Nicaragua’s Ortega Targets Another Rebel Icon with House Arrest

On Tuesday, opposition figures and exiled Nicaraguan media outlets reported that the government has confined former Sandinista commander Henry Ruiz, 81, to his home in Managua, marking the latest move against dissenters by President Daniel Ortega’s regime. Ruiz, known as “Commander Modesto” from his guerrilla days, has been under de facto house arrest since Saturday, …

Costa Rica Benefits as Airbnb Delivers $5M+ in Tax Contributions

The Airbnb platform delivered a new update on the tax contributions it has made in Costa Rica, which amount to more than $5 million as of December 2024. This has been carried out since the platform registered with the Ministry of Finance as a cross-border service provider in June 2023. In fact, Airbnb became the …

Poás Volcano National Park Reopens with Enhanced Safety Protocols

Poás Volcano National Park has officially reopened to visitors, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) announced. The reopening comes with updated safety measures to protect tourists and staff following recent volcanic activity. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), through the Central Conservation Area (ACC-SINAC), confirmed that the park is now accessible under specific …

Costa Rica Coffee Exports to Europe Surpass U.S. For The First Time

For the first time in history, Costa Rica exported more coffee to Europe than to the United States in 2024, marking a significant shift in the trade of one of its most prized commodities. According to data from the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER), Europe received 27,494 tons of Costa Rican coffee—42.6% of total shipments—while the …

Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano Activity Ends After Dramatic Eruption and Evacuation

Guatemalan authorities evacuated around 1,000 people Monday after Central America’s most active volcano erupted, spewing lava, ash and rocks. By night, however, the eruption was declared over, and evacuees were allowed to begin returning to their homes. Residents with traumatic memories of a deadly eruption in 2018 sought refuge early Monday after the Fuego volcano …

Video Reveals the Hidden Reality of Deportees in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s agreement with the U.S. to receive deported migrants has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. While the government assures that human rights are being respected, organizations fear otherwise. President Rodrigo Chaves defended the agreement as an act of goodwill toward the U.S., stating that helping a “wealthy northern ally” could prevent economic repercussions …

US Funding Freeze Forces Mass Layoffs at UN Migration Agency

Hit hard by US aid funding cuts, the UN migration agency is battling claims from current and former staff of now pandering to Washington and providing cover for mass deportations. Like many humanitarian agencies, the International Organization for Migration has been reeling since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, pushing an …

Guanacaste’s Property Surge: What It Costs to Live in Costa Rica’s Hotspot

For many, Costa Rica is a dream destination, and its coastal province of Guanacaste stands out as the crown jewel. With its blend of pristine beaches, abundant sunshine, and diverse microclimates, this region has long captivated those seeking an exotic escape. Whether it’s a second home, a luxury retreat, or a fresh start in the …

Insecurity and Exchange Rate Woes Impact Costa Rica Tourism

For years, tourism has been the engine of the Costa Rican economy. However, the industry is currently facing several challenges that compromise its growth and create difficulties for those who depend on it. Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Chamber of Tourism of Costa Rica (CANATUR), stated that the most significant challenge is the …

Costa Rica Fights Yellow Fever with Border Vaccines and Digital Records

Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health dropped a significant update over the weekend, spotlighting the ongoing yellow fever situation across the Americas and unveiling fresh measures to keep the country safe. During a Saturday press conference, officials shared the latest case numbers, announced a vaccination push for border areas, and introduced a game-changing digital vaccination card …