Yearly Archives: 2023

What does it mean to work at Tango Mar? Well… imagine having the sound of the waves in the office, hearing the monkeys and parrots in the palms in front, and sometimes even seeing the whales playing in the ocean. And with all this, the tropical heat tempered by a delicious breeze.

Moreover, we are lucky enough to be welcoming persons who, almost without exception, are happy to get here and hoping to pass some exceptional holidays. We see smiles and happiness, and it’s no wonder.

One would think that, when living or working here, we somewhat forget the world ‘outside’, but far from it. If you have been at Tango Mar, you may well have been welcomed with a warm smile by Cindy, or your invoice at the end may have been reviewed by Yansy from accounting. Both work in Tango Mar, but they are also active volunteer forest firefighters with Sinac.

Last summer, when Canada was ravaged by forest fires to the point of needing international help to fight the fires, Yansy and Cindy left work and home, put on their boots and signed up, together with 41 other volunteers chosen by Sinac from among its active forest firefighters.

“The conservation of forests motivates me, I want future generations to be able to enjoy everything that the forests in their different ecosystems offer us and that we enjoy”, Cindy clarifies.

For Yansy, the leap into the unknown was huge: the furthest she had been away from home unti then was to the capital San José, however, encouraged by her daughters, now she packed her bags for abroad. “Everything was different… the language, the country, the climate, … it was like arriving in another world”, she remembers.

Both young women agree that what impressed them most was the emphasis on people’s safety displayed by their Canadian colleagues.  “They don’t do any rush work, they first have an action plan which always emphasizes everyone’s safety”, Cindy explains.

Now, back to normal, they remember especially that it was a great experience. “I feel infinitely grateful for the great opportunity I had, a wonderful experience with great learning”, says Cindy.

Yansy also highlights the beautiful welcome they received, and like Cindy, although after the first month they already went back for another deployment, if they ask her again, she goes again, she says with conviction. And, smiling, she adds: “Well, that is, if my husband and my employer give me permission.”

 Over time, the memory of those hard days will fade, but the satisfaction of having done an extraordinary job remains. And also, our respect and admiration for our heroes.

Tango Mar is a diamond, and just like that precious stone, you can’t find it by just looking around…you have to really search for it to be able and marvel at its splendor and beauty. And continuing with the comparison… once you find it, the only thing you can think is “it was really worth it all”.

Below are some tips so that you can find this jewel more easily.

Are you coming from the airport Juan Santamaría, from San José, or from the South?

Think first if you will want to move around a lot when in Tango Mar. If not, and you prefer to enjoy the place, the beach and the water, or you plan to choose one or more tours that pick you up and drop you off at the hotel, consider flying. The domestic airport, served by Sansa and Green Airways, is next to the International Airport Juan Santamaría, and from San José to Cobano is a 30 minutes flight, with a small plane flying low enough to guarantee you a splendid view of Costa Rica from the air. Also, if you notify us in advance, Tango Mar will take care of picking you up at Cobano airstrip.

If, on the contrary, your idea is to enjoy Tango Mar also as a base to discover the region by your own means, it is more comfortable to have a vehicle nearby. In that case, calculate about 4 to 5 hours of route. I recommend route 27, which has 2 lanes in various parts – you will notice that is a real luxury in Costa Rica – and in about an hour and a half gets you to Caldera where the route reaches the sea. From there, you travel to Puntarenas (about 20 minutes) to take the ferry to Paquera. Avoid waiting times and buy the ticket in advance.

If you prefer not to go by ferry, there is an alternate route along the Interamericana Norte (route 1), crossing to the Nicoya peninsula via the La Amistad Bridge over the Tempisque River, then heading towards Paquera. That is over 100km more of the route, but there are also beautiful views of the Gulf of Nicoya.

Do you come from Liberia, Nicoya or the North?

If you come from Liberia, you also have the option of flying (it takes 30 minutes) – the domestic airport is on the first floor of the international one.

If you are driving, from Liberia it is 150 km along Route 21, which takes you through the Nicoya peninsula to Paquera.

I’m in Paquera, now what?

In both cases, ferry or route, from Paquera you follow the route to Cobano. It’s about 30 km, but it lasts 45 minutes because there are many curves and you shouldn’t speed – also, when rushing you’d miss out on quite some beautiful landscapes. Once you pass the Tambor hotel on the left side it is about 6 km more, after 5 km you start to see the signs for Tango Mar. Look closely, because the driveway is small. Also, if you have been using Waze, once off the main road you better ignore it because it is wrong there. Let yourself be guided by the Tango Mar signs, because at any time now you will see it in front of you and you can start your vacation.

Finally, wherever you come from, don’t forget that at Tango Mar we will gladly help you organize the transfer. Contact us, we are here to serve you.

Some interesting links:

Sansa: https://www.flysansa.com (from San José and Liberia)

Green Airways: http://www.costaricagreenair.com (only from San José)

Ferry: http://navieratambor.com

Guide by Waze or Google Maps: Tango Mar Beach Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort