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Costa Rica’s National Horse Parade attracts thousands to nation’s capital

L. Arias

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December 26, 2014

Costa Rica’s National Horse Parade attracts thousands to nation’s capital

More than 3,000 horse riders gathered punctually at noon on Friday to begin the 3-kilometer course of Costa Rica’s National Horse Parade, or Tope Nacional. It began at Plaza Víquez, just south of San José’s central canton. The San José Municipality organizes the parade every year on Dec. 26 to commemorate National Horse Rider Day. It is one of the favorite events held during holiday celebrations in the capital, along with the Festival of Light and the Zapote Festival.

This year’s parade marshal was Claudia Romero, a member of Costa Rica’s National Equestrian Team who on Aug. 28 fell from her horse during a competition in France. The horse died in the accident and Romero spent two weeks in a coma at a French hospital. Visibly moved from being on a horse again after four months, Romero briefly addressed participants at the beginning of the parade.

“I’m so happy to be here. I want people to realize the greatness of God, who allowed me to be here today. Believe it or not, I’m back on and feeling comfortable, and feeling alive again,” she said at the starting line at Plaza Víquez. Romero was accompanied by San José Mayor Sandra García.

Blue jeans, plaid shirts, cowboy hats and boots were the dress code for most of the riders in a parade that offered more than just horses: Water buffaloes, donkeys, mules and even a rooster participated this year. Some businesses took the opportunity to advertise their brands with trucks transporting dancing cowgirls and cowboys who entertained spectators gathered on the sidewalks, particularly along San José’s Second Avenue.

Not everyone was in a festive mood though, as Municipal Police seized merchandise from 50 unregistered vendors. Fifteen of those vendors were caught selling alcohol, which was banned by law this year. However, people improvised, using beverage coolers that also functioned as seats on the sidewalks.

Each rider paid a ₡10,000 ($19) registration fee that goes to the municipality. Half of that revenue will be given to the San José Orphanage, and the other half will fund public projects in the capital’s central canton. Towards the end of the parade, riders who didn’t pay the fee joined the t0pe, making the number of participants greater than what was officially reported.

More photos from Costa Rica’s National Horse Parade:

Rider during Costa Rica National Horse Parade in the capital San Jose — Alberto Font/The Tico Times

Close up of a riders gear at Costa Rica National Horse Parade in the capital San Jose — Alberto Font/The Tico Times

Costa Rica Loses Ocean Award Amid Shark Conservation Controversy

Tico Times

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July 10, 2025

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Costa Rica Loses Ocean Award Amid Shark Conservation Controversy

Following recent statements by Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment, Franz Tattenbach, international organizations Fins Attached and Marine Watch International, in association with the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, have announced the revocation of the 2024 Oceans Advocate Rob Stewart Award, which had been presented to Costa Rica in November of last year.

The decision follows Tattenbach’s remarks describing the organizations’ post-award cooperation proposal as “blackmail.” He stated, “No aceptamos premios internacionales condicionados,” emphasizing that Costa Rica’s environmental policy “is not for sale.”

In response, the organizations accused the minister of failing to honor commitments made during the award process. These included advancing marine conservation through technological and scientific cooperation, protecting critical marine habitats, and strengthening protections for endangered species like hammerhead sharks.

“Promises made by the minister were not only broken but abandoned,” the organizations stated. “Meaningful recognition must be earned through demonstrable action and accountability.”

Fins Attached rejected the “blackmail” characterization, clarifying that their proposal was a good-faith offer of scientific and logistical support to advance marine conservation. The revocation adds to growing criticism of Costa Rica’s marine policies, with a 2024 Environment Ministry report highlighting a 15% decline in marine biodiversity since 2018, attributed partly to lax fishing regulations.

The organizations also cited a report by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), which identifies Costa Rica as the top Latin American exporter of shark fins to Asian markets between 2003 and 2020, with over 5,600 metric tons exported. In 2025, the Center for the Rescue of Endangered Marine Species (CREMA) denounced the authorization of 12.6 tons of hammerhead shark fins transferred from Nicaragua through Costa Rica for re-export between September 2023 and September 2024.

Minister Tattenbach has since stated that the Executive Branch has begun including a ban on the transit of hammerhead sharks and their parts through Costa Rican territory, aiming to prevent the country from being used as a trafficking route for hammerhead sharks.

