Saturated Soils Put All of Costa Rica on Rain Alert Through Wednesday
Costa Rica is under a nationwide green rain alert after 100+ weekend floods. Soils are up to 100% saturated, with heavy rain expected through Wednesday.
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Costa Rica’s Public Healthcare System Considers Offering Ozempic and Other Weight-Loss Drugs
Costa Rica's CCSS is evaluating Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs for public healthcare patients with diabetes and obesity.
Cocaine Seizures in Costa Rica Jump Nearly 50% in 2026
Cocaine seizures in Costa Rica jumped nearly 50% in 2026, with police confiscating more than 40 metric tons through August amid growing drug trafficking concerns.
Thousands of European Investors Fear Losses as Costa Rica Teak Scheme Collapses
6,000 Europeans bought Costa Rica teak trees from a Swiss firm that is now bankrupt. Prosecutors are investigating, and squatters occupy the land.
Costa Rica Faces an $882 Million Revenue Hole as Courts, Police and Schools Take Cuts
Costa Rica faces a $882 million revenue gap for 2026. The Finance Ministry wants to cut millions and borrow millions more to close it.
University March Will Slow San José Traffic Tuesday From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A national march against university budget cuts leaves San Pedro at 9 a.m. Tuesday and rallies outside the Legislative Assembly until 6 p.m. Here's where to expect delays.
Tárcoles Crocodiles Have Prime Habitat in Just 13% of River Area Studied
A new UNA study finds only about 13% of the lower Tárcoles River offers high-quality crocodile habitat, with nesting areas scarce and fragmented.
Flash Floods Trap People in Heredia and Escazú as Storms Dump Up to 80 mm
Storms flooded streets in Heredia and Escazú on Sunday, trapping people and forcing rescues. More heavy rain is forecast tonight. Here is what to avoid.
Atenas launches Gallery Nights: a different artist every month, with the Central Valley as a backdrop
Explore the Costa Rica Art Exhibition series starting in November with Terry Eldridge and enjoy art, food, and stunning views.
Costa Rica Owls: Camera Traps Reveal Their Hidden Live
Meet Costa Rica’s owls through a biologist’s firsthand encounters and camera trap videos, from spectacled owls to tiny pygmy owls.
Toys “R” Us Weighs Going It Alone in Costa Rica
Toys R Us may open in Costa Rica without a local partner. Each 500-square-meter store would cost about $300,000, its regional franchise holder says.
Three Paperwork Problems Led Costa Rica to Deny Beéle Concert Permit
Costa Rica immigration says a contract filed for the Beéle concert listed a signer who was not in the country. Refunds start automatically Monday, Oct. 19.
Costa Rica’s Cahuita Tourism Businesses Struggle After Major Drug Raids
Tourism businesses in Cahuita, Costa Rica, report declining visitors and sales following major drug raids, as the Caribbean town faces economic challenges.
Costa Rica Storms Return After 2,000 Lightning Strikes in One Day
Afternoon storms are back across Costa Rica after 2,000 lightning strikes Friday. What to expect where you are and how to stay safe.
Brazil’s Luisa Stefani Wins Wuhan Open Title and Takes Lead in WTA Doubles Race
Brazil's Luisa Stefani and Gabriela Dabrowski win the 2026 Wuhan Open doubles title, their sixth championship of the season.
Costa Rica’s National Theater Celebrates 129 Years With Free Tours and Concerts Today
Costa Rica's National Theater celebrates 129 years today with free guided tours, live concerts and cultural activities in downtown San José.
Costa Rica Hands Four Suspects to US in Three Days as US Embassy Praises New Prison
Three Mexicans linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and a Russian national were handed to US authorities this week, as the US Embassy called Costa Rica a key partner.
Costa Rica Office Vacancy Could Hit 27% by 2030 as Multinationals Cut Jobs
Costa Rica office vacancy could climb from about 19% to 27.1% by 2030 as multinationals cut jobs, with knock-on risks for rents, banks and builders.
Costa Rica Through A Canadian’s Eyes: More Than Just Pura Vida
Join me in uncovering the beauty of Costa Rica through the lens of Wendy Stoneham. Find out what living here truly means.
Matthew McConaughey’s Tequila Brand Debuts in Costa Rica Through Luxury Hotel Partnership
Matthew McConaughey's Pantalones Tequila debuts in Costa Rica with four exclusive cocktails at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Guanacaste.
