Barceló Tambor

What it is

Barceló Tambor is an all-inclusive resort right on Playa Tambor, a long, sheltered beach on the Gulf of Nicoya side of the southern Nicoya Peninsula. It's still trading under the Barceló name, as it was when we first wrote about it in 2015, and its official page was taking bookings into 2027 when we checked it in October 2026.

It's big by local standards. The resort lists 402 rooms, including 56 Premium Level rooms and 4 suites, and accessible rooms are available. Most of the small hotels on this peninsula have a handful of rooms, so this is a very different kind of stay.

What's included

Meals and drinks are covered, with a buffet and three à la carte restaurants. There are two connected outdoor pools plus a children's pool, a spa, tennis courts, water sports, a kids' club and an area for teenagers. The resort also has a convention center, so you may share it with a conference or a wedding.

Playa Tambor faces into the gulf, so the water is usually calmer than on the open Pacific beaches at Santa Teresa and Mal País on the other side of the peninsula. That makes it a better fit for younger swimmers.

Where it fits in a trip

The southern Nicoya Peninsula is a slower, greener corner of the country, and Tambor is one of its easiest places to arrive. Day trips from here include Curú Wildlife Refuge, the waterfalls and beach at Montezuma, Cabo Blanco at the tip of the peninsula, and boat trips to Isla Tortuga. If you'd like to dive while you're on this coast, Scuba.cr's Costa Rica diving guide covers dive trips and courses around the country. Surfers can head to Santa Teresa on the Pacific side.

A typical plan is to end a route here: Arenal or Monteverde first, then cross the Gulf of Nicoya and spend the last four or five days at the beach. Our Nicoya Peninsula guide explains how to fit it in, and our guide to getting around Costa Rica covers the ferry.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It suits families with children, groups and anyone who wants a simple, all-in beach week where you don't need to plan meals or drive every day.

It isn't the place for travelers who want a small eco lodge, local restaurants on the doorstep or a surf town atmosphere. Those travelers tend to prefer Montezuma or Santa Teresa.

Getting there

Tambor has a small domestic airstrip a few minutes from the resort, with flights from San José. By road, most people drive to Puntarenas and take the car ferry to Paquera, then continue south to Tambor. From Liberia (LIR), it's a long drive down the peninsula, so many visitors from the north fly or book a shuttle. Ferries fill up in busy seasons, so book ahead if you're driving.