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Zurich University in Switzerland invites application for vacant PhD, Postdoc and Academic Positions, located in the city of

The Hilton hotel chain plans to operate a new mountain resort in San Rafael de Heredia under the name Montara Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This move revives a site with deep roots in Costa Rica’s hospitality sector. The company will take over the grounds of the former La Condesa Hotel, a property that shut down in October 2014. Hilton’s website now lists reservations for the new hotel, with guest stays set to start on November 22, 2026. Montara Hotel will offer 97 rooms and two restaurants focused on local dishes. Nightly rates start at about $140, making it a practical choice for those looking for a calm spot near the capital. The setup includes a gym, spa, heated indoor pool, and boutique. Pets will not be permitted. Hilton positions the hotel as a calm getaway close to Juan Santamaría International Airport , where contemporary style pairs with the area’s scenery. Visitors can expect mountain vistas, meals drawing from Costa Rican flavors, and easy reach to volcanoes and w...

The Costa Rican colón has emerged as the strongest currency in Central America this year, posting gains that outpace its regional peers. Yet this rise now pressures the nation’s ability to compete abroad, as exporters and tourism operators grapple with higher costs in dollar terms. Data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica shows the colón has appreciated by roughly 4% against the U.S. dollar in 2025. On December 30, the exchange rate stood at ₡496.49 per dollar, down from higher levels earlier in the year. This marks a continuation of a trend that began in prior years, with the rate dipping to lows not seen since 2005, including a brief touch at ₡488 in early December. Economists point to several factors driving this shift. Strong export growth has flooded the market with dollars, reducing demand for the currency. Goods exports reached $20.97 billion from January to November, a 15% jump from the same period in 2024. Foreign direct investment has also played a role, bringing in more c...

Actor Hugh Jackman touched down in Costa Rica over the weekend, heading straight to the Pacific coast for a quiet vacation. The Australian star, best known for his role as Wolverine in the X-Men films, arrived at the small airport in Cóbano, Puntarenas, where a group of locals greeted him. Photos from the scene show Jackman smiling and chatting with fans as he stepped off the plane. He has picked Cóbano again, a spot surrounded by beaches like Santa Teresa, Malpaís, and Montezuma. These areas draw visitors for their laid-back atmosphere and natural spots, including surf breaks and wildlife reserves. This marks at least the second time Jackman has chosen Costa Rica for a break. Back in March 2023, he spent time in Nosara, Guanacaste, posting photos on social media of his hikes and beach days. He called the country welcoming and shared moments that highlighted its biodiversity. Locals remember him stopping for pictures at the Daniel Oduber Airport during that trip. Jackman joins a li...

Leiden University at Netherlands invites application for vacant PhD Scholarships, it is the oldest institution in the Netherlands.

A tragic incident at Esterillos Este beach underscores the ongoing dangers of rip currents along the country’s Pacific coast. The Costa Rican Red Cross recovered the third body late Saturday after three people were dragged out to sea by a strong rip current in Parrita, in the Central Pacific region. Rescuers responded to the alert and initially pulled a man and a woman from the water, but both had already drowned. The third victim remained missing until after 8:40 p.m., when a body was spotted floating near hotels in Esterillos Oeste. An advanced life support unit confirmed the discovery, and family members identified the deceased shortly after. The scene was handed over to judicial authorities for further investigation. This event highlights the persistent threat of rip currents, which form as water funnels back to the ocean through narrow channels, often deceptive in their calm appearance. These currents pull swimmers offshore rapidly and account for many drownings each year in Co...

Leiden University in Netherlands invites applications for vacant PhD, Postdoctoral and Academic Positions, it is the oldest institution

Costa Rican travelers heading to the United States will find stricter immigration controls after a new rule took effect yesterday. The change requires all non-U.S. citizens, including tourists and permanent residents, to provide biometric data at both entry and exit points. The Department of Homeland Security finalized the policy last month, mandating facial photographs for most travelers. In some cases, officials may also collect fingerprints or iris scans. This applies across all ports, from airports to land borders and seaports. For Costa Ricans, who often fly north for family visits or business, the update means added steps during trips. Airlines and border agents use automated kiosks or gates to capture the data, which matches it against passport information. The goal is to track who enters and leaves the country more accurately, reducing instances of people staying beyond their allowed time. Travelers report mixed experiences on the first day. Some at Juan Santamaría Internatio...

Utrecht University in Netherlands invites application for vacant PhD and Postdoctoral Scholarships, a university in Utrecht, one of

Helsinki University in Finland invites application for vacant PhD, Postdoc and Academic Positions, is a university located in

A group of Venezuelans once held in El Salvador’s notorious Cecot prison spoke out in Caracas on Friday, pressing the United States to allow them to contest the gang-related charges that prompted their deportation. Their demand follows a federal court decision this week that mandates due process for those affected. The migrants, numbering 252, faced detention in the US earlier this year over alleged connections to the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan criminal network that has spread across Latin America. Authorities deported them in March to El Salvador’s Cecot facility, a high-security site known for housing suspected gang members. The deportees report enduring torture during their time there. President Donald Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Ac t to hasten the removals, bypassing standard evidence presentation and trials. This move drew criticism from human rights groups, who argued it violated basic legal rights. A Washington federal court ruled this week that the US govern...

Luxembourg Institute of Health invites application for vacant PhD, Postdoc and Academic Positions, research center in Luxembourg for

Health authorities in Costa Rica report a steady climb in pertussis cases throughout 2025, prompting alerts for residents and visitors alike. The Ministry of Health confirms 159 laboratory-verified instances as of early December, up from 45 noted in May. This marks a notable shift from the 103 cases recorded in 2024, aligning with broader trends across Latin America where vaccination rates have dipped in recent years. Pertussis , known locally as tos ferina, spreads through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes. It hits hardest in crowded settings like schools and public transport, where close contact accelerates transmission. Officials trace some of the uptick to border regions, including a warning from Panama about an outbreak in nearby indigenous communities that led to 16 cases and one fatality there. In Costa Rica, the southern zones and areas around San Jose show higher activity, with schools on watch for clusters among students. Families with young children face particula...

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology in Luxembourg invites application for vacant Research and Postdoctoral Positions, The Luxembourg Institute

Panamanian airline Air Panama has started assessing plans to bring back direct flights between David in Chiriquí province and San José starting in 2026. Company leaders say the move forms part of broader efforts to boost links across the region. Eduardo Stagg, the airline’s president, noted that restarting the route would make travel easier for people moving between Panama and Costa Rica. Travelers often face detours through Panama City right now, which adds time and hassle. A direct connection from David, close to the shared border, could cut that out and open doors for more frequent trips. Air Panama paused the David-San José flights years ago, but demand has grown since then. Tourists from both sides cross for beaches, mountains, and business. Expats in Chiriquí and northern Costa Rica also stand to gain from quicker access without long drives or extra stops. The airline runs a fleet of five planes today, serving spots like Panama City, Bocas del Toro, and Changuinola inside Panam...

The Honduran National Electoral Council on Wednesday named Nasry Asfura the winner of the country’s presidential election, capping a tense period of delays and disputes that has drawn attention across Central America. Council President Ana Paola Hall made the announcement during a plenary session in Tegucigalpa. “The plenary session of the national electoral council CNE declares Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah elected for a four-year term,” she stated. Asfura, a 67-year-old conservative businessman and son of Palestinian immigrants, secured the victory with 40.26 percent of the votes, according to official tallies. The declaration comes nearly a month after the November 30 polls, where a sluggish vote count and manual recount fueled allegations of irregularities. Asfura’s main rival, Salvador Nasralla, a fellow conservative and former television host, had called for a full recount, citing inconsistencies in ballot processing. Nasralla, who ran under the Liberal Party banner after serving as...

In Costa Rica, like in many other Latin American countries, Christmas Eve is a very special and meaningful celebration. This tradition has deep historical and religious roots that continue to shape how Costa Ricans experience the holiday today. Most Latin American countries were historically influenced by Catholicism, which was brought by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers. In Catholic belief, the most important moment of Christmas is the birth of Jesus, which is liturgically celebrated beginning on the evening before Christmas Day. One of the most important religious traditions is the “Misa del Gallo,” or Midnight Mass, celebrated late on December 24. This mass marks the moment of Jesus’ birth and has long been a central part of Christmas celebrations in Costa Rica. Traditionally, families attend this religious service together, either before or after their Christmas Eve dinner, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the holiday. For most Costa Ricans, December 24 is the main day...

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology in Luxembourg invites application for vacant PhD Positions, The Luxembourg Institute of Science

Costa Rica’s Environmental Administrative Tribunal has issued a directive for the RIU Guanacaste hotel complex to repair mangrove and forest areas harmed during its construction in Playa Matapalo , Guanacaste. This decision wraps up a dispute that has dragged on for over 15 years, holding the developers accountable for altering sensitive coastal ecosystems. The tribunal’s ruling, numbered 1403-2025, pins responsibility on SE Costa Rica Hotelera de Guanacaste S.A., the property owner, and Yitzak Investments S.A., which handled the site’s groundwork. Inspectors found clear evidence of mangrove loss and other harms in the public maritime zone along Matapalo beach in Carrillo. Back in 2007, the area featured intact mangroves and tree cover in the public zone. By 2009, changes were stark: two wooded sections totaling 6,994 square meters and 5,960 square meters were impacted, an 8,233-square-meter mangrove patch was wiped out through filling and material dumping, and an unnamed stream’s p...

Gothenburg University in Sweden invites application for vacant PhD, Postdoctoral and Academic Positions, The University is the third-oldest

Thousands of travelers face gridlock at the Peñas Blancas border crossing between Costa Rica and Nicaragua this holiday period, with migration offices overwhelmed by the return of Nicaraguans heading home for Christmas and New Year gatherings. The surge started early this December, as workers and families based in Costa Rica began their trips north. By December 20, lines of buses, vans, cars and pedestrians stretched over 13 kilometers on both sides of the border, forcing many to wait hours or even overnight to complete migration procedures. Migration teams on the Nicaraguan side handle the bulk of the flow, but limited staff and detailed inspections of documents, visas and permits slow the process. Only a handful of windows stay open at times, due to holiday absences and reduced schedules, even as volumes rise by 25 percent compared to regular months. Cargo trucks mix into the chaos, despite attempts to keep them separate from passenger traffic. People in the queues endure harsh wa...

Authorities arrested a 42-year-old man this week in connection with the deadly fire at Hotel Oriente that claimed five lives in early October. The Organismo de Investigación Judicial ( OIJ ) confirmed the detention of the suspect, identified as Hernández Pérez, who faces charges of quintuple homicide and arson. OIJ agents from the Homicide Unit carried out the arrest after an investigation revealed the fire was set on purpose. Acting OIJ director Michael Soto stated that evidence pointed to criminal intent. “Agents established that the blaze resulted from deliberate actions,” Soto said in comments to reporters. A court ordered preventive detention for Hernández Pérez as the case proceeds. The fire erupted around 2:30 a.m. on October 2 in a three-story building in the Merced district of downtown San José, near the Mercado Borbón on Calle 8 between Avenidas 1 and 3. The ground floor contained shops, while the upper levels served as budget accommodations, mainly for informal workers an...

For years, Latin American tennis followers have turned to a handful of familiar names when scanning Grand Slam draws for women’s singles contenders. Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia often tops that list, followed by Colombia’s Camila Osorio or the rare strong showing from an Argentine or Mexican player. As the 2026 Australian Open approaches, however, a shift is underway. Emiliana Arango , the 25-year-old from Colombia, enters Melbourne ranked No. 48 in the world, securing her spot in the main draw without the grind of qualifiers. This marks a steady ascent over the past two seasons, positioning her as the highest-ranked Latin American woman heading into the tournament. For those in Costa Rica and Central America who track the sport amid busy lives, Arango represents a fresh narrative—one rooted in persistence and regional relevance rather than distant glory. Arango hails from Medellín, where she first picked up a racket. She plays right-handed with a two-handed backhand, favoring smart ...

Independent workers across Costa Rica will soon have a simpler way to handle their income taxes. Starting January 1, 2026, a reform to the Income Tax Law lets them deduct 25% of their gross income without needing receipts or other proof. This change, part of Law No. 10667 approved earlier this year, aims to cut down on paperwork and make tax filing easier for self-employed people. The option applies to professionals like lawyers, accountants, and consultants, as well as technicians, personal service providers such as plumbers and carpenters, sales agents, commission agents, and insurance agents who operate without an employer-employee relationship. These workers can choose between this flat 25% deduction or listing out their actual expenses with supporting documents, whichever lowers their tax bill more. To qualify, individuals must report their earnings as coming from these independent activities. The reform does not cover salaried employees or other types of businesses. For those w...

Regina University in Canada invites application for vacant Postdoctoral and Academic Positions, a public research university located in

Frontier Airlines has launched new nonstop flights from Houston to key Central American cities, offering lower fares for U.S. travelers and stronger links across the region. The service kicked off this week, with routes to Guatemala City, San Salvador, and San Pedro Sula in Honduras. The airline began flights to Guatemala City on December 18, followed by San Salvador yesterday, and San Pedro Sula today. These additions come from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a major hub that serves as a gateway for many passengers heading south. Fares start at $49 for Guatemala City and San Pedro Sula, and $59 for San Salvador. This pricing undercuts many existing options, making trips more accessible for budget-conscious flyers from the United States. For Central American countries, including Costa Rica, the routes mean better access to North American markets, which could draw more visitors and support trade. Service runs three times a week to Guatemala City and San Salvador, prov...

Lawmakers in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly have given the green light for up to 195 U.S. Coast Guard vessels to access the country’s ports next year as part of joint efforts to combat drug trafficking. The approval, passed on Wednesday with 38 votes in favor and five against, covers operations from January 1 to December 31, 2026. The decision stems from a 1999 bilateral agreement between Costa Rica and the United States that allows shared maritime patrols. Under this setup, U.S. vessels can dock, remain in ports, and allow crew to disembark in both Pacific and Caribbean facilities. Their main role will involve supporting Costa Rica’s National Coast Guard Service in intercepting drug shipments within the exclusive economic zone and nearby waters. The vessels cover several categories, each with specific crew capacities. Here is a breakdown: Vessel Type Quantity Officers Enlisted Scientific Officers Scientific Enlisted Aircraft/Helicopters Security Cutter Medium Lega...

Travelers who plan to bring their dogs or cats into or out of the country often face strict rules set by the National Animal Health Service, known as SENASA. These guidelines aim to protect public health and prevent the spread of diseases like rabies. Failing to follow them can lead to quarantine, denial of entry, or even the need to send pets back home. SENASA officials stress that preparation starts well before any trip. For those entering Costa Rica with pets, the process begins with a health check. A licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must examine the animal within two weeks of arrival. This exam confirms the pet shows no signs of illness or parasites. The vet then issues an official health certificate that details the pet’s condition and includes proof of required vaccinations. Dogs need shots against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. Cats require vaccinations for feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. All pets over three months ol...

A U.S. blockade on oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela would likely trigger a steep drop in exports, with experts estimating reductions of up to about 50%. Trump ordered what he called a “total and complete” blockade of sanctioned tankers, escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government, which the United States does not recognize. The U.S. also deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford to the Caribbean with additional ships, fighter jets, and troops, framing the moves as counternarcotics operations. Maduro argues the real goal is to force him from power. Trump accused Maduro of using oil revenue to finance “narco-terrorism,” human trafficking, murder, and kidnapping. Venezuela describes the move as a “naval military blockade” aimed at stealing the country’s wealth. According to an analysis of U.S. sanctions data ( OFAC ) and IMO data, about 600 of roughly 1,400 U.S.-sanctioned vessels worldwide are oil tankers that could be affected. Of those, 23 are tied directly to V...

Biologists at the University of Costa Rica have uncovered 16 new species of leafhoppers after examining insect collections that sat untouched in museums for over three decades. The find also includes nine species newly recorded in the country, pushing the total known Scaphytopius species in Costa Rica to 29. Carolina Godoy and Andrés Arias-Penna led the research, starting their review in 2023. They pored over specimens from the University of Costa Rica’s insect museum and others held in U.S. institutions. “We looked at material stored for years and spotted many unidentified species in the Scaphytopius genus,” Godoy explained. “This led us to detail their taxonomy and confirm the new ones.” These leafhoppers, part of one of the planet’s largest insect families, feed on plants and jump like small cicadas. Adults measure under six millimeters, with younger stages even smaller. Though not widely recognized, they hold key positions in ecosystems and signal environmental conditions. The t...

Costa Rica was given a spot among the world’s leading destinations for remote workers looking ahead to 2026. According to recent Google search trends, our country ranks third in the top five trending places for digital nomads, behind Colombia and New Zealand, and ahead of Latvia and Bulgaria. This position highlights Costa Rica’s growing appeal to professionals who balance work with travel. Google’s analysis, based on rising search interest for remote work visas and related terms, points to a shift in preferences. Remote workers seek places with strong internet access, affordable living, and natural surroundings. Costa Rica fits this profile well. The nation’s digital nomad visa, introduced a few years ago , allows stays of up to two years with benefits like tax exemptions on foreign income and recognition of foreign driver’s licenses. Applicants need to show a steady income of at least $3,000 per month for individuals or $4,000 for families. Remote workers praise the country’s relia...

FIFA has rolled out a new ticket pricing option for the 2026 World Cup, setting some seats at $60 for supporters of qualified national teams. The decision follows widespread complaints about steep initial prices that left many fans sidelined. The Supporter Entry Tier prices tickets at $60 for every one of the 104 games, right up to the final. These are reserved for backers of teams that made it through qualifiers, with each national federation in charge of handing them out. Federations decide their own standards, aiming to reward committed followers linked to their squads. Each federation’s batch has half in the cheaper brackets: 40% in the Supporter Value Tier and 10% in the Entry Tier. The other half splits between Standard and Premier levels. Supporters whose sides bow out early get full refunds minus any admin costs. Requests have topped 20 million in the random draw sales window, which kicked off December 11 and ends January 13, 2026. The event runs across Canada, Mexico, and t...

A judge in Pavas has given the go-ahead for the extradition of Jordie Kevin Picado Grijalba, known as Noni, to face charges in the United States. Authorities identify him as a key figure in the South Caribbean Cartel, a group tied to large-scale cocaine shipments from South America through Costa Rica. The Tribunal Penal de Pavas made the decision on Monday after reviewing a request from a federal court in Texas. Noni stands accused of coordinating international drug operations, including the movement of narcotics destined for North American markets. Prosecutors in the U.S. claim his role involved overseeing logistics and partnerships with other traffickers in the region. Noni, a Costa Rican national, was arrested in August along with his brother, alias Shock, following a U.S. extradition warrant. At the time of his capture, police found him carrying 1.5 million colones in cash and three mobile phones. These items will transfer to U.S. authorities as part of the process. He has remain...

Costa Ricans faced brisk winds and intermittent showers when getting to work this morning, as Cold Front No. 6 positioned itself over the central Caribbean Sea. The system accelerated trade winds across Central America, drawing in moisture that led to varied conditions nationwide. The National Meteorological Institute outlined the day’s patterns, noting scattered rains of different intensities in the Caribbean and parts of the Northern Zone from morning through evening. Residents in those areas dealt with periodic downpours that disrupted commutes and outdoor plans. In the Central Valley, lighter rains and drizzle prevailed, with the bulk occurring in elevated spots where clouds clung to hillsides. Areas of the Pacific saw more isolated precipitation, though some spots experienced brief showers amid otherwise clearer skies. The front’s moisture influx kept humidity high, making the air feel heavier despite the winds. Wind speeds stood out as a key feature. Moderate gusts reached 40...

San Diego State University in United States invites application for vacant Faculty and Research Positions, San Diego State

The government of Guatemala has restricted some civil rights for fifteen days in the Indigenous region where five people were shot dead on Saturday, President Bernardo Arévalo reported today. The area of Sololá, west of Guatemala City, has for years been the scene of clashes over a land dispute between the Indigenous communities of Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán and Nahualá. However, according to Arévalo, this week’s violence, which has left five people dead, is the work of organized crime groups seeking to take control of the area for their criminal operations. “These criminal groups want the Guatemalan army to withdraw from the area. Their goal is clear: to keep control of the territory so they can operate freely and continue extorting and carrying out illegal activities,” he said at a press conference. For that reason, the government decreed a “state of prevention” in the area, an extraordinary measure that allows authorities to limit the rights of assembly and demonstration, among oth...

Ohio State University in United states invites application for vacant Postdoc and Research Positions, a large public research

U.S. immigration officials released Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia from detention after a federal judge in Maryland ordered his immediate freedom, marking a key turn in a case that highlights tensions in American deportation policies. Costa Rican authorities have signaled their readiness to grant him refugee status if he chooses to seek it, providing a potential path forward for the 32-year-old who has faced repeated threats of expulsion. Abrego Garcia, who entered the United States as a teenager in 2013 fleeing gang violence in El Salvador, walked free from a Pennsylvania facility with an electronic ankle monitor. His lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, confirmed the release, noting that the judge described the detention as lacking legal grounds and called the case extraordinary. The Trump administration, which has pushed for large-scale deportations, plans to appeal the ruling. Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on social media that the decision amou...

Sailfish and companion-species fishing tourism represents a major source of income for Costa Rica, particularly for communities along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Despite its importance, information on species availability for recreational fleets has been limited. A recent study addressed this gap by estimating the catch per unit effort (CPUE) for sailfish , marlin, yellowfin tuna , and dorado (mahi mahi) along the central and southern Pacific coast from 2011 to 2023. The findings reveal a marked decline in sailfish catches per trip and per hour, while CPUE for the other species has remained stable or shown notable increases. The study indicates that fluctuations in sailfish abundance observed by tourist fleets are primarily associated with changes in commercial landings, and secondarily with sea surface temperature variations. Years with higher commercial sailfish landings corresponded with lower CPUE in recreational fishing, suggesting competition between fleets. Conversely, w...