Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake Hits Off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

A moderate earthquake shook parts of the Pacific coast early Saturday morning, prompting residents in several areas to report light to moderate trembling. OVISCORI recorded the quake at magnitude 4.6, with its epicenter located 19 kilometers west of Jacó in Garabito canton, roughly 44 kilometers south of Puntarenas city. It struck at 6:20 a.m. local …

Costa Rica’s Route 32 Reopens After 12-Day Closure

After 12 long days, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) announced today the reopening of Route 32, following the completion of debris removal and inspections by specialists. Authorities confirmed that the road will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., provided that weather conditions are favorable. They warned that in case of …

Costa Rica Colón Exchange Rate Dips to ¢499 – Raising Concerns

The Central Bank of Costa Rica reported the buy rate at 499.46 colones per dollar on November 12, with similar levels persisting into the following days. This represents a drop from earlier in the year, when rates hovered above 505 colones. While a stronger colón benefits importers and locals with foreign debt, it poses challenges …

Mexico Wins 2025 LAC Barista Championship in Costa Rica

Edson Rodríguez from Mexico took the top spot at the 2025 LAC Barista Championship, held at the National Convention Center in San José. The event wrapped up yesterday after five days of intense competition among 18 baristas from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Rodríguez impressed judges with his precise techniques and creative coffee presentations. …

Visa Presale Opens for FIFA 2025 Qatar Intercontinental Finals

Visa cardholders can now get tickets for the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, with the presale starting today at 3 p.m. Qatari time. The matches will unfold at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar on December 10, 13, and 17. This tournament brings together champions from all six continental confederations. …

U.S. Removes Tariffs on Costa Rican Exports

The United States has removed reciprocal tariffs on several Costa Rican agricultural exports, a move that promises relief for local producers here and could stabilize prices for North American consumers. The decision, outlined in a new executive order from President Donald Trump, targets goods that the U.S. does not produce domestically in sufficient quantities. Costa …

Costa Rica’s Chaves Calls Immunity Case a Political Lynching

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves said Friday he is the victim of a “shameless political lynching” during an appearance before a legislative committee that is considering lifting his immunity over alleged interference in the February 2026 elections. In the midst of an unusual clash between branches of government in one of Latin America’s most respected …

Costa Rica Faces Surge in Minor and Migrant Exploitation

Costa Rica faces a growing crisis in the exploitation of minors and migrants, with criminal networks targeting vulnerable people for sex trafficking, forced labor and drug operations. The Global Organized Crime Index 2025 points to the country as a key source, transit and destination point for human trafficking, where cases involving children and adolescents have …

Costa Rica Loses 1-0 to Haiti in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Costa Rica suffered a 1-0 defeat to Haiti on Thursday in the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The loss at Stadion Ergilio Hato leaves La Sele’s path to the tournament in serious doubt, with just one match left in Group C. Haiti struck late in the first half. Frantzdy Pierrot scored in …