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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

US Deportations to El Salvador Unveil a Human Rights Crisis

AFP
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US Deportations to El Salvador Unveil a Human Rights Crisis

The deportation of migrants detained in the United States to El Salvador and their imprisonment in a mega-prison for gang members is creating “a black hole” without legal protections, warn human rights advocates concerned about the anti-immigration alliance between the two countries. On Monday at the White House, the presidents of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, and of the United States, Donald Trump, cemented an alliance that allows Washington to continue sending migrants to El Salvador—accusing them of being criminals, without providing evidence.

At least 265 migrants, the vast majority of whom are Venezuelans, have been deported from the United States to El Salvador since March and incarcerated at the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot). Considered the largest prison in Latin America, the Cecot has a harsh regime of detention. It houses around 15,000 Salvadorans accused of belonging to violent gangs, and now also Venezuelan migrants. They are cut off from communication and cannot receive visits.

“What is being attempted here is the creation of a Guantánamo on steroids (…) a black hole where there is no legal protection for the people there, and that is extremely serious,” warned Juan Pappier, the deputy director for the Americas at the human rights NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Trump said on Tuesday that he would “love” even to send American citizens who commit violent crimes to the Cecot. “Those who grew up and something went wrong and hit people on the head with a baseball bat and push people in the subway,” he said, according to excerpts from an interview he gave to Fox News in Spanish, a program scheduled to air on Tuesday.

HRW interviewed 40 family members of the more than 200 migrants deported to El Salvador and concluded that they are targets of “forced disappearance and arbitrary detention.” As the principal ally in Latin America, Bukele was received with honors at the White House for collaborating on Trump’s hardline policy against migrants.

“We are very eager to help,” Bukele stated, to which Trump replied: “You are helping us. We appreciate it.”

Administrative error

The most notorious case reported by activists is that of Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Ábrego García, who is married to an American. He was arrested in the United States on March 12 and expelled three days later to El Salvador along with another 230 people. The Trump administration accuses Ábrego of belonging to the MS-13 gang, declared a “terrorist organization” by Washington. However, it has provided no evidence.

Ábrego had been living in the United States under a protected legal status since 2019, when a judge ruled that he should not be deported because he was in danger in El Salvador. Washington acknowledged before a court that his expulsion was an “administrative error.”

An American judge ordered that he be returned to the United States, but both governments refuse to comply. Judge Paula Xinis scheduled a new hearing on the case on Tuesday, after unsuccessfully asking the government to inform on “the current whereabouts and status” of Ábrego, as well as what it is doing to “facilitate his return.”

Potentially indefinite

According to HRW, the detention of the deportees at the Cecot—the majority accused of being members of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua “appears to be completely arbitrary and potentially indefinite.” per interviewed family members of detainees in Venezuela who insist that they committed no crime that would justify incarceration.

Venezuelan Alexis de Hernández, the mother of 31-year-old Andry Hernández Romero, said that her son “is unjustly imprisoned” and that he was detained “just for having some tattoos.” The U.S. government claims that the tattoos demonstrate his belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang, but experts note that the gang does not use tattoos to identify its members.

“In El Salvador, the government calls the detention of innocent people a ‘margin of error’, but these are not errors at all,” said Noah Bullock, director of the NGO Cristosal, on his X account. On the streets of San Salvador, some criticize the deportations, while others defend Bukele’s hardline approach, which is very popular in his country due to his war against gangs.

Washington is sending migrants to El Salvador “just for being marked (tattooed),” lamented 32-year-old truck driver Ricardo Rosales. When the United States is “distancing” itself from many countries, “El Salvador is drawing closer” and that will be of “great benefit,” assured 73-year-old retired engineer Manuel Urrutia.

Bukele announced, as an achievement of his visit to the White House, the signing of an agreement for El Salvador to join the Global Entry program, which will allow Salvadorans with visas to “enter the United States quickly.”

Poás Volcano Eruptions Hurt Costa Rica Tourism Economy

Tico Times
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Poás Volcano Eruptions Hurt Costa Rica Tourism Economy

The recent eruptions of Poás Volcano have delivered a severe blow to the tourism-dependent communities surrounding Poás Volcano National Park, with local businesses reporting significant economic losses due to reduced visitation and sales. The park’s indefinite closure since March 26, prompted by intensified volcanic activity, has exacerbated the situation, leaving shopkeepers, restaurants, and vendors struggling to survive.

