Four Days of Rough Surf Ahead for Costa Rica’s Pacific Beaches
Costa Rica is under a green alert. Waves up to 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) hit the North and Central Pacific Wednesday and Thursday, then the South Pacific.
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Democrats Win Congress but Costa Rica’s US Tariff Stays
Democrats won both houses of Congress, yet Costa Rica's 12.5% US tariff stays in place. What lawmakers can do, and where real relief would come from.
Djokovic Rallies in Paris to Keep ATP Finals Hopes Alive
Novak Djokovic, 39, came from a set down to beat Valentin Vacherot at the Paris Masters, becoming the event's oldest match winner and staying in the Turin race.
What JetBlue’s Multi-Billion Dollar Debt Means for Costa Rica Flights
JetBlue creditors hired restructuring advisers as bonds fell to 42 cents. What a sale or Chapter 11 could mean for San José and Liberia flights.
Your 2027 Marchamo Is Lower if You Drive a Private Car
The 2027 marchamo is 4.3% lower for the average private car. How to challenge your car's fiscal value, and what each charge costs if you pay after Dec. 31.
Forbes Picks Costa Rica’s Rancho Pacifico to Beat the Crowds
Forbes names Rancho Pacifico, a 20-guest rainforest resort above Uvita, among its top shoulder-season trips. Wildlife, waterfall and when to go.
Costa Rica Researchers Study Pollution Exposure in Ostional Sea Turtles
Costa Rica researchers are studying pollution exposure in Ostional sea turtles, including antibiotic-resistance genes. Results have not been released.
Costa Rica Plans Highway Cameras and Radar Every 1.5 Kilometers on San Ramón Route
Tender documents for the San José–San Ramón highway call for cameras and radar every 1.5 km, night vision, crash alerts and barrier-free tolls. Tickets unconfirmed.
El Niño Is Already Cutting Costa Rica’s Coffee Harvest by Up to 15%
Coffee growers expect a 10-15% smaller harvest as El Niño hits rice, bananas, melons and cattle, and the Central Bank sees farm output shrinking in 2027.
Your 2027 Marchamo Is Due and the New Sticker Can Only Go On Once
Pay your 2027 marchamo by Dec. 31. What the new 10-year digital sticker costs, how to apply it once and the optional add-on to watch for.
Costa Rica Now Has Its Own Wine Grape After a 50-Year Quest
Costa Rica has its first registered tropical wine grape. Peppevidor, a cross with a native wild vine, needs no cold season and resists Pierce's disease.
Prosecutors Find No Costa Rican Victims in Epstein Files Investigation
Costa Rican prosecutors ask a court to dismiss their Epstein files probe after finding no local victims or suspects.
Gota a Gota Extortion Cases Keep Climbing in Costa Rica, OIJ Data Show
Extortion complaints tied to gota a gota loans in Costa Rica hit a record 935 in 2025, and 2026 is close behind.
Nearly Two Thousand Chinese Businesses Established in Nicaragua Since Free Trade Agreement Took Effect
Nearly 2,000 Chinese businesses have opened in Nicaragua since the free trade agreement took effect in 2024, according to a Chinese business association, even as official FDI from China reached 29.3 million dollars in 2025.
Costa Rica Uses Smartphones to Create 3D Maps of Pacific Coral Reefs
Costa Rican conservationists are using smartphones to create 3D maps of Pacific coral reefs, tracking reef health, restoration and El Niño impacts.
Alejandro Tabilo Falls to Rafael Jódar Again in Paris Masters Opener
Chile's Alejandro Tabilo loses 6-2, 6-3 to Rafael Jódar at the Paris Masters, suffering his fourth straight defeat against the Spaniard.
Costa Rica Reopens Cambronero Highway After Nearly Two-Months
Costa Rica reopened Route 1 through Cambronero on November 1 after nearly two months of closure, but permanent repairs are still planned for 2027.
US Midterm Vote Won’t Necessarily Lift Costa Rica’s 12.5% Tariff
Analysts say Tuesday's US midterms could shift the politics around Costa Rica's 12.5% tariff, but a new Congress won't automatically lift it.
Costa Rica’s Pesticide Problem and the Beauty of Backyard Gardening
Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, yet pesticide use raises concerns. One resident contrasts industrial farming with his thriving backyard garden.
Costa Rica Dollar Supply Hits Record 20 Years After Colón Devaluations Ended
The dollar sits near ₡452 as Costa Rica marks 20 years since ending planned colón devaluations. Here's what is driving record dollar supply.
Woman Accused of Forging Deeds to Take an American’s Property Deported to Costa Rica
Two Costa Ricans wanted since 2016 were deported from the US, including a woman suspected of using forged deeds to take an American's property.
Wha Happen? 13 Patois Phrases for Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast
Heading to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita? Learn 13 Mekatelyu phrases, from wha happen to mek wi go, before you go.
Fixing an Invoice in Costa Rica Can Now Reopen a Tax Return You Already Filed
New Costa Rica e-invoice rules start Nov. 1. Correcting an invoice can now mean amending an old tax return and paying interest.
Costa Rica Court Asked to Halt Shark Fishing Near Cocos Island
A Costa Rican attorney is seeking a court order to halt shark fishing near Cocos Island, citing missing regulations in a protected marine area.
Missing Caribbean Fishermen Found Alive in Colombia, Family Says
Three fishermen from Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, missing since Oct. 19 on a boat with engine trouble, were found alive in Colombia, a relative says.
Costa Rica Plans Blue Zone Seal and Wellness Tourism Push for Nicoya
Costa Rica plans an official Blue Zone seal and three Nicoya wellness tourism products by 2028, plus new care for centenarians.
Chaves Calls TEC Rector a Terrorist as 417 Limón Students Face Campus Closure
Rodrigo Chaves called TEC rector María Estrada a terrorist after she warned a ₡491 million cut would close the Limón campus and its 417 students.
Two of Every Three Dairy Imports in Costa Rica Now Come From the US
Costa Rica imported $66.4 million in US dairy through August, nearly four times the 2020 level, as approved US plants jumped from 43 to 259.
American Pilot Overturns Mother’s Costa Rica Will Over Missing Interpreters
A will signed in Spanish without two interpreters left an Ohio pilot out of his mother's Costa Rica estate. The Supreme Court upheld its annulment.
Scarlet Macaws Start Nesting in Costa Rica, and You Can Watch Live
Scarlet macaws are pairing off on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Watch 11 live nest cams, with first chicks due by January.
Expect Gusts Up to 85 km/h and Rain in Costa Rica This Weekend
Gusts could reach 85 km/h in Costa Rica's mountains and northern Guanacaste today, with rain in the Caribbean and storms in the South Pacific.
Grynspan Holds Lead as New Emirati Candidate Disappoints in Race to Lead UN
Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan leads the seventh informal vote for UN secretary-general with 11 votes of support, ahead of new UAE candidate Lana Nusseibeh.
Costa Rica’s Creepiest Ghost Stories and Mysterious Legends
Costa Rica's scariest ghost stories and legends, from El Cadejos and haunted hospitals to the mysterious groom who vanished on his wedding night.
Suspect in Playas del Coco Killing of American Will Be Held for One Year
A woman suspected of killing American Marc Fleming in Playas del Coco will spend a year in pretrial detention as the investigation continues.
Costa Rica Hotel Wins Two World Travel Awards, Putting Tárcoles in the Spotlight
Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda in Tárcoles wins two 2026 World Travel Awards, bringing international recognition to Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast.
For First Time, Costa Rica Votes Against UN Call to End US Embargo on Cuba
Costa Rica voted against the annual UN resolution calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba for the first time since 1992, after decades of support.
Four Detained in Costa Rica Over Sedative-Spiked Rides From Bars
Four men detained in Costa Rica are suspected of offering rides to people leaving San José bars, drugging them with clonazepam and draining their cards.
Costa Rica Celebrates National Masquerade Day With Traditional Parades and Music
Costa Rica is celebrating one of its most colorful traditions this weekend as giant masks, lively marching bands and characters from local folklore take over streets and public spaces across Costa Rica. National Traditional Masquerade Day, observed every October 31, brings communities together for a celebration that…
Lufthansa to Drop Costa Rica Route in 2027 as Sister Airline Adds More Flights
Lufthansa will hand its Costa Rica route to Discover Airlines in December 2027, increasing weekly flights to six, including two services via Belize.
High Tides Flood Homes in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas
High tides flooded homes in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, on October 29, with elevated tides forecast to continue along the Pacific coast through Saturday.
Costa Rica Gas Prices Jump Sharply as Regular Fuel Becomes More Expensive Than Premium
Costa Rica approves a 12.38% increase in regular gasoline prices to ₡808 per liter, making regular fuel more expensive than premium gasoline.
Heading Out for Halloween in Costa Rica? Expect More Police on Patrol
Costa Rica police will patrol cemeteries, churches, bars and costume parties this Halloween weekend. Here's what to expect if you're heading out Oct. 31.
Costa Rica’s Cambronero Bridge to Reopen
Costa Rica’s Cambronero bridge on Route 1 will reopen November 3 after repairs, restoring traffic between San Ramón and Esparza.
Tamarindo Celebrates Halloween Weekend With Costume Surfing, Parades and Beach Parties
Tamarindo Halloween Fest 2026 brings costume surfing, parades, family activities, live music and beach parties to Guanacaste on October 30–31
Costa Rica’s Native Stingless Bees at Center of Supreme Court Fight
Costa Rica's Supreme Court reviews regulations restricting native stingless-bee farming, raising concerns about biodiversity and traditional honey producers.
Costa Rica’s President Invites Pope Leo XIV to Visit in 2027
Costa Rica's president formally invited Pope Leo XIV to visit in 2027, which would be the first papal visit since 1983.
46 US Veterans Tried Ayahuasca in Costa Rica, Where Rules Remain Murky
46 US veterans drank ayahuasca at a Guanacaste retreat to ease PTSD. The stories are moving, but the data is thin and Costa Rica's rules remain unsettled.
All Three VIP Lounges at Juan Santamaría Airport Close Sunday
, Nov. 1, and the Mastercard lounge has no reopening date.
Elena Rybakina Clinches Year-End World No. 1 Ranking After Tokyo Victory
Elena Rybakina secures the 2026 WTA year-end World No. 1 ranking after beating Yulia Putintseva in Tokyo, capping a season with two Grand Slam titles.
Costa Rica’s Nosara Free Nature Trails Through Forests and Wetlands
18 kilometers of free nature trails in Nosara, Costa Rica, with nine routes through tropical forests, wetlands and wildlife habitats.
Sarapiquí Bus Crash Toll Rises to Three as Bus Lacked Excursion Permit
A third woman has died after the Sarapiquí bus rollover. Regulators say the bus was only permitted to carry students, not the excursion group aboard.
Costa Rica Pension Overhaul Could Require 30 Years of Work Instead of 25
Costa Rica opened talks on 20 pension reforms that could require 30 years of contributions instead of 25 and cut payouts. Here is what could change.
Flying to the US Soon? Every Passenger Must Sign a New Form From Nov. 3
In Costa Rica, on Nov. 3, airlines must refuse boarding to anyone flying to or through the US who has not signed a new Ebola declaration.
El Salvador’s Marcelo Arévalo Qualifies for ATP Finals Despite Vienna Upset
El Salvador's Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić qualify for the 2026 ATP Finals despite a first-round doubles defeat in Vienna.
Costa Rica Drops Bid to Join Pacific Trade Pact and Fires Its Trade Minister
Costa Rica drops its bid to join the CPTPP and fires its trade minister, citing secrecy over the deal and risks to ranchers and dairy farmers.
Thinking of Moving to Costa Rica? Put Puriscal at the Top of Your List
Thinking of moving to Costa Rica? Discover why Puriscal appeals to newcomers with its mild climate, affordable land, beautiful scenery and rural lifestyle.
Costa Rica Bus Crash Leaves Two Dead and Dozens Injured
Two women died and seven people were critically injured when a passenger bus overturned on Route 4 in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, on October 28.
Costa Rica Hospitals Overwhelmed as Patients Wait Up to Eight Days for Treatment
Costa Rica's public hospitals face severe overcrowding, with patients waiting up to eight days for beds as CCSS audits reveal staffing shortages.
Usher Returns to Costa Rica and Shares Photos of Guanacaste Getaway
R&B star Usher returns to Costa Rica, sharing photos of his Guanacaste vacation, including beaches, golf, adventure activities and luxury resorts.
Ruling Party Files Bill That Would Let Rodrigo Chaves Run Again in 2030
Pueblo Soberano filed a constitutional reform to allow consecutive presidential terms. It has 31 of the 38 votes it needs.
Costa Rica Arrests Woman Suspected in Killing of American in Playas del Coco
Costa Rica police arrest a 22-year-old woman suspected of killing an American businessman in Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, following a monthlong investigatio
Thieves Emptied a Tourist Rental Car in 8 Minutes in Costa Rica
Tourists lost two passports and luggage from a locked-looking rental car in 8 minutes. How to make sure your car actually locks.
Pacific Coast Faces Its Highest Tides of the Season Through Saturday
The season's highest tides peaked early Wednesday in Golfito and stay high on the Pacific coast through Saturday. What to watch for.
Rincón de la Vieja Could Be Settling Down or Building Toward Bigger Eruptions
Rincón de la Vieja is erupting less, but OVSICORI says the lull could mean the volcano is settling down or building toward bigger eruptions.
Quetzal Recorded for the First Time at Little-Known Cartago Refuge
A quetzal turned up for the first time at La Marta refuge in Cartago during a 132-species bird count. Here's what it means for birders.
Costa Rica Opens Walk-In Motorcycle Road Tests Without Appointments
Need a motorcycle license in Costa Rica? Take your road test at Ciudad Vial without an appointment through Friday, Oct. 30.
El Niño Squeeze on the Panama Canal Could Raise Costa Rica Import Costs
El Niño has held Panama Canal transits to 33 a day, below the usual 34 to 36. Experts see higher costs for Costa Rica's corn, soy and wheat imports.
Costa Rica Gets Five Weekly Nonstop Flights From London Heathrow
British Airways now flies nonstop from London Heathrow to Costa Rica five times a week, year-round for the first time. Here are the days, times and aircraft.
For the First Time, Women Lead All Three Branches of Costa Rica’s Government
Women now lead all three branches of Costa Rica's government. New Chief Justice Patricia Vargas says ₡30 billion in court funding is tied up.
US Tourist Breaks Leg in 10-Meter Fall at Costa Rica Waterfall
A US tourist suffered an open leg fracture after a 10-meter (33-foot) fall at the Cinchona waterfall in Alajuela. Red Cross crews and neighbors carried him out.
Costa Rica’s Children’s Hospital ICU Is Full as Respiratory Viruses Spread
Costa Rica's national children's hospital ICU is full, with 18 kids on ventilators. Here's how to protect your child and the warning signs to watch.
Harry Kane Wins the Ballon d’Or, England’s First Winner in 25 Years
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or in London after a 73-goal season for Bayern Munich and England, becoming the first English winner since 2001.
Costa Rica Artists Rally to Protect Montezuma Waterfall After Environmental Damage
Seventeen artists release a protest song after authorities confirm environmental damage to protected land near Costa Rica's Montezuma waterfall.
Costa Rica Begins New Prison Transfer Phase as CACCO Opens to Inmates
Costa Rica schedules its first inmate transfers to the new $33 million CACCO prison as officials outline security measures and face questions over inmate rights.
Your 2027 Marchamo Comes With a Sticker That Lasts 10 Years
The 2027 marchamo opens Nov. 2 with a digital windshield tag that lasts up to 10 years and a 5.4% rise in mandatory insurance for private cars. Here is what changes.
Someone Can Sell Your Costa Rica Land While You’re Away
Complaints of property registry fraud in Costa Rica rose from 65 in 2022 to 122 in 2025. Prosecutors say absentee owners are prime targets. Here is how to protect yours.
US Embassy Helped Mother Get Son Out of Costa Rica Community, She Says
An American mother says her son spent more than two years at EarthWaking Village in Pérez Zeledón before she got him out with US Embassy help.
What Driving to San Ramón Could Cost You Each Month in New Tolls
Four toll stations are planned on the expanded Route 1 to San Ramón. Estimates put a round trip near ₡3,046 ($6.70). Rates are not final.
Beachfront Lights Are Driving Sea Turtles Away From Costa Rica’s Nesting Beaches
Beachfront lights can stop sea turtles from nesting and send hatchlings inland. A biologist says nesting has dropped at Tamarindo and Santa Teresa.
Bukele Says Remains Handed Over in Haiti Do Not Belong to Missing Salvadoran Technicians
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele says remains handed over in Haiti do not belong to four missing aviation technicians attacked by gangs on October 18.
