Authorities in Costa Rica continue to investigate the homicide of 36-year-old Francisco Ojeda Garcés, a Chilean environmentalist who had lived in the country for about three years. His body was found on the shore of Playa Dominicalito in Bahía Ballena, Osa, Puntarenas, on the morning of December 26, 2025.
Ojeda Garcés had participated in a Christmas gathering with friends near his home in the area the night before. The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) has classified the death as murder. Preliminary examinations showed no visible major external wounds, but the investigation points to third-party involvement. No suspects have been named, and officials maintain reserve on specific details of the case.
The victim, originally from Chiloé and Puerto Varas in Chile, worked in environmental protection and nature photography. He had settled in Uvita, where he contributed at the Santuario de Vida Silvestre Alturas and shared content about Costa Rica’s flora and fauna on social media. Family members describe him as a kind person who valued nature and community.
Ojeda Garcés was the nephew of René Garcés Álvarez, mayor of Quinchao in Chile. His uncle has publicly called for justice. His brother Jaime Ojeda, who lives in Costa Rica along with the victim’s partner, is coordinating repatriation of the remains. Chilean consular officials in San José are assisting the family.
Chilean media outlets, including Chilevisión and Radio Bío Bío, have given the case prominent coverage. Reports highlight Ojeda Garcés’s background as an activist and the shock in his home communities. News outlets here in Costa Rica have noted the international echo, particularly in Chile, where the story has generated widespread attention.
This case arrives amid a documented increase in violent crime across Costa Rica, with 873 homicides recorded in 2025—the third-highest total in the country’s history and a rate of 16.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Many killings tie to drug trafficking disputes. Tourism leaders have raised concerns that such violence harms the nation’s image as a secure ecotourism hub.
Data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute shows a 13.8% drop in arrivals from September 2024 to March 2025, and a 1.8% decline from January to July 2025 compared to prior years. Over 6,300 tourist-related crimes, including thefts and assaults, have occurred since 2020, prompting U.S. advisories and sector surveys that link insecurity to falling visitor numbers.
While officials argue homicides do not directly impact tourism, incidents like Ojeda Garcés’s death fuel perceptions of risk, potentially deepening the sector’s challenges as travelers weigh safety in their plans. The incident remains isolated, but cases involving foreign nationals in Costa Rica often prompt discussion of safety awareness abroad. The OIJ continues its work to determine the circumstances and identify those responsible..
