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Costa Rica ranks as the second-worst country in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) for transportation infrastructure quality, surpassed only by Colombia among 38 member nations. Coupled with the highest number of vehicles in Central America—344 cars per 100,000 people—this creates significant challenges for daily travel, impacting residents, expats, and tourists alike. The OECD describes Costa Rica’s road network as “of poor quality,” with issues like potholes and narrow roads affecting routes to popular destinations such as Monteverde. Pacific port infrastructure, including Caldera, operates below capacity, leading to delays for imports and cruise ship schedules. The railway system is “underdeveloped,” primarily serving freight with limited passenger options, and intermodal connections—integrating road, rail, and sea transport—are “weak,” hindering efficient logistics. Between 2015 and 2022, the number of vehicles in Costa Rica grew by 402,591, total...

Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) is the leading public research center in Luxembourg for basic, pre-clinical and clinical

El Salvador’s Ministry of Education has launched a new initiative to incorporate Bitcoin education into the national curriculum for young students. The program, titled “What Is Money?”, is part of a broader effort to improve financial literacy across the country and introduce innovative financial concepts to the next generation. The curriculum will initially roll out across 50 public schools located in the La Libertad department, an area recognized for its early and active adoption of Bitcoin. Targeting children between the ages of seven and thirteen, the program will provide students with three hours of weekly instruction focused on key financial topics. These include the history and evolution of money, the principles of budgeting and saving, and an introduction to Bitcoin and digital currencies as emerging financial technologies. The lessons will be integrated into the Social Studies curriculum and aim to present complex financial ideas in an accessible and engaging manner for you...

Costa Rica’s tourism sector, a longtime bedrock of our national economy, continues to face an ongoing decline, with visitor arrivals dropping for seven consecutive months, according to industry data. A strong colón and persistent safety concerns remain key factors undermining the country’s standing as a top travel destination. Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) President Róger Madrigal has acknowledged that the exchange rate, with the dollar near ₡500, is likely contributing to the sustained tourism downturn. “It must have some effect, but we shouldn’t focus exclusively on the exchange rate, as a wrong diagnosis could lead to inappropriate measures,” Madrigal said, underscoring the issue’s complexity. He indicated that intervening in the exchange market could disrupt other economic sectors, despite ongoing appeals from the tourism industry for action. The appreciated colón is placing significant pressure on tourism businesses, 85% of which are micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise...

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The families of two Honduran women deported by the administration of former President Donald Trump — along with three American children, one of whom is battling cancer, and a Honduran girl — are facing a deeply traumatic situation, according to their lawyers and human rights activists. In a new case highlighting the impact of Trump-era immigration policies, Honduran nationals Jenny López Villela and an unidentified woman were deported on Friday. López was deported with her two-year-old daughter, while the other woman was deported with her four- and seven-year-old sons, according to reports from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Project (NIP). All three children are American citizens. López, who is pregnant, was also deported with her 11-year-old Honduran daughter. The younger of the two sons of the second woman has been diagnosed with cancer, according to the advocacy organizations. A correspondent attempted to contact the families in Honduras. ...

The National Museum of Denmark has confirmed that two 18th-century shipwrecks in Cahuita National Park , long thought to be pirate ships, are the Danish slave ships Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus , which sank in 1710. The identification was announced on Sunday, resolving decades of speculation about the wrecks off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The ships were identified through underwater excavations in 2023, which analyzed ship timbers, cargo blocks, clay pipes, and other artifacts. In 2015, U.S. archaeologists from East Carolina University discovered yellow bricks, specific to Danish manufacturing in Flensburg, among the wreckage, prompting renewed investigation. The wrecks, located on coral reefs near Puerto Limón in Cahuita National Park, were first documented in the 1970s but misidentified as pirate vessels based on local assumptions. Historical records indicate the Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus departed Copenhagen in December 1708, bound for the Danis...

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Panama has reached a major milestone in its ambitious Metro Line 3 project: the construction of the country’s first metro tunnel beneath the Panama Canal is well underway. This unprecedented project will connect Panama City with the western suburbs of Arraiján and eventually La Chorrera, dramatically reducing commute times and easing chronic traffic congestion. The tunnel, which will measure 4.5 kilometers in length and 13.5 meters in diameter, is currently being built 65 meters beneath the bed of the historic interoceanic canal. According to Metro de Panamá project director Carlos Cedeño, approximately one kilometer of the tunnel has already been completed. Specially designed tunnel boring equipment is being used to withstand the high pressures and mixed geological conditions beneath the canal. “This is a unique project — the depth alone presented challenges that required significant technical adjustments,” said Cedeño during a media tour on Friday. The larger Metro Line 3 project...

