Lawmakers in Costa Rica have passed a significant reform to the Penal Code, establishing contract killing, known locally as sicariato, as a distinct crime for the first time. The measure sets prison sentences between 20 and 40 years for those involved in such acts within criminal organizations. The Legislative Assembly approved the bill in its …
Read more “Costa Rica Strengthens Fight Against Organized Crime”
The cruise ship Brilliant Lady from Virgin Voyages docked for the first time at Puerto Hernán Garrón Salazar in Limón on January 19, marking a new chapter for cruise tourism here. The arrival highlights Costa Rica’s growing appeal to premium cruise lines that prioritize adult travelers and sustainable practices. The vessel, which launched in September …
Read more “Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady Makes Debut in Costa Rica’s Limón Port”
Nicaragua’s flagship cigar-industry event, the Puro Sabor Nicaraguan Cigar Festival (now in its 13th edition), is captivating enthusiasts and international visitors with an immersive program of factory tours, tobacco farm visits, tastings, pairings, and gala celebrations. The festival runs January 18–24, 2026, with the core cigar-focused activities centered in Estelí, the undisputed capital of Nicaragua’s …
Read more “Nicaragua’s Premier Cigar Festival Puro Sabor Underway”
A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck the capital and surrounding areas causing residents to feel a strong shake but resulting in no reported injuries or structural damage. The quake hit at 5:06 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located one kilometer east of San Juan in Tibás, northeast of San José. According to the National Seismological …
The Australian Open is barely underway and already the storylines are piling up: top seeds pushed early, brutal heat testing bodies and patience, and familiar champions adding new chapters to careers that refuse to slow down. Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, the top seeds in the men’s and women’s draws, both opened their campaigns with …
Read more “Australian Open 2026 Opens With Star Power, Heat & Drama”
Travelers flying between Canada and Costa Rica’s Pacific coast will have more options outside the traditional high season. Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR) says the Toronto–Guanacaste route will operate all year in 2026 instead of stopping when peak season ends. The year-round service is tied to Porter Airlines’ Toronto (YYZ) operations into Liberia, which began …
Read more “Canada–Guanacaste flights will run year-round, expanding Canada at Liberia Airport”
A powerful cold front, known as Empuje Frío #11, is sweeping across the Caribbean Sea and is set to bring intensified rainfall and strong winds to various regions of Costa Rica over the next few days. According to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), the system is already influencing weather patterns, with conditions expected to peak …
Read more “Cold Front to Increase Rains and Winds in Costa Rica in Coming Days”
Marriott and Hilton, the two international hotel chains with the largest presence in Costa Rica, are planning a combined 22 hotel openings in our country between 2026 and 2028, in a pipeline that leans on brand conversions in the Central Valley and new builds tied to leisure and business travel. Marriott currently operates 24 properties …
Read more “Marriott and Hilton Plan 22 Costa Rica Hotel Openings Through 2028”
Laura Fernández maintains a clear advantage in recent polls as Costa Rica’s presidential election nears on February 1. Surveys indicate she could win in the first round by surpassing the 40% vote threshold, yet a runoff on April 5 stays in play with nearly 30% of voters undecided and opposition candidates splitting support. A roundup …
Read more “Crime, Jobs Lead Voter Priorities in Costa Rica’s 2026 Presidential Contest”
Novak Djokovic started his latest run at a record 25th Grand Slam title with an efficient, no-drama first-round win on Monday night, rolling past Spain’s Pedro Martínez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena. The 38-year-old Serb never looked rushed. He took the ball early, kept points short when he could, and moved cleanly across …
Read more “Djokovic opens Australian Open with clinical win as 25th major chase resumes”