Shakira Concert in Costa Rica Approved for January 2027 but Not Confirmed
A 53,114-ticket presale for a Shakira concert at Costa Rica's National Stadium on January 31, 2027 is approved. A 2024 approval never led to a show.
Canadian Says She Lost $350,000 to Costa Rica Community Now Under Fraud Investigation
A Canadian woman says she lost $350,000 to a Pérez Zeledón religious community where four Americans are under fraud investigation.
Puerto Rico’s Yannik Álvarez Makes History at 2026 Junior Tennis Finals
Puerto Rico's Yannik Álvarez makes history as the first player from the island to qualify for the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals.
Costa Rica Banks Rank Second Only to Argentina for Dollar Risk, Moody’s Says
A Moody's report ranks Costa Rica second only to Argentina for bank dollar-funding risk, with 37% of deposits in dollars.
Costa Rica Offers Walk-In Immigration Fingerprinting in San José Today
Costa Rica offers free walk-in immigration fingerprinting in San José on October 25 for qualifying applicants with upcoming residency appointments.
Many US Deportees Remain in Costa Rica as Report Faults Migration Agency
A rights report urges Costa Rica to pause its US deportee deal. 183 people remain, and immigration officials reject the findings.
More Than 2,000 Caught Entering Costa Rica Parks Illegally
Costa Rica started Ruta Responsable, a seal for tour transport firms that follow park rules, after 2,000-plus illegal park entries in three years.
Costa Rica Begins Rebuild of the Airport Serving Quepos/Manuel Antonio
Work began on a $13.4 million upgrade of the Quepos airport near Manuel Antonio, adding room for nine small aircraft now and a new passenger terminal by 2028.
How to Save on Dental Implants in Costa Rica and Get the Best Treatment – A Win-Win!
Dental implants are a life-changing investment in your smile, health, and confidence—but they don’t have to break the bank. At Prisma Dental, we’ve helped thousands of patients from around the world restore their smiles with top-tier care at a fraction of the cost they would pay back home. Here’s how you can save…
Costa Rica Coffee Income Falls 30% as the Strong Colón Bites
Costa Rica coffee growers report income down nearly 30% as the dollar sits near 455 colones and world coffee prices fall.
Costa Rica and DEA Expand Drug Investigations to Politicians and Business Leaders
Costa Rica and the DEA are expanding drug investigations to target politicians, business leaders and professionals suspected of organized crime ties.
Costa Rica Unveils New ₡100 Coin Celebrating Limón Calypso
Learn about the Costa Rica Limon Coin, a tribute to cultural identity and musical heritage, launching in November 2026.
JetBlue First Class Is Coming to Three Costa Rica Routes This Winter
JetBlue's new BlueFirst first class flies Fort Lauderdale to Liberia from Dec. 26 and to San José from Jan. 5. See what the seats, meals and fares include.
Santa Cruz Inspector’s New Truck and Mayor’s Son’s Bank Deposits Under Scrutiny in Guanacaste Probe
Prosecutors say a Santa Cruz inspector's new truck and deposits into the mayor's son's accounts lack legal justification. None has been charged.
US Embassy Links Chinese Mining to Illegal Gold Digging in Costa Rica, China Calls It Unfounded
The US Embassy says Chinese mining in Nicaragua pushes miners into Costa Rica to dig gold illegally. China's embassy calls the claim unfounded.
Costa Rica Used-Car Imports Fall 85% After Tax Loophole Closes
Used-car imports into Costa Rica fell 85% in September as new customs rules ended undervaluation. Average declared value doubled.
Spotify Introduces New Family Plan Verification Rules in Costa Rica
Spotify is introducing new Family Plan verification rules in Costa Rica. Learn how the QR code system works and what happens if you miss the deadline.
Canadian Woman Dies at Costa Rica Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, OIJ Investigates
Costa Rica authorities investigate the death of a 57-year-old Canadian woman at a San José cosmetic surgery clinic. The cause remains unknown.
Costa Rica Could Lose 24-Hour Tsunami Monitoring Over University Cuts
Costa Rica's tsunami warning center says it will stop 24-hour coastal monitoring on Jan. 1 unless university budget cuts are reversed.
Costa Rica Study Reveals Key Coastal Habitats for Endangered Giant Manta Rays
New research reveals how young giant manta rays depend on Costa Rica's coastal waters while adults migrate across international waters, raising conservation concerns.