Tourism of Costa Rica

• Airport

• IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL

And we guarantee the suppliers we recommend also offer safe protocols. 

Citizens from Central America welcomed

The amazing Sun and outstanding beaches of Costa Rica is one of the many reasons why people want to visit our beautiful country. 

Costa Rica has 1228 kilometers of coast land and around 600 beaches. We are so happy to announce that the beach restriction is now the following:

From Monday to Friday from 5am til 10pm. And during the weekends from 5am till 8pm. This gives our visitors the flexibility and possibility of enjoying the great healing of the Ocean and the Energy of the Sun and the Sunset.

We have another great news! Starting October 15, the country will open borders "international flights" between Costa Rica and all Central America and Panama. 

For all nationalities with open borders have the following requirements:

Requirements to enter Costa Rica: 

• Fill out the electronic epidemiological HEALTH PASS form, available at https://salud.go.cr/step0.
• RT-PCR diagnostic test with a negative result; the sample must have been taken within 72 hours of travel to Costa Rica. (please consider that no other type of COVID TEST is accepted)
• Traveler’s Medical Insurance - international or purchased in Costa Rica through the National Insurance Institute. (you have to upload it to the digital form as pdf file)

For international insurance policies, tourists must request a certification from their insurance company, issued in English or Spanish, verifying at least the following three conditions:

• Effectiveness of the policy during the visit to Costa Rica.
• Guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the pandemic COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for at least USD $50,000 (fifty thousand United States Dollars).
• Includes minimum coverage of USD $2,000 for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic.
  

Another news from 08 October the CASINOS located in HOTELS will be able to reopen following strict health protocols.
To guarantee the operation, the managers of the casinos must be vigilant in the application of a series of measures, among which are:

• 
  
  Temperature measurement of customers upon entering.
• A maximum capacity of 50%.
• Ensure the use of disposable cups, plates and cutlery.
• Alcoholic beverages may not be sold while the 50% capacity requirement is in force. Neither will game tournaments or live shows be held.
• The tables, chairs and gaming machines will be subjected to a complete disinfection, both at the beginning of operations, and at closing, and each time a customer uses them.
• The chips of the gaming tables will be disinfected with ultra violet lamps at the time of opening the tables, at the moment of closing and during every hour while the games are active.
• Gaming machines must be turned off and / or redistributed to guarantee the minimum required distance of 1.8 meters. When they cannot be redistributed, a polycarbonate screen will be placed to separate them.
• Each gaming machine must be cleaned at least every 60 minutes.
• At the gaming tables there will be a maximum of three chairs for players and between them there will be acrylic sheets or protection screens in order to guarantee physical distance between clients.
  

 

November 1st ALL USA citizens can enter Costa Rica

Costa Rica government announced that November 1st all USA citizens will be able to enter Costa Rica. This means that the LIST GROWS and now residents and citizens from CANADA, USA, and EUROPEAN UNION will be able to visit our beautiful country.

The requirements are still the same, Please look at the Blog below this post for details.

More Nationalities allowed into Costa Rica

THE LIST GROWS!!!  

Thursday, September 24, 2020- 

Citizens and residents of Mexico, will be able to visit the country by entering by air as of October 1, as long as they comply with the widely disclosed and well-known immigration requirements .

The same for Jamaican tourists and the authorization for CALIFORNIA and OHIO residents are allowed to visit the national territory starting next month.

Costa Rica Entry Requirements and Updated Flights

 We at IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL believe its very important to inform with accurate information. We will keep updating. Right now this are the airlines and the requirements to enter Costa Rica.

Report on international operations and flights from Juan Santamaría International Airport - click this link to see updated information-

Entry Requirements COVID-19

This is the list of nationalities that can enter Costa Rica: (sept 19, 2020)

• THE EUROPEAN UNION, SCHENGEN ZONE, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM: for flights from the European Union, the Schengen Zone, and the United Kingdom; for citizens and residents of the European Union, the Schengen Zone, and the United Kingdom.
• CANADA: for flights from Canada; for citizens and residents of Canada and for citizens and residents of the European Union, the Schengen Zone, and the United Kingdom in transit. BY THE WAY part of its return to international flights, Air Canada will provide free travel insurance to its customers for reservations made between September 17 and October 31.
  
