I’ve been writing so much about COVID-19 tests for travelers lately that it’s hard for me to think about anything else. I wrote about hotels in the Caribbean that offer testing and how to get a COVID-19 test in Mexico, for TravelAge West Magazine. I’ve covered hotels in the United States that now offer testing, as well as 5 things you need to know before taking a COVID-19 test abroad, both for TravelPulse. And now it’s time to turn to Latin America.
There’s a good reason why I’m writing so much about this topic, of course. New CDC guidelines now require a negative COVID-19 test result for any air traveler who wants to arrive in the United States. So now, as more parts of the region gradually reopen for tourism, where do you go in Latin America to get a COVID-19 test — and how much does it cost?
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(Given the ever-changing nature of the pandemic and testing, it should go without saying that you should verify if the information I’m presenting here is accurate before making your final travel decisions. In addition, please be sure to check out my reports mentioned in the first paragraph, as you’ll find lots more information about even more hotels, tour operators and clinics around the world)
There are lots of possibilities, and lots of details to keep in mind: most notably the timing for results (which needs to be considered in order to have results before you land in the United States) and cost (which can vary widely and affect the overall cost of your trip).
Among the hotel companies offering testing throughout their network is Viva Wyndham Resorts, a collection of all-inclusive properties located in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. The chain offers onsite COVID-19 PCR testing for all resort guests; the antigen test is free for guests visiting the company’s hotels in the Dominican Republic.
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Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in Costa Rica
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute is working with a variety of private laboratories across the country, to offer travelers PCR tests for less than $100 each. COVID-19 tests in Costa Rica can even be free. Tierra Magnifica, a Costa Rica resort that opened new suites and a spa in December) has debuted a new Peace of Mind package that includes credit for two onsite COVID-19 tests and the Costa Rica government mandated insurance. Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais and Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas provide onsite testing that’s free for guests who stay five nights or more; those who stay less pay $145 per person for the test, with results available within 24 to 48 hours. Nayara Resorts, meanwhile, is collaborating with a private lab to offer on-site tests, for $275 per person.
Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in the Dominican Republic
I already reported on my own personal experience getting a COVID-19 test in the Dominican Republic, but there are plenty of options. The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club, for example, offers the rapid antigen test for free to its guests, while the PCR test (which has a 48- to 72-hour turnaround for results) costs $100 and Express PCR (with results in 24 to 36 hours) costs $150.
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Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in Ecuador
In Ecuador, Metropolitan Touring in Ecuador offer their guests Covid PCR test performed by a certified laboratory for those traveling on to the Galapagos Islands, where a negative test result is required from a PCR test performed 96 hours prior to arrival. The test is administered at the restored 31-room mansion Casa Gangotena in Old Town, Quito. When staying at Casa Gangotena, travelers can request this service at the front desk or with the Concierge. The cost ranges from US$80 — $120 depending on the lab. Results are provided within 48 hours.
COVID-19 tests are included in new tour packages booked with Voyagers Travel Company, which partners with several labs in Quito and Guayaquil to offer tests at the airport and deliver results within two hours, and sometimes less than 30 minutes (excluding PCR tests, which take 24 hours for results).
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Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in Mexico
In Mexico, Fairmont Mayakoba offers free antigen tests for guests staying a minimum of three nights; PCR tests cost $150. Punta Mita — which is home to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and The St. Regis Resort Punta Mita — has an onsite hospital that offers PCR tests for $180 and antigen tests for free, with a minimum five-night stay. In Guanajuato, travelers can even take the test right at the airport, paying about $22 for a rapid antigen test and about $72 for the PCR test.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico, part of Grupo Xcaret, has implemented the 360 Xafety model assisting guests with COVID-19 detection tests at the company’s resort and parks. To ensure guests can meet the new U.S. Center for Disease Control rules requiring all airline passengers coming into the U.S. have proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test, guests staying at Hotel Xcaret Mexico can get a free COVID-19 antigen test, with results delivered the same day, or a PCR test for $140, with results delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Resort guests with a minimum of four-night stay who test positive for COVID-19 before departing to the U.S. will be able to quarantine for up to 14 nights at no cost to them. Grupo Xcaret makes it easy to take a COVID-19 test in other ways, too. with $19 antigen testing at Grupo Xcaret’s parks including, Xcaret, Xel-ha, Xplor, Xenses, and Xoximilco. This new initiative will be effective until March 31, 2021.
In Los Cabos, hotel pricing for COVID-19 tests can be well under $100 or even free, according to the Los Cabos Tourism Board. Acre Resort, for example, offers onsite antigen tests for $45 with a four-hour turnaround for results and PCR tests for $220, with a 72-hour turnaround. Onsite antigen tests cost $30 and PCR tests cost $200 at Viceroy Los Cabos.
Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in Panama
The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, located in Panama’s recently dubbed Riviera Pacifica, provides guests with access to a private clinic called Vidatec, which offers COVID-19 PCR tests for $95, quantitative antibody tests for $35, and antigen tests for $45 per. Results are delivered by email within 24 hours.
Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in Peru
Adios Adventure Travel, which specializes in Peru tour itineraries, has a clinic in Cusco that provides next-day results. A translator is available to accompany travelers, and the cost of the test is about $150.