No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaChinese Balloon Spotted Flying Over Costa Rica?

Chinese Balloon Spotted Flying Over Costa Rica?

Costa Rica social media has been abuzz with posts and photos of a large white balloon seen flying over the country. The reports started coming in yesterday.

The Tico Times was contacted by a witness that reported seeing the highflying object of unknown origin while with his neighbors in the Pacific Coast town of Paquita. The witness was able to take a photo of the object.

Costa Rica aviation officials have confirmed the reports but are unaware from where it came from or what it is doing.

In initial comments they suggested that it may be a weather balloon launched by Costa Rica weather scientists but that was later found out to not be possible.

The United States is currently tracking a large Chinese balloon that has been crossing over the country for several days. Chinese officials have confirmed that it is their balloon but insist it was just gathering weather information and was blown off course. United States officials have cast doubt on that account.

Tonight, Pentagon officials announced that they are tracking a second similar balloon crossing over Latin America but would not confirm where it is currently or where it has passed over. 

Trending Now

Costa Rica Expands Airport With New VIP Lounge

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Airport in Liberia is moving ahead with a major modernization program aimed at improving passenger service, expanding capacity, and strengthening the...

Fonseca Rallies, Sierra Stuns as Latin America Roars at Roland-Garros

Brazilian teenager João Fonseca staged a stunning comeback from two sets down to reach the third round of Roland-Garros on Wednesday, setting up a...

Drought Fears Grow as Costa Rica Water Megaproject Falls Behind

Guanacaste is heading into another period of water uncertainty as Costa Rica’s long-promised PAACUME water project remains far behind schedule, four years after the...

Costa Rica Hosts Expotur 2026 as Tourism Arrivals Continue to Rise

Expotur, Costa Rica’s main tourism business fair, will return to San José from May 27 to 29, bringing international buyers and local tourism companies...

Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene Vacation Together in Costa Rica

Two of the most prominent Republican critics of President Donald Trump have turned up on a Costa Rican beach, days after political setbacks pushed...

Argentine Cerundolo Stuns World No. 1 Sinner at French Open

In one of the most stunning upsets of the tennis season, unseeded Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo defeated World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the...

Costa Rica President Orders Polygraph Tests for Top Officials

President Laura Fernández has widened a controversial order requiring polygraph tests for officials involved in her government's new security strategy, declaring Friday that judicial...

Ed Sheeran Brings LOOP Tour to Costa Rica This Saturday

San José is gearing up for one of the biggest concert events the country has seen in years. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, British...

Costa Rica Exchange Rate Still Has Not Reflected Oil Shock, Central Bank Says

The U.S. dollar remains under ¢455 in Costa Rica’s wholesale currency market, even as higher international oil prices threaten to increase the country’s demand...
🌴 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

Live prediction market odds via Kalshi. Updates every 60 seconds.
Kalshi is available to US residents 18+. The Tico Times may earn a commission from new signups.

Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel