Costa Rica Snake Prevention Tips for Homes and Gardens

Wanting to be close to nature is probably among the top five reasons that many folks from other countries cite when they decide to move to Costa Rica. If you drilled down on that topic a bit more, what the majority of people probably mean is ‘comfortably close’ to nature. They’re imagining watching a toucan …

Why the Australian Open Tempts Central Americans to Plan Epic Trips

At the start of Costa Rica’s dry season, thoughts of summer tennis in Melbourne might seem out of place. But as the 2026 Australian Open draws near, set to run from January 11 to 25 at Melbourne Park, the event stirs something deeper for many in Central America. It’s not just about the matches; it’s …

Honduras Starts Partial Recount in Tight Presidential Election Backed by Trump

Honduras electoral officials started a partial recount of votes yesterday from the November 30 presidential election. The race remains close, with right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura, supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, holding a narrow edge. The National Electoral Council launched the review of about 2,800 vote tally sheets, covering close to half a million ballots …

Hyatt Place Cariari Set to Open in Costa Rica

Heredia will soon welcome a new addition to its hospitality scene with the opening of the Hyatt Place Cariari/Convention Center. The project, backed by a $21 million investment, stands as a boost to local tourism and employment. Set to begin operations in the first half of 2026, the hotel positions itself near the former Real …

Honduras Sticks with Nighttime Border Shutdowns, Complicating Travel for Visitors

Travelers heading to Honduras face ongoing hurdles at land borders, where officials shut down crossings each night. The country’s immigration service halts operations for tourists from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., a practice that stands out in Central America. Most neighbors, including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, keep their borders open around the clock. This …

How does Trump’s blockade affect Venezuela’s oil?

A U.S. blockade on oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela would likely trigger a steep drop in exports, with experts estimating reductions of up to about 50%. Trump ordered what he called a “total and complete” blockade of sanctioned tankers, escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government, which the United States does not recognize. The U.S. …

Costa Rica Biologists Identify New Insect Species in Museum Collections

Biologists at the University of Costa Rica have uncovered 16 new species of leafhoppers after examining insect collections that sat untouched in museums for over three decades. The find also includes nine species newly recorded in the country, pushing the total known Scaphytopius species in Costa Rica to 29. Carolina Godoy and Andrés Arias-Penna led …

Fitch Keeps Costa Rica at ‘BB’ Rating with Positive Outlook

Fitch Ratings has confirmed Costa Rica’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating at ‘BB’ and kept the outlook positive. The decision points to steady progress in public finances and solid economic growth, even as global pressures like U.S. tariffs test the export sector. The economy held firm in 2025. Gross domestic product expanded 4.1 percent, …

Venezuelan Migrants Are Key to Latin America’s Economy, IOM Says

Venezuelan migrants make a “key” economic contribution to the countries where they live, undermining claims that they are merely a burden, according to a study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) released Wednesday. More than seven million Venezuelans live outside their country due to the crisis endured by the oil-rich nation under the government …

Costa Rica Ranks Among Cheapest 2026 Flight Destinations from US

Travelers from the United States can expect lower airfares to Costa Rica next year, according to a recent forecast from Dollar Flight Club. The travel service analyzed thousands of flight data points and ranked San José and Liberia among the least expensive international spots to reach in 2026. The report places San José at number …