• SOUTH AMERICA: for flights from Uruguay; for citizens and residents of Uruguay.
• ASIA: for flights from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and the People’s Republic of China; for citizens and residents of Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and the People’s Republic of China.
• OCEANIA: for flights from Australia and New Zealand; for citizens and residents of Australia and New Zealand.
• As of Sept. 1, 2020: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Residents of nine states): Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
• As of Sept. 15, 2020: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Residents of ten states): Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington and Wyoming.
• As of Oct. 1, 2020: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Residents of one state): California (if the epidemiological scenario permits it)

Requirements to enter Costa Rica: 

• Fill out the electronic epidemiological HEALTH PASS form, available at https://salud.go.cr/step0.
• RT-PCR diagnostic test with a negative result; the sample must have been taken within 72 hours of travel to Costa Rica. (please consider that no other type of COVID TEST is accepted)
• Passengers coming from the U.S. must show through their driver’s license or state identification (State ID) that they live in one of the 20 authorized states. This requirement excludes children travelling with their family. (this is part of the form. it requires you upload it on the form as apdf file)
• Traveler’s Medical Insurance - international or purchased in Costa Rica through the National Insurance Institute. (you have to upload it to the digital form as pdf file)

For international insurance policies, tourists must request a certification from their insurance company, issued in English or Spanish, verifying at least the following three conditions:

• Effectiveness of the policy during the visit to Costa Rica.
• Guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with the pandemic COVID-19 virus while in Costa Rica, for at least USD $50,000 (fifty thousand United States Dollars).
• Includes minimum coverage of USD $2,000 for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic.

This pdf file has to be uploaded to the health form to get approval.

- GREEN CODE-

After completing the health form you will get a CODE. If its green you are ready to enter Costa Rica with all your verified documents.

- PURPLE CODE -

After loading your information and you get a purple code it means that MIGRATION - the government - has to check your insurance personally no-site upon arrival.

- RED CODE -

If you get a red code after loading your information. It can be your insurance is not accepted or you are not from a accepted region to enter. Red means you will not be allowed in Costa Rica.

 We hope this information helps. And if you want us to help we are delighted to help you plan a SAFE TRAVEL to Costa Rica.

info@ilviaggiocr.com

 

 

What is your family like and how have you been spending your holidays?

Families exist in all kinds of constellations, they come in all different shapes and sizes. Often its size and the ages as well as characteristics and interests of its members determine how a family vacation is likely to look like. Overall, every family has it´s own, unique image of how they want to spend their vacation. are volunteer trips which allow the travellers to experience regional customs, language and cuisine while giving back to the community. It is specifically said to be an excellent option for active seniors who want to try something different.

For instance, senior and multigenerational travel might include rather calm activities such as relaxing in hot springs and resorts or active ones like grandparents taking their grandkids through the rapids of a river on a rafting adventure tour. It always depends on the taste and lifestyle of the family members going on a vacation together. One type of holiday that has become popular in recent years for families of all ages are volunteer trips which allow the travellers to experience regional customs, language and cuisine while giving back to the community. It is specifically said to be an excellent option for active seniors who want to try something different.

Some people have rather large families and have great and strong relationships with their uncles and aunts, for example. This is particularly special for kids as they might see their aunt or uncle as an adult friend who listens without the judgmental and presumptive attitudes parents could show when addressing touchy topics with their kids. Aunts and uncles may have a more relaxed approach with their nieces and nephews, offering different and more encouraging advice or solutions in response to their questions. They are often also the ones taking them on one of their first vacations and introduce them to adventurous activities like rafting or zip-lining, all experiences the kids will then remember forever.

A family holiday can become a more challenging task to approach if all family members have different interests or if there is a family member with special needs. For instance, if you’re the parent of a special needs child, when on vacation you want to have a great time yourself while the focus remains on the health and joy of your child at the same time. So much preparation is required to get out of the house, reach the destination successfully and to make sure everything runs smoothly. But families do it every day - and have the time of their lives, over and over again.
The same can happen with a special occasion that is celebrated during a holiday such as an anniversary, birthday, wedding or a family reunion. Getting the entire family together can be difficult, as you have you meet everyone's expectations. Ask them to give you a list of their vacation preferences (as long as the little ones understand that the final decisions are not their responsibility). Pleasing everyone might be easier than you think. In any case, it is worth having this conversation so that all generations feel that their voice counts when planning family fun. 

 

The various forms of family travel: What is family to you?

Especially in these turbulent times, for many people family serves as an anker to provide stability and security that might be lacking in other areas of one´s life. Though when thinking about family, different definitions and relationships come to mind. Some of these constellations will be referred to in this blog and it will be explained what should be considered when travelling with a particular kind of family member.

