Panama Mayor Orders Demolition of Chinese Monument Near Canal

A Chinese monument at the entrance to the Panama Canal was knocked down late Saturday on orders from the municipal government of Arraiján, in a move that ignited a political storm in Panama and drew a sharp response from Beijing. The demolition comes against the backdrop of U.S. pressure to curb China’s footprint around the …

Costa Rica Set to Host 10th Pelagic Rockstar Fishing Tournament

Sport fishing fans will gather in Quepos next month as Costa Rica hosts the 10th anniversary of the Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament from January 15 to 18, 2026, at Marina Pez Vela. Teams from various countries plan to compete in this major Central American event, known for its large scale and substantial prizes. The tournament …

Kyrgios Claims Victory Over Sabalenka in Dubai’s Modern Take on Tennis Showdown

In a spectacle that blended high-level tennis with plenty of showmanship, Australian star Nick Kyrgios emerged victorious against women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Sunday’s exhibition match dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes.” Kyrgios secured a straight-sets win, 6-3, 6-3, in just over an hour, showcasing his trademark flair while Sabalenka brought her powerful …

Deadly Rip Currents Claim Three Lives at Costa Rica’s Esterillos Beach

A tragic incident at Esterillos Este beach underscores the ongoing dangers of rip currents along the country’s Pacific coast. The Costa Rican Red Cross recovered the third body late Saturday after three people were dragged out to sea by a strong rip current in Parrita, in the Central Pacific region. Rescuers responded to the alert …

La Cruz is Costa Rica’s Hidden Coastal Spot for Quiet Vacations

As travelers flock to Guanacaste during peak season for its sun-drenched shores and family-friendly spots, many overlook a northern gem that delivers calm without the crowds. La Cruz, a canton near the Nicaraguan border, draws visitors who prefer genuine encounters with nature over busy resorts. This year, local tourism groups report growing interest in its …

U.S. Embassy Opens SUSI Scholarship Applications for Costa Rican Students and Teachers

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica has begun taking applications for the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) programs, targeting university students and high school teachers with fully funded opportunities to train in the United States. The initiative provides intensive academic experiences lasting five weeks, focusing on leadership, civic engagement, and education. Participants travel to …

Trade Winds Dominate Costa Rica Weather This Holiday Week

Forecasts from the National Meteorological Institute show that strong trade winds will continue to influence much of Costa Rica today and into the coming days. High atmospheric pressure over the Caribbean Basin drives these conditions, leading to accelerated winds across several regions. In the North Pacific, Central Valley, and mountain areas, gusts range from 25 …

Shakira Adds Two El Salvador Concerts After 24-Hour Sellout Frenzy

Colombian singer Shakira has confirmed two extra performances in El Salvador next year after her initial three dates sold out in under 24 hours. The addition brings her total to five concerts in February 2026, all at the Estadio Nacional Jorge “El Mágico” González in San Salvador. The star shared the news on social media, …

Panama Targets Tankers in U.S. Sanctions Crackdown on Venezuelan Oil

Panama’s government plans to discipline several oil tankers flying its flag after U.S. authorities targeted them for breaking rules. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha made the statement on Friday. He said these ships ignored Panama’s maritime laws. The move comes after the U.S. seized the supertanker Centuries in the Caribbean. Officials suspect the vessel carried Venezuelan …

Costa Rica’s Térraba Community Battles Biodiversity Loss with Tree-Planting Revival

In southern Costa Rica, the Térraba Indigenous community stands as a frontline defender against a deepening global biodiversity crisis. With one million species facing extinction and ecosystems eroding faster than ever, according to United Nations assessments, local efforts like those in Térraba offer a model for resistance and recovery. The Térraba people, known as the …