Funeral Home (Tanatorio)

A tanatorio (funeral home) is a space designed to accompany families through one of life’s most sensitive moments: saying goodbye to a loved one. In Costa Rica, more and more people are looking for clear information about what it is, how it works, and what services a tanatorio offers, especially when they need to make quick, well-informed decisions.
This La Piedad guide explains everything in a simple, respectful, and reliable way.

Definition of Tanatorio

According to the Real Academia Española, a tanatorio is a “building in which the deceased are kept during the hours preceding burial or cremation.”
In simple terms, it is a professional, safe, and properly equipped place to hold a vigil for a loved one, with the support of funeral staff and all the necessary sanitary conditions.

What is a tanatorio?

A tanatorio is a specialized building where funeral services are carried out, from the preparation of the body to caring for family members during the wake. Unlike holding a vigil for a loved one at home, the tanatorio offers privacy, support, suitable facilities, and complete logistics so that the family does not have to worry about a single detail.

History of the Tanatorio

For centuries, families held vigils for their loved ones at home. Over time, however, the need arose for more hygienic and controlled spaces.
The first modern tanatorios appeared in Spain in the 1970s, incorporating private rooms, proper lighting, and complementary services.
Today they are an essential part of funeral services in many countries.

The Tanatorio today

Today, most farewells take place in funeral homes and tanatorios, where families have access to calm, safe, and dignified spaces.
At La Piedad, our viewing rooms include comfortable areas, café facilities, and trained staff to provide support at every moment.

Services offered by a Tanatorio

A modern tanatorio provides a variety of services tailored to the needs and budget of each family.
Among the most common are:

• Spacious, private viewing rooms
• Transfer of the body
• Floral arrangements
• Repatriation of remains
• Legal and psychological guidance
• Exhumations and cremations
• Sale of niches, headstones, and monuments
• Café service and 24/7 assistance

These services are managed by specialized staff who ensure respect, care, and compliance with all sanitary and legal regulations.

What is the difference between a Tanatorio and a Velatorio?

The tanatorio is the building or facility where funeral services are carried out.
The velatorio (wake room), on the other hand, is a room within the tanatorio (or even in a home) where the vigil over the body takes place.
Both spaces are designed to help with the farewell, but the tanatorio has professional infrastructure for handling the body and caring for family members. If you would like to learn more in depth about the difference between a Tanatorio and a Velatorio, you can visit our blog where we explain it in detail.

Can the tanatorio be used before the burial?

Yes. The law establishes that at least 24 hours must pass from the time of death before burial or cremation.
During that time, the body must remain in proper preservation conditions, whether in a morgue or in refrigerated chambers.

At La Piedad we have facilities and preservation chambers that ensure respect and care throughout the entire process.

Can you choose the tanatorio?

Yes, you can choose the one you prefer. If you do not have one in mind, the funeral agent will recommend options. One of the options we offer is that, by arranging a pre-planned funeral package, you will have a complete package with all the services you need.

How long can the body remain in the building?

This will depend on the family and the timing of the vigil over the body. If you are wondering whether it is mandatory to use the facility, the answer is no; you may hold the vigil for your family member at home and rely on a funeral home to transfer the deceased to the memorial park where they will be laid to rest.

Conclusion: a space for farewell and serenity

The tanatorio represents a place of gathering and remembrance, where families can honor their loved one with respect and calm.
If you would like to learn more about our funeral packages or memorial parks in Costa Rica, you can contact us here and our team will support you with every detail.