The new face of fraud: Scams that most worry Costa Ricans

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23 January 2026

Q24N (EFE) Between January 1 and 18, 2026, 577 undocumented migrants arrived in Panama, traveling back to South America after their plans to settle in the United States were thwarted.

Under Donald Trump’s second presidency, the U.S. has launched a campaign of mass deportations as part of a tightening of its immigration policy.

Panamanian immigration authorities informed EFE that as of last Sunday, 555 Venezuelans, seven Colombians, three Ecuadorians, three Americans, and nine citizens of non-continental countries had arrived in the country.

Most came from Mexico, where they were stranded after being unable to cross the U.S. border due to increased security measures.

In Panama, they arrive primarily in Miramar, a town on the Caribbean coast, where they board boats to reach the community of Puerto Obaldía, in the Darién jungle province, bordering Colombia. From there, they travel by sea to the Colombian town of Necoclí.

The total number of migrants in the reverse flow who arrived in Panama in 2025 was 22,833, of whom more than 90% were Venezuelan, followed by Colombians, Peruvians, and Ecuadorians.

This reverse journey, from north to south, reflects the end of the migration crisis that ravaged the Darién region starting in 2021, primarily driven by Venezuelans fleeing the widespread crisis in their country.

“Irregular crossings through Darién plummeted from 302,203 in 2024 to just 3,091 this year (2025), a 99% reduction,” the Ministry of Public Security reported on December 31.

The worst year of the crisis was 2023, when 520,085 irregular migrants, the vast majority Venezuelans, crossed the jungle, far exceeding the 248,283 in 2022 and the 133,726 in 2021, according to official figures.

The drastic drop in migration flows to North America is attributed to the Trump administration’s harsh immigration policies, based on mass deportations and severe internal restrictions for this population, in addition to Panamanian measures such as the closure of roads in the Darién jungle.

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Almost one third of voters feel there is “no political campaign”

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23 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — The 2026 election campaign has mirrored the weather in Costa Rica in recent days, where it sometimes heats up, but the reality is that the cold hasn’t completely disappeared, according to the Center for Political Research and Studies (CIEP) at the University of Costa Rica (UCR).

In fact, 56.3% of voters consider the political contest to be cold, combining those who think it’s less intense than four years ago (26.8%) and those who feel there hasn’t been a campaign at all (29.5%).

On the other hand, in recent weeks, there has been an increase in political conversations within families or with friends (59.6%), but conflicts arising from this have only affected 13.2% of those interviewed.

The survey conducted in mid-January highlights that undecided voters dropped from 45% to 32%.

With these numbers, it is likely that voter abstention in Costa Rica will increase or, at least, remain the same as four years ago.

“This survey tells us that there is a possibility that Costa Rica will register even higher abstention than four years ago, when only 40% of registered voters cast their ballots; likewise, a percentage of voters feel that this election has barely registered,” said Rónald Alfaro, coordinator of the CIEP at the University of Costa Rica.

On the other hand, the ruling party — Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) — candidate, Laura Fernández, is already close to a first-round victory, according to the CIEP (Center for Economic and Budgetary Research).

The ruling party candidate’s support among those who decided to vote rose from 30% to 40% between December and January.

This data is significant considering that to win in the first round, a candidate must garner at least 40% of the valid votes. Therefore, with the election just days away, Fernández’s biggest challenge will be getting her supporters to the polls.

This also means that the candidate has eight times more support than her closest rival, Álvaro Ramos of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN).

As for undecided voters, a 13-percentage-point decrease is reported, dropping from 45% in December to 32% in January.

The UCR surveyed voters about the presence or absence of conflicts or arguments with family members or friends for political reasons during this election campaign. These were the results (Figures in percentage, according to the UCR’s Center for Political and Economic Research):

Increased conversation about politics among family or friends: 59.6% said yes, 40.4% said no
Emergence of conflicts among family or friends for political reasons 13.2% said yes, 86.6% said no

The CIEP survey of the UCR was conducted through 1,006 interviews via cell phone, between Monday, January 12 and Thursday, January 15, after the debates of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).

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Barranca-Limonal expansion will be completed by the end of 2027

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22 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — After three loooong years of inactivity and unimaginable disruption to commerce, tourism, and the residents of the area, the expansion of the 49-kilometer Barranca-Limonal section finally resumed on Wednesday.

The expectation is that the four-lane expansion will be completed by the end of 2027.

The construction contracts have a maximum term of 24 months and also include the rehabilitation of the sections of the Interamericana or Ruta 1, as well as bridges, interchanges, and pedestrian overpasses, among other works.

The first section of the project, spanning 25 kilometers between Barranca and San Gerardo de Chomes, will be carried out by the Ruta Uno consortium, comprising Bell Ingeniería and La Estrella. Meanwhile, MECO will be responsible for the second section, which is the remaining 23 kilometers between San Gerardo and Limonal.

The contracts were awarded for US$121 million and US$141 million, respectively.

The project was abandoned in 2022 by the Chaves administration after a disagreement between the government and the construction consortium, as progress was stalled due to expropriation issues and a lack of designs.

The expansion would reduce travel time between Barranca and Limonal by one hour, making the 210 kilometers drive time from San Jose to Liberia that currently between 3.5 and 5 hours, depending on the best time to travel, to about 2.5 hours.

The first section requires the construction of 7 vehicular bridges, 5 U-turns, 3 interchanges, 5 pedestrian bridges, and 24 wildlife crossings. The second section includes 4 vehicular bridges, 4 U-turns, 3 interchanges, 5 pedestrian bridges, and 21 wildlife crossings.