Costa Rica Audit Finds Long Delays for Stomach Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
A CCSS audit found long waits for stomach cancer tests and treatment in Costa Rica, including seven patients who waited up to 247 days after diagnosis.
The Rare Costa Rica Parasite That Sent Me to Surgery
A longtime expat recalls a rare intestinal parasite in Costa Rica that led to emergency surgery and changed how he washes and prepares fresh produce.
Costa Rica and El Salvador Sign New Agreement to Fight Organized Crime
Costa Rica and El Salvador signed a new security agreement targeting organized crime as President Laura Fernández toured El Salvador’s CECOT prison.
Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan Leads UN Race but Faces Two Potential Vetoes
Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains the frontrunner for UN secretary-general but faces opposition from two permanent Security Council members.
Beéle Concert in Costa Rica Canceled Hours Before Show
Beéle’s Oct. 17 concert in Costa Rica was canceled hours before the show amid immigration problems and a judicial investigation involving the producer.
Your Android Phone May Soon Warn You Before a Costa Rica Earthquake Hits
Google is adding Costa Rica to Android earthquake alerts. Here is how to check your phone, how the warnings work, and the free apps that work now.
Costa Rica’s President Says US Government Already Operates on Costa Rican Soil
President Laura Fernández says DEA and FBI operations already take place in Costa Rica, a country with no army, under a protocol from the last government.
Costa Rica President Tours CECOT Mega-Prison in El Salvador
President Laura Fernández toured El Salvador's 40,000-inmate CECOT two days after opening Costa Rica's own 5,100-bed prison modeled on it.
Police Name 22-Year-Old Suspect in Playas del Coco Killing of American
Police released a photo of the 22-year-old main suspect in the Playas del Coco killing of an American and arrested a second woman in Desamparados.
Costa Rica’s Licensed Taxi Fleet Has Shrunk by Nearly Half Since Uber Arrived
Costa Rica's licensed taxi fleet has dropped to about 6,800 drivers from 13,500 concessions as Uber and DiDi grow. Here's what Bill 23,736 would change.
Costa Rica Farmer Olga Vargas Named Among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes
Costa Rica farmer Olga Vargas joins FAO’s 100 Women Heroes for her work growing guavas, raising tilapia and sharing sustainable farming practices.
Police Detain Woman in Raids Over Playas del Coco Killing of American
Police detained a woman in dawn raids near San José. The main suspect in the killing of an American in Playas del Coco is still at large.
Costa Rica’s Capital Gets a Temporary Forest and Free Saturday Music
Visit Bosque prestado in downtown San José, Costa Rica, for a free music event October 17 and a temporary forest open through October 25.
Costa Rica Prison Faces Court Challenge Before Inmate Transfers Begin
A rights group asks Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court to halt CACCO inmate transfers over concerns about heat, safety, privacy and medical care
Costa Rica Tourism Falls for a Second Month as US Arrivals Drop
Costa Rica tourist arrivals fell 2.4% in September, the second monthly drop, as US visitors slipped 3.3% and Liberia grew 11.8%.
Costa Rica Searches Guácimo Farm for the Bodies of 10 Missing People
Investigators searched seven homes on a Guácimo farm linked to the Coco Guácimo network after tips that at least 10 missing people may be buried there.
ATP Proposes $350 Million Player Compensation Plan and Major Ranking Changes
The ATP unveils a $350 million player compensation plan for 2028, proposing major changes to rankings, tournament schedules and pensions.
El Niño Peak Expected in December With Record-Warm Pacific Waters, WMO Warns
The WMO forecasts a record 3.7 C Pacific anomaly and a December El Niño peak. What it means for Costa Rica corals, rainfall and water supply.
Costa Rica President to Tour CECOT Days After Opening a 5,100-Inmate Prison
Two days after opening a 5,100-inmate prison modeled on CECOT, Costa Rica President Laura Fernandez heads to El Salvador to tour the original.
Credit Card Purchases Offer New Leads in Killing of American in Costa Rica
Supermarket purchases and a hotel stay allegedly paid for with a dead American’s credit cards have given investigators new leads in the search for a woman suspected in his killing in Playas del Coco. The transactions reportedly included purchases at supermarkets in Playas del Coco and Brasilito, lodging at a hotel in…
Costa Rica Bills Would Keep Kids Off Social Media Until 14 or 15
Two Costa Rica bills would bar children under 14 or 15 from social media. Experts warn age limits alone will not protect them.