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) closed the park following increased seismic activity, ash emissions, and phreatic eruptions, with ash columns reaching up to 1,500 meters on April 8. The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) reported over 200 high-frequency earthquakes on March 18 and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions, leading to an orange alert status. Authorities have prioritized safety, with no reopening date announced, as daily assessments continue.

Local business owners, heavily reliant on the 200,000 annual visitors to the park, describe the economic impact as catastrophic. Víctor Murillo, a strawberry vendor in Poasito, said, “Since the park closed, tourists have stopped coming. This generates fear and keeps people from buying. We’re surviving on regular customers, but our main income comes from tourism.”

The closure has disrupted expectations for peak seasons like Holy Week and Easter, traditionally a high-traffic period for the area. José Luis Rodríguez, a local business owner, lamented, “Easter is usually chaotic with visitors enjoying the area. Now, it’s a concern for restaurants and shops because people aren’t coming.” Businesses that typically thrive during these holidays reported minimal sales and, in some cases, days without a single customer.

Fabiola Carrillo, a restaurant employee, highlighted the drastic decline in revenue: “We’re deeply affected. We work to support our families. Sales have dropped from about 300,000 colones daily to barely 30,000 colones.” Some businesses claim losses in the millions of colones, with ongoing expenses like salaries, loans, and maintenance adding pressure.

Misinformation on social media has compounded the issue, further deterring visitors. Ronald Loría, a salesman in Poasito, stated, “Shopkeepers question the erroneous information spread on social media, which scares people away from stores and attractions.” Posts on platforms like X have included unverified claims about the volcano’s activity, increasing the fear factor. Costa Rican Authorities urge the public to rely on official channels, such as OVSICORI and SINAC, for accurate updates.

The U.S. Embassy in San José issued a travel advisory on March 28, 2025, recommending that visitors avoid the Poás area until conditions stabilize. The Ministry of Health has also advised residents in nearby towns, including Alajuela, Grecia, and Sarchí, to use N95 masks and limit outdoor activities due to sulfur dioxide and ashfall, which pose respiratory and eye irritation risks.

Despite the challenges, some community members remain hopeful for recovery. SINAC has provided options for visitors to reschedule trips or request refunds via email (poas.info@sinac.go.cr), signaling efforts to manage the crisis. However, with no clear timeline for the park’s reopening, the economic strain on local communities continues to mount.

Panama Tops Costa Rica as 2025 Retirement Destination

Tico Times
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Panama Tops Costa Rica as 2025 Retirement Destination

Panama has claimed the top spot in International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index for 2025, unseating Costa Rica, which dropped to third place behind Portugal, according to the report released late last year. The shift highlights Panama’s growing appeal for retirees seeking affordability, modern amenities, and ease of relocation.

The index ranks 20 countries based on seven categories: cost of living, healthcare quality, climate, infrastructure, visa and residency processes, retiree benefits, and community integration. Panama’s rise reflects improvements across all areas, particularly its retiree-friendly policies and robust infrastructure. “Panama’s modern amenities, stable economy, and unbeatable Pensionado Visa program make it a standout,” said Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living.

Costa Rica, a long-time favorite, remains a strong contender despite slipping from first place in 2024. Known for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, our country captivates with “amazing landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, brightly colored toucans, and scarlet macaws flying overhead,” as described by Bekah Bottone, International Living’s Costa Rica correspondent. Its biodiversity—housing nearly 6% of the world’s species—and stable democracy continue to draw nature travelers and eco-conscious retirees.

In Costa Rica, retirees’ budgets vary widely. Some U.S. expats live comfortably on $1,600 a month in the Central Valley, where affordable rentals and proximity to top-tier hospitals are perks. Beach towns like Tamarindo, however, see higher costs, with rentals often exceeding $2,000 due to demand. The healthcare system, a regional leader, offers public (Caja) and private options, though public sector wait times can frustrate many expats who may not be accustomed to such long delays. Private care, on the other hand, while high-quality, comes at a premium compared to Panama.

Panama, by contrast, offers a lower cost of living and significant retiree perks. Couples can live well on $2,400 a month, with luxury lifestyles achievable for $2,900. The Pensionado Visa, requiring a modest $1,000 monthly pension ($1,250 for couples), grants permanent residency and discounts: 25% off medical services and utilities, 50% off entertainment, and 25% off dining. Panama also boasts no taxes on foreign income and a low 0.5% property tax rate. “The program fosters an active, socially engaged life for retirees,” noted Jessica Ramesch, International Living’s Panama editor.