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Costa Rica is intensifying its defenses against yellow fever as cases surge across Latin America, prompting heightened vigilance from national health authorities. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported 14 confirmed cases in the Americas in early 2025, following 61 cases in 2024, with the disease spreading to urban areas like São Paulo, Brazil, and Tolima, Colombia. While Costa Rica has no local cases, its role as a Central American travel hub keeps it on high alert. The Costa Rican Ministry of Health has reinforced its preventive strategy, focusing on enhanced epidemiological surveillance, timely clinical management, and a targeted vaccination campaign in border areas where travelers from high-risk countries converge. According to the Chamber of Health, the private health sector has imported 34,000 doses of the yellow fever vaccine, available starting today. The Ministry also maintains a strategic reserve of 15,000 doses for potential outbreaks or shortages. To streamli...

The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, a $200 million luxury resort, opened its doors on Tuesday, marking a milestone in Costa Rica’s rise as a global high-end tourism destination. Developed by Costa Rican firm Garnier & Garnier, managed by Hilton, and owned by Revolution, Cacique Investors, and Garnier & Garnier, the project anchors the Punta Cacique community and promises to drive economic growth in Guanacaste. The 188-room resort, featuring 148 guest rooms and 40 suites, sits on a cliffside peninsula overlooking Playa Penca, 25 minutes from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. Its 41 Waldorf Astoria Residences, including luxurious 4- and 5-bedroom homes, offer private ownership with access to resort amenities. The project, nearly 20 years in the making, is designed to blend sustainable architecture with Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” ethos, integrating native flora and fauna for an eco-conscious luxury experience. “This resort represents a vision of tourism that re...

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Approximately 200 migrants deported from the United States to Costa Rica’s Southern Zone have been granted a special humanitarian status, offering them temporary legal protection and freedom of movement within the country, according to the General Director of Migration, Omer Badilla. The migrants, coming from countries such as Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, and Pakistan, arrived in Costa Rica in February on U.S.-funded flights as part of the Trump administration’s intensified deportation efforts. They were initially detained at the Special Attention Center for Migrants (CATEM) in Corredores, near the Panama border, under conditions criticized by human rights groups. A lawsuit filed by human rights lawyers before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child alleged that Costa Rica violated the rights of 81 migrant children among the group by holding them in inadequate conditions without access to education or legal recourse. Badilla announced that the new humanitarian ...

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A tragic boating accident off the Pacific coast of Panama has left two people dead, one missing, and a community in mourning. On Friday, a boat carrying 23 people set sail from Brisas de Amador on Perico Island, bound for San Miguel Island to join in Holy Week festivities, a significant cultural and religious event in Panama. However, the journey took a devastating turn when the boat encountered mechanical issues, leading to a shipwreck that prompted an extensive search and rescue operation. According to Lieutenant Eliécer Castillo, head of the Search and Rescue Department of Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (Senan), the captain reported problems with the vessel shortly after departure. This triggered an immediate response, with air and sea search operations launched to locate the passengers. The effort continued into the early hours of Saturday. By Saturday morning, authorities located two women who had been rescued by private people, which helped redirect the search efforts. In t...

Robberies remain a persistent issue in San José, with the Judicial Investigation Agency ( OIJ ) reporting over 5,000 cases annually in 2022 and 2023, a trend that extended into 2024. Distracted commuters and tourists are frequent targets, with cell phones, wallets, and electronics commonly stolen in busy districts like Hospital, Merced, and Catedral, according to OIJ data. Authorities are increasing patrols and offering safety advice to address the ongoing challenge. In 2023, San José averaged about 14 assaults daily, often involving pickpocketing or armed robberies. OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga said in 2024 that perpetrators exploit crowded areas, such as bus stops and Mercado Central, to snatch valuables and disappear. “Busy streets enable quick thefts,” Zúñiga noted. Vehicle thefts also increased, with 275 cases reported from January to March 2024, up 19% from 230 in the same period of 2023. Tourists face notable risks, particularly in Catedral’s tourist zones, where OIJ recorded ...

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica issued a health alert on April 15, warning travelers of carbon monoxide risks after a U.S. teenager’s death at a Manuel Antonio hotel. Miller Gardner, 14, son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died on March 21, 2025, from carbon monoxide poisoning at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) confirmed. The incident has prompted calls for improved safety measures in Costa Rica, where carbon monoxide detectors are not legally required. OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga reported a carboxyhemoglobin level of 64% in Gardner’s blood, well above the lethal 50% threshold, per a toxicology report finalized April 2. Tests detected 600 parts per million of carbon monoxide in the hotel room, far exceeding safe levels, likely from a nearby mechanical room. “This supports our conclusion of death by toxic gas inhalation,” Zúñiga said, noting no drugs or other toxins were found. The OIJ , coordinating with t...

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A citizens’ coalition on Wednesday asked Panama’s Supreme Court to declare “unconstitutional” a controversial agreement signed last week that allows the United States to deploy troops in the Canal Zone. During a visit to Panama, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the pact with Panamanian Security Minister Frank Ábrego. The agreement authorizes Washington to station forces in areas granting access to—and adjacent to—the interoceanic canal for “training,” “exercises,” and other maneuvers. The pact was inked amid pressure from President Donald Trump, who has threatened to retake control of the waterway by force, arguing it is under Chinese influence—a claim Panama denies. “The United States seeks, by means of that memorandum, to reestablish military bases on Panamanian territory,” lawyer Juan Ramón Sevillano said after filing the unconstitutionality challenge on behalf of the Sal de las Redes civic coalition. Sevillano argued that the agreement “violates six articles” of Panama...

Dengue cases in Costa Rica have plummeted in early 2025, with the Ministry of Health reporting 1,802 cases as of March 23, a 69.5% decrease from the 5,909 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. This marks a significant improvement from last year, which saw a record 27,791 cases by October. Despite this encouraging trend, specialists warn against complacency, as dengue can cause severe complications and be fatal, particularly for children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. The disease is most prevalent in regions like Central Sur, Central Norte, and Pacífico Central, with local reports indicating high case numbers in cantons such as San José, Alajuela, Sarapiquí, Puntarenas, and San Carlos, which were heavily affected in 2024. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) reports no hospitalizations due to dengue so far in 2025, based on preliminary data. However, the agency is preparing for a potential surge with the onset of the rainy season in May, which creates ideal...

Panama has claimed the top spot in International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index for 2025, unseating Costa Rica, which dropped to third place behind Portugal, according to the report released late last year. The shift highlights Panama’s growing appeal for retirees seeking affordability, modern amenities, and ease of relocation. The index ranks 20 countries based on seven categories: cost of living, healthcare quality, climate, infrastructure, visa and residency processes, retiree benefits, and community integration. Panama’s rise reflects improvements across all areas, particularly its retiree-friendly policies and robust infrastructure. “Panama’s modern amenities, stable economy, and unbeatable Pensionado Visa program make it a standout,” said Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living. Costa Rica, a long-time favorite, remains a strong contender despite slipping from first place in 2024. Known for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, our country captivates with “ama...

“We are very eager to help,” Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele assured this Monday at the White House to a Donald Trump delighted to hear what his best friend from Latin America was telling him, who has imprisoned hundreds of migrants deported by the United States under the accusation of being gang members. The rapport between the Salvadoran president and the American president was evident during the beginning of the meeting in the Oval Office, by far the most relaxed of the Republican’s second term. The visit began with a handshake and ended with Bukele giving a thumbs up when journalists asked him how the meeting went. “They are helping us. We thank you,” Trump said, surrounded by his cabinet’s top leadership, including diplomatic chief Marco Rubio, Interior Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We are very happy and eager to help,” Bukele affirmed. “In fact, Mr. President, you have to liberate 350 million” Americans from criminals, but to do so “you hav...

Poás Volcano shows signs of a slight decrease in its eruptive activity after three weeks of frequent eruptions and ash and gas emissions, according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory ( OVSICORI ). According to volcanologist Geoffroy Avard, a downward trend in the energy of the explosions has been observed since Friday. “There is a slight trend of decreasing eruptive amplitude. That is to say, we see that the acoustic pulses have lower amplitude, which suggests that the volcano is beginning to decrease its eruptive activity a little,” he explained. This does not imply that the volcano’s activity has completely ceased. According to the expert, on Monday, the volcano continued to exhibit frequent eruptive pulses every one or two minutes. Avard stated that these events are probably associated with ash and rock fragment ejections, as has occurred in previous weeks. Ash emission has been constant, and there have been reports of ash fall to the south and southwest of the vo...

