Robberies remain a persistent issue in San José, with the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) reporting over 5,000 cases annually in 2022 and 2023, a trend that extended into 2024. Distracted commuters and tourists are frequent targets, with cell phones, wallets, and electronics commonly stolen in busy districts like Hospital, Merced, and Catedral, according to OIJ …

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The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica issued a health alert on April 15, warning travelers of carbon monoxide risks after a U.S. teenager’s death at a Manuel Antonio hotel. Miller Gardner, 14, son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died on March 21, 2025, from carbon monoxide poisoning at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront …

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There are only four rounds to go in the Clausura regular season, and things are heating up at both the top and bottom of the league—every match matters. After Pérez Zeledón’s disappointing 3-0 defeat last weekend to Cartaginés, they bounced back with a 3-0 win of their own against AD Guanacasteca, with goals from Brazilian …

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Costa Rica faces a lawsuit before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, accused of violating the rights of 81 migrant children deported from the United States in February 2025. The children, part of 200 migrants from countries including China, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, were detained for nearly two months at a …

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Starting October 2025, renewing or replacing a driver’s license in Costa Rica will be as simple as a few clicks, thanks to a new online service from the National Road Safety Council (COSEVI). Aimed at reducing long waits at Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) branches, this digital platform will streamline processes for expats, tourists, and …

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An United States citizen armed with a knife attempted to hijack a small plane in Belize this Thursday but was shot dead by a passenger, local authorities reported. The Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft of Belizean airline Tropic Air had taken off in the morning with 16 people on board from Corozal bound for the island …

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As someone who is rooted in San José, I’ve watched Semana Santa bring Costa Rica to life each year, and this Easter Weekend is no exception. It’s a time when faith, family, and our Pura Vida spirit collide in a beautiful, vibrant way. For expats settling in, tourists exploring, or travelers curious about what’s happening …

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Maria Vargas, a third-generation tour operator in Nosara, stares at an empty booking calendar. “This is the worst high season I’ve seen in 20 years,” she says, her voice heavy with worry. Her story reflects a broader crisis gripping Costa Rica, where a sharp decline in tourist arrivals threatens the tourism industry—a sector that generates …

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Costa Rica is cracking down on illegal entries into its national parks and protected areas, citing dangers to visitors and environmental harm. Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy (MINAE), has called on lawmakers to approve a bill imposing fines of up to ¢2.3 million (approximately $4,400) on individuals and tour operators who access these …

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A citizens’ coalition on Wednesday asked Panama’s Supreme Court to declare “unconstitutional” a controversial agreement signed last week that allows the United States to deploy troops in the Canal Zone. During a visit to Panama, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the pact with Panamanian Security Minister Frank Ábrego. The agreement authorizes Washington to station …

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