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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

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

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

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.

Costa Rica Scientists Develop Lab Device to Grow Muscle and Bone Tissue

Costa Rican scientists have created a patented medical device that allows for the lab-grown development of muscle and bone tissue—offering a new alternative for treating serious injuries without the need for traditional grafts from other parts of the patient’s body.

The technology was developed by researchers at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) and is already protected by national patent. International registration is underway. The device simulates the internal conditions of the human body, allowing muscle and bone cells to grow in a structured, controlled environment. This includes exposure to temperature regulation, oxygen and CO₂ levels, and mechanical stress—such as tension and compression—which are key to producing functional, implant-ready tissue.

A New Option for Complex Injuries

This innovation is particularly relevant for patients suffering from large wounds, burns, trauma, or bone loss—cases where there may not be enough healthy tissue available for grafting. The device offers a non-invasive alternative that avoids extracting tissue from other parts of the patient’s body, reducing the risks, complications, and long recovery periods associated with multiple surgeries.

The system works by applying mechanical stimuli to muscle and bone precursor cells while maintaining optimal lab conditions. It combines features that are typically separated across multiple lab systems into one integrated unit. The result: more viable, functional tissue samples suitable for implant, grown entirely outside the body.

Although the device is not a replacement for traditional surgery, it can serve as a strong complement—especially in orthopedic, reconstructive, and trauma-related cases. Experts believe it could also become the foundation of a local industry focused on producing personalized tissue implants for individual patients, reducing the risk of rejection.

Designed and Built in Costa Rica

The lead researcher behind the invention holds degrees in physics, nanotechnology, and engineering from institutions in Costa Rica and Europe. Her work over several years at TEC’s School of Physics combined biomedical engineering, materials science, and mechanical physics to create a working prototype. The project was supported by interdisciplinary teams from engineering and biotechnology.

While the device is complete and patented, additional steps are needed before it can be widely used in medical settings. Costa Rica has strict regulations on testing with human cells, so TEC is seeking partnerships with international medical research institutions and private firms for clinical testing and development.

According to the patent filing, the device’s intellectual property is protected until 2041. The goal is to move toward licensing or technology transfer agreements that could lead to future production and clinical applications.

This development also highlights the role of Costa Rica’s public universities in advancing medical innovation and applied science. The next phase of this project will focus on expanding research collaborations and preparing the device for scaled testing in real-world conditions.

If successful, this could mark the beginning of a shift in how regenerative treatments are handled in Costa Rica—offering patients new options and reducing dependence on foreign technologies or limited donor tissue availability.

Costa Rica’s Lagoon Suffers New Pesticide Spill

The Madre de Dios lagoon in Batán de Matina, Limón, has once again been contaminated by pesticides, causing the death of thousands of fish. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, and fishermen have repeatedly denounced pesticide contamination in the area. The environmental damage worries the local community, which relies heavily in eco-tourism and fishing.

“It’s unbelievable, all the fish coming in from the sea are dying. We are talking about bobalos, bald spots, dry faces. Incredibly, even manta rays are dying and even dead turtles are seen on the beach,” a local said. The Batán lagoons are a sad reminder of the effect of these agrochemicals and the lack of enforcement of environmental laws by Costa Rican authorities.

The First Incident

Back on January 12, 2003, a spill of approximately 20,000 liters of chlorothalonil fungicide from the 24 Millas de Batán airport polluted nearby canals, lagoons, and rivers, killing fish and crustaceans.

The responsible company, Standard Fruit Company, was ordered to pay $115,000 in compensation, according to a July 2004 report in La Nación, based on file 11-03-TAA from the Environmental Administrative Court. Part of the money was used to support affected communities, but the remainder remains tied up in accounts held by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC).

Since then, the Regional Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET-UNA) has carried out ongoing monitoring of the area’s aquifers. One alarming report, sent to then-Minister of Environment Édgar Gutiérrez on September 20, 2017, documented up to 17 different substances detected in a single event, such as the one recorded on June 9, 2015.

A Worried Community Asks for Help

Prompted by the persistent concerns of local tourism entrepreneur Julio Knight, a team from this outlet visited the Madre de Dios lagoon on May 26. The devastation was unmistakable: bodies of snook and stromboli fish floated belly-up across the water.

“Some institutions like SINAC and the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) say they lack the funds to help us. That’s why I think the money from the Standard Fruit indemnification should be used now,” said Knight. He explained that each water sample costs around ¢120,000 (about $225). In 2023 alone, IRET-UNA conducted 33 samplings, totaling around ¢4 million (approximately $7,550) in expenses.

Knight criticized the authorities for their lack of urgency. “Every year, with the rains, the chemicals from banana and pineapple farms are washed into our waters. And every year, the same thing happens. They’re killing us, our communities live off fishing and nature. If these chemicals are reaching the lagoons, they’re killing our livelihood, our wildlife, our environment. Not just the fish, but turtles, crocodiles, and even the insects and small organisms in the water.”

Mexico Defeats USA 2-1 to Win 2025 Gold Cup

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Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 on Sunday in Houston, Texas, successfully defending its CONCACAF Gold Cup title in a boost of confidence ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. The U.S. team, coached by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, struck first with a goal from Chris Richards in the 4th minute before Mexico began its comeback with a score from Raúl Jiménez in the 27th.

Completely dominating the game, Mexico sealed the win with a header from Edson Álvarez in the 77th minute, sparking celebration among the 70,925 fans at NRG Stadium—most of them supporting El Tri. Mexican fans celebrated the victory on U.S. soil, despite ongoing fears within the community due to President Donald Trump’s mass deportation raids.

Under the leadership of Javier Aguirre, Mexico expanded its dominance in the region’s top tournament by winning a tenth Gold Cup, while the United States remains with seven. For both teams, the Gold Cup served as their final competition before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada.

Mexico, which already won the CONCACAF Nations League in March, ended the cycle on a high note by defeating the U.S. in an official match for the first time since 2019.

We Were the Favorites and We Delivered

Mexico entered the final as the clear favorite, especially with key U.S. players like Christian Pulisic absent. “We were the favorites and we delivered,” said Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre, who noted that Mexico had reclaimed a “leading position” in the region amid rising competition from the U.S., Canada, and Panama.

“It gives us energy and confidence for the future (…) The World Cup will be the true test,” he added. On the U.S. side, the loss increases pressure on Pochettino, whose coaching record has been underwhelming since he was urgently appointed after last year’s Copa América failure.

“We need our fans. We have a year to understand how important they are,” said Pochettino, referring to the crowd disadvantage on Sunday and in the semifinal against Guatemala. “We had a good tournament, but I believe it would have been different if we had our fans supporting us,” he added, also criticizing several referee decisions that he felt were influenced by the crowd.

Early Goal

The eighth Gold Cup final between Mexico and the U.S. took place in Texas, still recovering from deadly floods that left at least 78 people dead. Within four minutes, the U.S. opened the scoring from a set piece delivered by Sebastian Berhalter, son of former coach Gregg Berhalter. His cross reached Chris Richards, who headed it off the crossbar and into the Mexican net.

El Tri took a few moments to recover emotionally but then took control of the game, inspired by 16-year-old breakout star Gilberto Mora, whom Aguirre started in the final.

Tribute to Diogo Jota

Mexico’s dominance paid off before the 30-minute mark when Marcel Ruiz threaded a pass to Raúl Jiménez, who turned and blasted a left-footed shot into the top corner. Jiménez celebrated by honoring his former Wolverhampton teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash on Thursday. The Fulham striker was handed Jota’s jersey and mimicked his trademark video game celebration.

“He was a great friend and teammate,” Jiménez said. “This is for him too, because I know wherever he is, he’d be proud of us.” The winning goal came from a free kick on the left side, flicked on by Johan Vásquez into the six-yard box, where Edson Álvarez headed it home.

