Q COSTARICA — Vehicle traffic on Route 1 in the Cambronero sector remains completely closed after a massive landslide caused by heavy rains in recent hours washed away most of the road surface.
Several images circulating on social media show the impact of the landslide that occurred between the Piedra Blanca and Santiago sectors, turning two lanes of the section of road into a cliff face in San Ramón.
A power pole and electrical wiring can even be seen on what remains of the road.
Authorities did not report any injuries or damage from the landslide.
Drivers between San Ramon and Esparza will have to use alternate routes until the road is reopened. Light vehicles can travel on the Río Jesús – Piedra Blanca route, detouring toward Guadalupe and exiting at Esparza.
The damage is so severe that the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT) isn’t even attempting to predict when it might reopen.
Ruta 1 in Costa Rica, especially the stretch known as Cambronero, is more than just a road—it’s a vital artery. This highway is part of the Inter-American Norte, a key connection that links the northern and southern parts of Costa Rica, making it crucial for both local travel and international transit.
Near Cambronero, Ruta 1 cuts through a mix of rural and semi-urban areas. Despite its importance, Ruta 1 can be a test of patience at times, especially during peak hours or rainy seasons when traffic slows down and the road can get slick.
Q COSTARICA — Before even moving a centimeter, the electric train project proposed by Rodrigo Chaves’s government could derail on the departure platform. The plan hinges on legislative approval for a US$800 million loan, and that’s where it could it could derail.
Without the backing from the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) caucus, the largest group with 18 legislators after Gilberth Jiménez declared himself independent, securing the 38 votes needed to approve the loan will be very difficult.
Óscar Izquierdo, head of the PLN faction, told La República that they have many doubts about the proposed project and, therefore, cannot guarantee the PLN’s votes.
“We’re going to review it, because we think the proposal raises many questions. Remember that the previous administration had presented another plan, which included longer routes at lower costs for passengers.
“Ultimately, there are a number of factors we need to analyze carefully. The PLN needs to conduct an in-depth study to analyze issues such as financing and subsidies,” Izquierdo said.
For his part, PLN presidential candidate Álvaro Ramos, also in an interview with La República, previously stated that a comprehensive urban mobility plan was required, and when specifically asked about the train, he did not commit to the plan.
“We are building a comprehensive plan for a national logistics network for the coming decades. That’s what we want to propose, not to be tied to a single project, and that’s much more important: an urban mobility structure. So, we have to consider what the legal and regulatory bottlenecks are that are hindering all projects, not just one specific project,” Ramos said.
Slight Hope
After ruling out the PLN, 39 votes remain available in Congress; however, this would force the government to maintain good relations with the various parties and negotiate a multimillion-dollar loan for a large-scale project during a presidential campaign.
“It’s possible that the political campaign could complicate the project’s progress. I hope not, but it’s a reality that could happen,” said Alejandro Pacheco, head of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) faction.
The Project
The government’s electric train project consists of two lines totaling more than 51 kilometers on two tracks: one from Paraíso-Cartago and San José, and another from San José to Alajuela center.
It also includes the acquisition of 28 new electric trains, the construction of 30 stations, two completely new terminals, and nine overpasses, with a frequency of every 10 minutes.
Unlike the previous government’s proposal, it does not involve an annual subsidy of US$150 million; In fact, it doesn’t include any subsidies, so, according to the government, it doesn’t compromise public finances.
Finally, it only builds two lines, rather than the five suggested by the previous administration and now championed by presidential candidate Claudia Dobles of the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC). Dobles, an architect and urban planner, played a role in the original proposal put forward by her husband, former president Carlos Alvarado.
The Chaves plan for the train
With seven months to go before the end of its term, the Rodrigo Chaves administration finally unveiled its plans to build the electric train project.
These are the details:
Name: Tibi (centipede in the indigenous language)
Cost: US$800 million
Financing: The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) will contribute US$550 million, of which US$178.7 million will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund and US$21.3 million will come as a donation from the same fund. In addition, US$250 million will be provided by the European Investment Bank Group, consolidating a credit scheme with highly competitive interest rates and grace periods.
Lines: The project includes two lines totaling more than 51 kilometers of double track: one from Paraíso-Cartago to San José, and another from San José to downtown Alajuela.
Other works include the acquisition of 28 new electric trains, 30 stations, two completely new terminals, and nine overpasses.
Frequency: The train would operate daily, with frequencies every 10 minutes
Our opinion on the project
The Costa Rica electric train project proposed by the Rodrigo Chaves administration is an ambitious effort with potential upsides and challenges. On the upside, electrifying the train system could modernize public transportation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower emissions, aligning with global moves toward sustainability. It could also improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion, which has been a persistent problem in Costa Rica’s urban areas.
That said, these projects are often complex and costly. Execution risks include securing sufficient funding, managing construction timelines, and potential disruptions during the transition of the new government on May 8, 2026.
The Chaves administration will need to ensure transparency, strong planning, and community engagement to maintain public trust and get this right. Overall, if handled well, the electric train could be a major step forward for Costa Rica’s infrastructure and environmental goals.
But it’s not just about building a train — it’s about integrating it thoughtfully into the country’s broader transportation ecosystem and making sure it truly serves the people without becoming a financial burden.
Q COSTARICA — The national weather service, Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), predicts that the end of the rainy season in Costa Rica will be later in 2025.
According to experts, the rainfall pattern will extend beyond usual end of October due to factors such as:
A Pacific Ocean in a cold neutral phase
A warmer-than-normal Caribbean Sea
A delayed start to the cold snap season
“It is quite likely that the end of the rainy season will be delayed,” Karina Hernández of the IMN Climatology Unit confirmed.
Factors Sustaining the Rainfall
In addition to the aforementioned factors, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will remain active over the country, ensuring frequent rainfall throughout the season.
Although it may not be felt with the same intensity on some days, its presence is decisive.
Another key element is the cold snaps, which usually begin in November, marking the beginning of the dry season.
According to Hernández, this year, as in 2024, we will have a delayed transition.
“Cold bursts are very important, especially for the Caribbean. The 2025-2026 season will start late, and that contributes to the rains lasting longer,” the specialist explained.
The IMN will not provide the expected dates for the end of the rainy season by region until mid-October.
A wetter October
According to forecasts, October will have rainier-than-normal conditions in the Pacific, the Central Valley, and the Northwest, with up to a 15% surplus.
In contrast, the Caribbean will face a deficit of close to 10%, accompanied by slightly warmer temperatures, up to half a degree above average.
“October is already one of the rainiest months of the year, but now it is expected to be more sustained. A 15% surplus is already quite significant,” Hernández explained.
The IMN highlights that September showed irregular rainfall, with dry days and others that were more intense, but October will be more consistent.
Furthermore, tropical waves will continue to bring moisture, although not all of them will develop into cyclones.
“October is still part of the peak of the hurricane season, which increases the possibility of tropical waves or even storms affecting the country,” he added.
According to the weekly forecast, the following is expected:
September 29 to October 5: The entire Pacific region will experience more than normal rainfall, with weekly amounts of 90 to 120 mm. The Caribbean region will experience less rain, and the rest of the country will experience normal rainfall.
October 5 to 12: The Pacific region will experience normal seasonal rainfall. The Caribbean region will maintain a less rainy pattern.
October 13 to 19: The Pacific region and Central Valley will experience above-average rainfall. The Caribbean region will return to a normal pattern with little precipitation.
October 20 to 26: The Pacific region and Central Valley will experience more than normal rainfall. The Caribbean region will again experience less rain.
October 27 to November 2: This week, the entire Pacific region will continue to experience normal seasonal rainfall. The Caribbean region is expected to return to a seasonal rainfall pattern, while the rest of the country will experience normal rainfall.
Temperatures are expected to be within normal range.
OP-ED by Christopher Clarke — The Deloitte analysis is correct in suggesting that some tariffs make investment outside the US more attractive in general.
The restrictions on H1B visas will heighten this effect.
Uncertainty caused by abrupt US policy changes in general and attacks on green energy are adding to this trend.
There are major issues in Costa Rica that reduce its attractiveness for US investors.
Qorvo has announced closure of its plant here and relocation to Asia. Intel’s closure is another major blow.
Costa Rica is unattractive to foreign investors for several reasons. It has:
The highest regional energy costs.
Years of underinvestment in infrastructure have led to floods, landslides, congestion, and slow travel.
Costs of employing locals, due to Caja (social security) charges.
Security risks due to narco trafficking, road safety, and corruption. Important issues for US citizens, especially those bringing families.
Reuters reported that 30% of German companies planning to invest in the United States are postponing their decisions.
Some of these may move to other countries, some may simply be cancelled.