El Salvador Under Fire for Detaining Migrants Without Rights or Access

AFP

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July 9, 2025

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El Salvador Under Fire for Detaining Migrants Without Rights or Access

Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez on Wednesday urged the government of Nayib Bukele to provide information about the 252 Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States, who have been imprisoned and held incommunicado in El Salvador for nearly four months.

The migrants were sent to El Salvador by the Trump administration beginning March 15, accused—without evidence—of being members of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. They are currently held in total isolation in Bukele’s maximum-security prison, built for gang members, with no access to family or legal representation. The Salvadoran government has not disclosed any details about the detainees, not even their identities.

“Certainly, someone who is detained has a right to basic protections established under international law—such as knowing where they are and how they are doing,” Rosa Chávez said to reporters at San Francisco Church in San Salvador. The Catholic Church had already spoken out on April 20, when Archbishop José Luis Escobar urged authorities not to turn the country into “a giant international prison.”

Now, the Cardinal insists that “even the worst criminals” have rights and called for authorities to “inform families of their situation.” “We cry this out with all our strength,” he added. “It’s an injustice that must be corrected.” Attorneys and relatives of the Venezuelans have attempted to visit and obtain information, but Salvadoran authorities have remained silent.

“I believe that when a mistake is made, it should be acknowledged,” the Cardinal said, referring to the decision to keep the detainees in isolation. “Not acknowledging it only makes the mistake worse.” The Cardinal also condemned the reported exile of around 40 Salvadoran journalists, who have allegedly faced harassment, according to the Journalists Association of El Salvador (APES).

“Fear has taken root in this country,” Rosa Chávez stated in response to the APES report. “How do we overcome fear, how do we protect the right to speak without becoming victims? That’s the challenge,” he said. “But the reality is clear. The world is seeing it more and more. I believe truth will eventually prevail—because lies don’t go far.”

Rosa Chávez also called for an end to the state of emergency that has been in effect in El Salvador for over three years, which permits detentions without court orders in the name of combating gangs

Women’s Copa América Showcases Talent and Pushes for Equality

Tico Times

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July 9, 2025

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Women’s Copa América Showcases Talent and Pushes for Equality

The Women’s Copa América, Latin America’s most important women’s football tournament, is a showcase of talent and a tool to help close the gender gap in football, said Ecuador coach Eduardo Moscoso in an interview. The 10th edition of the tournament, first held in 1991, will take place in Quito (elevation 2,850 meters) starting this Friday. It will award three spots for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima and two for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Star players like Brazilian legend Marta, Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, and Argentina’s Yamila Rodríguez will compete on Ecuadorian soil. In recent years, women’s football “has grown a lot” in the region and “will continue to grow,” said Moscoso. “Young talent in South America is very strong, and that helps national teams and tournaments become more competitive.”

However, the 46-year-old coach acknowledged that “development is a long-term process.” “We need to keep working. Maybe in four or five years, the gap will finally start to close,” said the Ecuadorian coach, whose team will play Uruguay in the opening match.

Time and Investment Needed

Leading a squad that blends “youth and experience,” Moscoso hopes to leave a legacy that boosts interest in women’s football in Ecuador and improves the professional conditions for female players, who currently earn significantly less than their male counterparts. He praised the fact that training for female players now begins at earlier ages. “Before, girls started at 12 or 13. Now they start at five or six. So it’s obvious their technical skills are much more refined.”

Moscoso emphasized that time and investment are essential for unlocking the full potential of women’s football in South America, which remains dominated by Brazil. The Brazilian national team has won eight of the nine Copa América tournaments held so far. Argentina won the title once in 2006. Colombia has emerged as Brazil’s main challenger in recent years, while other national teams remain a step behind.

The hosts, Ecuador, have never reached a final. Their best result came in 2014—also held in Ecuador—when they finished third. “The private sector, sponsors… they are also part of this process,” Moscoso said. “When more people invest and believe in women’s football, conditions will improve for the players. This is a fight shared by all teams.”

Women’s Football Now Delivers a Show

Moscoso also noted the growing fan base. “In the past, women’s games were only watched by parents and relatives. Now we have organized fan sections, because the product is good—women’s football now delivers a show,” he said. He believes that during the tournament, which runs through August 2, “we’ll see packed stadiums, because women’s football brings a lot of emotion and the matches will be closely contested.”

Matches will be played at the stadiums of Independiente del Valle (on the outskirts of Quito), Gonzalo Pozo, and Rodrigo Paz. Argentina and Colombia have faced Brazil the most times in finals. Brazil remains the favorite, but Moscoso warned that “in these short tournaments, anything can happen—we’re here to compete.”

Panama’s President Pushes for Chiquita’s Return After Massive Layoffs

Tico Times

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July 9, 2025

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Panama’s President Pushes for Chiquita’s Return After Massive Layoffs

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino pledged on Wednesday to do everything possible to convince U.S. banana giant Chiquita Brands to resume operations in the country, after the company shut down during a strike and protests that caused it millions in losses. Chiquita ceased operations and laid off about 7,000 workers at its Changuinola plant in the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro amid a labor strike that the company claims resulted in over $75 million in losses.

After the protests ended in late June, the dismissed workers urged the company to return to Bocas del Toro, a region of over 100,000 residents that relies heavily on tourism and banana production. “Believe me, whatever is within our power to make it happen will be done,” Mulino told reporters when asked what efforts the government was making to bring Chiquita back to Panama.

The president explained that Minister of Commerce and Industries Julio Moltó is “handling it directly,” though he clarified that the decision to return rests entirely with Chiquita and not the government. “To my knowledge, there is still no final position on the matter, other than the fact that they left,” said Mulino.

Bananas, Panama’s top export, accounted for 17.5% of foreign sales in the first quarter of this year, according to official data. On June 12, Mulino had stated he had “no intention” of facilitating the company’s return, “much less paying them” for their losses.

Chiquita workers went on strike on April 28 in protest of pension reforms that eliminated certain benefits, which were later reinstated after an agreement with the government. During the protests, which included road blockades at more than 40 points, Bocas del Toro experienced shortages of basic goods.

“Workers are desperate because those who worked at Chiquita depended on daily wages,” said Héctor Palacio, who lost his job after 14 years with the company. “The situation is very hard for us,” added Arcelio Valencia, another former Chiquita employee.

Costa Rica Minister Slams NGO “Blackmail” Following Ocean Award

Tico Times

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July 9, 2025

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Costa Rica Minister Slams NGO “Blackmail” Following Ocean Award

Last November, Costa Rica received the 2024 Oceans Advocate Rob Stewart Award at the annual “Save Our Oceans” gala, organized by Fins Attached in Denver, Colorado. The event brought together conservationists, scientists, and supporters to promote ocean protection, with notable attendees including astronaut Michael Gernhardt, marine biologist James Sulikowski, and Costa Rica’s Environment Minister Franz Tattenbach.

The award recognized a decree published in February 2023 prohibiting the fishing, transshipment, landing, and commercialization of three species of hammerhead sharks, Sphyrna lewini, Sphyrna zygaena, and Sphyrna mokarran, in Costa Rican territorial waters. If caught incidentally, the sharks must be released promptly and unharmed. All three species are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s largest populations of hammerhead sharks in the Pacific Ocean, especially around Cocos Island, a World Heritage Site. Additionally, the Golfo Dulce Hammerhead Shark Sanctuary was established in 2018 to protect juvenile sharks and involve local communities in conservation efforts.

Six months after receiving the award, Fins Attached and Marine Watch International sent a letter to the Costa Rican government urging it to sign a memorandum of understanding and a contract to implement tracking technology for released sharks, among other commitments.

However, Minister Tattenbach described the request as an attempt at “blackmail” by two international organizations that, he claimed, were trying to influence Costa Rica’s marine public policy in exchange for environmental recognition. While acknowledging that the proposed technology might be useful, Tattenbach insisted that public policy should not be subject to external pressure.

“A prize will never buy Costa Rica’s public policies. Costa Rica’s public policies are not for sale,” he stated. In a video message, the Minister emphasized that conservation policy in Costa Rica is developed “by conviction” and in the country’s interest, not due to international demands. “We are not dictated by any NGO, nor do we accept conditioned international awards,” he added.

Critics from Costa Rica’s environmental sector, however, questioned the award’s legitimacy. Randall Arauz, a marine biologist and shark conservation advocate with Marine Watch International, called the recognition “absurd,” arguing that the Ministry of Environment does not currently have authority over sharks.

Arauz pointed out that in 2017, this authority was transferred to the Costa Rican Fisheries Institute (Incopesca), a move declared illegal by the Supreme Court in 2023. He said the Ministry has ignored the ruling, allowing Incopesca to retain control over these species.

Guatemala Earthquakes Leave Two Dead and Several Injured

AFP

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July 9, 2025

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Guatemala Earthquakes Leave Two Dead and Several Injured

Two people died following the strong earthquakes that shook much of Guatemala on Tuesday and caused various material damages, according to civil protection authorities. Guatemalans experienced a swarm of earthquakes Tuesday afternoon, the strongest registering between 4.8 and 5.6 in magnitude, with epicenters near the capital in the towns of Amatitlán and Alotenango, according to seismic services. The quakes were also felt in neighboring El Salvador.

“Unfortunately, human losses have been confirmed,” said Andrés Erazo, Communications Director of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred), reporting that a rock and landslide buried a vehicle traveling along a highway southwest of Guatemala City.

Erazo confirmed two deaths in the vehicle, though the victims have not been identified. Local media reported that they were street vendors selling furniture. The landslide occurred at kilometer 47 on a road southwest of the capital, near the tourist city of Antigua Guatemala.

President Bernardo Arévalo stated at a press conference that the earthquakes also left at least seven more people buried in three towns southwest of the capital. Two people were rescued and taken to public hospitals, while five others—a family of three adults and two children—were still being freed by rescue teams.

In response to the emergency, the president suspended school classes and work for Wednesday in both public and private sectors across three departments: Guatemala (central), where the capital is located, Escuintla (south), and Sacatepéquez (southwest).

The earthquakes triggered evacuations of dozens of people from buildings in Guatemala City as earthquake alarms sounded, according to a journalist. “It felt very strong,” said an office complex employee in the capital, still shaken by the tremors. Central America frequently experiences such seismic events due to the convergence of the Caribbean and Cocos tectonic plates, along with local geological faults that often generate imperceptible quakes.

Costa Rica Faces Investment Setback Amid Rising Crime and Infrastructure Failures

Tico Times

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July 8, 2025

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Costa Rica Faces Investment Setback Amid Rising Crime and Infrastructure Failures

Costa Rica’s growing insecurity, declining education system, and persistent infrastructure deficiencies are severely weakening the country’s competitiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), according to experts from the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED).

Professor Velia Govaere Vicarioli and Karen Jiménez Morales, head of UNED’s Police Sciences Department, issued the warning, pointing to a structural crisis that threatens Costa Rica’s economic appeal and international reputation, especially as key sectors like tourism show signs of slowing down.

Govaere, former director of UNED’s Institute for Research in Economic Sciences, emphasized that attracting and retaining foreign capital is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Although the country has stood out for its skilled workforce and democratic institutions, today it faces a much more challenging environment,” she said. “Other countries in the region are strengthening their competitive advantages, while Costa Rica is starting to fall behind.”

Among the greatest concerns are the country’s difficulty in training and retaining qualified personnel, rising crime rates, and long-standing infrastructure issues. Combined, these factors make Costa Rica less attractive to international investors. Tourism, one of the country’s economic pillars, has already felt the impact. In the first quarter of 2025, international arrivals dropped by 3%. Govaere links this decline directly to the growing perception of insecurity.

“The alerts issued by embassies, such as that of the United States, have had a strong effect. They increase the perception of risk for both tourists and investors,” she said. Additionally, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the colón has made Costa Rica’s tourism offerings more expensive, further complicating the outlook for the sector. For Govaere, these challenges are not temporary.

“We are facing a structural crisis that requires sustained, long-term solutions. Improvements in education, security, and infrastructure demand significant investment and vision. We cannot expect to recover lost ground overnight,” she stressed.

The root causes of the security crisis, she explained, are linked to poverty, unemployment, and educational exclusion. In neglected communities lacking access to basic services and opportunities, criminal networks take hold and violence becomes normalized. While police forces work hard to contain this violence, their resources and capabilities are limited.

Since 2022, the Ministry of Public Security has implemented a new evidence-based management model, aiming to use data and criminological analysis to deploy resources more effectively. But, according to Govaere, these efforts, while commendable, are not enough on their own.

“We are at a turning point. If we don’t correct course, Costa Rica risks losing its long-held reputation as a safe, democratic, and stable destination for foreign investment,” she warned. “Attracting FDI is not just about offering tax incentives, it requires stability, skilled human capital, efficient institutions, and reliable infrastructure. We’re currently failing on those fronts.”

Both experts called on policymakers to move beyond short-term thinking and recognize the urgency of rebuilding the foundations of national development. “Speeches and isolated measures won’t suffice,” they concluded. “Costa Rica needs a coherent, ambitious, and sustained public policy to restore the strength that once made it a regional benchmark.”

Costa Rica’s First IHOP-Applebee’s Opens in Plaza Tempo

Tico Times

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July 8, 2025

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Costa Rica’s First IHOP-Applebee’s Opens in Plaza Tempo

IHOP and Applebee’s are bringing their breakfast and casual dining menus together in a new dual-branded restaurant at Plaza Tempo in Escazú. The chains, both owned by Dine Brands Global, announced the upcoming opening on social media, generating buzz among Costa Ricans wanting to have the combo of pancakes and burgers under one roof. While no exact opening date is confirmed, IHOP’s Instagram post hinted at a launch “very soon,” promising “two great brands in one place.”

The Plaza Tempo location will mark IHOP’s first entry into Costa Rica and Applebee’s return after a five-year absence. IHOP, founded in 1958 in California, is known for its breakfast staples like pancakes, waffles, and omelets, while Applebee’s offers American favorites such as burgers, ribs, and salads. The dual setup, a first for Costa Rica, allows customers to order from either menu throughout the day, aiming for families, professionals, and tourists. The restaurant, managed by franchisee BLT UK Holdings Limited, follows a model already successful in Mexico, Canada, and Honduras, with distinct dining areas for each brand and a shared kitchen for efficiency.

Applebee’s previously operated in Costa Rica from 2009 to 2020, with locations in Terrazas Lindora, Plaza Carolina, and Real Cariari, but closed due to financial struggles, laying off 90 workers. Its comeback, paired with IHOP’s debut, is a strategic move by Dine Brands to tap into Costa Rica’s growing dining market. In March, Dine Brands announced plans to open 13 new dual-branded restaurants globally, including this Escazú location, aiming for 41 by year-end. The model can generate up to twice the revenue of standalone restaurants, making it a smart bet for the chains’ reentry.

Plaza Tempo, in the affluent Escazú area, is a prime spot drawing locals, expats, and tourists. Costa Rica received 3.2 million visitors in 2024, many of those looking for familiar dining options, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. The new restaurant will offer exclusive menu items, like a Loaded Buffalo Chicken Omelette combining Applebee’s chicken tenders with IHOP’s omelette style, as seen in other dual locations. A full bar with cocktails like mimosas and margaritas will add to the appeal, based on the setup of the first U.S. dual-branded restaurant in Seguin, Texas, opened in June.

The restaurant will hire cross-trained staff to handle both menus, ensuring smooth service despite industry challenges like rising food costs, which hit Costa Rica’s dining businesses in 2024. This year’s hopeful tourism boom, being fueled by new flights like WestJet’s 2025–26 routes to Liberia and San José, could bring more diners to Escazú, especially during the high season. Dine Brands is also leveraging AI tools for menu personalization and operations, a move to stay competitive in a tough market.

The joint venture coincides with Costa Rica’s push to diversify its dining scene, particularly in upscale areas like Escazú. Plaza Tempo’s modern setting and accessibility make it ideal for the chains’ broad appeal. For locals missing Applebee’s wings or curious about IHOP’s pancakes, the new spot promises a convenient dining option. You can check IHOP and Applebee’s social media or Dine Brands’ website for opening updates.

More Canadians Headed to Costa Rica as WestJet Expands Liberia Routes

Tico Times

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July 8, 2025

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More Canadians Headed to Costa Rica as WestJet Expands Liberia Routes

Canadian airline WestJet is adding new routes for the 2025–26 winter season, including expanded service to Costa Rica. Beginning in December 2025, the airline will offer more direct flights to Liberia, Guanacaste as part of its broader push to grow its winter schedule.

For us here in Costa Rica, the standout addition is the first-ever direct flight from Winnipeg to Liberia. Set to launch on December 19, the weekly service will give Manitoba travelers a simple, nonstop option to reach the Pacific coast.

The Liberia route complements existing WestJet service from Toronto and Calgary and reflects growing Canadian demand for Costa Rican vacations. According to WestJet’s announcement, the new schedule aims to offer more affordable options for winter sun travel, with 71% of fares priced lower than the previous season.

For Costa Rica, this translates to a potential increase in high-season visitors and additional tourism revenue for the Guanacaste region. Hotels, rental car companies, and tour operators near Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport are likely to benefit as more Canadians escape the cold and head south.

In total, WestJet’s winter 2025/26 network will operate 305 routes across 92 destinations, with an emphasis on vacation-friendly cities. The airline’s fleet is also undergoing updates, with older aircraft from Sunwing and Swoop being retired and replaced with WestJet-standard planes.