Costa Rica Moves 2,700 Corals Deeper to Escape El Niño Heat
UNED moved 2,700 corals at Isla Tortuga from 5 to 13 meters deep to escape El Niño heat, as Costa Rica coral bleaching risk rises in the Gulf of Nicoya.
Costa Rica Ransomware Attacks Rise 39%, Microsoft Reports
Costa Rica ransomware attacks rose 39%, placing the country ninth worldwide, according to Microsoft’s 2026 Digital Defense Report.
National Team Defender Among Four Held in Costa Rica Loan-Shark Extortion Probe
Cartaginés and national team defender Carlos Barahona, 24, was detained with three men in Cartago raids tied to alleged gota a gota loan extortion.
Costa Rica’s Public Schools Have Lost 180,000 Students in Five Years
Public school enrollment in Costa Rica has fallen 16.5% since 2021 as births decline, while private schools have added more than 12,000 students.
Costa Rica Opens Prison Modeled on El Salvador’s CECOT
Costa Rica inaugurates its CECOT-style prison today. Inmates arrive late October under strict rules now facing two Constitutional Chamber challenges.
Snoop Dogg’s Costa Rica Concert Is Canceled and Ticket Refunds Will Be Automatic
Snoop Dogg's Dec. 3 Costa Rica concert is canceled. Refunds will be automatic, but a court workers' association's $2.32 million is unresolved.
Some Liberia Hospital Patients Have Waited Nearly a Week in a Chair for a Bed
Patients at Guanacaste's main public hospital in Liberia say they have spent up to six days sleeping in emergency-room chairs while waiting for a bed.
Snoop Dogg’s Costa Rica Promoter Says He Once Turned Down a Suitcase of Cash
Don Stockwell, the promoter of Snoop Dogg's now-canceled Costa Rica concert, told prosecutors he once rejected a suitcase full of cash and never suspected drug money.
Woman Sought After 74-Year-Old American Found Dead in Playas del Coco
Police in Guanacaste are seeking a woman seen leaving a Playas del Coco condominium where a 74-year-old American man was later found dead.
Costa Rica’s Trash Problem Begins in Our Own Neighborhoods
From discarded plastic bottles to littered streets, one longtime resident reflects on Costa Rica's trash problem and the battle to keep neighborhoods clean
ICE Sent Two Costa Rican Children to a Texas Family Detention Center
ICE apprehended two Costa Rican children, ages 9 and 11, near New Orleans and moved them 12 hours by road to the Dilley family detention center in Texas.
Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy Wins in Portugal and Jumps 20 Places Toward the 2027 World Tour
Costa Rica's Brisa Hennessy won the Ericeira Pro with a late 7.50 wave, jumping from 24th to fourth in Challenger Series standings with one event left.
1 Million Coral Embryos Return to a Costa Rica Reef in a National First
Researchers in Manzanillo raised coral larvae in a lab for the first time in Costa Rica and returned nearly 1 million embryos to a Caribbean reef.
Rents in Costa Rica Outpace Inflation Nearly 10 to 1 but Leases Cap the Hit
Costa Rica rents rose 3.27% while inflation was 0.34%. What your landlord can legally add mid-lease, why dollar rents are frozen and what renewal brings.
Costa Rica Water Outage to Affect 13,000 in Heredia
A Heredia water outage will affect 13,212 people on October 14, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. See the San Rafael and Los Ángeles communities affected.
Costa Rica Raises Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Rates for 2027
Costa Rica approves higher mandatory vehicle insurance rates for 2027, increasing marchamo costs for cars, motorcycles and buses.
Carlos Alcaraz Stunned in Shanghai as Zverev Clinches Year-End No. 1
Carlos Alcaraz lost to Zizou Bergs at the Shanghai Masters, ending his winning streak and securing Alexander Zverev’s year-end No. 1 ranking.
Costa Rica’s Lesser-Known Juan Castro Blanco Park Prepares for Tourists
Construction has begun on accessible trails and visitor facilities at Costa Rica's Juan Castro Blanco National Park, but it remains closed to tourists.
First Tampa to Costa Rica Nonstop in 25 Years Is Now Flying Twice a Week
Breeze Airways completed its first two flights from Tampa to Costa Rica, the first nonstop on the route in more than 25 years. Here's the schedule and fares.
Court Vacancies Stall Second Immunity Request Against Rodrigo Chaves
A shortage of alternate justices is stalling a new request to lift Rodrigo Chaves immunity, as the ruling party votes 4-3 in committee against Justice Jorge Araya.