Indian nationals are the largest recipients of H1B visas and the obvious solution for corporations wanting to employ them is to shift investment to India.
Costa Ricans are unlikely to be significant H1B recipients.
Five Planned factories for electric vehicle and battery storage manufacture in Indiana, Michigan, Colorado, Oregon and New York have been cancelled. This is due to the end of federal subsidies via tax credits on e vehicles and the encouragement of more fossil fuel investments.
More than 17,000 prospective jobs in the US have been lost so far this year from such moves.
Some of these investments might be relocated to other countries, but many were dependent on an expanding US market for green vehicles.
Deloitte quoted projections for Costa Rican GDP growth. The way Gross Domestic Product is calculated masks the reality of economic growth or decline. It includes work conducted by inefficient employees in the state sector.
There are unnecessary, overpaid, or inefficient employees in ICE, Caja, RECOPE, municipalities and other such organisations.
Their pay is included in GDP. That is the same as including the pay of thousands of people paid to do nothing.
Corporations allow for depreciation of assets in their accounts.
This contrasts with GDP calculations. They do not deduct depreciation for decaying bridges, roads and other infrastructure.
Sadly, any motorist will attest to the mess Costa Rican infrastructure is in after years of neglect, corrupt repair contracts and badly planned investments.
Repairs after earthquakes, floods and other natural events count as growth using GDP, in reality they are just trying to maintain existing wealth.
In summary, it is difficult to make a general case for inward investment to Costa Rica.
There may be specific opportunities in fast food, tourism and other sectors. Potential further problems in Costa Rica and the world economy, add to the risks of these.
If a recession in the United States were to occur, the current boom in Costa Rica’s construction and tourism could prove a problematic bubble.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily the view of QCostarica.com and TheQmedia.com
Q COSTARICA — Every October 1st, Costa Rica celebrates Día de la Persona Adulta Mayor (Senior’s Day) in a context of rapid growth in this population. In Costa Rica, a senior citizen is considered to be someone 65 years of age or older.
In 2005, seniors represented 6% of the national population; by 2025, they will reach 11.7%, and projections indicate that by 2050, they will reach 20%, according to data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC) – National Institute of Statistics and Census.
However, this group is not only growing in number, but also faces a painful reality: violence.
In 2023, 684 cases of abuse were reported, linked to physical or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, or sexual abuse.
In addition, through October 2024, 760 reports of abandonment were received through the ‘1165’ hotline, a significant increase compared to previous years. Furthermore, the Ministry of Security reports an average of five scams per day targeting this population.
Eduardo Carrillo, a psychology professor at Fidélitas University, points out that the most worrying aspect of abuse is that “in most cases, it occurs in the closest environment: the family or caregivers.”
The consequences go beyond the moment of the assault. The specialist warns that abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, social isolation, sleep disorders, and a greater risk of premature institutionalization.
Carrillo emphasizes that preventing abuse begins with raising awareness of the problem and promoting a culture of respect as a reflection of our society’s values.
“We need to educate families, train caregivers, and create community support networks. Old age is a stage that deserves to be lived with dignity and support,” stated the psychologist.
Recommendations for preventing abuse include fostering the social integration of seniors, promoting open and respectful communication, observing warning signs such as changes in behavior, withdrawal, or excessive fear, and reporting any suspicion of abuse.
Communities in Costa Rica are increasingly focusing on policies and programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors, including access to healthcare, social inclusion, and age-friendly infrastructure. Overall, Costa Rica’s older population is an important social group shaping the country’s future.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica consolidated its position as the country with the highest average spending per tourist in Central America, according to a Mastercard Advisors study using data from the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – Costa Rica Tourism Board and the Banco Central de Costa Rica (Central Bank_.
According to the report, Average Spending per Person (ASP) reached US$2,062 in 2024. Furthermore, 75% of these transactions were made with debit or credit cards, reflecting the strength of the country’s digital payment infrastructure.
During 2024, tourism generated US$5.4 billion, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Although international arrivals in the first half of 2025 were moderate (1.4 million by air through June), the economic impact per visitor continues to increase.
The study details that ASP has grown at an annual rate of 7.26% since 2019, while the number of arrivals increased by 1.9% over the same period.
This confirms the trend toward higher-value tourism.
Regarding source markets, the United States accounted for 56% of tourism revenue. The main reason for travel remains vacation, recreation, and leisure (73%), followed by visiting family and friends (8%). Business travel also regained ground and reached 8%, approaching pre-pandemic levels.
“The evolution of tourism in Costa Rica paves the way for continued innovation in payment solutions that support its sustainable development,” said Kattia Montero, Mastercard Country Manager for Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
“On this World Tourism Day (September 27), we reaffirm our commitment to collaborating with institutions and stakeholders in the financial ecosystem to improve the international tourist experience and support the growth of one of the most vibrant sectors of the national economy,” she added.
Q COSTARICA — The imposition of tariffs on Costa Rican exports by the United States will impact the national economy in 2025.
In terms of GDP, a 15% tax on exported products will cause the economy to grow only 3.56%, four basis points less than the 3.60% initially projected when the tariff was 10%, according to a Deloitte analysis.
After this adjustment, Costa Rica became the second Central American country with the highest rate.
The sectors hardest hit in the short term will be agricultural, particularly pineapple, bananas, and coffee, while in the medium term, the impact will shift to higher value-added goods such as medical devices and electronic circuits.
The report also indicates that the effective tariff rate for the top ten exported products rose from 0.2% in 2024 to 7.9% in 2025, a significant increase that makes access to the US market more expensive.
Bright Side
Despite the complex outlook, Deloitte identifies a window of opportunity: The continued high taxes imposed on Asian countries, primarily China, could boost nearshoring (the relocation of operations to nearby countries to reduce costs and delivery times) to Costa Rica, attracting foreign investment and diversifying exports in the medium term.
The study concludes that protectionist measures reflect the trade interdependence between the two countries and that, although Costa Rica faces immediate challenges, it also has the potential to strengthen its role as an attractive destination for international investment.
Q COSTARICA — Starting today, October 1, all Costa Ricans applying for a visa to the United States must appear in person at the embassy for an interview, including children under 14 and adults over 79, according to Vice Consul Samantha Ducey.
The measure affects both new applicants and those needing to renew a visa that has expired for more than 12 months.
Some exceptions may apply, provided the applicant meets certain criteria, such as filing the application in their country of habitual residence, not having been previously denied, and having no apparent ineligibility.
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is located in Pavas
In the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica press release of September 29, 2025, it explains this is an update from the Department of State to the categories of applicants who may be eligible for a non-immigrant visa interview waiver.
The exceptions to this new provision are:
Applicants classified as A-1, A-2, C-3 (except assistants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1 visas.
Applicants for official or diplomatic visas.
Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card (BBBCC/BBBCV for Mexican applicants) within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa, provided that the visa was issued with full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant is at least 18 years of age.
Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa, provided that the visa was issued with full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant is at least 18 years old.
To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria:
Apply in their country of nationality or habitual residence (except for applicants for diplomatic visas and certain official visas).
Never have been denied a visa (unless the denial has been overcome or pardoned).
Not have any apparent or potential ineligibility.
Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis and for any reason.
Q COSTARICA — The Economic Affairs legislative committee issued a majority ruling on File 24,658, which eliminates the need for a court order to lift bank secrecy.
The proposal, presented at the end of 2024 by Frente Amplio (FA) legislator Sofía Guillén, eliminates the need for a judge to approve such a decision in investigations related to drug trafficking or organized crime, as well as in cases of homicide and contract killings, “sicariato” in Spanish.
“Criminal organizations employ various financial mechanisms to hide, mobilize, and legitimize illicit assets, which is why they benefit from the opacity and obstacles that competent authorities face in tracing the financial flows resulting from their criminal activities,” legislator Guillén stated.
Thus, in any investigation conducted by judicial authorities, “financial institutions must comply, within a period of no more than ten business days, with all individualized information requests made by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will be limited to that which is strictly convenient and necessary for investigative purposes.”
“These requests will be made by the Attorney General’s Office through a reasoned resolution, as they constitute relevant information for the purposes of the investigation and judicial proceedings in cases of national and transnational organized crime.
Frente Amplio (FA) legislator Sofía Guillén, proponent of the bill
The obligations to freeze funds, safeguard securities, and safeguard documents remain in place. These measures will be applied as soon as financial institutions receive formal notification of an investigation or file a complaint, and will remain in effect until the process concludes with a dismissal, filing, or final acquittal.
The bill also stipulates that when the Financial Analysis Unit of the Costa Rican Drug Institute (ICD) notifies a bank of an ongoing investigation, it must inform the Public Prosecutor’s Office. From that moment, the Prosecutor’s Office will have five calendar days to consider requesting the release of information on related clients.
The proposal also introduces sanctions for those who abuse these powers. Any official of the Public Prosecutor’s Office who makes requests intended to violate personal or credit data may be punished with imprisonment of one to six years, without prejudice to other civil, administrative, or disciplinary liabilities.
“Failure to comply with these conditions will give the affected person the right to appeal the measure before the appropriate court, but under no circumstances will access to the information be suspended,” the reform states.
The text was approved with the in favor vote of six of the seven deputies present, with only PLN legislator Gilberto Campos casting a dissenting vote.
The bill, which will now begin its final discussion, reforms Article 18 of Ley Contra la Delincuencia Organizada (Law Against Organized Crime) to expedite judicial proceedings.
“This is a good sign and a good effort by this committee. We hope it survives the Plenary and becomes law of the Republic,” said legislator Guillén.
Q COSTARICA — With no clear favorite to win in the first round, the presidential elections kick off today, Wednesday, October 1, with 20 candidates.
Barring any surprises, a runaway win by one of the candidates, Costa Rica will enter its fifth runoff election that will take place in April, because none of the candidates is expected to secure the 40% of valid votes in February to avoid a runoff.
In fact, several of the candidates have stated publicly that they believe a runoff election is inevitable.
Compared to the last election, there are five fewer candidates in this general election cycle..
“We are working with the understanding that there will be a second round and are fully focused on demonstrating to the population, and particularly to the undecided, that under our leadership, the new Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) has the will and the capacity to drive the profound transformations the country needs, as it has done in the past,” said Juan Carlos Hidalgo, the PUSC candidate.
Meanwhile, Claudio Alpízar, a candidate from the Partido Esperanza Nacional, stated that Laura Fernandez, a candidate for the ruling party, is dreaming if she believes it will win in the first round and obtain 40 legislative seats.
In Costa Rica, passing significant legislative bills, such as constitutional reforms or important fiscal measures, typically requires a supermajority vote in the Legislative Assembly. This means that more than the simple majority of 38 deputies (out of 57 total) must agree for the bill to pass.
In fact, Alpízar points out that anything can happen at this point, as there are many undecided voters.
“We are in an electoral competition that is more like a 42-kilometer marathon than a 100-meter sprint, and therefore, many things can happen in these six months.
“I don’t see the possibility of Ms. Laura Fernández winning in the first round for now, and it could even be that, in the medium term, it will become difficult for her to qualify for the second round,” Alpízar said.
Polls by CID Gallup and Opol Consultores gave Laura Fernández of the Partido Pueblo Soberano a voting intention of around 28% at best a month ago.
Few votes to advance to the second round
If no candidate wins in the first round, history shows that anything can happen.
The last three presidents, Rodrigo Chaves (16.5%), Carlos Alvarado (22.61%), and Luis Guillermo Solís (30%) entered the runoff election as runners-up with low voting intentions compared to their rivals, and ultimately defeated the favorite to declare themselves president.
In two of the three cases, it was against the candidates of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), who faced a kind of massive, anti-PLN sentiment.
Despite this, Álvaro Ramos, current PLN candidate, is confident that this election is about leadership, not about parties.
“I don’t feel the anti-liberación sentiment you’re suggesting. On the other hand, I think this election is about leadership, not about parties,” Ramos told this outlet.
The election will be held on February 1, 2026, and the second round, if necessary, will be held two months later on April 5.
The candidates (in alphabetical order) for the 2026 presidential elections:
Jose Aguilar, Partido Avanza
Luz Mary Alpízar, Partido Progreso Social
Claudio Alpízar, Esperanza Nacional
Fabricio Alvarado, Partido Nueva República
Luis Amador, Partido PIN
Douglas Caamaño, Partido Alianza Costa Rica Primero
Ana Virginia Calzada, Partido Centro Democrático y Social
Ronny Castillo, Partido Aquí Costa Rica Manda
Natalia Díaz, Partido Unidos Podemos (former Minister of the Presidency in the current administration and her second consecutive run for the presidency)
Claudia Dobles, Partido Agenda Ciudadana (former First Lady and wife of former president Carlos Alvarado, 2018-2022)
Eli Feinzaig, Partido Liberal Progresista
Laura Fernández, Partido Pueblo Soberano
Wálter Hernández, Partido Justicia Social Costarricense
David Hernández, Partido De los Trabajadores
Juan Carlos Hidalgo, Partido PUSC
Boris Molina, Partido Unión Costarricense Democrática
Q24N — Between January and August 2025, 30 flights carrying 3,482 deported Nicaraguan immigrants arrived in Nicaragua, according to the US Deportation Flight Report, prepared by Thomas Cartwright and published this September by Human Rights First.
According to the report, the number of documented Nicaraguans deported through last August already exceeds the annual deportation records for the last five years in Nicaragua.
After the first two years of sociopolitical crisis in Nicaragua, which triggered the massive migration of Nicaraguans fleeing Ortega’s repression, in 2020, the United States deported 3,200 Nicaraguans on 28 flights. In subsequent years, this figure has not been surpassed.
More than 18,000 Nicaraguans deported in five years
In 2021, US authorities deported 2,900 Nicaraguans on 25 flights; In 2022, 3,100 Nicaraguans were deported on 27 flights; in 2023, 2,600 were deported on 22 flights; and last year, 2,700 were deported on 20 flights.
The increase in the number of deportations in 2025 coincides with the imposition of the new immigration policy of President Donald Trump, who took office in the United States in January of this year.
The Human Rights First report indicates that Nicaragua remains among the ten countries with the most deportation flights from the United States, with more than 18,000 Nicaraguans deported in the last five years, despite its “limited capacity” to reintegrate returnees.
More flights in the second quarter of 2025
Nicaragua is the Central American country with the fourth highest number of flights carrying deportees so far in 2025, surpassed only by Guatemala (309), Honduras (259), and El Salvador (119).
Human Rights First details that deportations to Nicaragua increased especially in the second quarter of 2025, with the arrival of more flights: May (5), June (5), July (6), and August (5).
In the first four months of the year, the number of flights was lower: January (2), February (2), March (2), and April (3).
The Ortega-Murillo dictatorship, although it has opened the door to flights for Nicaraguans deported from the United States, has begun implementing new repressive policies in recent months, including detentions or the de facto imposition of house arrest, against some of these returnees who left Nicaragua seeking international protection after participating in the 2018 social protests.
Q24N — Once again, the United States Department of State warned of the dangers of investing in Nicaragua and advised that extreme caution and due diligence be exercised when doing so.
As part of the growing deterioration of the investment climate, it detailed that the constitutional reform, effective February 2025, abolished judicial independence; a new foreign investment law designed to control and monitor the situation was approved; the rule of law is not fairly enforced; there is no predictable business environment; and corruption is rampant because the legal framework that criminalizes it is not enforced.
The Nicaragua Investment Climate Statement 2025 report, published over the weekend and updated annually, acknowledges that the worsening deterioration of the business climate occurs despite the fact that, amid systematic repression and growing poverty, Nicaragua continues to display stable macroeconomic fundamentals.
These include a sustainable debt burden; a well-capitalized national banking sector and a record level of international reserves, which, according to the most recent report from the Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN), stood at US$7.2 billion as of June 30, 2025.
But while the macroeconomy is robust, according to the document, authorities continue to plague the investment climate with reputational risks and arbitrary regulations, as they “continue to unjustly detain political prisoners, forcibly exile citizens, confiscate private property, and violate and dismantle the rule of law,” the document details.
Law to Control and Oversee Investment
The report warns investors that although Nicaragua has laws related to foreign investment, “their implementation, enforcement, and interpretation are subject to corruption and political pressure.”
It also explains that Law 1240, the Foreign Investment Law, which was approved in February and entered into force in May 2025, is designed to exercise control and oversight over Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.
Law 1240 established that investments must be registered to remain in the country; this was previously voluntary. Other requirements include that investors submit quarterly compliance reports and statistical data to the Central Bank. In addition, it created the National Commission on Foreign Investment (CNIE), which is headed, in his capacity as presidential investment advisor, by the dictators’ son, Laureano Ortega Murillo, who has even been sanctioned by the United States since April 2019.
Laureano Ortega Murillo will coordinate the CNIE, which will select the investments that receive registration to remain or enter the country; and the Secretariat for the Promotion of Investments and Exports (SPIEX), which he also directs, will act as the CNIE’s technical secretariat.
The National Commission on Foreign Investment will meet when Ortega Murillo calls it and will report to three officials: the president of the Central Bank, Ovidio Reyes; the head of the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Commerce (Mific), Erwin Ramírez; and the executive director of the National Commission of Free Trade Zones (CNZF), a position held on an interim basis by Fernando Diego Sánchez Solórzano since June 2023.
