Once a tranquil surf enclave, Nosara, Costa Rica, has dramatically transformed from its humble beginnings. In 2016, it was merely a laid-back village, characterized by a single main street and the ever-stretching jungle that kissed the sandy shores. Fast forward to the post-pandemic era, and Nosara has morphed into a buzzing hub, attracting a wave of remote workers primarily from the U.S. and Canada, thanks to a significant governmental push in fiber optics. Pandemic-Era Growth Spurs New Developments The pandemic catalyzed unprecedented growth in Nosara, drawing in a cosmopolitan crowd and pav ..read more

A Mysterious Disappearance and the Investigation Unfolds On a seemingly typical Thursday evening, the quiet suburb of San Luis in Heredia became the focal point of a perplexing disappearance that has since captivated the attention of Costa Rica. Kimberly, a local resident, concluded her workday in El Coyol, Alajuela, and embarked on a journey home that has sparked a meticulous investigation by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ). The Last Known Movements Kimberly’s commute on April 18 began with a ride from her boss to a location in Heredia, where she switched to an Uber. The digital ..read more

An Escalating Issue in Urban Mobility In the bustling streets of Costa Rica, the struggle to maintain a steady pace during peak hours is real and arduous. Reports indicate that buses in Costa Rica travel at an astonishingly slow speed of 8 km/h during rush hours, a pace that could potentially be outstripped by an enthusiastic jogger. This sluggish speed is symptomatic of a broader issue plaguing the nation’s capital—vehicular congestion. The Plight of the Commuters For daily commuters, this means enduring long waits and even longer travel times. The typical bus ride, ideally a convenience, has ..read more

Introduction to a Robust Partnership Costa Rica and the European Union (EU) have maintained a dynamic and mutually beneficial alliance for decades, showcasing a solid diplomatic relationship that extends across various critical areas, including environmental conservation and economic investment. Notably, while the United States remains the primary investor in Costa Rica, the European Union secures a significant second place, outpacing even China in economic contributions to this Central American nation. Joint Ventures: Ocean Conservation and Climate Action The partnership between Costa Rica an ..read more

U.S. State Department Highlights Press Freedom Issues in Costa Rica In its 2023 Human Rights Report, the U.S. Department of State has cast a spotlight on the state of human rights in Costa Rica, with a particular focus on press freedom. Despite traditionally being known as a bastion for speech liberty and having a vigorous democratic system, Costa Rica has seen a concerning trend. The report underscores an increase in governmental hostility towards the media, marking a shift in a nation celebrated for its robust free press. A Year of Static Rights but Growing Concerns The report outlines that ..read more

Costa Rica has recently marked a significant triumph in cultural preservation with the repatriation of 395 precious pre-Columbian artifacts. This notable event, supported by a grant from the United States Embassy to the Cultural Agreements Fund, underscores a joint commitment to safeguarding historical treasures. The Rich Legacy of the Diquís Culture Among the returned items, a stone sphere from the Diquís culture—a civilization that flourished in the Rio Grande de Térraba Valley between AD 800 and 1500—stands out. The Diquís people, known for their intricate stone spheres, created more than 3 ..read more

In a pivotal encounter before heading to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the U.S. women’s soccer team is set to face Costa Rica in a high-stakes match on July 16 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. This game marks the final test for the USWNT during their intense four-match preparation under the guidance of their new coach, Emma Hayes. New Leadership, Fresh Challenges Emma Hayes, the acclaimed coach concluding her tenure at Chelsea, will officially take the reins in May. Her inaugural match leading the U.S. squad will see them up against South Korea on June 1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerc ..read more

In a surprising twist from its 2014 decision to close down assembly operations and cut 1,500 jobs, Intel has revitalized its commitment to Costa Rica, signaling a major shift in the global semiconductor landscape. A decade ago, Intel moved operations from Heredia, Costa Rica, to Asia, but recent geopolitical tensions and strategic shifts have brought them back, turning Costa Rica into a burgeoning hub for semiconductor production. Costa Rica’s Strategic Pivot in Semiconductor Manufacturing Costa Rica is making a significant play to become a central hub for the semiconductor industry, driven by ..read more

In a chilling demonstration of nature’s power, a recent incident at Costa Rica’s notorious “Cave of Death” captivated audiences worldwide. On April 7, a man stood at the entrance of the cave, located in Alajuela, holding a lit torch that mysteriously extinguished upon facing the cave’s ominous depths. This phenomenon underscores the perilous conditions within the cave, primarily due to its high concentrations of carbon dioxide emanating from volcanic activity in the region. Unveiling the “Cave of Death” The “Cave of Death,” or Cueva de la Muerte, is as foreboding as its name suggests. Nestled ..read more

As the world gears up to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, Costa Rica stands out with a model of environmental stewardship that exemplifies what can be achieved when communities, businesses, and government unite. The day serves as a poignant reminder of our duty to care for Mother Earth, amidst growing concerns over human impact and the sustainability of our natural resources. The Genesis of Earth Day and Costa Rica’s Pioneering Spirit Initiated by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1969, Earth Day catalyzed a global environmental movement, leading to significant legislative and cultural shifts t ..read more