Crime Concerns Cloud Costa Rica’s Tourism Appeal

A recent La Nación report highlights growing tourist hesitation to visit Costa Rica amid rising crime. Since 2024, visitors have voiced unease about the country’s security, per the newspaper. “In the last five years, more than 6,300 tourists were victims of crimes, mainly robberies and car theft,” La Nación states, underscoring the scale of the …

Why Flying Is Your Best Bet for an Easter Vacation in Costa Rica

Easter otherwise known as Holy Week is a prime (but crowded) time to vacation in Costa Rica, with sunny April days perfect for beaches, jungles, or mountain trails. But as locals and visitors flock to popular spots during this holiday, roads can turn into slow-moving lines, especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. For those …

Growing Green: How Permaculture Thrives in Costa Rica

“Permaculture” is a word that has steadily grown in our global vocabulary since it was coined in the 1980s by Australian environmentalist Bill Mollison. He defined it as the harmonious integration of landscapes and people to sustainably provide food, energy, shelter, and other material and nonmaterial needs. Today, this concept resonates more than ever as …

Costa Rica’s First Underwater Camera Trap Reveals Hidden Wildlife

I started reading The Tico Times in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, more than a decade ago when my wife and I first started brewing the crazy idea of moving to Costa Rica. After years as a reader, an idea popped into my head, ‘I can write a little bit. Why don’t I write wildlife articles about the …

Costa Rica’s Workforce: Reskilling and Upskilling as Strategic Necessities

Reskilling and upskilling—training professionals to enhance their skills or acquire new ones—are no longer optional; they are a strategic necessity for Costa Rica to remain competitive in the global market. The country has demonstrated its ability to adapt and attract investment, but it must redouble its efforts to ensure its workforce is prepared for future …

Costa Rica Welcomes United’s San José-San Francisco Direct Flight

United Airlines will start a new daily nonstop flight between Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) starting May 22, 2025, strengthening ties between Costa Rica and the U.S. West Coast. The route, announced last fall, promises to draw more American tourists to Costa Rica’s beaches, rainforests, and cultural …

Costa Rica Marks 169th Anniversary of Battle of Rivas

Costa Rica commemorates the 169th anniversary of the Battle of Rivas today, honoring the heroes who defended this country’s sovereignty in 1856. Known as Juan Santamaría Day, this public holiday celebrates a pivotal victory against American mercenary William Walker, with festivities centered in Alajuela and across the country. From parades to museum tributes, here’s a …

U.S. Troops to Deploy Near Panama Canal Under New Agreement

U.S. troops will be allowed to deploy in areas adjacent to the Panama Canal, according to an agreement signed between the two nations—a significant concession to President Donald Trump, who has been determined to regain control of the strategic interoceanic waterway. The Panamanian government insists these are not military bases, a sensitive issue in the …

Costa Rica Faces Mexico in Group A of 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup

The Costa Rican National Team, La Sele, learned its fate for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup during Thursday’s official draw in Miami. Placed in Group A, Costa Rica will face defending champion Mexico, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic in what promises to be a exciting group stage. The tournament, Concacaf’s premier competition, will run from …

US Defense Chief’s Idea for Military Presence at Panama Canal Sparks Backlash

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth floated the idea on Wednesday of US troops returning to Panama to “secure” its strategically vital canal, a suggestion quickly shot down by the Central American country’s government.  Hegseth suggested during a visit to Panama that “by invitation” the United States could “revive” military bases or naval air stations and …