Q24N — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced he’s prepared to declare a state of emergency due to what he describes as a looming “aggression” threat from the United States, following a series of deadly US strikes on boats suspected of carrying Venezuelan drugs.
In a televised speech on Monday, Maduro said, “Today we began the consultation process to declare a state of emergency, as outlined in our constitution, to protect our people, our peace, and our stability in case Venezuela is militarily attacked by the American empire.”
Earlier that day, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez told foreign diplomats that Maduro had signed a decree granting himself “special powers” as head of state. This would allow him to act decisively on defense and security matters if the US “dares to attack our homeland.”
The decree would enable Maduro to mobilize troops nationwide and give the military control over public services and the oil sector.
This comes as US President Donald Trump has sent a significant naval force to waters near Venezuela, including eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 stealth fighters, alongside additional F-35s deployed to Puerto Rico.
This marks the largest US naval presence in the Caribbean in years.
Trump has repeatedly framed these moves as part of an anti-drug campaign to stop illegal narcotics from entering the US, despite data from the UN and US agencies indicating Venezuela is not a major cocaine source for the US market.
The US military has struck at least three small vessels in international waters near Venezuela, claiming they were involved in illicit drug trafficking.
At least 17 Venezuelans have died in these strikes, prompting Venezuela to accuse the US of waging an “undeclared war.” Under Maduro, the country has positioned itself as a defender against what it calls Western “imperialism.”
Reports suggest the situation may escalate further. NBC News reported that US military officials are preparing plans for air raids targeting drug traffickers inside Venezuela itself.
Maduro dismissed US accusations of Venezuela’s significant involvement in drug trafficking and expressed a desire for a “historic and peaceful” relationship with the US.
International experts and the UN have criticized the US bombings, saying attacks on boats in international waters without court indictments amount to “extrajudicial killings.”
Trump has also warned Venezuela it will pay an “incalculable” price if it does not take back immigrants the US president described as “prisoners” and “people from mental institutions.”
The special powers Maduro granted himself under the decree would last 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension, in line with Venezuela’s constitution.
RICO’s Q -Yesterday, I published an article titled “10 minutes and more to cross the Tarcoles bridge.” I’ll admit, it had been a few weeks since I last crossed the famous ‘crocodile bridge,’ and I took recent reports at face value—thinking the construction wasn’t causing too many headaches for drivers.
My sources suggested that a 10-minute delay was typical, except during off-hours like late at night.
Turns out, I was wrong. I even told that to the readers who emailed me with their own stories. So, I decided to dig a little deeper.
What I found was pretty eye-opening. Depending on the time and day, wait times can stretch anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.
Tom Clifton popped up on Gloriana Matamoros’s Facebook post with some practical advice: “Have a good playlist ready. And iPads charged for the kids.” Luis Angel Campos chimed in too, saying, “If you have to pass by the bridge, bring snacks and refreshments to keep you entertained.”
Some folks posted even crazier stories—waiting five, six hours to get through. Veronique Chenu shared, “It took us six hours to get to the airport from Tarcoles on a Friday afternoon. Worst traffic jam of my life.”
Then there’s Melanie Thiessen Iorio, who had a totally different experience: “We had a 5 a.m. flight this morning, so we left Jaco for SJO just after midnight—didn’t even have to stop at the bridge. Breezed through!”
So yeah, it all comes down to timing. Between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., things seem smooth. But from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., the story changes—and some days are definitely worse than others.
This brings up a bigger question—why is the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) causing such a mess by working on a bridge that looks perfectly fine?
MOPT insists the bridge isn’t as solid as it looks. They say the reinforcement work is crucial because the structure is seriously worn down. This isn’t just their word; technical studies back it up. The National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models at the University of Costa Rica (LanammeUCR) and other experts have confirmed it.Back
in 2016, LanammeUCR released a report titled “Evaluation of the condition of the bridge over the Tárcoles River, National Route No. 34.”
That report gave a detailed look at the bridge’s structural health, diagnosing its current state, checking for any damage or risks to its safety and function. It also laid the groundwork for necessary repairs, aiming to keep the bridge safe and reliable on a key route for Costa Rica’s traffic and transport.
It took nine years for MOPT to finally act on this. That might sound like forever, but in MOPT terms, it’s apparently “just around the bend.”
The alternate routes
For the most part, the Tarcoles bridge stands as the main route connecting the Central Valley with Central Pacific spots like Jaco and Quepos.
There is an alternative path—Ciudad Colón to Puriscal to Esterillos—mostly traveled via National Secondary Route 239. This road links Ciudad Colón to Puriscal and then heads toward the coast near Esterillos.
While mostly paved, this route can get narrow and twisty, especially as it climbs through higher elevations. The section between Route 34 (the coastal highway) and Mastatal has recently been improved and graded, but the whole stretch is still vulnerable to mudslides and heavy fog. Driving here at night or in bad weather can be tricky and sometimes risky.
Between Ciudad Colón and Puriscal, some maintenance and paving have helped smooth out travel, but it’s still a secondary road with tight spots and limited safety features. Fog often cuts visibility, especially up high, and lighting is scarce. Plus, expect one-lane bridges and sharp bends—typical of rural roads in Costa Rica.
In short, the Ciudad Colón-Puriscal-Esterillos route works, but requires careful driving.
If you’re traveling to or from the South Pacific and want to dodge the hassle at Tarcoles bridge, your best bet is using Costa Rica’s Ruta 34 combined with Ruta 2 (Interamericana Sur).
The route heads east from San José, passing through Cartago before turning south toward San Isidro del General (Pérez Zeledón) through the Cerro de la Muerte. From Pérez, you can keep going down Ruta 2 all the way to Paso Canoas. Alternatively, you can take Ruta Nacional Secundaria 243 west to Dominical. From there, you can travel north to Quepos and Jaco or go south to reconnect with Ruta 2 all the way to the Panama border.
Q24N — If you’re into classic cars, Uruguay is a hidden gem that might just surprise you. It’s not the first place that pops into your head when you think about vintage auto culture, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Uruguay is a classic car paradise because a prolonged economic decline from the late 1950s to the 1980s limited car imports, leading people to maintain and pass down family vehicles for generations.
The country’s laid-back vibe and deep respect for history create the perfect environment for classic car lovers to thrive.
For starters, Uruguay’s scale plays a big part. It’s small enough that enthusiasts from all over can connect easily, forming tight-knit communities that share a passion for restoring and preserving old rides. Whether you’re cruising through Montevideo or heading out to a coastal town, you’ll spot gleaming vintage Chevys, Fords, and European classics that seem frozen in time.
But it’s not just about spotting cool cars parked on the street. Uruguay hosts some of the most charming and well-attended classic car events in South America. These gatherings aren’t about flashy crowds or big sponsorships—they’re about the joy of the cars themselves and the stories behind them. You’ll find owners eager to swap restoration tips and share tales about the first time they took their classic out for a spin.
The country’s climate also helps. Uruguay’s mild weather means these old vehicles don’t have to face harsh winters or extreme heat, conditions that can wreck vintage engines and paint jobs. That’s why many classics here look better preserved than you might expect from a place with such a long history of car culture.
Another reason Uruguay stands out is its relaxed approach to regulations around importing and owning classic cars.
Compared to many other countries, it’s easier and more affordable to bring in a vintage vehicle and keep it roadworthy. This openness has attracted collectors and restorers from neighboring countries, turning Uruguay into a hub for classic car enthusiasts across the region.
Finally, there’s a cultural angle that can’t be ignored. Uruguayans tend to appreciate the charm of the past and see classic cars as rolling pieces of art and history. It’s not just about owning a shiny old car—it’s about preserving a piece of the country’s identity and heritage.
So, if you ever find yourself in Uruguay and hear the rumble of a perfectly tuned vintage engine, know that you’re witnessing a classic car culture that’s alive, well, and thriving—thanks to a unique blend of community, climate, and character that makes Uruguay a true paradise for lovers of the old and beautiful.
Q COSTARICA — Traffic is getting snarled around the bridge over the Tárcoles River, the famous ‘crocodiles bridge’, along the Costanera (ruta 34), with drivers losing up to 10 minutes or more in delays.
Still, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) says the reinforcement work is absolutely necessary.
The MOPT pointed out that the bridge is seriously worn down—a fact backed up by technical studies from LanammeUCR and other experts.
To make the repairs, MOPT has partially closed the bridge, causing major traffic jams and significantly impacting tourism and local businesses.
“We know the traffic controls have led to delays during certain times,” MOPT said. “But our monitoring shows these slowdowns aren’t constant—mostly just during rush hours—and usually last less than 10 minutes.”