Infrastructure sets Panama apart further. Panama City’s metro system, fast internet, and potable water nationwide contrast with Costa Rica’s more variable roads and connectivity outside urban hubs. Located outside the hurricane belt, Panama offers a variety of climates—from coastal Coronado to the cool highlands of Boquete—while Costa Rica’s microclimates range from humid coasts to temperate valleys.

Costa Rica shines for those prioritizing natural beauty and community. Its established U.S. expat networks, especially in areas like Atenas and Grecia, ease transitions, though residency processes can take six to 12 months. Panama’s simpler visa pathways and English-speaking services appeal to retirees seeking convenience and urban vibrancy.

Both nations remain top retirement places, but Panama’s edge in affordability, infrastructure, and retiree benefits give it the 2025 crown. For retirees weighing options, Costa Rica offers an unmatched connection to nature, while Panama delivers modern ease and financial perks.

Trump and Bukele Reinforce Their Alliance Against Gangs

Tico Times
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Trump and Bukele Reinforce Their Alliance Against Gangs

“We are very eager to help,” Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele assured this Monday at the White House to a Donald Trump delighted to hear what his best friend from Latin America was telling him, who has imprisoned hundreds of migrants deported by the United States under the accusation of being gang members.

The rapport between the Salvadoran president and the American president was evident during the beginning of the meeting in the Oval Office, by far the most relaxed of the Republican’s second term. The visit began with a handshake and ended with Bukele giving a thumbs up when journalists asked him how the meeting went.

“They are helping us. We thank you,” Trump said, surrounded by his cabinet’s top leadership, including diplomatic chief Marco Rubio, Interior Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We are very happy and eager to help,” Bukele affirmed.

“In fact, Mr. President, you have to liberate 350 million” Americans from criminals, but to do so “you have to imprison some. That’s how it works, right?” opined the Salvadoran leader, who, like Trump, is waging a war against gangs. Trump agreed with him. They also agreed on the fate of Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Ábrego García, deported by “mistake,” as the U.S. administration acknowledges.

I don’t have the power

U.S. justice asks the government to facilitate bringing him back, but the White House disagrees. Trump gave the floor to several cabinet members to explain why they don’t want to. “No U.S. court has the right to direct the foreign policy of the United States. It’s that simple, end of story,” Rubio concluded.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized this comment. “It’s complete nonsense. The law is clear, due process was seriously violated, and the Supreme Court has clearly stated that the Trump administration must facilitate and make effective the return of Kilmar Ábrego García,” he stated in a press release.

Journalists asked Bukele. “How can I send him back to the United States? Like sneaking him into the United States? (…) I don’t have the power to send him back to the United States,” he responded. The government has sent hundreds of irregular migrants, mostly Venezuelans, to a high-security Salvadoran mega-prison, invoking the 1798 Foreign Enemies Act, which until then had only been used in wartime.

It accuses them without proof of being gang members.For the first group of over 200 people, it paid six million dollars, according to the White House. The last group of 10 arrived over the weekend.Will he send more? “As many as possible,” Trump answered, who also does not rule out expelling Americans.

“I’m in favor, because we can do things with the president for less money and have great security. And we have a huge prison population,” explained the Republican magnate, although he specified that legal feasibility is being examined. They also agreed on preventing transgender athletes from participating in female competitions.

“Do you allow men to participate in women’s sports? Do you allow men to box with your women?” Trump asked.”That is violence,” Bukele responded. There were moments for jokes.

Looks like an adolescent

“I have the best relationship with him. We know each other. I’ve known him since he was very young, as I said, very, very young. And he impressed me. I said, look at this guy. In fact, he looks like an adolescent,” Trump commented about Bukele, who once described himself as a “cool dictator”.

Bukele is the first Latin American president to set foot in the Oval Office during Trump’s second term, who has received others at his private residence in Florida. The meeting takes place amid Trump’s tariff hurricane, from which El Salvador was not spared. It pays the minimum 10% universal tariff imposed by Washington on all its partners to reduce the trade deficit, sanitize public finances, and relocate many industrial activities.

