Costa Rica Forecasts 40,000 Starlink Subscriptions by 2030

Costa Rica’s telecommunications regulator forecasts that satellite internet connections will hit 40,000 by 2030, with Starlink leading the charge. The Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (Sutel) released this projection amid a surge in demand for high-speed access in remote areas. As of June 2025, the country recorded 26,928 satellite internet subscriptions. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, accounts for …

What does US ‘terrorist’ designation for Venezuela mean?

Washington’s designation of an alleged Venezuelan cartel as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) takes effect on Monday, opening the door to new forms of US pressure on President Nicolas Maduro. The FTO list, which includes Islamist groups, separatists, guerrillas, and more recently, gangs and drug organizations from Mexico and Colombia, is overseen by the State …

Dollar Hits 17-Year Low in Costa Rica as Tourism Feels the Pinch

Costa Rica’s tourism industry is under pressure yet again as the US dollar exchange rate on the Monex market dropped to ₡498 last Friday marking its lowest point since 2014. This shift points to a stronger colon, which raises costs for international visitors and threatens growth in an industry central to the nation’s economy. The …

Six Airlines Cancel Routes with Venezuela After US Warning

Six airlines cancelled their routes with Venezuela on Saturday, after the United States warned civil aviation about an “increase in military activity” amid the deployment of US forces in the Caribbean, the airlines’ association said. Spanish carrier Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Colombia’s Avianca, Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines, Brazil’s GOL and Chile’s Latam cancelled their operations, …

National Espresso Day Contrasts with Costa Rica’s Chorreador Tradition

People across the world today mark National Espresso Day (yes, it has its own day), recognizing the quick, strong coffee pull that originated in Italy more than a century ago. Here in Costa Rica, where coffee forms the backbone of our economy and daily routines, the date is a good excuse to look at how …

Moderate Quake Off Puntarenas Coast Shakes Central Costa Rica

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast on Saturday afternoon, according to Oviscori. The tremor occurred at 12:41 p.m. local time, centered at 8.76 degrees north latitude and 84.19 degrees west longitude, about 81 kilometers southwest of San Isidro in Puntarenas province. It struck at a depth of 10 kilometers. Residents in the …

Costa Rica’s Alajuela Offers Daily Guided Tours for Airport Passengers

Travelers passing through Juan Santamaría International Airport now have a direct way to step into Costa Rica’s cultural roots with the launch of the Alajuela City Tour. AERIS, the airport’s operator, introduced this initiative to bridge the gap between the terminal and the surrounding city, turning layovers into opportunities for discovery. The tour starts right …

Australian Open Latin American Legacy Resonates in Costa Rica

Melbourne’s hard courts come alive each January with the Australian Open, the year’s opening Grand Slam. This two-week event draws the world’s top tennis talent to battle in singles, doubles and mixed formats under the summer sun. Players chase titles, ranking points and prize money on outdoor arenas, where strategy and endurance often decide outcomes. …

Maduro Dances Defiantly Amid US Threats in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro took to the stage at the Miraflores presidential palace during a Student Day march, where he danced to a remix of his own words promoting peace. Surrounded by cheering students, Maduro declared his resolve amid growing U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, echoing a similar display from years past. “It’s Student …

Costa Rica Tourism Crisis as 22,000 Jobs are Lost in Downturn

Costa Rica’s tourism industry faces a sharp downturn, with roughly 22,000 jobs lost in the past year. This drop hits hard in coastal and rural areas, where hotels and service businesses report fewer visitors and forced layoffs. The sector, a key part of the national economy, now raises questions about broader financial stability. Data from …