No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaStartled researchers discover Costa Rica is, in fact, an island

Startled researchers discover Costa Rica is, in fact, an island

A team of researchers from the University of Costa Rica (UCR) has made a stunning discovery: Costa Rica is, in fact, an island.

A previously uncharted network of rivers and lakes comprises the entirety of Costa Rica’s borders with Nicaragua and Panama.

“To be quite honest, we had never bothered to check before,” said Rodolfo Villegas, lead researcher at UCR’s School of Geology. “We always assumed people were confusing us with Puerto Rico when they called Costa Rica an island.”

UCR began its investigation after receiving a number of tips: first from Fox News, then from USA Today, and finally from a bachelorette party that posted a series of Instagram photos from Manuel Antonio with the hashtag #IslandLife.

As it turns out, much like when Google Maps reportedly contributed to a Nicaraguan invasion of Costa Rica in 2010, mapmakers everywhere have again made a grave mistake with the Central American country’s borders.

U.S. officials were reportedly contacting the Panamanian government seeking a refund on a lightly used canal.


This fictional story is an April Fools’ joke. We hope it made you smile during these difficult times.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Tax Revenue Keeps Falling as UNA Economists Urge Fiscal Reform

A public university research center has called a comprehensive fiscal reform "necessary and urgent," warning that Costa Rica's tax revenue has been sliding since...

US Restricts Visas for Nicaraguan Officials After Brooklyn Rivera’s Death

The US State Department announced Monday that it will restrict visa access for over 100 Nicaraguan officials and their family members following the death...

El Salvador Airport Introduces WhatsApp Help Line for Travelers

El Salvador International Airport has launched an official WhatsApp help channel for passengers who need quick information before, during or after their trip through...

Costa Rica’s Borinquen Geothermal Plant Advances With Major Contract

Costa Rica’s state electricity company has moved Borinquen I one step closer to completion, awarding a contract worth nearly $100 million for the main...

What It Really Costs to Live in Costa Rica as an Expat in 2026

Costa Rica remains one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for retirees, remote workers and foreign residents, but the old idea that...

Canada Begins Historic 2026 World Cup Campaign Against Bosnia

For the thousands of Canadians living in Costa Rica or passing through on vacation, tomorrow is a day circled on every calendar. At 2:00...

Costa Rica’s Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Stands as Court Tosses Annulment Case

A family court has rejected the Costa Rican government's long-running attempt to annul our country's first same-sex marriage, reaffirming the 2015 union of Laura...

Panama Canal Water Project Faces Opposition March in Colón

Campesino communities from the Río Indio basin will march through Colón this morning in their latest protest against a reservoir the Panama Canal Authority...

USA Soccer Begins Historic 2026 World Cup Run With Group D Test

The United States men’s national team begins one of the most important tournaments in its history this summer, playing a World Cup on home...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel