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The Rare Costa Rica Parasite That Sent Me to Surgery

Did you know there is a rare and unusual intestinal parasite whose scientific name mentions our country? I am referring to the ‘Angiostrongylus Costaricenses’,...

Costa Rica’s Trash Problem Begins in Our Own Neighborhoods

I was walking up the street toward my house when I saw a young man coming from the other direction casually toss a bit...

Costa Rica Water Outage to Affect 13,000 in Heredia

More than 13,000 people in San Rafael de Heredia are expected to lose water service for six hours today, while crews clean two storage...

Costa Rica Raises Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Rates for 2027

Anyone owning a car in Costa Rica will face higher mandatory insurance costs in 2027, with private vehicles, motorcycles and buses among the categories...

Dollar Slips Back Toward 450 Colones, Shrinking What Your Dollars Buy

The dollar closed Friday at 452.92 colones on Monex, down from 460.45 on Oct. 1, reducing what anyone earning or saving in dollars gets in Costa Rica.

Pandora Closes All Five Stores in Costa Rica, Leaving Shoppers With Questions

Jewelry retailer Pandora has closed all five of its stores in Costa Rica, leaving customers wondering whether the popular Danish brand plans to reopen...

Water Upgrades for Jacó, Quepos and Manuel Antonio Stall After Seven Years

A loan-funded program to upgrade water systems in Jacó, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Limón and Guácimo has reached just 25% completion after seven years, according...

Costa Rica’s Pensionado Visa Ranks Fourth in Global Retirement Index

Costa Rica's Pensionado visa ranks fourth of 46 retirement programs worldwide on its $1,000 income rule and tax treatment. Paperwork is the weak spot.

Dollar Holds as Central Bank Warns US Rates Could Push It Higher

The dollar has eased from its early-October high, but Central Bank President Róger Madrigal warns a widening US rate gap could lift it again.

Fruit, Roadside Traditions and the Seasons of Guanacaste

I’m not good with exact dates. Ask me when my boys were born or when I got married and you’ll see an uneasy look...

Costa Rica Among Only Two Latin American Countries Where Most Say Nation Is on Right Track

Costa Rica is one of only two Latin American countries where a majority believes the nation is heading in the right direction, according to the 2026 Latinobarómetro.

Costa Rica Plans to Spread El Niño Power Costs Over Three Years of Bills

A government directive proposes recovering the extra cost of generating electricity during El Niño through rates over 36 months to avoid abrupt increases.

El Niño Leaves Guanacaste Dry and My Family Rationing Water

El Niño has turned Guanacaste's rainy season brown. One expat on dry rivers, thirsty wildlife and water rationing at home.

The Costa Rica Bike Ride I Was Lucky to Survive

Two anonymous Ticos once prevented me from doing one of the more insane things I have ever thought of doing in my life. It...
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Three Paperwork Problems Led Costa Rica to Deny Beéle Concert Permit

Immigration says a contract filed for the Beéle concert listed a signer who was not in Costa Rica. Ticket refunds start automatically Monday.

Costa Rica’s Cahuita Tourism Businesses Struggle After Major Drug Raids

Tourism businesses in Cahuita, one of our best-known Caribbean destinations, are struggling with fewer visitors, declining sales and concerns about the town's reputation following...

Costa Rica Storms Return After 2,000 Lightning Strikes in One Day

If you have plans outside today, do them in the morning. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast across Costa Rica this Sunday, and most of...

Brazil’s Luisa Stefani Wins Wuhan Open Title and Takes Lead in WTA Doubles Race

Brazil's Luisa Stefani and Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski captured their sixth doubles title of the 2026 season on Sunday, defeating defending champions Storm Hunter...