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Officials have outlined the Master Plan for our Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose through 2042, but details focus mainly on near-term work while leaving longer-range actions more general. The plan addresses growing passenger numbers, with current projects set to wrap up by 2027 and broader goals for capacity in later years. Aeris, the airport operator, launched the 2023-2042 Master Plan to handle rising traffic from tourism and trade. Projections show 6.5 million passengers by 2027, rising to 10.4 million by 2042. To meet this, the plan starts with a $390 million investment package through 2027, split into stages over seven years from early 2025. Work already underway includes a $62.2 million terminal expansion on the west side, adding 16,500 square meters across four levels. This features a new baggage system in the basement, expanded arrivals with extra carousels and customs areas on the ground floor, self-service check-ins on the third level, and offices above. A...

On December 1, 1948, José Figueres Ferrer, President of the Founding Junta of the Second Republic, officially abolished the Costa Rican army by symbolically tearing down a wall of the Bellavista Barracks. This bold move, following a brief but violent civil war, redirected military funding toward education and healthcare. Costa Rica became one of the few nations worldwide to constitutionally prohibit a standing army, choosing instead to maintain only a civil guard for domestic security. For the overwhelming majority of Costa Ricans today, it’s unimaginable what it means to be part of an army, to fight in a war, or to suffer its consequences. The country now stands as a beacon of peace in Central America, consistently ranking among the happiest countries globally. Voices from the Past Former combatants who witnessed both the military era and its abolition share powerful reflections on this transformation. “I can never forget the army of 1948—it was very aggressive. During elections,...

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The Nicaraguan government placed 40 political prisoners under house arrest on Saturday, at a time when pressure from the United States is mounting against it and its main ally Venezuela, according to exiled media outlets and activist groups.Nicaraguan outlets operating from abroad, mainly in Costa Rica, such as La Prensa, Confidencial and 100% Noticias, reported that the figure could reach 40 people. The government has yet to comment. According to Confidencial, which cited sources within the prison system, “among the prisoners of conscience are several with chronic illnesses, worsened by the conditions of confinement, and people over 60.”The Gran Confederación Opositora Nicaragüense (Grand Nicaraguan Opposition Confederation), which operates in exile, warned in a statement that this does not amount to “a full release,” but rather to house arrest that “continues to keep opponents under the yoke of the dictatorship.” In a note, the group warned that these people will remain subjected t...

The European Union has agreed to send an observer mission to monitor the country’s national elections for the first time, marking a new step in international oversight of the voting process. The mission will focus on key elements of the electoral system ahead of the February 1, vote. Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones ( TSE ) officials received confirmation of the EU’s participation during a meeting on November 26. EU Ambassador Pierre-Louis Lempereur presented the acceptance letter to TSE magistrates, joined by Deputy Ambassador Galina Karamalakova and EU representative Raphael Warolin. The TSE had extended the invitation earlier, seeking external review to support transparency. The observers plan to arrive in January 2026. A team of experts will examine thematic areas such as voter registration, campaign financing, and media access, along with technical details like ballot handling and vote counting. They will apply international standards for democratic elections to guide their assess...

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Colombian airline Avianca announced today that software issues in its Airbus A320 aircraft will cause major flight interruptions across its network, including key routes in Central America. The carrier expects these problems to last at least 10 days, leaving passengers in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and other regional hubs facing cancellations and delays. The disruptions stem from an urgent directive by Airbus, the European plane maker, which called for immediate fixes on thousands of A320 jets worldwide. The company identified a flaw in the flight control software that makes it susceptible to interference from solar radiation, potentially leading to sudden altitude changes or other control failures. This vulnerability came to light after a JetBlue flight from Cancún, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, experienced a sharp drop in altitude on October 30, injuring several people on board and forcing an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida. Airbus instructed operators to ground affected planes ...

Mexican coach Miguel Herrera returned home after a tough stint with the Costa Rican national team, sharing his raw thoughts on the squad’s inability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The failure marks the first time since 2010 that Los Ticos will sit out the global tournament, leaving fans and players alike grappling with disappointment. Herrera, who took over in January 2025, led the team through a challenging Concacaf qualifying campaign. Costa Rica finished third in their group, behind spots claimed by stronger sides and an unexpected push from Haiti. A goalless draw against Honduras in the final match sealed their fate, denying them even a shot at the intercontinental playoff. The team’s overall success rate hovered at 38 percent, a stark drop from their consistent appearances in recent World Cups. In interviews back in Mexico, Herrera did not shy away from the sting of defeat. “It’s a failure; we have to accept it and face it,” he told reporters. “We went there with high hopes ...

Costa Rica’s Ombudsman has sounded the alarm on a deepening crisis of violence against women, with femicides hitting a peak not seen in over a decade. The warning came during observances for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, highlighting systemic failures that leave women exposed to harm. The Defensoría de los Habitantes stated that violence against women and girls stems from deep-rooted issues, including structural inequalities, patriarchal norms, and inadequate state responses. This problem cuts across daily life, fueled by discrimination, machismo, and a lack of shared responsibility between society and government. Public policies fall short in addressing these core causes, which only worsens the situation. A key example is the recent breakdown in the childcare leave system, which left hundreds of families in limbo and hit women hardest as they shoulder most caregiving duties. The 2025 State of the Nation report underscores how the labor market...

Scientists report that the 2023-2024 El Niño event delivered a severe blow to coral reefs around Isla del Caño, one of Costa Rica’s key marine protected areas. The warming ocean temperatures pushed these ecosystems past a critical threshold, leading to widespread bleaching and a sharp drop in live coral. Researchers from Innoceana, a marine conservation organization based in Costa Rica, detailed the damage in a new study. They found that sea surface temperatures near the island rose by nearly one degree Celsius over the last 40 years. During the recent El Niño, temperatures hit record highs, with heat stress levels almost double those seen in 1998. The team, led by coral expert Caroline Palmer, conducted surveys across nine sites on Isla del Caño and the northern Osa Peninsula. Their data shows a 40% average decline in live coral cover, with some areas losing over 50%. What once supported diverse coral communities now faces dominance by turf algae, which surged by more than 70%. Is...

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) reported that Route 32 in Zurquí has reopened. This vital road, the main connection between the Central Valley and the Caribbean province of Limón, was closed earlier this morning after a landslide brought debris, branches, and rocks onto the roadway. Authorities urged drivers to exercise caution, warning that additional rain in the coming hours could trigger further instability. Freight carriers described the ongoing closures of Route 32 as highly harmful, citing the significant impact on logistics for the productive sector and on companies’ finances. The National Chamber of Freight Carriers (CANATRAC) noted that every rainy season brings the same scenario: landslides and roadblocks that increase operating costs and reduce the country’s competitiveness. “Of course, there is concern that these types of issues will continue to arise as the year closes, further complicating logistics operations that are already complex at the end a...

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Operators at Juan Santamaría International Airport forecast a notable uptick in passenger traffic for the upcoming high season, with projections showing 300,000 more visitors passing through the terminal compared to last year. This 4.5% growth reflects renewed interest in Costa Rica as a travel destination, as the country heads into a busy period from November 1, through Easter 2026. Aeris, the company managing the airport in Alajuela, released details to help passengers navigate the expected crowds. Officials identified three key time slots during the day when arrivals and departures reach their highest levels, advising travelers to plan trips outside these windows when possible, to reduce wait times. The first busy period hits at 6 a.m., with staff handling between 1,000 and 1,600 people. Afternoon crowds build again around 2 p.m., when 1,000 to 1,900 passengers move through the facility. The day wraps up with another spike at 4 p.m., processing 600 to 1,000 individuals. To mana...

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage draw scheduled for early December, football fans across the Americas turn their attention to the 42 teams that have secured spots in the expanded 48-team tournament. Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the event marks a historic moment for North America, though Costa Rica’s national team, La Sele, fell short after a scoreless draw against Honduras in their final qualifier last week. Qualification concluded for most confederations in November, leaving six spots to be decided through playoffs in March 2026. The draw will divide teams into 12 groups of four, with pots organized by the latest FIFA men’s world rankings from November 19. Hosts automatically join Pot 1, alongside the highest-ranked qualified sides. Lower-ranked teams fill subsequent pots, and playoff winners head straight to Pot 4. CONCACAF claims six direct berths, including the three hosts. Panama earned a direct spot with strong performances, while Curaçao and Hai...

João Fonseca kicked off preseason training in Rio de Janeiro with eyes set on a strong start to 2026, a year that brings new demands after his breakout 2025 campaign. The 19-year-old Brazilian, who climbed from 145th to 24th in the ATP rankings last season, now faces the task of defending points while aiming to push deeper in major tournaments, starting with the Australian Open in January. Fonseca wrapped up 2025 with two ATP titles, including the 250-level event in Buenos Aires and the 500-level triumph in Basel. He made his Grand Slam main draw debuts, advancing to the third round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and the second round at the Australian Open and US Open. Those results positioned him as the fifth Brazilian to reach the top 25, following Gustavo Kuerten, Thomaz Bellucci, Thomaz Koch, and Fernando Meligeni. As the youngest player in the top 100, he enters 2026 seeded at the Australian Open for the first time, a milestone that could ease his path through the early rounds...

The General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) rolled out new guidelines for visas and entry this month, aiming to streamline processes while tightening certain exemptions. The changes affect how foreign nationals from various countries plan their trips, with adjustments to visa exemptions and validity periods. Officials say the revisions respond to ongoing global travel patterns and security needs. Foreign visitors fall into four categories based on their nationality, determining if they need a visa and how long they can stay. The system remains largely the same, but the updates refine rules for those relying on visas from other countries to bypass Costa Rican requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the groups and key requirements: Costa Rica Visa Requirements by Country Group Visa Requirement Maximum Stay Passport Validity Examples of Countries Group 1 No visa required Up to 180 days At least 1 day from entry United States , Canada , Spain, Germany, Japa...

Costa Rica and El Salvador have taken a key step in modernizing public health by issuing the first digital yellow fever vaccination certificates in the Americas. This move, backed by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Pan American Health Organization ( PAHO ), sets the region ahead in adopting secure digital tools for health records. The certificates align with standards from the World Health Organization’s Global Digital Health Certification Network. Health authorities in both countries now provide these digital versions alongside traditional paper ones, which travelers still need for entry into certain nations. The shift comes after amendments to the International Health Regulations in 2024, which allow digital formats for yellow fever and polio vaccines while maintaining authenticity and data security. In Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health has integrated this system into its existing vaccination framework. Residents who receive the yellow fever shot can now access a verif...

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 Department. From Monday, the list will include “Cartel de los Soles” (“Cartel of the Suns”), which Washington claims is run by Maduro. The shadowy group is responsible for “terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. The move is part of the Trump administration’s campaign against drugs and illegal immigration from Latin America. No evidence has been made public to support the accusation of Maduro’s involvement in the group. However, with a major military presence now deployed in the Caribbean, including an aircraft carrier, the FTO designation will give legal cover for more pressure o...

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 rate has declined steadily through 2025, with the colon gaining value against the dollar. Friday’s weighted average closed at ₡498.71 after dipping below ₡500 on multiple days that week. Over $20 million changed hands in trades, showing ongoing downward force on the dollar here. Tourists now face steeper prices. The stronger colon cuts the dollar’s reach, making hotels, meals, and activities cost more. Most arrivals come from the US and Europe, where travelers budget based on exchange rates. As Costa Rica grows more expensive than options like Mexico, Panama, or El Salvador, some shift plans elsewhere. Industry voices express concern. Hotels and operators...

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, said Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Association of Airlines (ALAV). She did not specify how long the suspension will last. For now, Panama’s Copa, Air Europa, Turkish Airlines, Venezuelan carrier Laser and Spain’s PlusUltra continue operating, De Loaiza said. Venezuelan airline Avior, which flies to Bogotá and Curaçao, said that it is still “operating normally.” The United States has deployed to the Caribbean the world’s largest aircraft carrier along with a flotilla of warships and fighter jets for anti-drug operations, which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denounced as ...

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 the third quarter of 2025 shows employment in tourism fell from 189,093 people in 2024 to 166,923. This marks a loss of 22,170 positions. Tourist arrivals also declined by 1.8 percent through October compared to the previous year. From January to July alone, the country saw 50,000 fewer international visitors. Hotels point to several factors behind the slump. Reduced spending by foreigners totals $71 million less in the first half of 2025 than in 2024. A stronger colon against the dollar squeezes profits for businesses that rely on income in foreign currency. Some operators report a 20 percent drop in tourism-related work in places like Quepos and...

Costa Rica’s road network faces a critical breakdown, with seven out of 10 bridges in poor condition, according to the latest State of the Nation report released this month. The document points to years of underinvestment and neglected maintenance as the main culprits, raising alarms about safety, economic losses, and the country’s ability to sustain growth. The report, produced by the Programa Estado de la Nación under the Consejo Nacional de Rectores, draws on data from the National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models at the University of Costa Rica (LanammeUCR). It states that 70% of bridges on our national routes fall into categories labeled “deficient,” “alarming,” or “imminent failure.” Just 0.6% rate as satisfactory, while 2.1% are acceptable and 15.2% regular. The remaining 12.4% have unknown conditions due to lack of inspections. This deterioration stems from a sharp drop in public spending on transport infrastructure. Between 2014 and 2024, the government alloc...

Drivers on Route 32 faced another disruption today when fallen debris forced a temporary shutdown in the Zurquí area. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) closed the road around 5 a.m. for safety reasons while crews cleared the material. By 10 a.m., traffic resumed, but heavy backups lingered from the early morning rush. MOPT officials noted that constant monitoring remains in place. “After removing the fallen debris, Route 32 was reopened, and we continue to watch the area closely,” the ministry stated. They urged patience, explaining that even after reopening, queued vehicles would take time to move. “Those in line won’t start right away. Stay patient,” they added. This five-hour halt follows a major 12-day closure earlier this month. Heavy rains on November 3 triggered landslides near kilometer 31 in Zurquí, blocking the key link between the Central Valley and Limón. The shutdown stranded thousands and slowed access to the Caribbean coast. Crews dynamited a 2,500...

A senior official from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement testified in a federal court hearing that Costa Rica stands off-limits for deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant entangled in a high-profile human smuggling case. The statement came during proceedings in Maryland yesterday, where the Trump administration pushed to send Abrego Garcia to Liberia instead. Daniel Cantu, acting deputy assistant director for ICE’s removal operations, explained under questioning that the U.S. State Department had informed him Costa Rica could not accept the migrant right now. He offered few specifics on the reasoning, noting only that officials sought other plans after learning of the restriction. Abrego Garcia, who has expressed readiness to relocate here, remains in detention at a Pennsylvania facility while a judge weighs his potential release. The case draws attention in Costa Rica , where officials had earlier signaled openness to receiving Abrego Garcia under certain terms....

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I recently watched the original Jurassic Park for the first time. I had often heard the movie was based in Costa Rica, but less than 10 minutes in, I realized that Spielberg and company did not do their homework. As anyone who has seen it knows, the movie starts with a graphic reading ‘San Jose, Costa Rica’ and then cuts to a scene that takes place in a rustic beachfront setting. San Jose sits inland at over 1,000 meters, and it would have taken the writer about a minute to consult a map to see this. In actuality, the movie was not even filmed in Costa Rica, though Michael Crichton, the author of the book Jurassic Park, claimed that our offshore Isla de Cocos was the inspiration. The team behind Jurassic Park did not bother with accuracy when it came to San Jose’s location, likely because they knew that 99% of their intended audience would not know the difference. The year was 1993, and Costa Rica’s tourism numbers in the early 1990s were only about a third of what they have been pos...