Initially ruled offside, the goal was confirmed by VAR, igniting wild celebrations in the stands. For Álvarez, it was a personal redemption after suffering an injury at the same venue during the 2024 Copa América. “Since I arrived in Houston, I kept thinking about that injury,” said the West Ham midfielder. “I just asked life to give me one more moment of joy.”

5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Costa Rica’s Pacific coast today near Playón Sur in Parrita, Puntarenas, at 1:59 p.m. local time. The quake, centered at a depth of 31 km, caused no reported injuries or damage to buildings.

Residents felt the tremor across Parrita, Pérez Zeledón, Puntarenas, Santa Ana, Montes de Oca, and San José. In Parrita, 9 km from the epicenter, shaking was moderate, while in San José, 44 km away, it felt lighter. Some in Nicaragua reported feeling it too. Coastal areas like Quepos and Jacó, as well as inland spots like Curridabat, experienced noticeable shaking.

Aftershocks between 0.8 and 3.3 in magnitude followed, including a 2.9-magnitude tremor near San José at 5:13 p.m. These caused no further issues. Since our country lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it sees frequent seismic activity, with three quakes above 4.0 in the past 24 hours.

Authorities found no disruptions to hospitals, power, or infrastructure, and no tsunami warnings were needed. This is just yet another reminder for us to stay prepared with emergency kits and known evacuation routes just in case you need to get out quickly

Online, people shared real-time reactions, noting the quake’s intensity and reach. Despite the scare, thankfully, daily life along the coast continues as normal. Oviscori is monitoring for any delayed effects and encourage reporting anything unusual.

El Salvador Anti-Corruption Lawyer Ruth López Transferred to Harsh Prison

The humanitarian organization Cristosal denounced on Saturday that Salvadoran lawyer Ruth López, head of its anti-corruption unit and considered a “prisoner of conscience” by Amnesty International, was arbitrarily transferred to a harsher prison despite having health conditions.

The 47-year-old activist was arrested on May 18, accused by the Attorney General’s Office of illicit enrichment in a case that international organizations view as part of President Nayib Bukele’s crackdown on dissent and human rights NGOs. López was moved from the Land Transit Division of the National Civil Police in San Salvador to the Izalco prison, located 70 km west of the capital, where there is a women’s section.

“We denounce the arbitrary transfer of Ruth López to Izalco and her isolation from family and legal counsel,” said Cristosal in a statement, adding that the situation “creates uncertainty about her true condition.” She was transferred “arbitrarily” despite a prior court order “that required she remain at the police station due to health reasons,” Cristosal added, without specifying her medical conditions and lamenting that her family has been unable to deliver needed medication.

López, a critic of Bukele’s security policies, had been investigating alleged government corruption cases and assisting relatives of Venezuelans deported by the U.S. and jailed in El Salvador. UN experts have called for her protection, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is processing precautionary measures.

In addition to López’s arrest, May also saw the detention of an environmental lawyer, a community leader, and a constitutional lawyer who has strongly criticized Bukele, even calling him a “dictator.”

Calls Grow for Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium as ISA Talks Restart

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) resumes negotiations Monday in search of rules to regulate deep-sea mining, amid controversy over Donald Trump’s decision to unilaterally authorize this controversial industry. The ISA, created by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), has spent more than a decade negotiating a “mining code”—a package of rules to regulate the exploitation of the seabed in international waters, which holds coveted minerals essential for the energy transition, such as cobalt, nickel, and copper.

In April, the U.S. president made headlines by ordering his administration to fast-track permits for deep-sea mining, even beyond U.S. waters, taking advantage of the fact that the United States is not a member of either the ISA or UNCLOS. Canadian company The Metals Company (TMC) immediately seized the opportunity and submitted the first offshore license application, bypassing the ISA—a move criticized by NGOs and numerous countries.

In this unprecedented situation, the 36 member states of the ISA Council, the organization’s executive body, will begin two weeks of new negotiations Monday in Kingston, Jamaica, to define the mining code. “Our shared goal remains to conclude negotiations in 2025,” wrote Council President Duncan Muhumuza Laki in a letter mentioning the possibility of an additional session in the fall to meet the timeline established in 2023.

But “that’s both reckless and unworkable,” said Louisa Casson of Greenpeace, urging negotiators not to be “intimidated” by TMC’s “unscrupulous” decision. At the previous session in March, the Council was only able to review 55 of the 107 rules proposed for the new code. Significant divisions remain within the organization, split between mining supporters and advocates of a moratorium.

Growing Support for a Moratorium

Chile, Costa Rica, France, and Panama, for instance, support discussing a new timeline and reject the notion that the ISA is “legally or politically” obligated to finalize the mining code this year. While U.S. policy may inspire other companies, ocean defenders fear the pressure could lead the ISA to adopt a framework that fails to protect deep ecosystems that remain largely unknown.

“I hope member states rise to the occasion and decide that the ISA’s credibility as a regulator representing humanity’s interests must take precedence over external pressures,” said maritime law expert Pradeep Singh. “It is imperative we get this right,” added ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho. There is “an overwhelming majority” of countries calling for “robust, science-based” rules, she said.

Beyond negotiations on the mining code, NGOs hope the ISA Assembly—bringing together all 169 member states from July 21 to 25—will finally send a strong message in favor of ocean protection. Chile will again lead efforts to establish a “general ISA policy for the protection and preservation of the marine environment,” seen as a first step toward a moratorium.

However, while the number of countries supporting a moratorium continues to grow (from 12 in 2022 to 37 today, according to the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition), they still fall short of a majority.

Costa Rica Leads AI Adoption in Small Businesses Across Latin America

Costa Rica is standing out as a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). About 50% of Costa Rican SMEs now use AI tools in their daily operations, according to Trycore, a hyper-automation firm working across Latin America. These businesses are tapping into AI for tasks like customer service chatbots and supply chain optimization to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Even with this progress, scaling AI effectively remains a challenge. Trycore’s client diagnostics show that only 1% of SME leaders in Costa Rica feel their companies have fully mastered AI. The key to getting real value from AI lies in redesigning workflows, but four out of five high-potential automation processes in Latin American SMEs are still overlooked, per Trycore’s findings. A 2024 PwC AI jobs barometer highlights that sectors with heavy AI use can see productivity gains up to 4.8 times higher, showing what’s possible with the right approach.

Training is a major hurdle. Professionals with AI skills, such as neural networks or deep learning, earn up to 25% more, according to PwC, and demand for these roles has grown 3.5 times faster than average since 2016. In Costa Rica, where 69% of SMEs plan to keep investing in AI, the focus is shifting to building those skills. Tools like Heatmap help businesses prioritize processes and training, turning good intentions into measurable outcomes.

AI isn’t about cutting jobs—it’s about changing them. Workers need new digital skills to succeed in AI-driven settings, which transforms roles rather than eliminating them. For instance, Costa Rican SMEs in the service industry use AI for targeted marketing to improve customer experiences, while manufacturing firms apply predictive analytics to reduce waste. A 2024 study on Ecuadorian SMEs showed similar patterns, with AI widely used in marketing but less in areas like finance or logistics, hinting at untapped potential for Costa Rican businesses.

Smaller firms face barriers like tight budgets, a lack of skilled staff, and shaky data systems, as noted in regional studies. Costa Rica’s advantage stems from its tech-savvy workforce and government backing, but scaling AI demands a clear strategy. “It’s about smart adaptation, not automating everything,” a Trycore spokesperson said. Partnerships with universities and tech hubs can help close skill gaps, and cloud-based AI tools provide affordable options for smaller businesses.

SMEs employ over 70% of Costa Rica’s workforce, making them a backbone of the economy. With AI adoption outpacing regional neighbors, Costa Rica is setting an example for others. The challenge now is moving beyond adoption to create lasting impact, helping both businesses and workers make the most of AI’s possibilities. As investment continues, tools and training will be key to turning Costa Rica’s early lead into long-term success.