New destinations in Latin America include:

Calgary to Panama City (4x weekly)
Calgary to Tepic (1x weekly)
Calgary to Guadalajara (2x weekly)
Montréal to Managua (1x weekly)
Toronto to Havana (2x weekly)

The Liberia route stands out for Costa Rica tourism due to its direct connection from a new Canadian city and its timing at the start of peak tourist season. WestJet’s CCO, John Weatherill, said the expansion reflects feedback from Canadian travelers who want more cost-effective ways to visit warm-weather destinations without complicated itineraries.

The new service also supports Costa Rica’s ongoing efforts to grow tourism outside of traditional gateways like San José. Despite 2024 challenges like runway repairs at Liberia, the airport plans to operate normally during the 2025–26 high season. By strengthening Liberia as a northern entry point, the ICT is hoping to have tourism better positioned to distribute visitor traffic to Pacific destinations like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playas del Coco.

WestJet’s new flights to Costa Rica, including the Winnipeg to Liberia route, are bookable starting July 14, 2025, for travel beginning December 19, 2025, through April 25, 2026. Check WestJet’s website for fares and availability.

Costa Rica Launches Free Digital Guides to Boost Local Tourism

Tico Times

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July 7, 2025

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Costa Rica Launches Free Digital Guides to Boost Local Tourism

Costa Rica’s tourism board is making it easier for locals to explore the country during the mid-year school vacation. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has launched a series of free digital travel guides through its “Vamos a Turistear” campaign. The collection includes 12 regional guides and 13 mini-guides, all available for free download online. The initiative is designed to encourage domestic travel and support local economies during the two-week school holiday.

The guides can be accessed in two formats—PDF and Flipbook—via the official Vamos a Turistear website. Each guide offers practical, easy-to-use information, including maps, bus routes, park entrances, historical highlights, local cuisine, artisans, cultural activities, and a “Top 10 Things to Do” list for each region.

The 12 main guides cover regions like Northern and Southern Guanacaste, Monteverde, the Caribbean coast, Los Santos, the South Pacific, Sarapiquí, Turrialba, the Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas, Golfito–Jiménez, and the Northern Plains. The 13 mini-guides highlight smaller destinations including La Fortuna, Tortuguero, Limón, Bijagua, Caño Negro, Buenos Aires–Pérez Zeledón, and Coto Brus–Corredores.

In addition to basic travel tips and destination insights, the guides provide recommendations for eco-friendly practices and safety tips for travelers. They also include estimated pricing for attractions and accommodations, as well as contact information for tourism providers.

As part of the campaign, ICT is also running promotional activities in shopping malls around San José. Participants can win discount coupons ranging from 20% to 50% off select hotels and tours. These deals are focused on lesser-visited destinations in order to spread tourism income more evenly across the country.

The launch comes at a time when Costa Rica’s tourism officials are trying to reinvigorate domestic travel. The school break offers a prime opportunity for families to explore different parts of the country without leaving home or overspending. According to ICT, the guides were created in collaboration with local tourism chambers to ensure regional accuracy and to feature smaller businesses that often get overlooked.

Costa Rica has long positioned itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism. These guides reinforce that reputation by encouraging travelers to follow good environmental practices—such as avoiding single-use plastics, staying on marked trails, and supporting certified tourism providers.

Everything is available for free, and there’s no sign-up required. For families planning last-minute trips, the guides are a quick and helpful resource. And for those who prefer to stay home, they’re also an excellent way to learn more about our country’s cultural and natural richness.

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Costa Rica Loses Ocean Award Amid Shark Conservation Controversy

El Salvador Under Fire for Detaining Migrants Without Rights or Access

Women’s Copa América Showcases Talent and Pushes for Equality

Time and Investment Needed

Women’s Football Now Delivers a Show

Panama’s President Pushes for Chiquita’s Return After Massive Layoffs

Costa Rica Minister Slams NGO “Blackmail” Following Ocean Award

Guatemala Earthquakes Leave Two Dead and Several Injured

Costa Rica Faces Investment Setback Amid Rising Crime and Infrastructure Failures

Costa Rica’s First IHOP-Applebee’s Opens in Plaza Tempo

More Canadians Headed to Costa Rica as WestJet Expands Liberia Routes

Costa Rica Launches Free Digital Guides to Boost Local Tourism

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