Dollar Slips Back Toward 450 Colones, Shrinking What Your Dollars Buy
The Costa Rica exchange rate slid back toward 450 colones, with the dollar closing Friday at 452.92 on Monex. What it means for anyone earning in dollars.
Costa Rica’s Prison Population Hits Record Ahead of Mega-Prison Opening
Costa Rica prison population hit a record 21,173 as of Oct. 7, up 42% since 2022, as the 5,100-bed CACCO prison prepares to open on Oct. 14.
Costa Rica Weather Today Brings Dry Mornings and Stormy Pacific Afternoons
Costa Rica weather today brings a calmer morning, then afternoon storms in the Central Valley and Pacific. Check Route 32 before driving to the Caribbean.
More Than 400 Buildings Sit in the Path of Costa Rica’s Electric Train
Incofer found more than 400 homes, shops and buildings inside the Costa Rica electric train right-of-way. The state must also buy 145 private lots by 2028.
Prosecutors Probe Clearing on Protected Land Beside Montezuma Waterfall
Inspectors found trees cut and a hillside terraced on 6,564 square meters beside Montezuma waterfall, including public heritage land. The case is open.
The Night Costa Rica Witnessed Central America’s Worst Soccer Tragedy
A Costa Rica expat recalls the deadly 1996 Guatemala stadium disaster, when a World Cup qualifier turned into one of Central America's darkest soccer moments.
Costa Rica’s First Artificial Beach Runs on Well Water as Guanacaste Dries Out
Costa Rica's first artificial beach draws on well water as Guanacaste heads into an El Niño dry season with forecasts of 80% less rain.
Is Snoop Dogg’s Costa Rica Concert Still Happening?
Snoop Dogg's December 3 concert in Costa Rica remains on schedule despite the arrest and release of producer Don Stockwell in a money laundering investigation.
Francisco Cerúndolo Falls in Shanghai as Breakthrough 2026 Season Faces Another Test
Francisco Cerúndolo falls to Jakub Menšík at the Shanghai Masters as the Argentine's two-title 2026 season faces another test.
Costa Rica’s OIJ Warns of Motorcycle Groups Blocking Roads and Attacking Drivers
Motorcycle groups doing stunts, blocking traffic and assaulting drivers are a serious problem in Costa Rica, the OIJ warns. Riders are 58% of road deaths.
Landslide Forces Closure of Costa Rica’s Road to Limon Again
Heavy rain forced Costa Rica to close Route 32 Saturday night after a landslide at kilometer 28. Crews were scheduled to inspect the road Sunday.
El Salvador’s New National Stadium Hits 75% as 50,000 Seats Arrive From China
El Salvador's China-built National Stadium is 75% complete. Its 50,000 seats arrive this weekend, and it could open by early 2027, dwarfing Costa Rica's.
Costa Rican Scientists Revive Fish Larvae Research to Protect Fisheries
Costa Rican scientists and marine conservation specialists are working to revive an important field of research that could help protect fish populations and improve the sustainable management of marine resources. The Costa Rican Fishing Federation (FECOP), in collaboration with the University of Costa Rica’s (UCR)…
Panama Earthquake Aftershocks Continue as Residents Survey Widespread Damage
Panama residents face widespread damage and more than 100 aftershocks following a 7.7 earthquake. Authorities report injuries but no deaths.
Costa Rica Sends ₡1.5 Billion to Red Cross as Branches Still Face Pressure
President Fernández orders a ₡1.5 billion transfer to Costa Rica’s Red Cross. Dozens of branches remain under financial pressure and overnight shift cuts are still under review.
Pandora Closes All Five Stores in Costa Rica, Leaving Shoppers With Questions
Pandora has closed all five of its Costa Rica jewelry stores. The company has not explained the closures or announced whether the shops will reopen.
Costa Rica’s Grecia to Get New Wyndham Hotel
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open a 168-room hotel in Grecia, by 2028, bringing another international hotel brand to an area of Costa Rica better known for its residential communities and growing business sector than large-scale tourism. The hotel, called Wyndham Poás, will be part of El Canal, a…
Panama Earthquake Aftershocks Could Shake Costa Rica for Weeks
Costa Rica could experience more tremors in the coming days and weeks as Panama continues to record aftershocks from yesterday’s powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake. Seismologists say some of those aftershocks could be strong enough to be felt across the country, particularly in southern communities near the Panamanian…
Transnica Restarts Bus Service Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Transnica announces the return of daily bus service between San José, Costa Rica, and Managua, Nicaragua, starting October 10 after a court ruling.
