Costa Rica Sets Oct. 14 Opening for Maximum-Security Prison Modeled on El Salvador’s
Costa Rica's maximum-security prison for organized crime, built from El Salvador's plans, opens Oct. 14 with room for 5,100 inmates.
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Going to Iron Maiden at Estadio Nacional? What to Know Before Thursday
Going to Iron Maiden at Estadio Nacional on Oct. 8? Gate times, which entrance to use, the banned items list and what tickets still cost.
Costa Rica Job Losses Mount as Major Companies Cut Operations
Costa Rica has lost at least 6,000 jobs over three years as multinationals close plants, restructure operations and cut local workforces.
Fruit, Roadside Traditions and the Seasons of Guanacaste
From roadside rambutan peels to men picking jocotes and year-round Christmas trees, a humorous look at the unofficial seasons of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Investigates Damage to Thermal Wetland Near Cartago
Costa Rican prosecutors are investigating alleged damage to the Coris wetland near Cartago, home to thermal springs, waterways and extensive bird habitat.
Canadian arrivals in Costa Rica jump 24% as travelers skip the US
Canadian arrivals in Costa Rica rose 24% through August as travelers avoid the US. They stay nearly 15 nights and spend about $3,000 per trip.
Costa Rica Beats Haiti 2-0 as Bryan Ruiz Finishes Interim Run Unbeaten
Costa Rica beat Haiti 2-0 in Tibás to stay in Nations League A as interim coach Bryan Ruiz won his second straight match.
Costa Rica Red Cross Considers Ending Overnight Shifts at 20 Branches
Costa Rica’s Red Cross is considering eliminating overnight shifts at 20 local branches as financial pressure threatens emergency coverage.
Costa Rica Landfill Plan in Mora Faces New Land-Use Challenge
Residents and lawmakers are challenging a new land-use approval for the long-disputed Parque Industrial Jateo waste project in Picagres, Mora.
Costa Rica Among Only Two Latin American Countries Where Most Say Nation Is on Right Track
Costa Rica stands out in the 2026 Latinobarómetro, with 57% saying the country is heading in the right direction and 90% satisfied with life.
Costa Rica Authorities Find Dock Inside Protected Río Tárcoles Area
SINAC found a 148-meter walkway and dock extending into a protected Río Tárcoles area and says possible mangrove damage could lead to legal action.
Costa Rica Faces Haiti at a Packed Saprissa With Bryan Ruiz’s Future Undecided
Costa Rica vs Haiti closes the Nations League group stage tonight at a nearly sold-out Saprissa, in what may be Bryan Ruiz's last game as interim coach.
Can environmentalism in Costa Rica learn lessons from the past?
Costa Rica rebuilt its forests and became a global conservation leader. Can lessons from that success help protect its environmental legacy today?
Heavy Rains Threaten Costa Rica’s Cacao Harvest in the Caribbean
Heavy rains in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region are damaging cacao flowers, increasing disease risks and threatening harvests in the months ahead.
Costa Rica Hotel Project Faces Environmental Damage Allegations
A criminal complaint alleges environmental damage and sediment runoff at a luxury Hilton-branded hotel project in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Who Pays Tax on Rent in Costa Rica? The Numbers Don’t Add Up
Costa Rica counts 360,000 rented homes but only 32,373 registered rental income taxpayers, a figure that has barely moved since 2020.
China Tops US in Latin America Influence for First Time
For the first time, Latin Americans rate China's influence above the US, a 2026 Latinobarometro poll finds. Costa Rica is one of only two exceptions.
Costa Rica Airport QR Codes Point U.S. Visitors to Free Safety Alerts
QR codes at immigration and baggage claim in San José's airport now link U.S. travelers to STEP, the free embassy alert service. Here's how it works.
Costa Rica Plans to Spread El Niño Power Costs Over Three Years of Bills
Costa Rica proposes spreading El Niño power generation costs over 36 months of electricity rates. Here is what the directive says and what remains unknown.
Southwest Adds Austin and Nashville Flights to Costa Rica
Southwest will add nonstop Austin flights and extend Nashville service to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Airport for summer 2027
El Niño Leaves Guanacaste Dry and My Family Rationing Water
Rivers are gravel and cattle ponds are cracked mud. A Guanacaste resident describes how El Niño is reshaping wildlife and daily life with rationed water.
Margaritaville at Sea Adds Limón as Its First Costa Rica Port
Margaritaville at Sea adds Limón to its 2028 schedule as Costa Rica plans a new Caribbean cruise terminal built for two ships and up to 10,000 passengers a day.
The Costa Rica Bike Ride I Was Lucky to Survive
A reckless nighttime bike ride from Dominical becomes an unforgettable Costa Rica story about bad decisions, unexpected kindness and two strangers who stepped in to help.
McDonald’s Opens Its 81st Location in Costa Rica
McDonald's opened its 81st Costa Rica restaurant in El Roble, its first in Puntarenas, with AutoMac, McCafe and solar panels. Grand opening is Oct. 17.
Breeze Airways Begins First Costa Rica Flights From Tampa
Breeze Airways starts nonstop flights between Tampa and San José, Costa Rica, on Oct. 3, with twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Costa Rica beats Nicaragua 3-0 as Bryan Ruiz wins debut on the bench
Costa Rica beat Nicaragua 3-0 in Managua to give Bryan Ruiz a win in his debut and end a winless run of nearly a year.
Costa Rica’s New Workplace Harassment Standard Takes Effect Today
ILO Convention 190 takes full effect in Costa Rica today. One incident can now count as harassment, and protection extends to work chats, trips and events.
Costa Rica Raises Alert Around Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
Costa Rica has raised the alert level for communities around Rincón de la Vieja Volcano after scientists detected increased volcanic activity, marking a further escalation just hours after OVSICORI warned that stronger eruptions could occur. The National Emergency Commission (CNE), placed five districts under a yellow…
Costa Rica Foreign Investment Jumps 23% as Tourism Investment Falls 27%
Free zones drove a 23.4% rise in Costa Rica's foreign direct investment in the first half of 2026, while tourism investment fell 27%.
Bryan Ruiz Debuts as Costa Rica Coach With Nations League Survival at Stake
Bryan Ruiz coaches Costa Rica for the first time tonight against Nicaragua, with Keylor Navas back and Nations League relegation at stake.
Costa Rica’s Capital Brings Its Forgotten Tram History Back Into View
San José will display historic tram rails at five downtown locations, preserving a piece of Costa Rica’s transportation history for residents and tourists
Costa Rica Ombudsman Condemns Justice Minister’s Prison Video
A Justice Ministry video showing Minister Gabriel Aguilar ordering inmates to the new CACCO prison has drawn an ombudsman rebuke and a constitutional challenge.
Costa Rica Takes Two Top Honors in National Geographic UK Travel Awards
UK travelers ranked Costa Rica No. 1 for adventure and responsible travel in National Geographic Traveller’s 2026 Reader Awards.
Costa Rica Extradites Alleged Meth Ringleader to Florida
Costa Rica sends alias "Beto," accused in the country's largest meth seizure, to face drug trafficking charges in Florida.
Costa Rica Braces for Afternoon Storms as Tropical Wave No. 48 Arrives
Tropical Wave No. 48 crosses Costa Rica with thunderstorms and heavy rain as saturated soils raise flooding and landslide concerns.
Costa Rica Falls Six Places in FIFA Ranking After Two Losses
Costa Rica has dropped six places to 57th in FIFA’s live ranking after losses to Curaçao and Haiti, with two key Nations League matches ahead
Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja Shows Signs of Stronger Eruptions
Scientists are closely monitoring Costa Rica’s Rincón de la Vieja Volcano after changes in earthquakes, volcanic gases, tremor and ground movement.
Costa Rica Moves to Restrict Imports Linked to Forced Labor
Costa Rica will create an official list of goods linked to forced labor as it tightens import controls following U.S. trade action.
Costa Rica Opens Modern Pier at Historic San Lucas Island
Costa Rica has opened a new ₡1.1 billion tourist pier at San Lucas Island National Park, improving access to the historic Gulf of Nicoya destination
Costa Rica Red Taxis Can Now Be Booked Through Uber
Uber Taxi has launched in Costa Rica with more than 300 red taxi drivers, allowing passengers to book regulated taxis and see estimated fares in the app.
U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica Denies Visa Rumors Involving Rodrigo Chaves
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica rejected visa revocation rumors involving Rodrigo Chaves. Here is what it said and how earlier cases differ.
Rebeca Grynspan Strengthens Lead in Race for UN Secretary-General
Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan led the latest UN Security Council straw poll with 10 votes of support as the race for secretary-general continues
Ciudad Quesada–Aguas Zarcas Road Closed for Weeks After Collapse
Costa Rica’s Route 140 is closed at La Llanada between Ciudad Quesada and Aguas Zarcas. See alternate routes and the estimated repair timeline.
US Military Plane Flies 45 Tons of Seized Drugs Out of Costa Rica
A US Air Force C-17 flew 45 metric tons of drugs seized in Costa Rica to the United States for destruction after prosecutors cited budget limits.
Polarization in Costa Rica is Rooted in Ancient History
Costa Rica crossed the mega-society threshold around 1960. Oxford's Harvey Whitehouse explains why its polarization follows an ancient historical pattern.
El Niño Could End Costa Rica’s Rainy Season Early This Year
Costa Rica's dry season could arrive early this year. Here is what an 80% September rain shortfall in Guanacaste means for your water and plans.
Costa Rica Camera Traps Capture Margay, Pumas and River Otters
Camera traps in Costa Rica capture a rare margay, a pair of pumas and neotropical river otters, offering a glimpse into wildlife behavior.
President Fernández Wants Private Jets Landing in Quepos
Costa Rica's president wants private jets landing in Quepos. A $4.5 million airfield tender is underway near Manuel Antonio, with a new terminal to follow.
Keylor Navas Returns as Bryan Ruiz Names First Costa Rica Squad
Keylor Navas returns as interim coach Bryan Ruiz names his first Costa Rica squad for Nations League matches against Nicaragua and Haiti.
Panama Rescues Three Costa Rican Fishermen After Six Days Adrift in the Caribbean
Three Costa Rican fishermen missing in the Caribbean since Sept. 21 were rescued alive by Panama. A single phone call made the difference.
Costa Rica Tripled Tourism Advertising Spending Without Proven Visitor Impact
Costa Rica tripled its international tourism advertising spending, but a government audit found no clear evidence the increase significantly boosted visitor arrivals.
Who Is Costa Rica Really Competing With for Tourists?
Costa Rica's tourism board says its rivals are Thailand and New Zealand, not its neighbors. Business chambers disagree and warn the country is getting too expensive.
Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska’s Comeback Gains Momentum in São Paulo
Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska climbed 117 ranking places after reaching the São Paulo Open final, marking a major step in her comeback from injury.
Costa Rica Turns to Bryan Ruiz After Firing Fernando Batista
Costa Rica fired Fernando Batista after two Nations League defeats and named former captain Bryan Ruiz interim coach for matches against Nicaragua and Haiti.
Costa Rica Could Be Home to More Than 40,000 Fungal Species, Study Finds
A University of Costa Rica study analyzing more than 78,000 records suggests the country could harbor over 40,000 fungal species, many still undocumented.
Is Living in Costa Rica Without a Car Really Possible?
Can you live in Costa Rica without a car? A longtime resident looks at buses, taxis, Uber, cycling and walking as alternatives to owning a vehicle.
Fire Forces Costa Rica IMAX Theater to Close Indefinitely, Leaving One Left in Country
A fire at Ciudad del Este in Curridabat has closed Nova Cinemas and its IMAX theater indefinitely, leaving Costa Rica with one IMAX screen.
Costa Rica El Niño Plan Warns of Major Water Supply Risks
Costa Rica is preparing for possible water shortages as El Niño cuts rainfall, with contingency plans covering systems that serve about 700,000 people.
Costa Rica Flooding Hits More Than 400 Homes After Tropical Wave
More than 400 homes were flooded across Costa Rica after Tropical Wave 47 brought heavy rain, leaving saturated ground and continued landslide risks.
Costa Rica loses to Haiti 2-0 in another Nations League setback
Haiti beat Costa Rica 2-0 Sunday in Kingston, Jamaica. La Sele has zero points after two Nations League games, and coach Fernando Batista is under fire.
Costa Rica Proposes Ending Electric Vehicle Tax Breaks
Costa Rica’s government has proposed ending several electric vehicle tax breaks, potentially raising the cost of buying and importing EVs.
Costa Rica Tech Group Unveils Sweeping AI and Blockchain Law Proposal
A new tech industry group has drafted an 808-provision framework to regulate AI, blockchain, digital assets and personal data in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Expands Yellow Fever Vaccine Rule to Eight More Countries
Costa Rica expands its yellow fever vaccine requirement October 1 to eight more destinations, affecting citizens and legal residents traveling abroad.
Demolished Pavones Restaurant owner releases book about the experience
A Pavones restaurant owner whose business was demolished in 2025 has written a book about life at the end of the road.
Who is behind Costa Rica’s proposed AI data centers?
Proposed AI campuses in Limón and Bagaces could need nearly a quarter of Costa Rica's electricity and vast water supplies, yet their investors remain unnamed.
Costa Rica’s Laguna Río Cuarto Loses Visitor Services
Visitor services at Costa Rica’s Laguna Río Cuarto will end September 28 after an environmental order, although public access is expected to remain open.
Two Dead at Guanacaste Beach as Search Continues at Tarrazú Waterfall
Two men died at Playa Cabuyal in Guanacaste and the Red Cross is searching for an 18-year-old swept away at a Tarrazú waterfall after Saturday's storms.
Dollar Rebounds From Record Low but Year-End Could Favor the Colón Again
The dollar hit its highest level since June after a record low, but seasonal inflows could push it back down. Here is what banks are paying.
Used-Car Importers Take Costa Rica’s New Vehicle Tax Formula to Court
Costa Rica used-car importers will challenge in court a Hacienda decree they say doubles or triples import taxes. The ministry cites evasion.
Costa Rica Takes Growing Role in U.S. Deportation Program
Hundreds of migrants deported from the United States have been sent to Costa Rica, where they must decide whether to stay, return home or move on.
Montezuma or Santa Teresa? Choosing Your Corner of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula
Comparing Montezuma and Santa Teresa? See how property prices, living costs, infrastructure, water and lifestyle differ on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula.