US Marines Head to Panama Jungle for Joint Drills

US Marines plan to join forces with Panamanian security teams for a joint exercise in the country’s thick jungle next month. The move comes as relations between Washington and Caracas heat up, with American ships patrolling the nearby Caribbean waters. Panama’s public security ministry shared details about the upcoming training, set for October 9 through …

Compassion in Costa Rica: Tales from The Bribri and The Bridge

The book The Bribri and The Bridge: Tales from Life with the Indigenous People of Costa Rica is both a celebration and a portrait of compassion’s enduring impact, revealing how it shapes the lives of those who extend it and those who receive it. When Nanci Wright-Stevens and her husband Barry left the United States to …

FIFA Fines El Salvador Federation Over Racist Chants in Suriname Qualifier

FIFA has slapped the Salvadoran Football Federation with a fine and attendance cuts following racist slurs from fans aimed at Suriname players in a recent World Cup qualifier. The move pushes the federation to pour the money into programs fighting discrimination. The trouble came at the close of the September 8 game at Estadio Cuscatlán …

Update: Costa Rica Shark Bite Victim is a Renowned Marine Biologist

Days after our report on the shark attack near Cocos Island, new details have emerged about the incident and the man involved. The diver, initially described as a Mexican tourist in his 40s, is actually Mauricio Hoyos, a 48-year-old marine biologist from Mexico with years of experience in shark research. Hoyos led a scientific team …

U.S. Embassy Tightens Visa Rules for Costa Ricans Starting October 1

The U.S. Embassy here has rolled out new guidelines for nonimmigrant visa applications, making in-person interviews the norm for most applicants. The changes, set to take effect tomorrow, October 1, end many of the interview waivers that eased the process during recent years. This shift affects thousands of Costa Ricans who travel to the United …

Costa Rica’s President Clashes with TSE Over Campaign Rules

Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves has publicly criticized the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) for rules that limit how the government can share information during the upcoming election period. In a national address on Sunday, Chaves called the restrictions a “muzzle” on his administration, claiming they prevent people from learning about public projects and government actions. …

Bills Target Crucitas Gold Mining Mess in Costa Rica

Crucitas ranks among Costa Rica’s most severe environmental setbacks. Illegal gold mining has ravaged the area for years, bringing crime, community unrest, water pollution, and deaths among those risking their lives in unauthorized operations. The once-rich natural zone now shows clear signs of decline, with forests cleared and rivers tainted by chemicals. Recent events highlight …

What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Weather in October

October heads into a rainier stretch than usual for most of Costa Rica, based on the latest from the National Meteorological Institute. For those planning a trip here and those of use living here, pack that rain gear—parts of our country could see heavier downpours, while others stay on the dry side. The Pacific coast, …

What Happens If Costa Rica Fails to Qualify for 2026 World Cup?

Costa Rica’s national soccer team stands at a crossroads in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Fans across the country hold their breath as the team fights for a spot in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Qualifying means more than games on the field—it ties into the nation’s pride …

Costa Rica’s Tourism Adapts to Demands for Authentic Experiences

Costa Rica’s tourism sector keeps shifting as travelers look for deeper connections with local life, moving past basic stays to hands-on involvement in food, traditions, and self-care. This push reflects a broader change where people want trips that feel real and tied to the places they explore. Last year marked a high point for the …