Air France has announced a increase in its flight schedule to Costa Rica, set to begin in December 2025, marking a milestone for European connectivity to the country. For the first time, a European airline will operate nine weekly flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), including two daily flights on peak days. The airline will add two extra weekly flights during two high-demand periods: December 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026, and February 9 to March 15, 2026. On Mondays and Saturdays during these windows, Air France will offer two daily flights, providing unprecedented access for travelers. All flights will be operated on the modern Airbus A350, known for its fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved passenger comfort. “This expansion is a testament to Costa Rica’s growing appeal as a world-class destination,” said William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism. “France is our top European mark...

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 issue in popular destinations. Crime has surged in tourist hubs like Jacó, Cóbano, Cahuita, Quepos, La Fortuna, Bahía Ballena, Nosara, and Tamarindo. In 2023 alone, the Judicial Investigation Agency ( OIJ ) recorded 1,447 crimes against tourists’ property, with Jacó (279 cases) and Cahuita (194 cases) among the hardest hit. This follows a record 900+ homicides nationwide in 2023, largely tied to drug trafficking, which has spilled into coastal areas, fueling theft and robbery. International governments have responded with warnings. Canada’s March 2025 advisory urges high caution, citing theft risks in Cóbano, Cahuita, and San José. The U.S.’...

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 planning a stress-free getaway, flying within Costa Rica offers a smart way to get around, saving time and unlocking our country’s different types of destinations. Here’s why air travel, particularly with SANSA Airlines, is a great option for your Holy Week trip. Driving from San José to beach towns like Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio can take four to six hours during holiday traffic, eating into your vacation time. Flying cuts that down dramatically—SANSA Airlines offers flights from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to places like Tamarindo, Nosara, or Quepos in 30 to 50 minutes. A trip to La Fortuna, home to Arenal’s hot springs , is just a 30-minut...

“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 we face the urgent need to rethink how we live with nature. Gardeners, organic farmers, and landscape designers were among the first to embrace permaculture, using its principles to create eco-friendly designs that work with the environment rather than against it. I still vividly recall the nights I spent poring over Mollison’s seminal book, Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual , and sharing its ideas with readers of The Tico Times way back in 1982. Now, over four decades later, permaculture’s relevance has only deepened as Costa Rica and the world prioritize sustainable development in the face of climate challenges. In early 2025, we...

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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 hubs while offering Ticos easier access to California’s tech and cultural capital. The inaugural flight departs San Francisco at 11:34 PM on May 22, landing in San José at 7:15 AM on May 23. The return leg leaves San José at 8:45 AM on May 23, arriving in San Francisco at 2:34 PM. All times are local. Operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, the aircraft seats 166 passengers, with 16 first-class seats in a 2-2 layout and 150 economy seats, including 54 with extra legroom. Every seat features a personal entertainment screen, and United plans to roll out high-speed Wi-Fi across its fleet in the coming years, though specifics ...

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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 rotate deployments of US troops to an isthmus the United States invaded 35 years ago. He also said his country was seeking free passage through the canal for its Navy ships — which US President Donald Trump had said were “severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form.” Trump, since coming to power in January, has repeatedly claimed that China has too much influence over the canal, which handles about 40 percent of US container traffic and five percent of world trade.  His administration has vowed to “take back” control of the strategic waterway that the United States funded, built and controlled until ...

Today we meet the northern jacana, a little water bird with huge feet and an interesting sex life. The northern jacana (Jacana spinosa) is known as the cirujano , mulita , or gallito de agua in Spanish. All of those names are fine, but I like what George Edwards, an English naturalist, came up with he described it in 1743, ‘spur-winged water hen.’ Northern jacanas are pretty little birds. They have a chestnut-maroon body and black heads. They have bright yellow beaks, a yellow shield on their foreheads, and a bright yellow spur on the leading edge of both wings. All of this can be readily observed via binoculars. What could be missed, because most of the time they are somewhat submerged in water, are their enormous feet, or more accurately, extremely long toes. These long toes and toenails allow them to distribute their bodyweight more evenly over floating vegetation, allowing them to walk across lily pads and the like without sinking. These birds can be found calling loudly around ...