No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

5,000-Year-Old Woman’s Remains Discovered in Peru’s Ancient Caral Civilization

AFP
-
0
5,000-Year-Old Woman’s Remains Discovered in Peru’s Ancient Caral Civilization

Archaeologists announced Thursday the discovery of the remains of a woman who lived approximately 5,000 years ago and is believed to have belonged to the elite of the Caral civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, which settled in northern Peru. The discovery is of particular interest to scientists because it suggests that women held prominent roles within Caral culture, said David Palomino, director of the research team responsible for the find, during a press briefing.

The mummy was found in December in the ancient fishing city of Áspero, which had served for years as a garbage dump before being declared an archaeological site. Palomino presented a video and photographs showing the woman’s well-preserved remains, along with part of her funerary offerings.

“What has been revealed corresponds to a woman who appears to have had high status, likely a woman of the elite,” Palomino said following a presentation in Lima. He highlighted that the mummy “has preserved her skin, part of her nails, her hair, and the wrappings.”

The burial site was found at the Huaca de los Ídolos, as part of the archaeological exploration led since 1996 by Peruvian archaeologist Ruth Shady. Preliminary bioanthropological analysis indicates that the remains belong to a woman between 20 and 35 years old, approximately 1.5 meters (about 4 feet 11 inches) tall, who wore a headdress that likely represented her high status.

The body was wrapped in several layers of different textiles and covered with “a cloak of macaw feathers,” a bird native to the Amazon, Palomino said. Alongside the woman, archaeologists found a funerary collection of small objects, including a toucan beak, a stone bowl, and a straw basket, which were displayed Thursday at the Ministry of Culture’s headquarters in Lima.

Developed between 3000 and 1800 BC, the Caral civilization is considered the mother culture of the Americas. It is located in the Supe Valley, 182 kilometers north of Lima and about 20 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. Caral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

Adjusting to Expat Life in Costa Rica and Its Two Gentle Seasons

Julie Pollock
-
0
Adjusting to Expat Life in Costa Rica and Its Two Gentle Seasons

Costa Rica’s subtle seasonal changes offer orientation when spring, summer, autumn and winter aren’t there to structure the passage of time. Spring is here, a season that draws out a grateful sigh for the return of light, heat and the pending harvest. At least, that is the case in northern latitudes where changes in the daylight hours are profound. In the tropics, however, those assets are easy to come by all year long—so what does spring even mean?

I’m still figuring it out. The northern climate lives in my head, and seasonal illusions occur all the time. I’ve seen morning frost on the lawn when it’s really a sheen of silvery raindrops on the grass. On cloudy days, I sometimes hunch my shoulders against a cold wind even as I step out into the balmy breeze. One evening, I spotted snow melting in the corner of a garden. Wait, I thought, it’s not spring. Actually, it wasn’t even snow. It was the white fluff that carries away the seeds of the ceiba tree on the night breeze.

These disconnects have shown me how climate is integrated into the apparatus of my internal clock. I feel adrift without the rotation of four distinct seasons and there’s a mild disorder to my days without them.

The security of known seasonal rhythms

The tropical climate cycles through two seasons: invierno (roughly, May to November), with daily rains, and verano (December to April), the drier days of summer. But the temperature and daylight hours don’t change much along the way. These gentler transformations can be elusive when you are used to such bold signals as a sudden blanket of snow turning the world white all the way to the horizon. But change is not invisible in the tropics—and the seasons have their own rhythms that reveal themselves over time. Like the migratory birds that come to nest in the trees and then move on, or the arrival of fruits and flowers from month to month.

Recently, I noticed that the jacaranda tree on the driveway is in flower again. Looking closer, it seemed the purple blossoms were less bountiful than I recalled. So, I dug up a photo that I took when it last bloomed for comparison. Well, it turns out that I snapped those beauties on the very same day in mid-April, one year ago. I was delighted to add this temporal marker to my small but growing pile of seasonal touchstones.

Tasting my way through a new harvest calendar

A new timestamp taking shape for me is the sequence of seasonal foods. Spring was incomplete when I was growing up without the wild fiddlehead harvest in Ontario. Tiny riverside ferns emerge as tight, tasty coils that soon unfurl into bitter leaves. It was a delicious, fleeting event every year. I used to have a round calendar with inserts cut out so you could turn the dial and see when fiddleheads, beans, peaches or tomatoes would be rolling into the farm markets. You didn’t want to miss them. Now, I am discovering new ones.

Last December, I had the joy of receiving tamales, a kind of corn-flour pillow stuffed with vegetables or meat in a plantain leaf wrapper. These treats are twinned, tied up with string and presented as a gift in the Christmas season. What a wonderful tradition. This morning, I had a fresh avocado with my breakfast—scrambled eggs and the sliced fruit tucked into a crisp-fried, folded tortilla. It was my first of the year from the tree outside our bedroom window. I was alerted to their readiness when Rafael, our neighbor, friend and caretaker, brought over a handful of the ripening fruits. He always sees a harvest coming long before me.

Newly anchored in the flow of the year

The tropical spring is not as sensational as the full thaw of a northern winter’s end. Instead, the equatorial cycles reward close attention—spotting the green avocados on the tree, recognizing when the afternoon thunderstorms become more regular, and taking note of the business of wildlife, including the insects and birds. What I’m learning isn’t simply a new set of indicators to mark the same patterns but a recalibration of seasonality itself. The transitions may be less dramatic but the flowers, fruits, birds and celebrations are no less striking than those in the north. You don’t want to miss them.

Julie Pollock is a Canadian who owns a home with her family on the South Pacific coast.
julie@julie-pollock.com
Julie Pollock Consulting

Poás Volcano Eruptions Deliver Economic Blow to Costa Rican Tourism

Tico Times
-
0
Poás Volcano Eruptions Deliver Economic Blow to Costa Rican Tourism

The recent eruptions of Poás Volcano in Costa Rica have significantly disrupted tourism in nearby communities, including Poás, Poasito, Fraijanes, Vara Blanca, and Los Cartagos. Although these areas have not experienced direct effects such as ashfall or hazardous gas emissions, the volcanic activity has deterred visitors, leading to a sharp decline in local business revenue.

According to the Poás Volcano Chamber of Tourism, which represents nearly 60 businesses in lodging, recreation, and food services, local establishments have reported income drops ranging from 40% to 67%. The closure of Poás Volcano National Park, a major attraction drawing approximately 200,000 visitors annually, has exacerbated the situation. The park was shut indefinitely on March 28, 2025, following intensified eruptions and seismic activity, with ash plumes reaching up to 4,500 meters above the crater.

“The eruptions haven’t reached our communities directly, but the impact is undeniable because tourists are staying away,” said a local merchant in Poasito. Misinformation on social media platforms, including unverified claims about the volcano’s activity, has further fueled visitor reluctance, despite official assurances of safety in surrounding areas.

To mitigate financial strain, many business owners have reduced employee hours or adjusted schedules, though layoffs have been avoided so far. “We’re holding off on letting anyone go,” a restaurant owner in Fraijanes explained. “But some businesses have had to cut hours significantly, and a few have temporarily closed.”

The economic ripple effects extend beyond tourism. With fewer customers, businesses are purchasing less from local suppliers, impacting small-scale producers of fruits, dairy, and other goods. Local grocery stores, supermarkets, and transportation providers, who typically serve international tour groups, are also struggling. “In past years, Easter was a boom time, and we’d hire extra staff and extend weekend hours,” a Vara Blanca shopkeeper noted. “This year, with the park closed and the volcano active, we’ve had to scale back dramatically.”

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) declared a red alert for Poás Volcano National Park, citing sustained eruptive activity and ash plumes as high as 4,500 meters. Nearby areas like Grecia and Sarchí are under orange alerts, while Poás, Alajuela, and others remain on yellow, indicating potential risks from ash and gas dispersion. Authorities, including OVSICORI and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), have emphasized that surrounding communities remain safe for visitors, urging the public to rely on official updates.

Historical context highlights the stakes: a 2017 eruption closed the park for over a year, costing local businesses millions in lost revenue. The current closure, combined with heightened volcanic activity since late 2024, threatens a similar economic toll.

Local businesses and residents are actively encouraging tourists to return, emphasizing that conditions outside the park are safe and that the area’s economy depends heavily on tourism. “We’re open, and we’re ready to welcome visitors,” said a lodging owner in Los Cartagos. “The volcano is part of what makes this area special, and we need support to keep our community thriving.”

The Costa Rican government and tourism boards are working to dispel fears and promote alternative attractions in the region, but recovery hinges on stabilized volcanic activity and the park’s reopening, which remains unscheduled as OVSICORI continues daily monitoring.

Costa Rica to Host ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise Season 10

Tico Times
-
0
Costa Rica to Host ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise Season 10

Costa Rica will serve as the filming location for the tenth season of ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise, with production scheduled to start this summer. The U.S. reality dating show, known for its rose ceremonies and romantic storylines, is moving from its previous location in Sayulita, Mexico, to Costa Rica, marking a new chapter for the series and highlighting the country’s appeal as a destination for film and television projects.

ABC announced the decision this month choosing Costa Rica over Mexico’s Playa Escondida Resort, where the show was filmed for nine seasons. In Mexico, contestants often noted issues like heat and lack of air conditioning. “Costa Rica offers a fresh setting,” said host Jesse Palmer in an Us Weekly interview. “You have beaches and jungles, which adds a new dynamic.” The specific filming site has not been confirmed, but a resort in Guanacaste or the Nicoya Peninsula is likely, given their beachfront locations and amenities. According to Reality Steve, filming is set to begin the week of April 28, with contestants arriving soon.

New Cast and Format Updates

Bachelor in Paradise features contestants from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette seeking new relationships. This season introduces a change by including participants from The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette, the franchise’s senior-focused series, alongside younger alums. “We’re bringing Golden contestants to the beach with Bachelor and Bachelorette favorites,” Palmer said during The Bachelor Season 29’s After the Final Rose event, hinting at a mix of ages and experiences.

The announced cast includes Golden Bachelor runner-up Leslie Fhima, Golden Bachelorette alum Gary Levingston, Bachelorette Season 21 contestants Jonathan Johnson and Hakeem Moulton, and Bachelor Season 29’s Zoe McGrady. “I’m excited to reconnect with friends and maybe find love,” Fhima said on air. More contestants will likely be revealed before the premiere.

Jesse Palmer returns as host, with Wells Adams back as bartender. Season 15 Bachelorette star Hannah Brown will join to manage the new Champagne Lounge, a feature added to the show’s cocktail hours and rose ceremonies.

Local Benefits

The production welcomes new showrunner Scott Teti, previously involved with Claim to Fame and Summer House. His leadership, combined with the location change, aims to refresh the show after its 2024 break. Costa Rica has prior experience with the franchise, having hosted The Golden Bachelor’s final rose ceremony in 2023. The country’s beaches, forests, and infrastructure make it a practical choice for filming.

The project is expected to support Costa Rica’s economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality. Local businesses, including hotels and service providers, will benefit from the cast and crew’s presence over several weeks. The show’s global audience, which reaches millions, will also promote Costa Rica as a travel destination. The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) sees the production as an opportunity. “Filming here showcases our country’s appeal,” an ICT spokesperson said. “We’re pleased to host the team and share our hospitality.”

Good Opportunity for Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s choice as the filming location shows its growing role in the entertainment industry. The ICT has promoted the country as a filming destination, noting its landscapes and accessibility. The exposure from Bachelor in Paradise is expected to draw attention to Costa Rica’s once again, improving tourism number which have been down so far this year and reinforcing its reputation as an ideal filming location.

For more information on the show, visit www.abc.com.

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Opens, Redefining Luxury Tourism

Tico Times
-
0
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Opens, Redefining Luxury Tourism

The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, a $200 million luxury resort, opened its doors on Tuesday, marking a milestone in Costa Rica’s rise as a global high-end tourism destination. Developed by Costa Rican firm Garnier & Garnier, managed by Hilton, and owned by Revolution, Cacique Investors, and Garnier & Garnier, the project anchors the Punta Cacique community and promises to drive economic growth in Guanacaste.

The 188-room resort, featuring 148 guest rooms and 40 suites, sits on a cliffside peninsula overlooking Playa Penca, 25 minutes from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. Its 41 Waldorf Astoria Residences, including luxurious 4- and 5-bedroom homes, offer private ownership with access to resort amenities. The project, nearly 20 years in the making, is designed to blend sustainable architecture with Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” ethos, integrating native flora and fauna for an eco-conscious luxury experience.

“This resort represents a vision of tourism that respects, regenerates, and elevates,” said Ruben Gabino, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique. “It provides a bespoke, locally crafted experience that guests can’t find anywhere else.”

Guests are welcomed at a reception with sweeping views of Playa Penca, leading to pathways connecting guest rooms and Poblado, a vibrant public area featuring dining venues and a signature Waldorf Astoria Clock. Multi-level pools, waterfalls, a Beach Lounge, and a Sunset Rooftop enhance the resort’s coastal charm. Amenities include a 17,000-square-foot cenote-inspired spa with 11 treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, and a jacuzzi, using local ingredients like volcanic clay and cacao. A state-of-the-art fitness center, kids and teens clubs, and 10,000 square feet of meeting space cater to diverse travelers.

The resort’s six dining experiences emphasize local flavors: La Finca, the signature restaurant, showcases Pacific seafood and beef; Tico-Tica offers all-day dining with an open kitchen; Peacock Alley Bar serves cocktails and small plates; Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop provides coffee and pastries; Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop features local ice cream flavors; and Vida Pool & Grill delivers Latin-inspired dishes.

The Waldorf Astoria’s arrival positions Guanacaste as an epicenter of exclusive experiences, with an estimated 800 potential new jobs and a multiplier effect on economic development. Guests can explore curated experiences, from private coffee farm tours to volcanic hot spring visits and Pacific water sports, immersing them in Costa Rica’s rich heritage. Hilton Honors members can earn points during their stay, enhancing the resort’s appeal.

“This property marks the debut of Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica and offers an unparalleled level of luxury,” said Danny Hughes, president of Hilton Americas. The resort competes with global tourism markets, joining elite properties like the Four Seasons and the upcoming Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in elevating Guanacaste’s luxury scene.

Costa Rica Declares Red Alert for Poás Volcano Amid Increased Eruptions

Tico Times
-
0
Costa Rica Declares Red Alert for Poás Volcano Amid Increased Eruptions

The Costa Rican National Emergency Commission (CNE) declared a red alert for Poás Volcano National Park, after reporting a sustained uptick in eruptive activity. Authorities noted that this week’s eruptions produced ash columns surpassing 4,000 m in height, with some plumes reaching up to 4,500 m above the crater rim—the most intense explosions of the current volcanic eruptions.

Following recommendations from its Technical Advisory Committee—comprising Ovsicori-UNA, RSN-UCR, UNA’s Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory, and SINAC—the CNE simultaneously raised alert levels in adjacent areas. Grecia and Sarchí moved to orange, while Río Cuarto, Zarcero, Naranjo, Poás, and Alajuela were placed under yellow alert due to broader ash and gas dispersion as well as elevated lahar risk.

Experts point out that on both April 21 and April 23, Poás produced especially energetic eruptions, with gas-and-ash columns climbing as high as 4,500 m above the crater—a dramatic escalation compared with early-April activity when columns averaged 1,500 m. The volcano remains at Alert Level 3 on the four-level national scale, and its Aviation Color Code stays at Orange, indicating continued hazardous airborne ash for aviation

Under red alert, entry to Poás Volcano National Park is strictly prohibited. Authorities warn of extreme hazards: ballistic blocks, high-concentration gas emissions, and rapid ash accumulation that can collapse structures and overwhelm emergency responders. SINAC has closed all park access roads and facilities indefinitely, urging tourists and park staff to heed the ban.

In the orange-alert areas—especially the Toro Amarillo district of Sarchí—officials highlight the threat of lahars. Heavy rainfall atop the volcano could add large volumes of ash and debris down the Desagüe, Anono, Gorrión, and Agrio rivers, endangering riverside communities. Residents are told not to approach or drink from these waterways until conditions stabilize.

For areas under yellow alert, residents and tourists alike should expect intermittent ashfall and volatile gas concentrations as wind patterns shift. The CNE recommends that everyone—particularly those with asthma or other respiratory conditions—wear masks (ideally N95-grade), seal doors and windows with damp cloths, and limit time outdoors. Local health clinics have been advised to prepare for increased patient visits related to ash inhalation and irritation.

Historical context underscores the economic stakes for Costa Rica tourism in this area: during a 2017 eruptive phase, Poás remained closed for over a year, hurting nearby communities of important tourism revenue and causing millions in local losses. Many businesses and lodges around Alajuela Province depend heavily on steady visitors to the volcano. Let’s hope this eruption phase ends quickly and that everyone stays safe.

Costa Rica Tightens Prison Rules, Adopts El Salvador’s Bukele Model

Tico Times
-
0
Costa Rica Tightens Prison Rules, Adopts El Salvador’s Bukele Model

The Costa Rican Ministry of Justice and Peace has unveiled sweeping reforms to the nation’s penitentiary system, drawing inspiration from El Salvador’s hardline security model under President Nayib Bukele. The changes, announced following Bukele’s visit to Costa Rica last November and a tour by Justice Minister Gerald Campos of El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), aim to curb contraband, enhance security, and address rising crime rates.

Under the new regulations, inmates will reportedly be allowed intimate visits only once every two months, down from every 15 days, and must verify that visitors are their partners. During his engagements, Bukele reportedly criticized lax visitation policies, though specific comments about prostitution in Costa Rican prisons remain unconfirmed. Family visits will be reduced from weekly to monthly, and phone calls will be limited to 10 minutes per week, a sharp contrast to previous unrestricted access to public telephones, according to Ministry statements.

The delivery of basic goods, such as food and personal items, will now be permitted once a month instead of daily. The Ministry cited the previous policy’s role in enabling drug and cell phone smuggling as a key reason for the change. “There is a technical, professional, legal team. Anticipating criticism, we are prepared to respond. And if we are forced to roll back any measures, we will hold accountable those complicit in criminal activity,” said Justice Minister Gerald Campos.

To bolster security, the Ministry has expanded maximum-security spaces from 80 to 1,000 through the reallocation of existing facilities. “We are now classifying inmates based on technical, criminological, and security criteria. This allows us to house high-risk individuals in specialized units with enhanced containment and control, strengthening overall prison security,” the Ministry’s Chief of Staff stated. These measures aim to free up Penitentiary Police for intensive surveillance, reducing distractions from managing visits and deliveries.

The reforms come amid Costa Rica’s struggle with a record homicide rate of 17.2 per 100,000 in 2024, driven by drug trafficking and organized crime, and prison overcrowding, which reached 13.1% over capacity in 2023 with 1,800 excess inmates. Despite adopting elements of Bukele’s punitive approach, the Ministry emphasized that the changes will support rehabilitation for inmates participating in existing educational and vocational programs, a hallmark of Costa Rica’s restorative justice tradition.

A cornerstone of the overhaul is a $35 million project to build a new prison for 5,000 inmates, modeled after El Salvador’s CECOT. Announced this month, the facility is expected to be completed in 195 days, saving $25 million through collaboration with El Salvador, which provided architectural plans and technical expertise. “We need to build new prisons in line with the level of crime our countries are experiencing today,” Campos said.

The reforms have sparked debate, with human rights groups warning of potential violations, citing Bukele’s CECOT for torture and lack of due process. Costa Rica’s legal framework, including safeguards against torture and a focus on rehabilitation, may mitigate such concerns, but critics urge close oversight. The Ministry defends the changes as necessary to restore security while balancing reintegration efforts, signaling a bold shift for a nation once known as Central America’s safest.

Costa Rica Grants Humanitarian Status to U.S. Deported Migrants

Tico Times
-
0
Costa Rica Grants Humanitarian Status to U.S. Deported Migrants

Approximately 200 migrants deported from the United States to Costa Rica’s Southern Zone have been granted a special humanitarian status, offering them temporary legal protection and freedom of movement within the country, according to the General Director of Migration, Omer Badilla.

The migrants, coming from countries such as Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, and Pakistan, arrived in Costa Rica in February on U.S.-funded flights as part of the Trump administration’s intensified deportation efforts. They were initially detained at the Special Attention Center for Migrants (CATEM) in Corredores, near the Panama border, under conditions criticized by human rights groups. A lawsuit filed by human rights lawyers before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child alleged that Costa Rica violated the rights of 81 migrant children among the group by holding them in inadequate conditions without access to education or legal recourse.

Badilla announced that the new humanitarian category, formalized under Resolution D.JUR-0135-04-2025-JM-ABM, ensures these migrants can move freely within Costa Rica and are protected from forced repatriation to their home countries if they face a well-founded fear for their safety. “The purpose of this resolution is to ensure that none of these individuals are forced to return to their countries of origin due to concerns for their safety and physical integrity,” Badilla stated.

The Professional Migration and Alien Police (PPM) will issue individual resolutions granting a three-month legal stay, with the possibility of a three-month extension after verifying eligibility requirements. Migrants may continue residing at CATEM, where they have access to food and facilities, but the authorization does not permit employment unless they later obtain a regular migratory category that allows it.

The resolution imposes strict conditions: any criminal record disqualifies migrants from the benefit, and the permit will be revoked if an individual commits a crime, poses a threat to public order, or is linked to organized crime. Additionally, leaving Costa Rica automatically cancels the permit. If the authorized stay expires, migrants must either leave the country or pursue regularization through established migratory categories.

Costa Rica’s decision follows significant legal and humanitarian pressure. The country’s ombudsman and international human rights organizations denounced the initial indefinite detention of the migrants, particularly the children, as a violation of their rights. The lawsuit highlighted poor conditions at CATEM, including reports of migrants sleeping on cardboard and experiencing visible distress.

Human rights organizations have acknowledged the temporary permits as progress but expressed concerns about the lack of long-term solutions. “Costa Rica’s temporary permits may ease immediate concerns, but rights groups are pressing for longer-term solutions and legal protections for migrant families,” noted a report by Newsweek. Ongoing litigation and international scrutiny are likely to shape how Costa Rica and neighboring Panama handle future deportation cases.

Vice Minister Badilla emphasized Costa Rica’s reliance on the U.S. for security and public health, noting that the country agreed to accept deportees under economic and political pressure. Despite a backlog of over 200,000 asylum applications and strained shelter capacity, Costa Rica is attempting to balance humanitarian obligations with its limited resources.

The resolution also opens a potential path for migrants to integrate into Costa Rican society, though authorities have not specified how many will receive permits. For now, the humanitarian status offers a reprieve for the deportees, many of whom feared returning to their home countries and faced legal limbo in Costa Rica.

Scams in Costa Rica: How Con Artists Prey on Investors

Don Mateo
-
0
Scams in Costa Rica: How Con Artists Prey on Investors

The first book I ever tried to read in Spanish was Robert Vesco Compra una República. It was 1991 and I was a few months into my life in Costa Rica. Learning Spanish by listening to the radio, overhearing conversations on the street, making verb charts, drinking at the cantina and talking with the locals, I understood fragments of conversation and spent a lot of time smiling, nodding and saying “claro que sí” or “¿verdad?”.

