Month: April 2025

Costa Rica is cracking down on illegal entries into its national parks and protected areas, citing dangers to visitors and environmental harm. Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy (MINAE), has called on lawmakers to approve a bill imposing fines of up to ¢2.3 million (approximately $4,400) on individuals and tour operators who access these …

Read more “Costa Rica Proposes Strict Penalties for Illegal National Park Entries”

A citizens’ coalition on Wednesday asked Panama’s Supreme Court to declare “unconstitutional” a controversial agreement signed last week that allows the United States to deploy troops in the Canal Zone. During a visit to Panama, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the pact with Panamanian Security Minister Frank Ábrego. The agreement authorizes Washington to station …

Read more “Panamanian Judiciary Moves to Prevent US Troops in Canal Zone”

Dengue cases in Costa Rica have plummeted in early 2025, with the Ministry of Health reporting 1,802 cases as of March 23, a 69.5% decrease from the 5,909 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. This marks a significant improvement from last year, which saw a record 27,791 cases by October. Despite this encouraging …

Read more “Costa Rica Reports Sharp Dengue Decline, Urges Vigilance”

Authorities in Costa Rica and Panama are investigating a Costa Rican bank for alleged money laundering and tax evasion involving over $100 million in undocumented transactions, according to a report by Panama’s La Estrella de Panamá newspaper. The probe centers on a network of companies, reportedly controlled by a Costa Rican businessman, that owns the …

Read more “Costa Rican Bank Faces Money Laundering Probe Over $100M Transactions”

For the Oceans Foundation successfully completed the first stage of its ghost net rescue campaign in Costa de Pájaros, Puntarenas, removing approximately 15 tons of abandoned fishing nets from the seabed, enough to nearly fill a 20-ton truck, according to social media reports and foundation statements. The initiative aims to eliminate these silent killers that …

Read more “Costa Rica Ghost Net Cleanup Saves Marine Life in Puntarenas”

In the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde, Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity and ecotourism. However, rising rents and land prices are driving gentrification, forcing many local residents to commute from nearby areas for work as living costs exceed their budgets. Ecotourism drives Monteverde’s economy, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year to its cloud forests and …

Read more “Monteverde Fights Gentrification to Preserve Community”

The deportation of migrants detained in the United States to El Salvador and their imprisonment in a mega-prison for gang members is creating “a black hole” without legal protections, warn human rights advocates concerned about the anti-immigration alliance between the two countries. On Monday at the White House, the presidents of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, …

Read more “US Deportations to El Salvador Unveil a Human Rights Crisis”

The recent eruptions of Poás Volcano have delivered a severe blow to the tourism-dependent communities surrounding Poás Volcano National Park, with local businesses reporting significant economic losses due to reduced visitation and sales. The park’s indefinite closure since March 26, prompted by intensified volcanic activity, has exacerbated the situation, leaving shopkeepers, restaurants, and vendors struggling …

Read more “Poás Volcano Eruptions Hurt Costa Rica Tourism Economy”

Panama has claimed the top spot in International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index for 2025, unseating Costa Rica, which dropped to third place behind Portugal, according to the report released late last year. The shift highlights Panama’s growing appeal for retirees seeking affordability, modern amenities, and ease of relocation. The index ranks 20 countries based …

Read more “Panama Tops Costa Rica as 2025 Retirement Destination”

“We are very eager to help,” Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele assured this Monday at the White House to a Donald Trump delighted to hear what his best friend from Latin America was telling him, who has imprisoned hundreds of migrants deported by the United States under the accusation of being gang members. The rapport between …

Read more “Trump and Bukele Reinforce Their Alliance Against Gangs”