Flying to Panama? Expect Delays After the 7.7 Quake Closed Tocumen
Panama's Tocumen airport halted flights after the 7.7 quake. What it means if you're flying between Costa Rica and Panama.
Water Upgrades for Jacó, Quepos and Manuel Antonio Stall After Seven Years
Costa Rica's coastal water program for Jacó, Quepos and Manuel Antonio is 25% done after seven years, and delays have cost $43.7 million in loan fees.
Panama Celebrates Removal From European Union Tax Blacklist
The European Union removes Panama and Vietnam from its tax haven blacklist, citing progress on tax reforms and international compliance standards.
Magnitude 7.6 Quake Centered in Panama Is Felt Across Most of Costa Rica
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake centered in Panama shook Costa Rica at midday Friday. What we know about damage, tsunami alerts and aftershocks.
Costa Rica Raids 80 Locations in Major Fuel Theft and Organized Crime Investigation
Costa Rica's OIJ carried out 80 raids Friday against an alleged network accused of stealing 654,000 liters of fuel and $1.5 million in cargo, with 22 detained.
Iron Maiden Ends 10-Year Absence With 50th-Anniversary Show in Costa Rica
Iron Maiden returned to Costa Rica after 10 years, bringing its 50th-anniversary tour and a song never played here before.
Tropical Wave 50 Reaches Costa Rica Saturday Night With More Heavy Rain
Tropical Wave 50 reaches Costa Rica late Saturday. Expect the heaviest rain in the Northern Zone and Caribbean.
Landslides Close Costa Rica’s Route 32 Between San José and Limón
Costa Rica’s Route 32 remains closed after multiple landslides, forcing travelers between San José and Limón to use alternate routes.
Juan Manuel Cerúndolo Beats Nicolás Mejía to Set Up Carlos Alcaraz Clash in Shanghai
Juan Manuel Cerúndolo defeats Nicolás Mejía at the Shanghai Masters, setting up a second-round meeting with Carlos Alcaraz on October 10.
Study Counts More Than 557,000 Costa Rican Children in Poverty
A Conare study finds 557,193 minors in Costa Rica's social-aid registry are classified as poor, with Sarapiquí and the Southern Zone among the hardest hit.
Booking a Red Taxi on Uber in Costa Rica Can Cost 2.5 Times More
Red taxis booked through Uber in Costa Rica charge the official meter fare. A ride to Poás cost $58 versus $23 on UberX. Check before you book.
US Flags Costa Rica Again Over Illegal and Unreported Fishing Concerns
NOAA has again identified Costa Rica over illegal and unreported fishing concerns, citing gaps in observer coverage and fisheries reporting.
Costa Rica’s Pensionado Visa Ranks Fourth in Global Retirement Index
Costa Rica's Pensionado visa ranks fourth of 46 retirement programs worldwide on its $1,000 income rule and tax treatment. Paperwork is the weak spot.
New Details Reveal Political Contacts of Producers in Costa Rica Money-Laundering Probe
New details show Costa Rica concert producers in a money-laundering probe had campaign contributions and recent contacts with political figures.
Rebeca Grynspan Leads UN Secretary-General Vote for Fourth Time
Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan topped a UN Security Council straw poll for the fourth time, but the threat of a permanent-member veto remains
Costa Rica’s Pensionado Visa Ranks Fourth in Global Retirement Index
Costa Rica's Pensionado visa ranks fourth of 46 retirement programs worldwide on its $1,000 income rule and tax treatment. Paperwork is the weak spot.
Costa Rica Coffee Producers Warn Strong Colón Is Forcing Job Cuts
Costa Rica coffee producers say the strong colón is cutting farm income, forcing layoffs and accelerating a shift toward machinery.
World’s First All-Inclusive JW Marriott Opens in Guanacaste
The world's first all-inclusive JW Marriott is now open at Playa El Jobo on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast.
Costa Rica Concert Producers Arrested in $850,000 Money Laundering Probe
Two Costa Rica concert producers are among 18 people arrested in a probe into $850,000 in alleged drug money invested in concerts.
Liberation Party Will Vote Against Costa Rica Joining Trans-Pacific Trade Pact
Costa Rica CPTPP entry faces a hurdle as the PLN vows to vote no. Its 17 seats could matter if the Trans-Pacific accord needs 38 votes.