Environmental Concerns Prompt Calls to Halt Ocean Cove Project in Manuel Antonio

A tourism and residential development in Manuel Antonio faces growing scrutiny as local figures push for a construction stop due to alleged harm to the environment. The project, known as Ocean Cove, has drawn complaints for proceeding without proper approvals. Lawyer Wálter Brenes filed formal reports on December 9, with the National System of Conservation …

New York Times Spotlights Costa Rica’s Osa as Top 2026 Travel Pick

The Osa Peninsula has landed on The New York Times’ annual list of 52 places to visit in 2026, ranking fourth overall. This recognition points to the region’s rich biodiversity and its role as a quieter option compared to busier parts of Costa Rica. The Times describes Osa as a relaxed escape with open beaches …

El Salvador’s Bukele to Break Ground on Costa Rica’s Mega-Prison

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador plans to arrive in Costa Rica next week for an official visit focused on the country’s new high-security prison project. The trip centers on the Centro de Alta Contención y Crimen Organizado (CACCO), a facility under construction at La Reforma prison complex in Alajuela. Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves …

Costa Rica Highway to Close Temporarily for Wildlife Crossing Installations

Motorists traveling between the capital and the Caribbean coast need to adjust their plans this week. Route 32, the key highway linking San José to Limón, will experience full temporary closures starting today as workers install aerial wildlife crossings at several locations. The installations form part of ongoing efforts to safeguard animals in Braulio Carrillo …

Death of Foreign Activist Adds to Costa Rica’s Mounting Security Concerns

Authorities in Costa Rica continue to investigate the homicide of 36-year-old Francisco Ojeda Garcés, a Chilean environmentalist who had lived in the country for about three years. His body was found on the shore of Playa Dominicalito in Bahía Ballena, Osa, Puntarenas, on the morning of December 26, 2025. Ojeda Garcés had participated in a …

Trump Announces Venezuela Oil Transfer Worth Billions

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Venezuela plans to transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States. This move follows a U.S. military operation that removed former President Nicolás Maduro from power last weekend. Trump described the oil as high-quality and sanctioned, estimating its value at over $2 …

Guanacaste Leads Coastal Recovery in Costa Rica Real Estate

Costa Rica’s real estate market heads into 2026 with steady footing after recent adjustments in high-end coastal areas. Buyers and investors find a landscape marked by balanced supply, reasonable price gains, and solid interest from abroad. Data from recent reports point to a shift away from the sharp rises of past years toward more even …

Australian Open 2026 Prize Money Hits Record High

Organizers of the Australian Open revealed a substantial boost in prize money for the 2026 tournament, pushing the total pool to a record 111.5 million Australian dollars. This marks a 16 percent rise from last year’s 96.5 million, signaling Tennis Australia’s ongoing push to reward competitors across the board. The singles winners in both the …

Costa Rica Rescues Orphaned Manatee Calf in Tortuguero

A young female manatee washed up alone on a beach in Tortuguero National Park early on January 5, sparking a coordinated effort by local authorities to save the animal. The calf, identified as a Caribbean manatee, appeared separated from its mother, with no immediate signs of her in the area. Park rangers received the first …

Costa Rica’s Liberia Airport Faces Demand Boom

The Daniel Oduber International Airport has grown beyond what planners first imagined when it opened in 2011. Officials from Costa Rica’s Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) point this out in a report they issued last year on the country’s infrastructure needs. The airport now handles far more travelers than expected, bringing in visitors …