The United States is the main destination for El Salvador’s exports, an ultra-secure country according to the State Department, which this month moved it from level 2, which it shared with countries like Spain, to level 1, the best. The 2.5 million Salvadorans living in the United States are a support for their country’s economy through the remittances they send (23% of GDP in 2024).

Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano Shows Slight Decrease in Activity

Tico Times
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Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano Shows Slight Decrease in Activity

Poás Volcano shows signs of a slight decrease in its eruptive activity after three weeks of frequent eruptions and ash and gas emissions, according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OVSICORI). According to volcanologist Geoffroy Avard, a downward trend in the energy of the explosions has been observed since Friday.

“There is a slight trend of decreasing eruptive amplitude. That is to say, we see that the acoustic pulses have lower amplitude, which suggests that the volcano is beginning to decrease its eruptive activity a little,” he explained. This does not imply that the volcano’s activity has completely ceased. According to the expert, on Monday, the volcano continued to exhibit frequent eruptive pulses every one or two minutes.

Avard stated that these events are probably associated with ash and rock fragment ejections, as has occurred in previous weeks. Ash emission has been constant, and there have been reports of ash fall to the south and southwest of the volcano, although it has not been visually confirmed due to weather conditions.

Cantons like Grecia, in the province of Alajuela, face toxic air levels and acid rain. Last week, experts from OVSICORI and the Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory of the UNA installed a gas and particle meter in the community of San Luis de Grecia. The effects of these volcanic materials are already being felt by the residents of San Luis, who reported irritated eyes, conjunctivitis, itchy skin, sore throat, runny nose, and cough—symptoms related to the inhalation of gases and particles. Even dogs and other domestic animals sneeze or cough when exposed to gas or ash, which are highly irritating.

OVSICORI experts point out that despite the slight drop in activity, the behavior of the volcano may continue to be unpredictable. “This process of stopping the eruptive activity can be very progressive, very slow, and chaotic, with occasional increases and significant dangers,” they said. Authorities are constantly monitoring the volcano’s behavior. For the time being, the volcano remains at alert level 3, which indicates caution.

Costa Rica’s Bold New Tourist Trap: Where Beaches Meet Bars

Don Mateo
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Costa Rica’s Bold New Tourist Trap: Where Beaches Meet Bars

I don’t know about you, but I was very excited to read that Costa Rica has expressed interest in getting into one of the best regional growth industries—massive prisons. Up in El Salvador, Bukele has built the prototype prison for long-term jailing: CECOT, the Center for Terrorism Confinement. Now our president has indicated that he too may want to be part of the fun. There may be a delay in becoming part of the regional team, as the Salvadoran prison, built to hold 40,000 inmates, currently has only about 15,000 criminals under lock and key. But they are working hard to fill all that empty space, as Bukele is currying favor with the powers that be in Gringolandia to receive whatever tattooed flotsam is sent his way. Always room for one more, señor!

Building a walled city to imprison violent gangbangers seems a little risky for Costa Rica. Our neighbors in Central America have decades of experience with war and gangs, and the harsh punishment meted out is retribution for the years of life under the violent barrio-by-barrio rule of gangs such as MS-13. The idea of bringing thousands of violent, hardened criminals together in a giant prison here in Ticolandia sounds like the plot of a bad action/terror movie. It does not take a lot of imagination to foresee a disastrous scenario where the gangs all unify behind the walls, crush the guards overlooking the complex, and spill into the streets, running wild and unchecked from the Caribbean to the Pacific.

I would have something different in mind for Costa Rica. Just as El Salvador had to crush gangs in order to restore order for their law-abiding citizens, Costa Rica should also go after the most visible group of gangs responsible for ripping off the hard-working citizenry for their own financial benefit. I refer, of course, to the many white collar criminals found throughout the country, infiltrating every province, with their grubby hands in every municipality and every governmental organization. No need to name names here—due to Costa Rica’s strict libel laws that seemingly protect these same crooks who feed from the public coffers, I will leave it up to the reader to decide which well-known names I have in mind.

As our country has no shortage of these criminals in coats and ties, the prison we build would be large and have space not only for the homegrown variety, but like Bukele is doing in El Salvador, we could offer prison space for those well-heeled convicts throughout the Americas. What an economic boon it could be for our country! Not only would other countries pay us to take in their lawbreakers, but we could also craft tour packages for the families of the incarcerated to come and enjoy our beautiful country while visiting their loved ones in our sparkling new secure facility. Like the medical tourism packages that entice people to come here and get their teeth fixed for a quarter of the price stateside while also taking some tours, this would be a chance for a new revenue stream that could bring in millions of dollars annually.

Prisoner tourism—a whole new field, innovative and unique—that would keep Costa Rica flush with foreign investment and simultaneously benefit every law-abiding citizen tired of the choriceros who milk us just as the gangs milked the good people of El Salvador. All we need now is to build the prison, quickly and efficiently. Remembering the amazing work the Chinese did in building our beautiful national stadium, here is hoping that we are already on the phone with Beijing for this new project.

Trump Hosts Bukele to Reveal El Salvador Migrant Deportation Plan

Tico Times
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Trump Hosts Bukele to Reveal El Salvador Migrant Deportation Plan

Donald Trump hosts his closest ally in Latin America, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, at the White House today. Bukele has been a key figure since agreeing to incarcerate migrants deported from the United States in exchange for payment. Whenever journalists mention Bukele, the U.S. president and his cabinet shower him with praise. On his Truth Social platform this weekend, the Republican expressed eagerness for the visit, stating, “I await him with anticipation.”

“President Bukele has generously taken custody of some of the world’s most violent foreign enemies,” Trump wrote. Since mid-March, the magnate has deported over 250 migrants—mostly Venezuelans—to the Central American nation, invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, previously used only in wartime. The latest group of 10 arrived this weekend, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

For the initial group of over 200, Washington paid “approximately six million dollars,” per the White House, to detain them in a notorious mega-prison criticized for failing to meet human rights standards. The deportations have sparked legal battles, as Washington accuses the migrants of belonging to the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua or the MS-13 gang without providing evidence.

The government has admitted to deporting Salvadoran Kilmar Ábrego García due to an “administrative error” but has stalled judges demanding his return.

President B

The fate of the deportees “depends on President B and his government,” Trump declared on his platform. The relationship is marked by trust. The leader of the world’s top superpower calls Bukele “President B,” who once described himself as a “cool dictator” to deflect accusations of authoritarianism.

On X, the Salvadoran presidency’s press office boasts that El Salvador is positioning itself as a “strategic ally” of the United States in Central America. Bukele will be the first Latin American president to visit the Oval Office in Trump’s second term, though Trump has hosted others at his private Florida residence.

The meeting occurs amid Trump’s tariff storm, from which El Salvador has not been spared. It pays the universal 10% minimum tariff imposed by Washington on all trade partners to reduce the trade deficit, stabilize public finances, and relocate industrial activities. The United States is the primary destination for Salvadoran exports, particularly clothing, electrical capacitors, sugar, and coffee, according to the Central Bank of El Salvador.

The 2.5 million Salvadorans living in the U.S. are a pillar of their home country’s economy through remittances. In 2024, El Salvador received $8.48 billion in family remittances, equivalent to 23% of the country’s GDP. In January and February, remittances grew 14.2% compared to the same months in 2024, driven by fears of migrant deportations, economists say.

Although Trump promised mass deportations of undocumented migrants, El Salvador appears to enjoy preferential treatment. The billionaire terminated humanitarian programs for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans.

From Level 2 to Level 1

However, TPS for Salvadorans remains intact, despite being a safeguard for foreigners unable to safely return to their countries—and according to Washington, El Salvador is now ultra-safe. This month, the State Department upgraded El Salvador from Level 2—shared with countries like Spain and France—to Level 1, the highest rating, a nod to the Salvadoran tourism industry.

This is further evidence that the distrust of the former Democratic administration under Joe Biden toward the Central American nation is a thing of the past.

Literary Icon Mario Vargas Llosa Dies, Marking the End of an Era

AFP
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Literary Icon Mario Vargas Llosa Dies, Marking the End of an Era

The Peruvian Nobel laureate in literature, Mario Vargas Llosa, passed away this Sunday in Lima at the age of 89, and with him, the last representative of the golden generation of Latin American literature is lost. A universal writer emerging from the complex Peruvian reality, Vargas Llosa was part of the so-called Latin American “boom” alongside other greats such as the Colombian Gabriel García Márquez, the Argentine Julio Cortázar, and the Mexicans Carlos Fuentes and Juan Rulfo.

