Lowest Hotel Occupancy Outlook in Costa Rica Since 2022

Hotels across the country project an average occupancy rate of 77% for the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, based on a survey from the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels (CCH). This marks the lowest forecast for the period since 2022, when expectations ranged between 84% and 85%. The survey covered properties of …

Sinkhole Shuts Down Interamericana Sur Near Paso Real for Eight Days

Authorities closed a key section of the Interamericana Sur highway after a sinkhole formed from a collapsed culvert, disrupting travel between Buenos Aires and Paso Real in Puntarenas province. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) ordered the full shutdown of Route 2 for eight days to allow emergency repairs. The incident occurred at …

Costa Rica’s OIJ Identifies Fugitive Suspect in Quepos Couple Murder

Judicial authorities have identified and publicized the face of the remaining suspect linked to the brutal slaying of a European couple in this coastal town. The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) named Bryan López Villalobos, known by the alias “Vampi,” as the fugitive they seek in connection with the September murders of Rüdiger Schickhaus and …

Costa Rica President Chaves Retains Immunity in Electoral Probe Vote

President Rodrigo Chaves sidestepped a potential removal from office for the second time this year when lawmakers turned down a bid to strip his immunity. The vote, held in a special session on Tuesday, centered on claims that he misused his position to push a political agenda before the February 2026 elections. The Supreme Electoral …

Costa Rica Picnic Festival 2026 Lineup Headlined by Christina Aguilera, Maná and Nodal

Picnic Festival organizers revealed the lineup for the 2026 edition yesterday, setting the stage for two days of live music at Centro de Eventos Pedregal. The event features headliners Christina Aguilera, Maná and Christian Nodal, drawing fans from across the region. The festival returns on consecutive Saturdays, March 14 and 21, with performances spread over …

Staying on Costa Rica’s Best Beach: The awā Beachfront Hotel Experience in Punta Uva

Every traveler, no matter how many places they’ve visited, is always hoping to be surprised again — especially those returning to Costa Rica with a clearer, more refined sense of what they’re looking for. With two coastlines and countless remarkable beaches, finding one that truly stands out is not always easy. Yet Punta Uva, in …

WTA Crowns Gauff-Zheng Rome Semifinal as 2025 Match of the Year

The WTA has named the grueling Rome semifinal between Coco Gauff and Qinwen Zheng as its 2025 Match of the Year, a fan-voted honor that highlights one of the season’s most endurance-testing battles on clay. Fans selected the three-hour, 22-minute clash from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where Gauff edged out Zheng 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4) in …

FIFA Lowers Some 2026 World Cup Prices Following Global Criticism

FIFA has rolled out a new ticket pricing option for the 2026 World Cup, setting some seats at $60 for supporters of qualified national teams. The decision follows widespread complaints about steep initial prices that left many fans sidelined. The Supporter Entry Tier prices tickets at $60 for every one of the 104 games, right …

Costa Rica Court Authorizes US Extradition for Alleged Cartel Deputy Noni

A judge in Pavas has given the go-ahead for the extradition of Jordie Kevin Picado Grijalba, known as Noni, to face charges in the United States. Authorities identify him as a key figure in the South Caribbean Cartel, a group tied to large-scale cocaine shipments from South America through Costa Rica. The Tribunal Penal de …

President Chaves’ Political Future Hangs on Costa Rica Immunity Decision

President Rodrigo Chaves stands before a critical test today as lawmakers convene to decide on lifting his immunity, opening the door to an investigation into claims that he misused his position to sway the upcoming 2026 elections. The 64-year-old leader, known for his firm stance against crime that keeps his approval ratings high, calls the …