Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Rome: Who Will Be the Next Pope?

Thousands of people visited Pope Francis’ tomb this Sunday, after he was laid to rest in Rome the day before following a massive funeral, as one question lingers over the Eternal City: Who will succeed the first Latin American pope? The date for the conclave to elect the next pope could be announced on Monday …

New Panama Metro Tunnel Under the Canal Aims to Cut Commute Times

Panama has reached a major milestone in its ambitious Metro Line 3 project: the construction of the country’s first metro tunnel beneath the Panama Canal is well underway. This unprecedented project will connect Panama City with the western suburbs of Arraiján and eventually La Chorrera, dramatically reducing commute times and easing chronic traffic congestion. The …

Costa Rica’s Tortuga Island Coral Garden Revives Reefs

The coral reefs off Tortuga Island in the Gulf of Nicoya are experiencing a remarkable revival, thanks to an innovative coral garden project spearheaded by local institutions and communities. Launched in August 2024, this initiative has made significant strides in restoring ecosystems devastated by both natural and human-induced degradation, offering hope amidst a global coral …

Theft in Costa Rica: A Local Expat’s Personal Experience

If you follow the news in Costa Rica with any degree of regularity, you’ll know that crime is in the zeitgeist. As with any nation there are many flavors of crime in Costa Rica. Corruption is usually associated with the government and other people that hold power. Much of the violent crime lately in Costa …

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch Enjoys Family Getaway in Costa Rica

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, known for playing Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series Sherlock, vacationed in Costa Rica with his family. The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería reported that Cumberbatch was here from April 5 to April 17. Cumberbatch, 48, has earned acclaim for diverse roles …

Costa Rica Bolsters Yellow Fever Defenses Amid Regional Surge

Costa Rica is intensifying its defenses against yellow fever as cases surge across Latin America, prompting heightened vigilance from national health authorities. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported 14 confirmed cases in the Americas in early 2025, following 61 cases in 2024, with the disease spreading to urban areas like São Paulo, Brazil, and …

5,000-Year-Old Woman’s Remains Discovered in Peru’s Ancient Caral Civilization

Archaeologists announced Thursday the discovery of the remains of a woman who lived approximately 5,000 years ago and is believed to have belonged to the elite of the Caral civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, which settled in northern Peru. The discovery is of particular interest to scientists because it suggests that …

Adjusting to Expat Life in Costa Rica and Its Two Gentle Seasons

Costa Rica’s subtle seasonal changes offer orientation when spring, summer, autumn and winter aren’t there to structure the passage of time. Spring is here, a season that draws out a grateful sigh for the return of light, heat and the pending harvest. At least, that is the case in northern latitudes where changes in the …

Poás Volcano Eruptions Deliver Economic Blow to Costa Rican Tourism

The recent eruptions of Poás Volcano in Costa Rica have significantly disrupted tourism in nearby communities, including Poás, Poasito, Fraijanes, Vara Blanca, and Los Cartagos. Although these areas have not experienced direct effects such as ashfall or hazardous gas emissions, the volcanic activity has deterred visitors, leading to a sharp decline in local business revenue. …

Costa Rica to Host ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise Season 10

Costa Rica will serve as the filming location for the tenth season of ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise, with production scheduled to start this summer. The U.S. reality dating show, known for its rose ceremonies and romantic storylines, is moving from its previous location in Sayulita, Mexico, to Costa Rica, marking a new chapter for the …