I was ready to read in the language and picked up the Vesco book at a downtown San José bookstore. His name was only vaguely familiar to me at the time—he’d once made U.S. news for illegal campaign contributions—but as I struggled through the book, written by Costa Rican journalist Julio Suñol, I became aware of the premise. Vesco really had bought his way into Costa Rica, using part of the $200 million he’d stolen when working for an investment firm. His presence here ignited such controversy that a new president ran on a promise to evict him—which he did upon taking office. For years, however, Vesco lived in Costa Rica as a guest of the government, funneling millions into public projects and the pockets of officials while safely beyond extradition.

Vesco was long gone by the time I read the book, but there are always other mini-Vescos ready to fill the gap. That same year I attended a meeting of a group selling residency in exchange for a $50,000 investment in teak plantations. Normally teak takes around 25 years to mature, but this group promised huge, almost instant returns. Of course, the day came when the teak boys packed up and left with the investors’ money. Similar stories followed: “The Brothers,” “The Cubans” and “The Vault” all promised enormous returns on jungle timber, then closed the books and disappeared with as much cash as they could carry, leaving trusting investors with depleted net worths.

Then there are the “Trust me—I’ll build a condo” schemes. Armed with little more than an idea and a blueprint, promoters sniff out potential investors like hogs rooting for truffles. I know of three different projects that never got off the ground, even though plenty of “security deposits” were paid up front. Costa Rica is also home to sweepstakes boiler rooms that advertise openly on help-wanted sites yet prey on the elderly, deceiving them out of their money. Although I’ve never worked for one of these operations, international busts over the years and convictions of several Ticos in U.S. prisons attest to their reach.

Closer to home, small-scale operations persist under the principle of getting in on the ground floor and finding enough “suckers” to make it work. A couple of family members lost money investing in one called “La Pirámide,” which functioned exactly like a classic pyramid scheme: early participants profited from new investors’ funds, but those at the bottom lost everything. Right now I’m following someone who for years has moved from place to place in Costa Rica, setting up legitimate-looking businesses and then scamming victims out of their savings. Complaints have been filed, but to my knowledge he has never been brought to justice—so it often goes here.

I write this in the wake of the latest revelation that a local bank was involved in laundering a cool $100 million. “What a surprise,” said no one. Mix lax law enforcement, a culture that turns a blind eye to dubious financial propositions, plenty of people ready to be separated from their money, and no shortage of sociopaths happy to scam you—and welcome to the jungle, where the fiercest predators are human.

VIDEO: Poás Volcano Erupts with 3.5 km Ash Plume, OVSICORI Reports

Tico Times
-
0
VIDEO: Poás Volcano Erupts with 3.5 km Ash Plume, OVSICORI Reports

This morning at approximately 5:15 a.m., Poás Volcano erupted yet again, producing a significant ash plume that soared 3.5 kilometers above the crater, according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA). This event, marked by a powerful explosion and a “strong rumble” reported by local residents, underscores the volcano’s ongoing eruptive phase, which has intensified since late 2024. The eruption was visible from multiple vantage points across the Central Valley, prompting heightened monitoring and safety advisories from authorities.

OVSICORI reported that the ash column, accompanied by toxic gas emissions, dispersed westward, potentially affecting communities such as Alajuela, Grecia, and Poás. The observatory’s volcanologists, including Geoffroy Avard, noted that the eruption aligns with Poás’ recent pattern of near-continuous ash emissions, driven by the acidic crater lake, Laguna Caliente. Seismic activity and sulfur dioxide emissions, exceeding 600 tons per day in recent weeks, indicate sustained volcanic unrest. The eruption follows a series of explosive events, including a major eruption just a couple of days ago, with a 4,000-meter ash plume, highlighting the volcano’s unpredictable behavior.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) maintains a Green Alert for surrounding areas, while Poás Volcano National Park remains closed indefinitely, as confirmed by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). OVSICORI has urged residents to avoid restricted areas due to risks from toxic gases and unstable terrain. The U.S. Embassy in San José reiterated travel advisories, recommending caution until conditions stabilize. As OVSICORI continues daily monitoring via on-site and satellite-based observations, authorities emphasize reliance on official updates to ensure public safety amid Poás’ escalating activity.

1...8910...3,730Page 9 of 3,730

© 2025 The Tico Times

Services

Support