US Strike on Suspected Drug Boat Leaves 2 Dead Off Costa Rica

The United States hit a suspected narcotrafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific and Costa Rica later received two bodies and one critically injured survivor off the southern coast. The survivor was taken to Hospital Manuel Mora Valverde in Golfito after being brought ashore by Costa Rica’s Coast Guard. U.S. Southern Command said the operation was …

Alcaraz Turns Back Fonseca as Osorio Battles in Miami Open

Carlos Alcaraz delivered the headline performance of the Miami Open last night beating Brazil’s João Fonseca 6-4, 6-4 in one of the tournament’s most anticipated early matches. With the stadium crowd heavily behind Fonseca, Alcaraz stayed composed, broke early in both sets, and handled the atmosphere like a player used to carrying the weight of …

Costa Rica Uber Drivers Face Rising Costs and Falling Earnings

Every morning in Costa Rica, tens of thousands of Uber drivers wake up, check their app, and begin a quiet calculation that many of their passengers never think about. Before they earn a single colón, the meter is already running against them. The company collecting the biggest share of what they generate is not filling …

Costa Rica Reviews Tourist Vaccination Rules After Measles Cases

Costa Rica is weighing whether to require proof of measles vaccination from some incoming travelers as health officials respond to renewed concern over imported cases and falling immunization coverage at home. The discussion follows two confirmed measles cases now under investigation in our country and a broader regional surge in infections across the Americas. The …

Cuba Criticizes Costa Rica’s Diplomatic Downgrade, Citing U.S. Pressure

Cuba accused Costa Rica of acting under U.S. pressure after the Central American nation closed its embassy in Havana and ordered most Cuban diplomats out of San José. The move reduces ties to consular services only and marks a clear break from full diplomatic relations. Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves declared that his government no …

Costa Rica Reports Rise in Human Screwworm Cases in Coastal Areas

Costa Rica is seeing another increase in human screwworm infections, with coastal provinces among the most affected areas as health officials warn people not to ignore cuts, sores, and other open wounds. The latest figures show 16 confirmed human cases in the opening weeks of 2026, up from 12 cases recorded by epidemiological week 6 …

Costa Rica Reaches Historic High in World Happiness Report 2026

Costa Rica reached a record fourth place in the World Happiness Report 2026, its highest position ever in the annual global ranking and the best result yet for any Latin American country. The report placed Costa Rica behind only Finland, Iceland and Denmark, with Sweden in fifth. The new ranking marks a sharp rise for …

Costa Rica Completes First Extradition of Nationals with Celso Gamboa Case

This morning, Costa Rica extradited former security minister and ex-magistrate Celso Gamboa Sánchez and alleged trafficker Edwin López Vega, known as “Pecho de Rata,” to the United States, completing the first handover of Costa Rican citizens under the country’s new constitutional extradition framework. The transfer took place, after a tightly guarded convoy left La Reforma …

Costa Rica and Panama Sign Rail Deal With Eyes on Regional Link

Costa Rica and Panama have signed a memorandum of understanding on railway development, giving new shape to a long-discussed idea of better overland links between the two countries and, eventually, the rest of Central America. The agreement connects Costa Rica to Panama’s planned Panama–David–Paso Canoas railway and opens the door to future cross-border coordination on …