“Nicaragua has neither God nor law,” says the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, who accused Nicaragua of disrespecting international law and warned that he will take measures if former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli continues to send political messages from the Nicaraguan embassy, where he has been granted asylum. “Nicaragua is a country that has …

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As December’s cool breezes come to Costa Rica, our families gather to celebrate Christmas with cherished traditions and festive treats. Among the most beloved holiday drinks is rompope, a rich, creamy drink often described as Latin America’s answer to eggnog. While each country across Latin America has its own version, Costa Rica’s take on this …

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Congressman Leslye Bojorges of Costa Rica’s PUSC political party presented a bill to allow the controlled hunting of crocodiles and caimans in Costa Rica. Bojorges seeks a change to the Wildlife Conservation Law, which would require Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) to develop and …

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The U.S. Department of State recently updated its travel advisory for Costa Rica, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime-related concerns. This advisory highlight both petty and violent crime as ongoing issues that could affect tourists. “Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, also …

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The tourist fishing sector in Costa Rica will launch a new project this month. Participatory Tourist Fishing is the first initiative in this sector to be financed with funds from the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. The project seeks to answer a specific question: what would be possible in …

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Panama’s president appealed to US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday to maintain the aid Washington gives his central American country for deporting US-bound migrants. The United States has contributed $1 million towards the cost of deporting over 1,000 migrants who tried to cross the Darien jungle from Colombia into Panama since July. “I believe it …

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Costa Rica’s tourism industry is on track for a record-breaking year. By the end of 2024, an estimated 2.6 million people will have visited the country, representing a 10% increase over 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. According to data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, this growth is matched by foreign exchange …

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Most of what we know about humans living to very old age is based on faulty data, including the science behind the “blue zones” famous for having a high proportion of people over 100, according to one researcher. The desire to live as long as possible has driven a booming lifestyle industry selling supplements, books, …

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Christmas is a very special celebration for Ticos (Costa Ricans, as most of the readers of the Tico Times already know, are affectionately known as Ticos). Traditional food, gatherings with friends and family, presents, and decorations make this a fantastic season in the country. “El portal” or “el pasito” (the Nativity Scene) is very significant …

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Facebook has numerous pages catering to the foreign community in Costa Rica. There are always a number of posts from people thinking about moving to or visiting Costa Rica, and their “what’s it like?” questions. Responses vary. One recent post caught my eye when a responder—almost certainly an estadounidense—described Costa Rica as a country of …

Read more “Debunking Myths: Is Costa Rica Really a Socialist Country?”