Situated in the west coast of Costa Rica along the Gulf of Nicoya, in the province of Puntarenas, Tambor is a small quiet beach town that cherishes a laid-back atmosphere. It is is known as a gateway to the area’s biological diversity. This area is close to the Curu National Wildlife Refuge. This town is surrounded by amazing natural beauty. It offers a wide range of accommodations including luxury options and budget friendly lodging. Tambor is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy a calm and peaceful vacation, family getaway or simply enjoy some tranquil time.

Climate and Weather:

As this beach town is located in the west Pacific side of the country, the climate remains relatively dry. During the months of December to April, you can find very little rain showers and quite a hot weather. If you visit this place during the month from May to November, you can expect a bit more rain.

Getting There:

If you want to visit Tambor during the high season between the months of December to April, you can take any of the daily regional airline trips offered by several major tourist destinations including San Jose, Arenal, Drake Bay, Manuel Antopnio and Tamarindo. If you want to travel during green season, you might find schedules are pared down but there are still regular flights from/to Tambor.

You can also reach Tambor by bus and car. If you travel by a car, from San Jose, take the new Caldera Highway west to Puntarenas. Then take ferry to Naranjo or Paquera and then by following the signs leading southwest to Playa Tambor. This trip takes two hours from Naranjo and takes one hour from Paquera.

Accommodations:

Barceló Tambor:

This all-inclusive resort features elegantly decorated rooms which has tiled floors. Each of its room has a balcony or terrace overlooking garden or sea views. There is also private bathroom including hairdryer. This resort is also featured with an outdoor swimming pool. This resort has 4 restaurants El Tucan where you can enjoy buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Miyako Japanese restaurant. It also features a poolside bar and nightly entertainment and live music.

Call: +506 2683 0303
https://www.barcelo.com/en-us/hotels/costa-rica/beach-tambor/barcelo-tambor/
More info: http://www.costaricajourneys.com/barcelo-tambor-beach-hotel/

Tango Mar Beach Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort:

This resort features the minimalist-style decorated rooms including air conditioner, flat screen TV, coffee make and a minibar. All the rooms have balcony overlooking garden or sea view. This resort provides free WiFi connection. There is private bathroom with a shower and hairdryer and also include toiletries. This resort has its own private beach area and outdoors pool. It features two restaurant that serve Italian and International-style meals. There is also a snack bar in the hotel by the pool. There is sun terraces, tennis courts and gardens.

Call: +506 2683 0001
http://www.tangomar.com/

Lodge Margouillat:

Lodge Margouillat offers rooms including ceiling fans and safety deposit boxes and all the rooms have private bathrooms. It also features an outdoor pool. The property serves breakfast in the guest house without charge. You will also have WiFi connection and there is private parking on site. You can enjoy a stroll in the garden and spot different birds and wildlife.

Call: +506 8707 2906
http://www.lodgemargouillat.com/
More info: http://www.costaricajourneys.com/lodge-margouillat/

H&B Lodge and Restaurant:

H&B Lodge Restaurant offers rooms with air conditioner and feature functional decor. Each of the rooms are featured with TV, wardrobe and private bathrooms including a shower and toilet. It is situated just 800 m from the beach. It offers an a l carte restaurant that boasts free daily breakfast and free WiFi. You can try local dishes at the on-site restaurant that remains open from 7 to 22:00.

Call: +506 2683 0025
http://www.hybtambor.com/

Mar Y Sol Ecotel:

Mar Y Sol Ecotel offers room with air conditioner, flat screen TV and all rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. It also features an outdoor bar/lounge with a wood-fired pizza restaurant. It provides free WiFi in the public areas and free on-site parking. You can enjoy breakfast and dinner from Tuesday through Sunday in Mar Y Sol restaurant.

Call: +506 8980 0040
https://www.facebook.com/Mar-Y-Sol-Ecotel-Restaurant-217152905059269/

Villas de la Bahia:

Surrounded by an outdoor pool, this property is featured with an outdoor pool, kitchen with a microwave and fridge. Its villas are comfortable and have wooden decor and furniture. Its bathroom have colorful tiles and a shower. While staying at this place, you can cook a full meal en-suite.