Official notice: “Paso regulado” over the Tarcoles bridge continues from Monday to Sunday, day and night.
They stressed the disruption is only temporary, but it’s crucial to act now to avoid a possible collapse.
If the bridge fails, it would cut off the Pacific coast route, disrupting tourism, freight shipments, and the daily commute for thousands.
The catch is that the area sees a lot of traffic and tourists, so the repairs are causing real headaches for everyone.
Q COSTARICA — 70% of adults in Costa Rica are overweight, and among them, 34% are classified as obese, based on data from the Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, over 375,000 people aged 20 to 79 live with diabetes, which accounts for 9.8% of that age group, according to the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas.
These health issues have quietly become major threats to heart health, raising the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious problems.
A Worrying Outlook
The high rate of overweight adults in Costa Rica can be traced to a mix of lifestyle and dietary changes over recent decades.
As the country has modernized, many people have shifted away from traditional, more active ways of living to more sedentary routines. This means less physical activity in daily life, whether at work or home.
At the same time, diets have moved toward processed and convenience foods that are higher in calories, sugars, and unhealthy fats, while consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has declined.
Additionally, urbanization has made fast food more accessible and affordable, further pushing people toward unhealthy eating habits. Economic growth has also played a role by increasing disposable income, which often translates into more eating out and indulgence in calorie-dense foods.
Q COSTA RICA — A few weeks back, part of a building’s facade on Avenida Central came crashing down, thrusting Costa Rica’s San José back into the spotlight.
A few facts suffice make it clear why the city feels so empty.
In the past fifty years, the capital has seen its population cut in half. Back in 1963, the four central districts of San José was home to nearly 100,000 people. Now, the latest census shows only about 54,000.
The real estate market shows a clear gap, too. The Costa Rican Institute of Technology (TEC) estimates that 17% of properties in the city center are completely vacant, while another 18% are only partially occupied. Put together, that means over a third—36%—of buildings aren’t being fully used.
“In our study area, which was approximately 1,260 properties in the historic center, about half of the historic center… in that area alone, we have a 35% underutilization rate and a 17% total vacancy rate,” explained TEC researcher Tomás Martínez.
“That’s a very high figure for any city in the world. Any city in the world that exceeds 10% vacancy in its building stock has something to worry about,” he explains.
These unoccupied structures, ranging from commercial spaces to residential properties, reflect a mix of economic and urban challenges.
The collapse of a facade raised concerns about the quality and condition of several buildings. (El Observador)
Many of these unbuildings remain unused due to factors such as high rental costs, outdated infrastructure, or shifts in business activity, especially in the wake of economic slowdowns or changing market demands.
The presence of empty buildings creates a visible impact on the capital city’s landscape and economy. They can contribute to urban decay, reduce foot traffic in affected areas, and discourage new investments.
At the same time, they represent missed opportunities for housing, retail, or community use in a city grappling with growth and development pressures.
One floor yes, the others no
The review of the underutilization of buildings in the capital puts particular emphasis on how only one floor is the visible face of the rest of the buildings.
“We’re talking, more or less, about the phenomenon that is quite common in San José, which is that the first floor is commercially used, while the upper floors are unoccupied and have very low occupancy rates, less than 30%,” added Martínez.
The observation covers both commercial and residential uses of the buildings.
Local authorities and stakeholders have been exploring strategies to address this issue.
These include incentives to renovate and repurpose vacant properties, promoting affordable rental options, and encouraging mixed-use development to breathe new life into idle spaces.
The goal is to transform these empty buildings into productive assets that support San José’s social and economic vitality while improving urban aesthetics and safety.
Overall, the challenge of empty buildings in San José underscores the need for coordinated urban planning and economic policies that balance development with sustainability and inclusivity.
Turning these spaces from liabilities into opportunities could play a key role in the city’s future growth and community well-being.
San José has all the essentials to accommodate residents
When it comes to the tough unemployment situation, experts highlight something often overlooked: San José already has plenty going for it that’s just not being used.
A factor that is not always noticed is the advantages that San José already has and that are not being taken advantage of.
“It’s the place with the most urban resources—underground electricity, sewage systems, fiber optic internet, amenities, services, transportation, parks. Everything’s here, but not enough people are living here,” summed up the TEC expert.
Municipality Commits to Building “Recycling”
The city of San José sees its buildings as key players in the community’s comeback. The local government explains that improving boulevards, parks, and public spaces is just part of the plan.
But they’re also pushing the idea of “building recycling.”
This means refreshing incentives for real estate developers to bring more affordable housing to the heart of the city, focusing on the four central districts.Part of this effort involves figuring out what rules are holding back unused buildings from being converted into homes—and fixing those roadblocks.
This line includes a plan to identify regulatory obstacles that prevent unused buildings from being put to residential use.
Q COSTARICA — When Rüdiger and Manuela Schickhaus decided to leave Europe, they weren’t looking for adventure or risk. After decades of work and a stable life in Germany and Austria, they wanted a quiet retirement, surrounded by nature, the sea, and their four dogs.
Their chosen destination was Quepos, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, a country they described on their personal blog as the place where they could build a new life.
But there was an unexpected twist.
On Monday, September 22, 2025, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) reported the discovery of their bodies buried in the garden of their home. Both had been shot. What was supposed to be a refuge ended up becoming the scene of their violent deaths.
A life of work and reinvention
Rüdiger, born in Germany in 1965, initially pursued a military career, reaching the rank of second lieutenant, as he described on his social media. He then reinvented himself in the IT world, working at companies such as Compaq, INFORMIX, IBM, and later Cloudera, where he specialized in big data, security, and data governance. According to his professional profile, he also gave technical talks and was considered an expert in manufacturing and the Internet of Things.
Manuela, 57, from Bischofshofen, Salzburg, Austria, shared his love of animals and a quiet life. They had been a couple since 2015. Their dogs—Shaba, Bella, Brian, and Lucky—were an essential part of their family, so much so that, as they explained on their blog, any retirement plan had to include space and conditions for them: “There are six of us,” they wrote in a recently published blog.
Rüdiger also held fundraising events for shelters in Germany on several occasions. The couple married in 2015.
The Road to Costa Rica
In 2021, they began searching for a retirement destination. They first explored southern Italy, but “we were sure it wouldn’t be our retirement home,” Rüdiger wrote on the blog. They also considered Mexico and Panama. Mexico was ruled out for safety reasons, and Panama because it didn’t meet their expectations. They ultimately chose Costa Rica for its tropical climate, biodiversity, and image of a safe and stable country.
They sold properties in Munich and Burgenland, Austria, and moved to the central Pacific. In May 2022, they purchased a large property in Quepos, which they named “UFO House” for its unique design. There, they enjoyed scuba diving, paddleboarding, and a tropical garden that served as a refuge. On social media and expat forums, they shared their excitement at having found “the ideal place.”
Unexpected Violence
On September 22, Costa Rican authorities found their bodies bound and buried in bags on the grounds of the house. There were traces of blood in several rooms and signs of an attempted cleanup. The police investigation points to a violent assault as the main hypothesis.
The crime shocked the local community.
In Austrian and German media, the news was echoed with disbelieving headlines: a couple who left everything behind in search of peace in the tropics died as victims of the violence they were trying to avoid.
Their dogs, which survived the attack, were left in the care of relatives.
The Interrupted Dream
On his blog, Rüdiger had said that after 38 years of career, he was wondering if this was the future he wanted: “I started to think, is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?” The answer led them to sell everything and start over.
Costa Rica was their life’s project: nature, the sea, and time to spend with their dogs. The very house they designed as a refuge ended up being their tomb.
Q24N — The United States revoked Gustavo Petro’s visa following his protest in New York, accusing him of incitement and “incendiary” actions.
The U.S. State Department, led by former senator Marco Rubio, announced on Friday through social media, the revocation of Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa after he participated in a protest in New York in support of Palestine.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the institution said: “Earlier today, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stood on a New York street and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders and incite violence. We will revoke his visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions.”
Earlier today, Colombian president @petrogustavo stood on a NYC street and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders and incite violence.
We will revoke Petro’s visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions.
According to El País.com, Petro took to the streets of Manhattan after his speech at the United Nations General Assembly and called on U.S. soldiers to “not point their rifles at humanity” and to “disobey Trump’s order, obey humanity’s order.”
According to the news site Infobae, at the UN, the Petro proposed the creation of a “World Salvation Army” as an international mechanism to liberate Palestine. He also added that “millions of men and women from around the world should decide to form the first detachments,” with the goal of silencing “the voice of Trump and the voice of Netanyahu.”
The decision by Washington, which has been Israel’s main political and military supporter, marks a new clash with the Petro administration. El País emphasized that the measure opens an unprecedented diplomatic crisis between Colombia and the United States.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York on Friday. Photo: REUTERS
The Colombian president was returning to Bogotá when the news broke. His Interior Minister, Armando Benedetti, was the first in his Cabinet to speak out. “The only one whose visa should have been revoked was Netanyahu,” he also stated on social media. “But since the empire protects him, they’re taking it out on the only president who was capable of telling him the truth to his face.”
Earlier this month, Colombia lost its certification as an allied country in the war on drugs, a move the United States government announced was due “exclusively to his (Petro’s) political leadership.” The US government has maintained channels of communication with other Colombian politicians and businessmen, in addition to continuing a strategic military alliance between the two armies, but has made it clear that it does not accept the Colombian president’s style of leadership.
Revoking Petro’s visa without imposing sanctions on the country is another way of sending the same message. Although Petro also has an Italian passport, with which he could enter the United States, the State Department could deny him entry if it maintains its firm position to exclude him from US territory.
Q COSTARICA — Karen Olsen Beck, who once served as Costa Rica’s first lady, passed away on Thursday, September 25, at 95 years old, the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) confirmed.
She was married to former President José Figueres Ferrer and was the mother of José María Figueres Olsen, who served as president from 1994 to 1998.
Born in New York on January 31, 1930, Karen pursued architecture, earned a bachelor’s degree in social service, completed a master’s in sociology, and undertook pre-doctoral studies.
Karen was the mother of four children: José María, Karen Christiana, Mariano, and Kirsten. Mariano, who once led the Dirección De Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS), died on September 25, 2019, and Kirsten passed away on December 15, 2023.
Between 1990 and 1994, she served as a legislator for the PLN. Later, during her son José Maria’s administration, she was named presidential advisor and represented Costa Rica as a diplomat in various international forums.
Karen Olsen also held the post of Costa Rica’s ambassador to Israel.
Throughout her time as first lady, she was actively involved in numerous philanthropic efforts.
Her wake will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jardines del Recuerdo funeral home in Los Yoses. The funeral service is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. at Curridabat Church.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica is gearing up to host the NASA Space Apps Challenge, an event backed by NASA and its international partners. Scheduled for October 3rd through 5th, the challenge aims to bring in 300 participants, with a goal that at least half of them are women.
Registration is open to everyone—students, professionals, or anyone eager to tackle NASA’s challenges—and it’s completely free. You don’t need any special background to join. Just be sure to sign up by October 4th.
Over a 48-hour period, teams will dive into projects tied to NASA’s missions. These span topics like climate change, space exploration, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analysis.
The kickoff will be virtual on Friday, October 3rd. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, participants will meet in person at Fidélitas University in San José and Lincoln School in Heredia.
The Fidélitas sessions are for adults only, while Lincoln School will welcome kids to explore the same themes.
Lincoln School’s Tech Week aims to bust the myth that technology is only for experts. Through workshops and talks designed for different age groups, students will build skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
“Programming and AI aren’t out of reach—they’re tools our students can use to learn, create, and contribute,” says Carolyn Hernández, coordinator of Tech Week.
Throughout the weekend, more than 30 mentors will support the teams. A national jury will judge the projects based on impact, creativity, feasibility, prototypes, and how clearly ideas are presented.
The top five teams will score scholarships for courses and get a chance to showcase their work across Latin America’s networking platforms. Plus, two or three teams will represent Costa Rica in NASA’s global evaluation.
This edition of the Space Apps Challenge hopes to spark curiosity in a new generation and link Costa Rican talent to the worldwide scientific innovation community.
Q COSTARICA — Under the guidance of Mayor Diego Miranda, the Municipality of San José got the green light from the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) – Ministry of Public Works and Transportation – to spruce up Avenida Segunda.
This project aims to modernize and beautify one of the city’s most iconic avenidas (avenues), giving it a fresh new vibe with the widening of the sidewalks, adding extra lighting, and planting trees to make the area look better and feel more welcoming.
The goal is to make the city of San José a more beautiful place. This is a modernization and beautification project that seeks to transform one of the capital’s most iconic corridors.
The initiative already includes micro and macro technical studies and construction plans.
“All of these improvements will ensure a more pleasant urban appearance and landscape for the capital, improving vehicular traffic and mobility, as well as attracting tourists. It’s false that two lanes will be closed,” clarified Jordan Vargas, Service Provision Manager for the Municipality of San José.
Following traffic analyses, it was determined that it is possible to widen the sidewalks up to 2.5 meters (8 feet), ensuring universal accessibility, improve lighting with more efficient technology, plant trees along the entire avenue, and even build a linear park in front of the National Museum.
The Improvements
The studies revealed that the road currently has structural problems and does not comply with Law 7600 on accessibility. Furthermore, the lack of street lighting creates a feeling of insecurity, and hot spots reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius have been detected in certain sections.
Another finding is the irregular use of two lanes, with trucks unloading merchandise in unauthorized places and at unauthorized times, and unauthorized bus stops, which hinder vehicular traffic.
The Municipality of San José will allocate more than ¢1.475 billion colones to transform the 1.8 kilometers of Avenida Segunda between Calles 14 and 21.
Q COSTARICA — With the publication of a new law in the official gazette, La Gaceta, self-employed workers in Costa Rica will pay less income tax starting in January 2026.
This is a reduction in the income tax brackets for lower-income workers, and was promoted by the Frente Amplio party.
The new legislation establishes these new parameters, according to Grant Thornton:
Incomes up to ¢6,244,000 colones annually will not be subject to income tax
On incomes exceeding ¢6,244,000 colones annually and up to ¢8,329,000 colones per year, a 10% tax rate will apply
On incomes exceeding ¢8,329,000 colones annually and up to ¢10,414,000 colones annually, a 15% tax will apply
On income exceeding ¢10,414,000 colones annually and up to ¢20,872,000 colones a 20% tax rate will apply
On incomes exceeding ¢20,872,000 colones annually, a 25% tax rate will apply
In Costa Rica, self-employed workers navigate a tax system that requires them to manage their own income reporting and contributions, unlike salaried employees whose taxes are typically withheld by employers.
Being self-employed in Costa Rica means taking on the responsibility of managing taxes independently, understanding the income tax structure, the Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA) – a value-added tax requirement – social security contributions, and filing deadlines, while staying compliant and optimizing financial outcomes.
Self-employed individuals in Costa Rica must register with the tax authorities (Dirección General de Tributación) and file an annual income tax return.
Many self-employed workers face challenges in tax compliance due to the complexity of the system and the need for diligent record-keeping. Seeking professional advice or using accounting services can help navigate these obligations effectively.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica maintains a 30% corporate income tax rate, one of the highest in the world, according to the latest data from the Tax Foundation, an independent research center based in Washington, D.C.
The country ranks above the global average (23.5%) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average (23.8%).
This means that companies operating in the country face a higher tax burden than developed economies such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, New Zealand, and France, which apply more moderate taxes to their corporations.
In parallel, the Ministerio de Hacienda (Ministry of Finance) has strengthened tax controls this year by strengthening electronic invoicing, increasing oversight of SINPE Móvil, developing the TRIBU-CR platform, and automatically exchanging financial information with international digital platforms.
For tax attorney Gabriel Zamora Baudrit, the combination of increased oversight and a lack of tax relief creates a structural problem: “This means that Costa Rica is not only viewed as an expensive country to invest in, but also as a tax system that does not encourage business formality.”
The specialist added that the lack of incentives limits competitiveness, encourages evasion, and hinders the reinvestment of profits in job creation and economic growth.
Zamora also warns that if the country continues with a high-tax model, it runs the risk of widening its competitiveness gap and losing attractiveness compared to nations that currently lead in key sectors such as technology, services, and advanced manufacturing.
Q COSTARICA — Minutes before 11:00 am, the announcement came over the loudspeakers at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): the radar issue at the control tower has been fixed, and flights will slowly start getting back on track.
Aeris, the company that runs the San José airport, posted on social media advising passengers to reach out to their airlines for details on any flight changes.
The same is occurring at the Guanacaste Airport.
What happened?
Just after 6 a.m. this Wednesday morning, Costa Rica’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced that the country’s airspace was closed.
They confirmed an electrical failure had taken out the radar at Santamaría, which knocked out control over the entire airspace — including the Guanacaste Airport in Liberia.
As a result, dozens of flights heading in and out of Costa Rica’s two international airports were delayed, canceled, or rerouted.
Controllers had already warned about recurring radar failures on the Juan Santamaría
The Union of Professional Approach Controllers of Costa Rica (SIPROC) has released a statement about the airspace closure, calling the situation “critical” and warning that it threatens the safety of the country’s national airspace.
SIPROC explained that since June, they’ve met with Efraim Zeledón Leiva, Minister of Public Works and Transportation(MOPT), and Marcos Castillo Masís, Director of Civil Aviation, to raise concerns about persistent problems with the airport’s radar and communications systems.
The controllers say they warned these issues might cause a complete system failure—like the blackout that happened on the morning of Wednesday, September 24, which was fixed by 10:54 a.m.
“Safety is non-negotiable!” the union declared, criticizing authorities for ignoring their warnings. They say they can no longer work under conditions that put operational safety and lives at risk.
“This situation can’t go on. It demands an immediate and responsible response from those in charge,” the statement concludes.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica closed its airspace on September 24, leading to major flight delays and cancellations. The shutdown began around 6:20 a.m. and is expected to last until noon at both Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose (SJO) and Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR).
Officials say the disruption stems from an electrical failure in the country’s air radar system.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and consider alternative travel plans, leaving many passengers stranded and flights delayed or canceled.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed Wednesday morning that the national radar system was down due to a power failure. The failure forced the temporary suspension of flight departures and arrivals in Costa Rica’s airspace.
Screen capture from FlightRadar24.com at 7:45am
The situation has resulted in aircraft being unable to land or take off. Some incoming flights are being diverted to alternate airports outside the country, such as Guatemala or Panama.
“Guanacaste Airport reports that, following instructions from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the national airspace is closed this Wednesday, September 24, from 6:19 am to 12 noon, local time.
Users are reporting on social media that the waiting rooms and boarding areas have become crowded, while airlines recommend travelers check their official apps for rescheduled times.
Although the Director of Civil Aviation, Marco Castillo, confirmed the emergency, it has not yet been specified how long it will take to restore the system. The institution maintains technical personnel addressing the outage.
Civil Aviation indicated that it will continue to provide information on the progress of the work and asked passengers to remain attentive to the airlines’ official channels.
The press department of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) confirmed to the outage but did not provide details, only that terminal staff are currently working to resolve the issue, and as a precautionary measure, operations have been suspended: no flights are allowed to enter or depart.
Q COSTARICA — First, Costa Rica reaffirms its leadership in meetings tourism with a new brand that combines sustainability, innovation, and hospitality. Furthermore, the Costa Rica Convention Bureau seeks to position the country as a regional benchmark for congresses, conventions, trade shows, and incentive travel.
The proposal is summarized in a clear concept: “Costa Rica: Where nature, innovation, and hospitality create unforgettable events.”
“This change is not only aesthetic, but strategic; it projects Costa Rica as a modern and inspiring destination,” says Tatiana Orozco, Executive Director.
According to the 2024 ICCA ranking, Costa Rica ranks eighth in Latin America among destinations with the most international meetings.
Likewise, the Bureau recognizes the challenges of differentiating the country from regional competitors and opts for a more modern visual identity.
In this sense, the branding strategy reflects the values of innovation, sustainability, and service excellence, essential qualities in meetings tourism.
“We want each event to be a transformative experience that connects participants with the essence of Costa Rica,” he emphasized.
Likewise, the MICE sector (a segment of the tourism industry focused on business and professional events, encompassing meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) contributes a significant economic impact by attracting international congresses and conventions to the country.
In this way, the new brand emphasizes attributes such as strategic connectivity, quality of life, and hospitality, elements that boost national competitiveness.
Finally, the visual identity is inspired by Costa Rica’s biodiversity, incorporating leaves, birds, and tropical colors with a contemporary graphic style.
Thus, Costa Rica projects itself to the world with a renewed approach that combines natural authenticity and a modern vision for meeting tourism.
Q COSTARICA — The Florida Ice and Farm Company S.A. (FIFCO) announced this Monday, the signing of a binding agreement with HEINEKEN N.V. to sell the remaining 75% stake in Distribuidora La Florida S.A., a company in which the multinational brewer already owns a 25% stake.
With this transaction, HEINEKEN will assume full ownership of a multi-category portfolio, including Costa Rica’s iconic century-old national beer Imperial and a major soft drink business with own brands and PepsiCo bottling licence and retail operations in Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, as well as the beverage business in Mexico, in addition to stakes in companies in Nicaragua and Panama.
The transaction will strengthen HEINEKEN’s position across attractive Central American growth markets, which have large and expanding profit pools and include assets of high strategic value: the entirety of FIFCO México S.A., focused on ready-to-drink beverages; 75% of Nicaraguan Brewing Holding (NBH) S.A., which in turn owns 49.85% of Inversiones Cerveceras Centroamericanas S.A. (INCECA), the parent company of Compañía Cervecera de Nicaragua; and 25% in Cervecería Panamá S.A., HEINEKEN’s operating company in that country.
The sale also includes iconic divisions such as the Musmanni bakery franchise and the MUSI convenience store chain.
Total cash consideration paid for the equity stakes acquired by HEINEKEN will be approximately US$3.25 billion, implying an acquisition multiple of 11.6x EV/EBITDA based on 2024 results.
The transaction is subject to FIFCO shareholder and regulatory approvals. The deal has been approved unanimously by the board of directors of FIFCO, which includes representatives of FIFCO’s key shareholders. Completion is expected in H1 2026.
In the deal, FIFCO will retain other business lines, including its hospitality division, real estate developments, and its stake in Empresas COMEGUA S.A., a glass producer.
FIFCO also maintains its status as an authorized issuer on the Bolsa Nacional de Valores de Costa Rica (National Stock Exchange of Costa Rica), reaffirming its commitment to transparency and generating value for its shareholders.
Wilhelm Steinvorth, Chairman of the Board of Directors of FIFCO, emphasized that the agreement honors the company’s history and strengthens its alliance with HEINEKEN, which has spanned more than 23 years.
“Today we are proud to take this step forward with an admired company that respects our cultural identity and offers a global platform for our iconic brands—like Imperial—to thrive and evolve,” he stated.
“Today marks a transformative milestone for HEINEKEN as we join forces with FIFCO to unlock new growth opportunities. By integrating FIFCO’s iconic brands, deep market expertise, and exemplary sustainability credentials, we are accelerating our EverGreen strategy and entering new profit pools across Central America.
“This partnership is grounded in decades of shared values and trust, providing a robust foundation for long-term value creation. I am excited to welcome FIFCO’s talented team, and am confident that our shared strengths – HEINEKEN’s global best practices and FIFCO’s unmatched local knowhow – will drive excellence and deliver exceptional growth for our employees, customers, and stakeholders throughout the region,” stated Dolf van den Brink, HEINEKEN Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer.
The relationship with HEINEKEN has been marked by shared values, strategic alignment, and a mutual commitment to sustainability. The Dutch brewer’s global scale opens the door to greater innovation, the adoption of world-class practices, and the preservation of FIFCO’s legacy in Central America and Mexico.
“This is a significant step for our communities, our economy, and the Central American region as a whole,” added Steinvorth.
The closing of the transaction will depend on the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities. FIFCO’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction and will recommend its favorable vote to shareholders. If the process progresses as planned, the sale will be completed in the first half of 2026.
During the transition period, FIFCO has assured that it will maintain operational continuity for employees, customers, partners, and suppliers.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly rejected the lifting of the immunity of President Rodrigo Chávez on Monday, September 22nd. The motion received 34 votes in favor and 21 against, with no abstentions and two legislators absent.
The Legislative Plenary held the vote after the case was brought up for discussion, following a request from the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalia). The accusation had already been reviewed by the Third Chamber and the Supreme Court of Justice.
Next, it was presented to the Legislative Assembly, where a Special Commission examined the issue of lifting immunity and, by a majority, recommended it to the Plenary. To actually lift the immunity, at least 38 votes—a qualified majority—were needed.
“There are insufficient grounds to proceed with lifting the immunity of President Rodrigo Alberto de Jesús Chávez Robles,” said the speaker of Congress, Rodrigo Arias, after the vote.
Divided Caucuses and Close Result
The votes in favor came mainly from the Partido Liberacioni Nacional (PLN), Frente Amplio (FA), Liberal Progresista Party, and independent legislators. Among those voting in favor were Jonathan Acuña, Eliécer Feinzaig, Kattia Rivera, Daniela Rojas, Priscilla Vindas, and Óscar Izquierdo.
On the other hand, figures such as ruling party member Ada Acuña, Pilar Cisneros, and the rest of the government faction voted against. Also voting against were Fabricio Alvarado, Jorge Rojas, José Pablo Sibaja, Rosalía Brown, and Paola Nájera, among others.
In general, the ruling party, the entire Neuva República, and an internal division within the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) caucus.
Carolina Delgado of the PLN was the only party member who rejected the lifting of immunity; her decision was held in abeyance until the last minute. She was the last of the entire Plenary to register her electronic vote.