“With deep sorrow, we announce that our father, Mario Vargas Llosa, has passed away today in Lima, surrounded by his family and at peace,” his eldest son Álvaro reported on the social network X in a message also signed by his siblings Gonzalo and Morgana. “His departure will sadden his relatives, his friends, and his readers around the world, but we hope they find comfort, as we have, in the fact that he enjoyed a long, multifaceted, and fruitful life,” the family added in a statement.

Vargas Llosa described social realities in masterpieces such as “The Time of the Hero” (original title: La ciudad y los perros) or “The Feast of the Goat” (La fiesta del chivo). Admired in literature, his liberal positions stirred hostility among intellectual circles with leftist leanings.

“Latin Americans are dreamers by nature and we have trouble distinguishing between the real world and fiction. That is why we have such great musicians, poets, painters, and writers, and also such horrible and mediocre rulers,” he said shortly before receiving the Nobel Prize in 2010. His universal appeal was confirmed with his incorporation into the French Academy in 2023.

Born in the southern Peruvian city of Arequipa on March 28, 1936, into a middle-class family, he was educated by his mother and maternal grandparents in Cochabamba (Bolivia) and later in Peru. After his studies at the Lima Military Academy, he obtained a degree in Letters and took his first steps in journalism.

He settled in Paris in 1959, where he married his political aunt, Julia Urquidi, who was 10 years his senior (and who would later inspire “Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter”), and he worked in various professions: translator, Spanish teacher, and journalist for Agence France-Presse (AFP). Years later, he broke up with Urquidi and married his cousin and the niece of his ex-wife, Patricia Llosa, with whom he had three children and a fifty-year-long relationship.

Vargas Llosa divorced Patricia after starting a romance in 2015, at nearly 80 years old, with a well-known personality of Madrid’s high society, Isabel Preysler (former partner of the singer Julio Iglesias). In 2022, they announced their separation.

Prolific Literary Career

His long literary career began in 1959, when he published his first book of short stories, “The Bosses” (Los jefes), with which he received the Leopoldo Alas Award. However, he rose to prominence with the publication of his novel “The Time of the Hero” (La ciudad y los perros) in 1963, followed three years later by “The Green House” (La casa verde). His prestige was consolidated with his work “Conversation in the Cathedral” (Conversación en la Catedral, 1969).

Later came “Captain Pantoja and the Special Service” (Pantaleón y las visitadoras), “Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter” (La tía Julia y el escribidor), “The War of the End of the World” (La guerra del fin del mundo), “Who Killed Palomino Molero?” (¿Quién mató a Palomino Molero?), “Lituma in the Andes” (Lituma en los Andes), and “The Fish in the Water” (El pez en el agua) – a memoir of his electoral campaign – as well as “The Feast of the Goat” (La fiesta del Chivo) and “The Dream of the Celt” (El sueño del celta), published shortly before he received the Nobel.

Even then he warned that he would continue writing until the last day of his life. And he did. Later works included “The Discreet Hero” (El héroe discreto) and “Cold Times” (Tiempos recios), which reflects the turbulent history of twentieth-century Guatemala and earned him the Francisco Umbral Novel Award.

With his work translated into 30 languages, Vargas Llosa received the Cervantes Prize, the Prince of Asturias Award for Letters, the Biblioteca Breve Award, the Spanish Critics’ Award, the National Novel Award of Peru, and the Rómulo Gallegos Prize, among others. In April 2022, Vargas Llosa presented his book “The Quiet Gaze (of Pérez Galdós)” (La mirada quieta (de Pérez Galdós)) in Madrid, an essay on the Spanish writer Benito Pérez Galdós.

Celebrated Writer… Controversial in Politics

While his literary legacy is unquestionable, his political legacy is controversial. Politically, he was initially seduced by Fidel Castro, but in 1971 he broke with the Castro revolution following the case of the poet Heberto Padilla, who was forced by the regime to issue a “self-criticism.”

He ran for the presidency of Peru in 1990. He was the favorite until the then unknown agronomist Alberto Fujimori emerged, who eventually won the election. Since then, his involvement in Peruvian politics has been marginal. After his political failure, he returned to writing, a domain from which – as he stated – he never should have left.

He maintained a close friendship with the Colombian writer García Márquez, which ended abruptly with a punch from the Peruvian, shrouded in mystery. “Let the biographers deal with that matter,” Vargas Llosa once said. Vargas Llosa kept a keen eye on the evolution of global politics, launching attacks in recent years against populism, and he obtained Spanish nationality in 1993.

Ivanka Trump Enjoys Surfing Vacation in Costa Rica

Tico Times
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Ivanka Trump Enjoys Surfing Vacation in Costa Rica

Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, is vacationing in Costa Rica, as confirmed by the General Directorate of Immigration (DGME) upon her arrival on Friday, April 11, 2025. The businesswoman and former White House advisor is staying in a private residence between Playa Hermosa and Santa Teresa in Cóbano, Puntarenas, a area known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture. Accompanied by family and friends, Ivanka is taking private surfing lessons at the Take Off Surf School, a favorite among visitors to the area.

Jesús Zabala, the owner of Take Off Surf School, shared his thoughts with Costa Rican newspaper La Nación about Ivanka’s visit. He noted that she began her surfing lessons on the day of her arrival but has paused due to unusually strong waves. “She is a good surfer, she has a very good attitude. The family is amazing,” Zabala said. “She is not surfing at the moment because of the big waves, but the group she came with—about ten people—is. They have been taking lessons with us for more than three years.” Zabala also praised the Trump family’s humility and respectfulness, highlighting their down-to-earth demeanor despite their high profile.

This marks Ivanka’s fourth documented trip to Costa Rica, following visits in February 2022, February 2023, and April 2024. Her affection for the country is evident through her social media activity, particularly during her 2024 visit when she shared photos from Santa Teresa Beach. One notable image captured her kissing her husband, Jared Kushner, with a surfboard adorned with a Take Off Surf School sticker, showcasing her connection to the local surf scene. However, obtaining images from her current visit has proven challenging. Despite reports of her presence and activities, no new photos have surfaced in local media or on social platforms, likely due to the private nature of her stay and the remote setting of Playa Hermosa and Santa Teresa, where visitors often seek seclusion.

Since leaving politics after her father’s first term, Ivanka has focused on family life, raising her three children with Jared Kushner. Her frequent trips to Costa Rica highlight the country’s appeal, known for its scenic landscapes and relaxed “pura vida” culture, attracting visitors including celebrities. The difficulty in securing images underscores the discreet atmosphere of her vacation, as both locals and visitors respect the privacy of high-profile guests in this part of our country.

Air France Boosts Costa Rica Flights to 9 Weekly Starting December

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Air France Boosts Costa Rica Flights to 9 Weekly Starting December

Air France has announced a increase in its flight schedule to Costa Rica, set to begin in December 2025, marking a milestone for European connectivity to the country. For the first time, a European airline will operate nine weekly flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), including two daily flights on peak days.

The airline will add two extra weekly flights during two high-demand periods: December 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026, and February 9 to March 15, 2026. On Mondays and Saturdays during these windows, Air France will offer two daily flights, providing unprecedented access for travelers. All flights will be operated on the modern Airbus A350, known for its fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved passenger comfort.

“This expansion is a testament to Costa Rica’s growing appeal as a world-class destination,” said William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism. “France is our top European market, and Air France’s confidence in our country strengthens our tourism sector and the communities that thrive on it.”

The announcement aligns with strong demand from French travelers, who continue to go to Costa Rica’s beaches, rainforests, and cultural sites. According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), 21,383 French tourists arrived by air in January and February 2025 alone, reinforcing France’s position as the leading European market.

ICT data from 2023 highlights that French visitors stay an average of 17 nights, spending approximately $122 daily on activities like wildlife watching, staying at hotels near or with hot springs, and walking on suspension bridges.

“We are thrilled to invest further in Costa Rica’s growth,” said Diana Vargas, Country Sales Manager for Air France-KLM in Costa Rica. “The Airbus A350 ensures a sustainable and exceptional travel experience, and we’re excited to make Costa Rica more accessible than ever.”

Tickets for the new flights were available as of April 10, 2025, via Air France’s official website, offering those interested ample time to plan their “Pura Vida” adventure. “This is a pivotal moment for our tourism industry,” Rodríguez added. “Enhanced air connectivity not only boosts our economy but also supports the livelihoods of countless Ticos who make this sector vibrant.”

As a Tico at heart, I’m glad to see Air France’s expanded schedule bring more visitors to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty and culture. This step reinforces the airline’s commitment to our country, fostering stronger tourism ties with France.

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