Next to the parents it is often the siblings that are the closest to us and who always had our backs while growing up. Now that all have built their own life, some of us realized that spending time together has become rather rare and therefore even more special. A good way to cherish this is to travel with your brother and sister which has numerous benefits such as improving the relationship, sharing experiences, and creating new memories. This can bring us even closer to the person we share those moments with.

The same goes for a trip with the spouse when going on a couple trip. Life as a couple can be difficult after a while so having a break from the usual busy everyday life and routine is important for maintaining a healthy relationship. Couples should pick a destination and plan the trip together. During the trip they can reunite as a couple and remember what made them fall in love the first time by trying out new things together or just taking the time to have a romantic dinner by the sea or a relaxing day in the hot springs, for instance.

Then there are the single parents who face unique challenges when it comes to vacationing with their kids. While the overall goal is to spend quality time together as a family, you should be able to have some adult fun in the process, without having to worry about the children. The travel industry has recognized this growing segment of the population and as a result, more vacation options for single parents are becoming available.

Blended families (step families) might have to overcome some difficulties in the beginning and what can be better than going on a fun vacation altogether? If you want to have a successful family vacation with your new blended family in order to bond and get to know each other, you should remember a few things. Always keep it simple, all opinions matter so make sure to hear all members of the family and try to include all of them when you are planning your trip.

Juvenal's Favorite Spot

Our staff loves what they do and their home country! That is why all our guests have an amazing time when traveling with us.
That is why we believe that the memories of our guests are as important as the memories of our staff.

This is Juvenal's favorite spot. This is the place in Costa Rica that moves his heart:

" The southern area of ​​Costa Rica is full of magic and lush nature, it is definitely my favorite place. I have had great and unforgettable experiences in that great place, one of them was with a group of students from Niagara College, in the Sirena biological station where we stayed, we had to go to receive a talk about the protection of sea turtles in Sirena beach, and we decided to do the hike from the station. It was 12 kilometers and almost 3 hours walking on a beautiful trail, passing several streams and a forest full of life, and fresh aromas, we could observe different herds of howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys and squirrel monkeys, we could also count as 45 species of birds, 3 types of snakes and many reptiles. We arrived at Sirena beach and the talk about turtles was excellent. It was an unforgettable day for the students and me.

 On another occasion I received a

family on the Nicaraguan border, they were here for 3 weeks, we toured the entire country, visiting the most important places since they are owners of a Travel Agency ¨Trekaroo¨in the United States. They did this whole trip to get to know our country and promote Costa Rica as a family destination. With them I went to Nicuesa lodge, in the Osa Peninsula, a beautiful hotel, surrounded by thick nature and beautiful beaches, just to get there you have to take a boat in Golfito, on the way you will see dolphins swimming and playing in crystal clear waters and beautiful birds flying around you. I know that for them it was one of the most beautiful places they met throughout their tour of Latin America.

Well, what about Corcovado National Park? !!! For me it is one of the most beautiful and wild places in Costa Rica, there are several ways to get there, either by land or by boat, the trip is incredible. If you have to go by boat from Sierpe, the trip will be unforgettable since you must pass through extensive mangroves, where you will see many species of birds and beautiful landscapes. On the way you will pass near Drake Bay, a very colorful town, with forests and trails that will take you to beaches and landscapes that you can never forget. This beautiful place was discovered by Sir Francis Drake in the 16th century, he was the second person to circumnavigate the world, he was a slave trader and was considered a pirate by the Spanish, but for the English he was considered a hero and privateer, in addition to being knighted by Queen Elizabeth.

Corcovado National Park is considered by National Geographic as the most intense place in the world in terms of biodiversity.

Thanks to my work with Il Viaggio Travel, I have had the opportunity to do several walks in the park. San Pedrillo is one of the entrances to the park and also one of my favorite places for hiking. On one occasion and luckily we decided to return to the park entrance by the beach, and we managed to see in the distance a female jaguar and two cubs walking along the beach, in the opposite direction from us, that was a magical and unforgettable moment for everyone.

 Oh, and don't forget that it is also essential to visit Caño Island, a place with indescribable beauty and one of the most visited places in the area for diving and snorkeling.

 Corcovado is one of the most remote places in Costa Rica, but for its beauty it is worth visiting and so you can enjoy its natural magic.

Corcovado is my favorite place in Costa Rica and you already know why."

Author: Juvenal Acuña

IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL´s local expert, certified guide. 

Pura Vida, Costa Rica!

While we are currently all staying home and can only dream about our next tropical vacation, Costa Rica awaits and can´t wait to welcome you again when this situation blows over. In the meantime I´d like to bring the country a little closer to you by naming a few interesting facts relating to Costa Rica's culture and natural environment.