Some legislators reported pressure to vote against. The ruling party questioned these statements and provided no evidence.
This is the complete list of votes of the 55 (of the 57) legislators present:
Absent from the vote were independent legislators Cynthia Córdoba (out of the country) and Luis Diego Vargas, also a legislator who broke away from the PLP and is now a vice presidential candidate with the Unidos Podemos party. Vargas withdrew from the session later in the afternoon.
Majority Not Reached Halts the Judicial Process
Congress has blocked any judicial action against the president while he’s still in office. By denying the waiver of immunity, the court can’t move forward with the case for now.
Attorney General Carlo Díaz made it clear that the investigation into President Rodrigo Chaves is still ongoing.
“Tonight, 21 lawmakers voted against lifting the president’s immunity, while 34 supported it. But 38 votes were needed to remove that protection. Until the president leaves office, criminal proceedings can’t proceed without approval.
“The investigation isn’t over, and the criminal case hasn’t been dropped; it will keep going once the President’s immunity ends and the case can move forward through the normal legal process,” Díaz explained.
Díaz expressed respect for the decision taken by the legislators and took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to objectivity and independence. It’s important to remember that the Attorney General is the one who asked the Supreme Court to forward the request to lift Chaves’s immunity to the Legislative Assembly.
On July 1, the Court approved the request with 15 justices and 7 against. A special commission was then established in Congress to study the issue.
Until May 9?
Chaves won’t face trial for the alleged bribery until May 9, 2026.
In the meantime, Laura Fernández, the presidential candidate for Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO)—a party seen as continuing the “Chavismo” legacy—promised to do everything in her power to appoint Chaves as Ministro de la Presidencia (Chief of Staff), if elected in the February 2026 elections.
In this way, on May 8, after stepping down as President at high noon, Chaves would be later in the day sworn in as a Minister in Fernández’s government, securing an additional four years of immunity as long as he stays by Fernández’s side throughout the term.
Top officials of the supreme powers are protected from legal action while they hold office.
Q COSTARICA — Should President Rodrigo Chaves lose his immunity? That’s the big question facing Costa Rica’s legislators this Monday, starting at 2 p.m., when they’ll hold a historic session to debate and decide.
The controversy centers on the Attorney General’s Office charging the president with bribery. They say he pressured audiovisual producer Christian Bulgarelli to hand over US$32,000 to Federico Cruz, aka “Choreco,” from the payment Bulgarelli was supposed to get through a contract with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI).
A few weeks back, the Special Legislative Commission looked into the matter and recommended lifting Chaves’ immunity by majority vote. But in the end, all the legislators will have a final say.
To strip Chaves of his immunity, at least 38 of the 57 legislators have to vote in favor—and right now, that doesn’t seem like a sure thing.
Most legislators have said they won’t announce their decision until Monday, right when the vote takes place.
So far, the count for lifting immunity sits around 34 votes, possibly climbing to 36. Some members of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), which holds the largest number of legislators, have already said they’ll back it—people like Rodrigo Arias (president of the legislature) and Danny Vargas.
At a caucus meeting last Tuesday, where 14 of the 18 PLN legislators showed up, everyone voiced their support. Out of the four who weren’t there, at least three are expected to fall in line with the group, leaving maybe one who might vote against it—but nothing’s set in stone yet.
In favor
In addition to the 14 votes from the PLN, there are six from the Frente Amplio (FA) faction, which has already announced its support for the report recommending the removal of Chaves’ immunity.
Rocío Alfaro, a representative of the Frente Amplio and member of the Special Commission, said they reviewed the legal arguments, the facts, and the evidence in the file. They all agreed there’s enough reason for the case to move forward in court.
The five independent legislators—Kattia Cambronero, Johana Obando, Gloria Navas, Cynthia Córdoba, and María Marta Padilla—will also be included. Even though Padilla first asked to be excused, she’s now confirmed she’ll be attending after all.
“This is a historic issue, a very serious one, and I will vote affirmatively. I would not want my name, Gloria Navas, a representative, to go down in the annals of the Legislative Assembly if I did not vote in favor of lifting this immunity,” Navas said.
Two legislators of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will be included in favor.
The divided faction of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC), with 9 legislators, is now part of the equation. Even though the presidential candidate, party leaders, and the National Assembly urged support, only four votes were confirmed in favor before the session began.
So far, Vanessa Castro is the only one who has publicly announced her vote in favor.
Against
At present, the ruling party, the Partido Progreso Social Democrático (PPSD), led by Pilar Cisneros, holds eight (of its nine) votes opposing the removal of the president’s immunity.
Cisneros admitted she’s been in talks with several legislators and has convinced some to reconsider their stance.
“Since entering politics, I’ve learned that nothing is certain except what happened yesterday. I’m not acting recklessly; many legislators seem to think there’s no solid case,” she said.
“Many have expressed serious doubts, so I’m hopeful the vote will lean toward maintaining immunity,” she added, noting she’s already made quite a few legislators question their position.
Cisneros said several have told her they plan to vote against stripping the president’s immunity, but declined to name them.
“Some have told me they won’t support it, but I won’t share names; others remain hesitant, and some won’t reveal their vote until the 22nd,” she explained.
Likely opponents include the six Nueva República faction, three PUSC legislators — Leslye Bojorges, Carlos Andrés Robles, and Melina Ajoy — plus independents Gilberth Jiménez and Luis Diego Vargas.
They may be joined by Joaquín Hernández and Luz Mary Alpízar from Progreso, though both say they won’t make up their minds until today.
Five hours
The legislative session will begin at 2 pm and run until 7 pm.
It starts with the reading of the majority report, which was approved by Andrea Álvarez from the PLN and Rocío Alfaro from the Frente Amplio. Right after that, those two, plus Daniel Vargas—the other legislative member—will each get 10 minutes to share their views.
Rodrigo Chaves was invited and offered 30 minutes to defend himself, but he chose not to attend.
Once the reports wrap up, the formal debate will open.
Every faction and independent legislator gets a chance to speak. Lawmakers without a party group have up to 4 minutes each. Since there are 7 of them, that adds up to 28 minutes.
Next, the PLN—being the largest in Congress—gets 76 minutes, or just over an hour. The PUSC and the ruling faction share 38 minutes, while the Frente Amplio and Nueva República together have up to 25 minutes.
Lastly, the Partido Liberal Progresista, with only two members, gets 9 minutes to speak.
If everyone uses their full time, voting will start about 5 minutes before 7 pm.
Calls from Casa Presidencial Spark Pressure Before Vote
Just days before the vote, five legislators told CR Hoy they received calls on Thursday, September 18, from Casa Presidencial. The purpose? To push them into switching their stance on lifting the president’s immunity.
Sources say the calls came during the morning hours of that day. Those who spoke described the tone as heavy with pressure—some even called it threatening—aimed at swaying their votes.
None of the legislators were willing to say who exactly placed the calls.
In Costa Rica, where tourism and technology increasingly shape daily life, the issue of loose cables often slips under the radar. But ignoring these seemingly minor hazards can lead to serious consequences, from safety risks to costly repairs and service interruptions.
Whether tangled wires in busy urban centers or neglected cables in remote areas, overlooking this problem not only threatens infrastructure but also impacts public welfare and economic stability.
Understanding the true cost of neglecting loose cables reveals why attention and action are overdue in this vibrant country.
Neglected infrastructure doesn’t just mar the look of our towns and neighborhoods; it also poses real risks to both animals and people.
As demand for TV and internet services keeps climbing, our poles have become overloaded with a mess of cables. This tangle isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a hazard waiting to happen.
Trucks, strong winds, and other everyday events can damage these crowded lines, leaving broken or hanging cables behind. These abandoned wires aren’t just annoying; they often dangle dangerously close to the ground, putting pedestrians at risk. On a single pole, you’ll find everything from low-voltage cables to those carrying thousands of volts.
Loose cables might look harmless, but they can be deadly traps.
Most cables, even fiber optics, have metal wires inside so they can be strung up on poles. If these metal parts touch live electrical lines, anyone—or any animal—who comes into contact could be seriously hurt. On top of that, the clutter of wires has led to accidents involving wildlife, harming creatures like monkeys and sloths in rural areas and squirrels and birds in the city.
We’re already taking steps near natural parks to reduce these dangers, but it’s just as urgent to do the same in urban neighborhoods.
Fixing this won’t be cheap or easy, but it’s necessary. Clearing out unused cables, pushing forward with underground wiring projects despite their cost, and adding protective covers to keep animals off poles are all important moves.
It’ll take teamwork between utility companies and local governments to make sure our electrical system grows without putting people and wildlife in harm’s way.
