Costa Rica’s First IHOP-Applebee’s Opens in Plaza Tempo

IHOP and Applebee’s are bringing their breakfast and casual dining menus together in a new dual-branded restaurant at Plaza Tempo in Escazú. The chains, both owned by Dine Brands Global, announced the upcoming opening on social media, generating buzz among Costa Ricans wanting to have the combo of pancakes and burgers under one roof. While …

More Canadians Headed to Costa Rica as WestJet Expands Liberia Routes

Canadian airline WestJet is adding new routes for the 2025–26 winter season, including expanded service to Costa Rica. Beginning in December 2025, the airline will offer more direct flights to Liberia, Guanacaste as part of its broader push to grow its winter schedule. For us here in Costa Rica, the standout addition is the first-ever …

Costa Rica Launches Free Digital Guides to Boost Local Tourism

Costa Rica’s tourism board is making it easier for locals to explore the country during the mid-year school vacation. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has launched a series of free digital travel guides through its “Vamos a Turistear” campaign. The collection includes 12 regional guides and 13 mini-guides, all available for free download online. …

Costa Rica Scientists Develop Lab Device to Grow Muscle and Bone Tissue

Costa Rican scientists have created a patented medical device that allows for the lab-grown development of muscle and bone tissue—offering a new alternative for treating serious injuries without the need for traditional grafts from other parts of the patient’s body. The technology was developed by researchers at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) and …

Costa Rica’s Lagoon Suffers New Pesticide Spill

The Madre de Dios lagoon in Batán de Matina, Limón, has once again been contaminated by pesticides, causing the death of thousands of fish. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, and fishermen have repeatedly denounced pesticide contamination in the area. The environmental damage worries the local community, which relies heavily in eco-tourism and fishing. …

5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Costa Rica’s Pacific coast today near Playón Sur in Parrita, Puntarenas, at 1:59 p.m. local time. The quake, centered at a depth of 31 km, caused no reported injuries or damage to buildings. Residents felt the tremor across Parrita, Pérez Zeledón, Puntarenas, Santa Ana, Montes de Oca, and San José. …

Mexico Defeats USA 2-1 to Win 2025 Gold Cup

Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 on Sunday in Houston, Texas, successfully defending its CONCACAF Gold Cup title in a boost of confidence ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. team, coached by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, struck first with a goal from Chris Richards in the 4th minute before Mexico began its comeback …

El Salvador Anti-Corruption Lawyer Ruth López Transferred to Harsh Prison

The humanitarian organization Cristosal denounced on Saturday that Salvadoran lawyer Ruth López, head of its anti-corruption unit and considered a “prisoner of conscience” by Amnesty International, was arbitrarily transferred to a harsher prison despite having health conditions. The 47-year-old activist was arrested on May 18, accused by the Attorney General’s Office of illicit enrichment in …

Calls Grow for Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium as ISA Talks Restart

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) resumes negotiations Monday in search of rules to regulate deep-sea mining, amid controversy over Donald Trump’s decision to unilaterally authorize this controversial industry. The ISA, created by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), has spent more than a decade negotiating a “mining code”—a package of …

Costa Rica Leads AI Adoption in Small Businesses Across Latin America

Costa Rica is standing out as a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). About 50% of Costa Rican SMEs now use AI tools in their daily operations, according to Trycore, a hyper-automation firm working across Latin America. These businesses are tapping into AI for tasks like customer …