Earthquake Rattles El Salvador With No Damage Reported

A moderate earthquake struck off the coast of El Salvador on Saturday evening, sending tremors through several areas but leaving no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. The quake registered at magnitude 5.3 according to El Salvador’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), with its epicenter located about 33 kilometers south of Puerto …

Is Your Costa Rica Trip Safe from U.S. Airport Chaos?

Travelers in Costa Rica can breathe easier as local airports report normal operations despite the chaos gripping air travel in the United States. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has forced federal aviation authorities to slash flights at dozens of major American hubs, leading to thousands of delays and cancellations across the country. Yet, direct flights …

Margay Rescued in Costa Rica After Backyard Sighting

A young margay wandered into a residential backyard here, prompting a swift rescue by environmental officials who found the wildcat in an oddly calm state. The incident unfolded on November 5 when a local resident noticed the small feline resting on a low branch in their yard. Concerned about potential risks to a child or …

Amazon Bazaar App Launches in Costa Rica with Products Under $10

Amazon rolled out its new Amazon Bazaar app here in Costa Rica giving shoppers access to thousands of low-cost products in fashion, home goods, and lifestyle categories. The standalone app, now live on Android and iOS devices, targets budget-conscious consumers with most items priced under ₡5,000, or about $9. Some products start as low as …

Panama Again Delays Trial of Ex-Presidents to 2026

The trial scheduled for next week of former Panamanian presidents Ricardo Martinelli and Juan Carlos Varela over the alleged receipt of bribes from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht was postponed again due to delays in legal procedures, the Judicial Branch reported Friday. This is the fifth postponement of the trial against Martinelli, who has asylum in …

Costa Rica-Amsterdam Air Link Grows with KLM’s Five Weekly Flights

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has committed to year-round flights between Amsterdam and San José for 2026, adding five weekly services that promise to draw more European visitors to the country’s beaches and rainforests. The airline plans to operate the route using Boeing 787 aircraft, with arrivals in San Jose set for 5:10 p.m. and departures …

Costa Rica’s Route 32 Closed for Rock Removal Until Monday

Drivers heading to Limón face disruptions this weekend as Route 32 remains shut down for critical safety work. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has extended the closure until at least Monday, November 10, to remove a hazardous boulder threatening the roadway. The problem started on Monday, November 3, when officials closed the …

Costa Rica Introduces Specialized Driving Tests for 2026 Licenses

Costa Rica’s government has introduced a major update to the driver’s licensing process, requiring specialized theoretical exams based on vehicle type starting next year. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced the shift this week, aiming to sharpen driver skills and cut down on road accidents. From March 2, 2026, applicants for a Class …

U.S. Shutdown Triggers Flight Cancellations and Long Airport Lines

Hundreds of flights were canceled in the United States on Friday, and passengers formed long lines at airports after the government ordered air traffic to be reduced due to staffing shortages caused by the budget impasse. The so-called “shutdown,” which forces federal public services to close, is the longest in the country’s history and has …

Alaska Hawaiian Airlines Revise Surfboard Policy for Costa Rican Surfers

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have rolled out a revised baggage policy that simplifies carrying surfboards on their flights, a change that stands to benefit surfers heading to Costa Rica. The carriers, now operating under a combined network after their recent merger, allow passengers to pack multiple surfboards into one bag. Boards can reach up …