All Things Panama

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has started charging again for replacement national identity cards, known as cédulas, following a two-month halt tied to the recent national elections. Officials confirmed the move this week, ending a period where citizens could request new documents without extra costs. The pause began two months before the vote and lasted …

Read more “Costa Rica Restarts Fees for Lost or Damaged Cédulas”

Costa Rica stays under the effects of cold front push number 15, but experts say it brings no major shifts to our weather. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) reports the system sits farther north than typical, limiting its reach. An IMN meteorologist, noted that the front keeps trade winds at moderate to strong levels today, …

Read more “Costa Rica Faces Another Cold Front—But Effects Stay Limited”

The U.S. dollar has reached its lowest levels against the Costa Rican colón in almost two decades, closing at ₡487.26 in the Monex market last month. This marks the weakest point for the dollar since the market’s inception 19 years ago. Market watchers attribute the shift to a combination of robust tourist inflows, falling global …

Read more “Why the Falling Dollar Is Testing Costa Rica’s Tourism Edge”

Lawmakers in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly passed a bill in its first debate this week that sets out heavy fines for people who enter national parks and protected areas without permission. The measure aims to stop a rise in unauthorized access that threatens both the environment and public safety. The bill, which reforms the National …

Read more “Costa Rica Lawmakers Advance Bill to Fine Illegal Park Entries”

Hospitals in the Central Valley face mounting pressure from a rise in respiratory illnesses, prompting the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) to shift pediatric patients across facilities. Officials report that seasonal viruses, including influenza A subtype H3, have driven up demand, leading to near-full occupancy in key centers. The surge began in late 2025, …

Read more “Central Valley Hospitals Overloaded by Respiratory Surge and Nurse Shortfalls”

Southwest Airlines has set plans to introduce the first direct flight linking Costa Rica with Las Vegas, Nevada. This move aims to boost travel options between the two spots. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute shared details from the airline’s press release, noting this as the initial nonstop service to the U.S. city known for its …

Read more “Southwest Airlines Unveils Direct Costa Rica-Las Vegas Route”

Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings issued a warning on Thursday, stating it would pursue legal action against Danish shipping firm Maersk if the company proceeds to manage two Panama Canal ports without its approval. This move intensifies a brewing dispute over the strategic terminals, set against broader frictions between China and the United States. …

Read more “U.S.-China Tensions Fuel Legal Battle Over Panama’s Strategic Ports”

The national surf circuit launches its 2026 season this weekend at Playa Cocles in Talamanca, drawing over 140 competitors to the Caribbean coast. From February 13 to 15, athletes will chase the first 1,500 ranking points in a competition that spans 19 categories, from juniors to open divisions. Organized by the Costa Rican Surf Federation, …

Read more “Costa Rica National Surf Circuit 2026 Begins at Playa Cocles”

Puerto Rican artist Daddy Yankee plans to visit Costa Rica later this month to present his conference “El Testimonio.” The event takes place on Sunday, February 22, at Auditorio Casa Pasión in San José. Known for hits like “Gasolina,” the singer retired from music in 2023 to dedicate his life to his Christian faith. He …

Read more “Daddy Yankee Brings Faith-Focused Testimony to Costa Rica”

Police in Costa Rica arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of pulling the trigger in the June 2025 killing of Roberto Samcam, a retired Nicaraguan military officer living in exile. The capture marks a key step in the investigation into a crime that opposition figures link to the Nicaraguan government. Officials detained the suspect, identified only …

Read more “Costa Rica Captures Alleged Shooter in Nicaraguan Exile’s Murder”