Panama Canal Traffic Increases Amid Iran War and Hormuz Blockade

The war in the Middle East has prompted more ships to use the Panama Canal, a senior executive for the interoceanic waterway said Monday. Deputy administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta said that daily transits have risen sharply in recent weeks as shippers adjust to disruptions elsewhere. The month-long conflict began Feb. 28 and has seen …

Costa Rica Travelers Face Higher JetBlue Fees Amid Rising Fuel Costs

If you have a trip to Costa Rica booked on JetBlue or you’re planning one it’s time to take a close look at what your total travel cost is actually going to be. A new round of fee increases just went into effect, and with volatile fuel prices showing no sign of easing, this likely …

Costa Rica Tourism Leaders Oppose Proposed Gas Station in Santa Teresa

Tourism leaders in Santa Teresa are pushing back against a proposed gas station, saying the project does not fit the beach town’s identity as a destination built around nature, surf and low-impact tourism. The Blue Zone Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, known as CATUCZA, said it opposes the plan and is seeking more information from …

A Closer look at Costa Rica’s New Role in Deportations from The United States

To most Americans, Costa Rica is a place of jungle canopy tours, pristine beaches, and the national motto “Pura Vida.” It is not the kind of country that typically shows up in discussions about immigration enforcement. That changed last week. Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves signed a formal agreement with the Trump administration agreeing to …

Costa Rica Pavones Dock Plan Faces Backlash Over Wave and Environmental Risks

A dock project moving ahead in Pavones has set off growing concern among residents, surfers and environmental advocates who say the work could put one of Costa Rica’s most famous waves at risk. The project, known as the Embarcadero Vecinal de Pavones, received environmental clearance from SETENA in June 2024 and is being promoted by …

Costa Rica Opens All National Parks for Semana Santa

Costa Rica is rolling out the welcome mat this Easter Holy Week, with all 29 protected wildlife areas open and operating under regular schedules. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), and the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) are encouraging both local and international travelers to take …

Nicaragua Celebrates Semana Santa with Unique Religious Traditions

Nicaragua is marking Holy Week with a mix of religious devotion, family travel and local customs that give Semana Santa in the country a character all its own. As churches hold Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter observances, tourism officials have also rolled out a nationwide holiday agenda that includes more than 60 recreational, cultural, …

Costa Rica Road Death Rate Up to Five Times Higher Than Europe

Costa Rica’s road death rate is running up to five times higher than that of some Western European countries, a gap that road safety specialists say shows how far the country still has to go on enforcement, driver behavior, and modern traffic management. Recent analysis presented by experts linked to the Federated College of Engineers …

Human Rights Watch Urges El Salvador to End Bukele’s State of Emergency

The NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the government of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to end the state of emergency it has maintained for four years as part of its anti-gang war, which has led to about 91,000 detentions. Bukele has enforced the emergency regime since March 27, 2022, under which thousands of people …

Costa Rica Sportfishing Efforts Grow in Barra del Colorado

In Costa Rica’s remote Caribbean north, a new model for sustainable sportfishing is taking shape, driven in part by the leadership of FECOP and the active participation of local fishing communities. Nowhere is this more evident than in Barra del Colorado, where recent efforts have focused on strengthening responsible fishing practices while reinforcing the region’s …