Call: +506 2683 0560
http://www.villasdelabahiacr.com/

Fidelito Ranch & Lodge:

This lodge is nestled on a farm in the amazing Tambor Hills. It provides accommodations surrounded by private gardens, small streams and tropical forest. Its rooms have rustic style decoration. It also has private bathroom with a shower, hair dryer and free toiletries. It features dining and seating areas and a kitchen including coffee maker and fridge. You will enjoy free WiFi and free private parking. You can enjoy local dishes, pastas, seafood meals and pizzas for breakfast and dinner in the on-site restaurant that can also prepare special diet menus upon request.

Call: +506 2683 1107
http://www.rentalstambor.com/

Vista Hermosa Bed and Breakfast:

This B&B features rooms and suites with air conditioner, flat-screen satellite TV and overlook amazing garden view. In all rooms you will find private bathroom with free toiletries. There is an outdoor pool that is surrounded by lush gardens and exotic fruit trees. It offers a varied daily breakfast and it can arrange local and International meals on request. This B&B also offers free transfers from Tambor Airport.

Call: +506 2683 0551
http://www.vistahermosabedandbreakfast.com/

Restaurants:

Restaurant and Cafe Cristina:

At this restaurant you can enjoy tasty food which are prepared with local ingredients. It serves high quality dishes and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to pay. It offers different cuisine including Costa Rica, Sount American and Central American dishes.

Call: +506 2683 0028
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g644052-d2697491-Reviews-Restaurant_and_Cafe_Cristina-Tambor_Province_of_Puntarenas.html

Pizza Express:

It is nice place to enjoy food with your families with children and large groups. You will find the foods on a budget. It has seating arrangement and also has takeout service, and wheelchair accessibility. It serves Italian Pizza, Fast Food and vegetarian friendly dishes.

Call: +506 2683 0070
https://www.facebook.com/PizzaHenry

El Cristobal Restaurant:

Decorated with bamboo and furnished with fine Cristobal wood, this nice restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. While enjoying your food in its casual yet romantic setting, you can enjoy watching the amazing ocean views. It serves International gourmet cuisine and Costa Rican specialties which are carefully prepared by master chefs.

Call: +506 2683 0001
http://www.tangomar.com/dining/

Attractions:

Tambor Beach:

This beach has grainy sand and an abundant marine life. The beach waters of this beach are very calm and great for kids. This beach is also ideal for snorkeling, diving and deep-sea fishing. The sand of this beach is dark grey in color due to its proximity of volcanic activities. At the time of low tide, you can enjoy horseback riding,volleyball or soccer on the beach.

Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve:

This reserve is an hour west from the Tambor beach. It is just a paradise for the wildlife lovers. This place is home to more than 39 species of bat and there are also howler monkeys, coatimundis, anteaters, raccoons, Baird’s tapir, agouti and many more. There are also different bird species.

More info: http://www.costaricajourneys.com/cabo-blanco-nature-reserve/

Curu Wildlife Refuge:

This refuge is located on the border of Tambor. It is a wonderful park with 17 quiet trails which leading to its tropical wet forest, dry forest, and mangrove swamp. It is known for its pristine, white-sand beaches and impressive variety of species ranging from monkeys to sand crabs. This refuge is home to 78 species of mammal, 87 species of reptile, 232 species of bird and more than 500 different species of plant.

More info: http://www.costaricajourneys.com/curu-wildlife-reserve/

Activities:

Bird Watching and Wildlife Exploring:

Curu Wildlife Refuge and Cabo Blanco Reserve both are home to plenty of different species of wildlife and bird watchers and wildlife lovers will find these places just like a paradise. There are different species of avian including many other species of birds.

Golfing:

If you are interested to fine-tune your Golf skills, here you have Tango Mar Golf Club’s 9-hole course. You will find this game tough but enjoyable. Its greens are also perfect for improving your Golf skill.

Diving and Snorkeling:

While you are in Tambor, you can go for day trips from Tambor beach and explore the amazing underwater life. You can also join a multi day course offered by the PADI-certified instructors for aspiring divers.

Sport Fishing:

Sport Fishing is another enjoyable activity you can enjoy. Go for a sport fishing trip with a sport fishing boat and enjoy catching different types of fishes. Common catches include Yellow fin Tuna, Grouper, Sailfish, Dorado, Marlin, Spanish mack­erel, Barracuda, Red Snapper and large Roosterfish, with the occasional Snook and Sea Bass thrown in.