Criminal Group Targets Costa Rica’s Tourism in Guanacaste

A criminal group is extorting small and medium-sized tourism businesses in Brasilito and Potrero, demanding weekly payments of $150 to $1,500 (₡75,000 to ₡750,000) to operate without retaliation, sparking alarm across Guanacaste’s tourism companies. Restaurant owners, hoteliers, tour operators, beach vendors, and vacation rental hosts report receiving threats—ranging from property damage to personal harm—forcing many …

Costa Rica Faces Trade Uncertainty as Trump’s Tariffs Take Effect

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has imposed a new 10% tariff on all imports, including goods from Costa Rica, effective April 5, 2025. Announced on April 2 as part of Trump’s “Liberation Day” trade policy, the measure aims to address perceived global trade imbalances but has sparked concern in Costa Rica about its …

Costa Rica Cracks Down on Dangerous Poás Volcano Illegal Tours

Costa Rica Park officials are hearing reports of companies using social media to offer illegal tours to Poás Volcano through unauthorized routes, despite the national park’s closure due to ongoing volcanic activity. The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) recorded an eruption early Thursday, adding to concerns about safety in restricted areas near …

Costa Rica Closes Case on American Teen’s Death Due to Carbon Monoxide

Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died from lethal exposure to carbon monoxide fumes while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) concluded a two-week probe, pinpointing the silent killer as the cause of the teenager’s tragic death on March …

UN Identifies 54 Officials Behind Nicaragua Human Rights Abuses

UN experts on Thursday identified for the first time 54 Nicaraguan officials, military personnel, police officers, magistrates, and deputies, with co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo at the helm, as responsible for serious “crimes” and “systematic repression.” A report by the Group of Experts on Human Rights on Nicaragua revealed the names of those it …

Costa Rica Faces Economic Risks from Trump’s Liberation Day Tariffs

United States President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new tariff program today, dubbed “Liberation Day,” which imposes a universal 10% tariff on all imports into the United States, with additional “reciprocal tariffs” reaching up to 50% on certain nations. Starting April 3, 2025, the U.S. will also apply 25% tariffs on all foreign-made cars, following …

Costa Rica Faces Rising Crime and Distrust in Government

Insecurity and crime have soared to unprecedented levels in Costa Rica, emerging as one of our country’s most pressing issues, according to a new survey by the Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP) at the University of Costa Rica (UCR). Released this week, the findings highlight a growing public pessimism and a sharp decline …

Costa Rican Goalkeeper Navas Leads Newell’s To Stunning Win Over Boca

Keylor Navas continues to shine with his club, Newell’s Old Boys. Over the weekend, Newell’s defeated Boca Juniors 2-0. Navas was once again the star of his team. From the first minute, everything looked good for the Rosario club when Luciano Herrera scored the first goal at 4′ after a pass from Carlos González, who …

El Salvador President Welcomes Deportees As Trump Alliance Grows Stronger

The combative president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, has become a key partner for the provocative migrant deportation policy of his American counterpart Donald Trump, from which both leaders hope to gain political benefits. Through a series of skillfully produced videos, featuring tattooed and chained men disembarking from planes amid heavy surveillance, Nayib Bukele has …