Costa Rica Banks Pay as Little as 436 Colones per Dollar – Here’s How to Get More
The dollar hit a record low of 446.10 colones. Costa Rica banks pay 436 to 440 per dollar. How to compare rates and avoid costly conversions.
Costa Rica
Text size100%
Costa Rica Moves to Demolish Narco Airstrips Without a Conviction
A Costa Rica bill would let authorities destroy clandestine airstrips without a final ruling and freeze land linked to them. It now heads to a floor vote.
Italian Wanted in 2021 Santa Cruz Killing Extradited to France
Costa Rica extradited two men to France, including an Italian investigated in the 2021 killing of a French citizen in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste.
The Local Pharmacy and the Surprises of Costa Rica Life
A longtime expat reflects on Costa Rica’s neighborhood pharmacies, sharing personal stories of back-room treatments and surprises behind the counter.
Costa Rica Falls 2-0 to Ecuador in Quito as the Bryan Ruiz Era Begins
Costa Rica fell 2-0 to Ecuador in Bryan Ruiz's first match as permanent coach, with a red card and a knee injury clouding Tuesday's game against Argentina.
Monteverde Went From 25 Dry Days a Year to Nearly 120, BBC Reports
A major BBC feature says Monteverde's clouds are rising. Dry days have jumped from about 25 a year to nearly 120, and lowland species are moving in.
Blocked Estuary May Explain Playa Langosta Fish Die-Off
A UNA biologist says sand blocking the San Francisco Estuary and low rainfall may have cut oxygen before the Playa Langosta die-off.
US Ground Stop Canceled 15 Costa Rica Flights. Here’s What to Expect Today
The US ground stop canceled 15 flights at Costa Rica's two main airports, and thousands of US cancellations continue. Check these steps before you fly today.
What the U.S. ground stop means for Costa Rica–U.S. flights
Q COSTA RICA — A nationwide United States ground stop is disrupting travel between Costa Rica and the United States on Friday, leaving passengers with uncertain departure times at both ends of the route. Flights from Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría (San José) International Airport (SJO) and Guanacaste Airport in Liberia…
Costa Rica and Nicaragua: Two different approaches to reckless motorcycling
RICO’s Q — Large motorcycle rides, known as “rodadas”, are drawing concern in Costa Rica. Riding in a group is legal. Blocking traffic, pulling wheelies, and putting other road users at risk are not. Nicaragua has taken a tougher approach to some of that behavior. Since February 2026, motorcyclists and passengers…
Nicaragua: Daniel Ortega loses his primary care physician
Q24N (Nicaragua) Co-president of Nicaragua and wife of Daniel Ortega, Rosario Murillo, ordered the arrest of her husband’s doctor despite his critical condition. The dictator reappeared in public after a 66-day absence, accompanied by Rosario Murillo at a ceremony honoring Carlos Fonseca; he has never looked as…
Costa Rica fishing rrip turns acandalous: Tourists paid to board an unlicensed boa
Q COSTA RICA — A paid fishing trip off Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast ended with the captain detained and the boat seized after coast guard officers found apparent violations of fishing and navigation requirements. Officers from the Quepos Coast Guard Station stopped the vessel near Dominical de Osa during a…
Owners of clandestine airstrips could face up to 15 years in prison
Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rican legislators have moved forward with a bill that would impose prison sentences on people involved in operating clandestine airstrips, as the government seeks to disrupt drug trafficking routes. The Legislative Assembly’s Security and Narcotics Commission approved the proposal unanimously on…
Costa Rican president threatens to sue journalist over questions about controversial public purchase
Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rican President Laura Fernández has threatened to sue the La Nación journalist behind reports on the controversial Fire Department’s purchase of 40 ambulances. She remarked at a government news conference on November 11, after La Nación reporter Cristian Mora asked whether she agreed with the…
Festival de la Luz 2026 to Feature 10 Giant Balloons, 14 Marching Bands, and Six Ground Performances
Ten giant balloons, 14 marching bands, and six street-level performances will headline the 2026 Festival de la Luz, embracing a refreshed blend of illuminated inflatables, live music, lighting displays, and interactive entertainment to celebrate Christmas in Costa Rica’s capital. The Municipality of San José…
Is Costa Rica as safe as its reputation?
Q COSTA RICA — After Caroline Heaviland, a 75-year-old American acupuncturist, was found murdered in her home in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, in August; California surfer and Hotel Puerto Viejo owner Kurt Van Dyke was killed during a violent home invasion in Cahuita, Limón, in February; and Austrian-German couple Manuela…
Holiday workers in Costa Rica retain full labor protections
Q COSTA RICA — As Costa Rican businesses gear up for Black Friday, Christmas and New Year, many bring on temporary staff to handle more customers and sales. But a short-term contract does not mean fewer workplace rights, labor lawyer María Marta Salazar explained. Costa Rica’s Código de Trabajo (Labor Code) allows…
How to Keep Your Urinary System Healthy
The urinary system, also known as the renal system, plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s overall health. It is responsible for filtering and eliminating waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, maintaining electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure. Given its vital functions, it is…
Why Expats Continue to Love Costa Rica
If there’s a place on Earth where expats seem to flock in search of a better life, it’s Costa Rica. This small Central American country is known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and welcoming culture. But what is it that draws people from all over the globe to settle in this paradise? Natural Beauty
Till Lindemann, Vocalist of Rammstein, to Perform in Costa Rica for the First Time
Rock and metal fans in Central America are facing a landmark musical event: Till Lindemann, the legendary lead singer and creative powerhouse behind the German industrial metal giant Rammstein, has officially announced his debut live performance in Costa Rica. The highly anticipated concert is scheduled for April 28…
Costa Rican Students Win Silver and Bronze at International Chemistry Olympiad in Uzbekistan
In a historic debut, two Costa Rican high school students have brought home silver and bronze medals from the 3rd Abu Rayhan Biruni International Chemistry Olympiad (ARBIChO 2026), held from November 3 to 9 in Nukus, Uzbekistan. Costa Rica’s delegation marked the country’s first-ever participation in the competition…
Costa Rican Ballerina Carolina Morice Joins The Washington Ballet Trainee Program
At just 17 years old, Costa Rican dancer Carolina Morice has achieved a major milestone in her artistic career: earning a spot in the prestigious Trainee Program at The Washington Ballet. This coveted program serves as a bridge for elite young dancers preparing to transition into professional ballet companies in the…
Philharmonic Orchestra Brings Led Zeppelin Classics to Life in Costa Rica
The legendary chords of one of the greatest bands in rock history are returning to Costa Rica—this time with a powerful sinphonic twist. The Costa Rica Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Marvin Araya, will present a spectacular tribute to Led Zeppelin at the iconic Teatro Popular Melico Salazar. A…
Costa Rica Weather Update: Trade Winds Pick Up as Low-Pressure System Moves Away
According to the latest forecast from Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN), atmospheric conditions across the national territory are set to transition this Monday, November 9. The low-pressure system that has influenced regional weather patterns over recent days is now moving westward away from the…