Lawmakers in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly passed a bill in its first debate this week that sets out heavy fines for people who enter national parks and protected areas without permission. The measure aims to stop a rise in unauthorized access that threatens both the environment and public safety. The bill, which reforms the National …
Read more “Costa Rica Lawmakers Advance Bill to Fine Illegal Park Entries”
Southwest Airlines has set plans to introduce the first direct flight linking Costa Rica with Las Vegas, Nevada. This move aims to boost travel options between the two spots. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute shared details from the airline’s press release, noting this as the initial nonstop service to the U.S. city known for its …
Read more “Southwest Airlines Unveils Direct Costa Rica-Las Vegas Route”
Hospitals in the Central Valley face mounting pressure from a rise in respiratory illnesses, prompting the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) to shift pediatric patients across facilities. Officials report that seasonal viruses, including influenza A subtype H3, have driven up demand, leading to near-full occupancy in key centers. The surge began in late 2025, …
Read more “Central Valley Hospitals Overloaded by Respiratory Surge and Nurse Shortfalls”
Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings issued a warning on Thursday, stating it would pursue legal action against Danish shipping firm Maersk if the company proceeds to manage two Panama Canal ports without its approval. This move intensifies a brewing dispute over the strategic terminals, set against broader frictions between China and the United States. …
Read more “U.S.-China Tensions Fuel Legal Battle Over Panama’s Strategic Ports”
The national surf circuit launches its 2026 season this weekend at Playa Cocles in Talamanca, drawing over 140 competitors to the Caribbean coast. From February 13 to 15, athletes will chase the first 1,500 ranking points in a competition that spans 19 categories, from juniors to open divisions. Organized by the Costa Rican Surf Federation, …
Read more “Costa Rica National Surf Circuit 2026 Begins at Playa Cocles”
Hotel operators in Guanacaste and the Central Pacific report lower occupancy rates for February 2026 than in the same month of 2024 and 2025. A survey by the Costa Rican Chamber of Hotels shows an average national rate of 77 percent for early 2026, down from 84 to 85 percent in prior years. Guanacaste hotels …
Read more “February Slump Hits Costa Rica Hotels: Weather and Airfares to Blame”
Police in Costa Rica arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of pulling the trigger in the June 2025 killing of Roberto Samcam, a retired Nicaraguan military officer living in exile. The capture marks a key step in the investigation into a crime that opposition figures link to the Nicaraguan government. Officials detained the suspect, identified only …
Read more “Costa Rica Captures Alleged Shooter in Nicaraguan Exile’s Murder”
Puerto Rican artist Daddy Yankee plans to visit Costa Rica later this month to present his conference “El Testimonio.” The event takes place on Sunday, February 22, at Auditorio Casa Pasión in San José. Known for hits like “Gasolina,” the singer retired from music in 2023 to dedicate his life to his Christian faith. He …
Read more “Daddy Yankee Brings Faith-Focused Testimony to Costa Rica”
Former president of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) and newly elected deputy Marta Esquivel has pushed her defense in the Barrenador case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. She argues that the investigation amounts to political persecution and has caused significant harm to her reputation. This move comes as the probe into …
Read more “International Spotlight on Costa Rica’s Barrenador Investigation”
Natural disasters and severe weather events led to more than ₡1 billion in payouts for damaged homes last year, data from the National Insurance Institute (INS) shows. The institute handled 342 claims from homeowners, totaling ₡1,039,170,709 in compensation. These payments went to policyholders with what people often call fire insurance, though the coverage extends far …
Read more “Costa Rica Faces ₡1 Billion Bill from Home Damages Due to Fires and Floods”