Costa Rica Closes 150 Schools in a Decade as Enrollment Drops

The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) reports that 150 schools have shut their doors over the past 10 years, a direct result of falling student numbers tied to the country’s shrinking birth rate. Education Minister Leonardo Sánchez Hernández laid out the numbers during a recent briefing, pointing to a steady decline that has reshaped classrooms …

Costa Rica’s High Court Overturns Border Denial Tied to Passport Sketches

Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court, known as Sala IV, has ruled against immigration officials who blocked a Chilean man from entering the country due to simple drawings in his passport. The decision highlights the need for clear grounds when refusing entry, setting a precedent for how authorities handle document issues. The case stems from an incident …

American Hotel Owner Slain in in Costa Rica Robbery

Authorities investigate the violent death of Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-old U.S. citizen and longtime resident who owned Hotel Puerto Viejo. The incident occurred Saturday morning in Hone Creek, Cahuita, Talamanca. The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) received a report at 10:50 a.m. Van Dyke’s body showed signs of asphyxiation and multiple stab wounds, according to …

Panama Begins Carnival Festivities on Valentine’s Day

As couples across Central America exchange gifts for Valentine’s Day, Panama starts its annual Carnival today, turning streets into parades of color and music. The four-day event, running from February 14 to 17, draws crowds from neighboring countries, including Costa Rica, where many plan short trips to join the action. Panama’s Carnival starts with water …

Professional Tennis Returns to Costa Rica After 20 Years with M25 Event

Professional tennis returns to Costa Rica after two decades with the M25 tournament set for February 15 to 22 at the Costa Rica Country Club in Escazú. This event marks a significant moment for the sport in the country, drawing competitors from more than 25 nations and offering a platform for rising players. Kenneth Thome, …

Shakira’s Concerts Boost El Salvador’s Economy and Tourism Surge

Colombian singer Shakira’s five-concert series in El Salvador has drawn massive crowds, filling hotels and sparking a notable economic lift for the country. The shows, part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, expanded from an initial three dates after tickets sold out quickly, reflecting strong demand across Central America. The events at …

Fire in San Salvador Claims Five Lives in Historic District Blaze

A massive fire tore through makeshift homes and businesses in San Salvador’s historic center early Friday, killing five people. The blaze, which started in the pre-dawn hours, spread fast through buildings made of sheet metal, wood, cane, and mud, catching residents and authorities off guard. Baltazar Solano, director of El Salvador’s Fire Department, told reporters …

Costa Rica Tops Global List as the Destination Tourists Most Want to Return To

Travelers around the world have named Costa Rica the number one country they hope to visit again, based on a new global study that highlights the nation’s draw for repeat trips. The ranking comes from SCS Chauffeurs, a company focused on luxury airport transfers, and appeared on the travel site Time Out. Researchers looked at …

Costa Rica Fossil Discovery Reveals Mastodon and Sloth Giants

Researchers at the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica have confirmed a major paleontological find in the province of Cartago: fossil remains from a mastodon-like creature and a giant ground sloth. This discovery ranks among the country’s most notable in recent decades and sheds light on the megafauna that once roamed Central America. The story started …

Corcovado National Park guide criticizes SINAC as illegal mining persists

Dionisio “Nito” Paniagua is a renowned tour guide at Corcovado National Park, located in Osa, Puntarenas, and recently announced that he will temporarily stop working there due to difficulties renewing his guiding license. In a video shared on his TikTok profile, Paniagua described what he sees as serious management problems affecting the biodiverse park and the …