When traveling through Costa Rica and interacting with the local Ticos (the term Costa Rican citizen use to refer to themselves), a strong appreciation and even love for nature can be felt pretty much everywhere. This might be connected to the fact that even though Costa Rica is such a small country, more than 5% of the entire world´s biodiversity can be found here particularly due to its various forms of vegetation. Besides its famous rainforests and coastlines, the country also offers wetlands, mountains, rivers and even arid plains, all home to many distinct species.
The Ticos value Costa Rica´s popularity for its natural environment and surely put an effort into protecting it. Not only in the tourism sector but also in other industries Costa Rica has become one of the most eco-friendly countries. It is aiming at becoming the first fossil-free country on the planet and 99% of the energy used is renewable, making it a forerunner to even many developed countries.

Not only the environment is thriving but so are the people. The Nicoya Peninsula, a favourable area for tourists, is one of the 5 blue zones in the world where the lifespan is remarkably longer than in all other places and the inhabitants usually live to at least 90. Among the crucial factors were a healthy diet, sufficient sleep and water that are rich in calcium and magnesium.

Doesn't it sound tempting to get your own little taste of this simple but fulfilling and pure way of life – also known as the famous Pura Vida?

Costa Rica Inspires!

The quarantine established during the global crisis caused by the COVID-19 has made us travel in a different way, which is throughout our imagination. Plenty of holidays plans were canceled nevertheless, this has not stopped our minds to get inspired to keep discovering the world and at the same time, ourselves. 

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise like you have never seen before. The people who have visited this incredible country surrounded by hospitable locals (Ticos and Ticas), amazing weather, breathtaking beaches and the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, culture and nature; have agreed in the following: Once you come here, you will never want to leave!

Costa Rica, located at the middle point of Latin America and Central America, has one side on the Caribbean and another into the Pacific Ocean. Besides, Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces which are San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limon. 

Costa Rica has the goal of becoming a carbon neutral country and run exclusively on sustainable energy and resources. Moreover, Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world's biodiversity and more than the 25% of the Costa Rica’s land is reserved for National Parks. Facts that make this destination one of the most sustainable countries in the world. 

In addition, there are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active. As a matter of curiosity, the Poas Volcano has the second widest crater in the world, the Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes and the Irazú Volcano is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. 

Furthermore, Costa Rica is famous among bird watchers due to the 850 species that the country preserves in its different habitats divided into rainforests, cloud forests, dry forests, beaches, rivers and mangroves.  

Come to Costa Rica and do no let escape the opportunity to have an appointment with unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, which take place at the same time the 365 days of the year due to its proximity to the equator. 

Think about your holiday, think about Costa Rica!

When you catch yourself dreaming and are ready to make future holiday plans again; we are here for you on +506 2289 8225 or at contact@ilviaggiocr.com.

Keep yourself tuned for more engaging information about this amazing destination and Pura Vida to all of you!

Il Viaggio Travel

Family Beach Day in Jacó

Last weekend I took my family on a day trip to Jacó Beach. Jacó is a town at the central pacific coast around two hours away from San Jose. It´s a great place to experiences nature, adventure and wildlife.  You can simply spend a relaxing family day taking a stroll down the beautiful black beach and enjoying the sun with the whole family. The kids will have a blast playing in the waves and shallow water while the parents can have some time for themselves.
The wide stretched beach presents the perfect opportunity for some joint family activities such as beach ball games. 

If you like a little more action, you can join an ATV or Buggy tour along the beach and through Costa Rica´s fields and rainforest. You will be able to go to places that you can´t reach by foot. There will often be opportunities for wildlife sightings and stopping at panoramic viewpoints to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We could see many pelicans and other types of birds. Personally, I can recommend the Buggy tour as the whole family fits in one which makes it possible to explore the area altogether in a fun and entertaining way.

In case your family is really active and you want to do more than just hang out on the beach, there are various things to do in Jaco´s surroundings. For instance, you can hike to Miro Mountain, an abandoned building located in the mountains south of the town. From there you´ll have a spectacular view on Jaco town and the coastline. Another of the many possible entertainment options is going on a waterfall tour to explore the rivers and waterfalls just a short distance away from town. Both parents and kids will have a memorable experience jumping off waterfalls and swimming in the pools.

It can be guaranteed that you will be having a great time, whatever you choose to do in the end. Though, the only thing that really cannot be left out is admiring the beautiful sunset from the beach at the end of the day.