President Rodrigo Chaves acknowledged that the delay in this project resulted in a cost increase of US$112 million.

“We were years behind schedule. We tried to save the people that money and time, and yet, in the Legislative Assembly, they judge me and even accuse me, and you know what? I would do it all again, because we acted with integrity for the people; let them keep talking nonsense,” said President Rodrigo Chaves in announcing the resumption of the road project at the weekly press conference on Wednesday.

At the press conference, Chaves repeatedly blamed the company H Solís for abandoning this expansion project, but failed to mention that Estrella was also involved in the initial attempt and is now participating again.

Estrella was part of the failed contract along with H Solís, and received US$14 million from the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT) after the termination of the previous contract.

“The amounts paid to the contractor corresponded solely to properly executed works, prefabricated materials and structural elements, duly justified and substantiated administrative costs, and value engineering,” explained MOPT Minister Efraím Zeledón.

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New fuel prices in effect today

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22 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — The new fuel prices took effect at 12:01 am this Thursday, January 22, following their publication in the official gazette, La Gaceta.

The new rates at service stations are as follows:

Super gasoline: ¢636 per liter, a decrease of ¢23 per liter
Regular gasoline: ¢609 per liter, a decrease of ¢3 per liter
Diesel: ¢541 per liter, a decrease of ¢8 per liter

Meanwhile, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) increased by ¢2, reaching ¢245 per liter.

These changes are in effect following approval by the Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep).

The Refinería Costarricense de Petróleo (Recope) – the Costa Rican refinery that refines nothing- projects that fuel prices will remain stable this year, following a similar trajectory to that of 2025.

The main reason for this forecast is that international prices, on which Costa Rica depends as an importer, are also showing signs of equilibrium.

Currently, the international price of a barrel of oil remains close to US$60, a similar amount to where it closed in 2015.

According to Karla Montero, Recope CEO, the international market is seeking to compensate for some instabilities. Despite certain geopolitical conflicts, these will only affect the international price if they are widespread and have a significant impact.

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Risk of collapse forces closure of Poás Volcano National Park for five days

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22 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — The Poás Volcano National Park will be temporarily closed until Sunday, due to the imminent risk of collapse of an access bridge.

The structure is located over the Quebrada Tigre ravine in Poasito de Poás, on National Route 120, the main access road to the park.

A field study by the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation determined significant damage that compromises the safety of vehicular traffic.

The preventative closure will remain in effect until Sunday, January 25, while mitigation work is carried out and a temporary solution is being developed.

A single-lane Bailey-type modular metal bridge will replace the current structure, while work continues to install a new bridge within the next four weeks.

As a temporary alternate route, the well-known “old Poás road,” a local road, that includes a section of National Route 146, passing through the area known as Freddo Fresas, provides access. However, this road is only suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles due to its steep inclines, sharp curves, and limited width.

The detour includes a section of National Route 146, passing through the area known as Freddo Fresas.

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Why vote? The government always gets in.

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21 January 2026

RICO’s Q — In the grand theater of democracy, where every citizen is supposedly a star player, there’s a little secret no one talks about: the government always gets in. So, why bother voting?

Let’s face it. Election season rolls around, and millions of hopeful voters line up like it’s Black Friday at the polling stations. They fill out their ballots with all the seriousness of a Netflix binge. Yet, when the dust settles, the same players—those charming politicians with their polished smiles and well-rehearsed promises—walk onto the stage, triumphant as ever. It’s like the government’s got a cheat code no one else knows about.

Some say voting is the cornerstone of freedom, the sacred way we choose who gets to decide what color the national flag should be, or how much tax we’ll pay to keep the streetlights on. But if every election ends with the government holding the trophy, doesn’t that make voting more of a ceremonial dance? Like applauding after a magic trick, knowing full well the rabbit’s already in the hat.

Of course, there’s the argument that every vote counts, that democracy is a beautiful chaos of voices. Yet, when your carefully chosen candidate vanishes into the abyss of political spin, and policies stay stubbornly unchanged, it’s hard not to wonder if your vote was just a polite nod to tradition. The government’s script rarely flips, no matter how many actors audition.

And let’s not forget the thrill of the electoral circus—the debates, the scandals, the promises as shiny and fleeting as a soap bubble. It keeps the audience entertained, distracted from the real plot twist: the government’s unwavering grip on power. Every four years, the show resets, and the government’s lead role remains unchallenged, as predictable as the sunrise.

So, why vote if the government always gets in? Maybe because it’s less about changing the ending and more about pretending the story could be different. It’s a bit like cheering for your favorite sports team, even when you know they’ll lose—because hope, after all, is the best kind of entertainment.

In the end, voting might be less about deciding who governs and more about keeping the government’s winning streak interesting. Because if there’s one thing democracy loves, it’s a good show—even if the script never changes.

“Why vote? The government always gets in.”

The saying “Why vote, the government always gets in” captures a common frustration—that elections don’t really change anything because the same powers stay in control no matter what. This often comes down to a strong bureaucracy or the system’s resistance to change.

Still, voting matters. It’s how we select our leaders, shape policies on issues like funding and social programs, hold officials accountable, and ensure our community’s voice is heard—even if real change takes time.

This article is a result of the question asked of our AI tool and the reply. Hope you liked it.

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Nearly 40% of Costa Ricans did not vote in 2022

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21 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — Less than two weeks before the national elections on February 1, 2026, Costa Rica faces a silent but decisive challenge: the sustained increase in voter abstention.

In the 2022 presidential election, nearly 40% of registered voters did not cast their ballots, one of the highest levels recorded in the country’s democratic history, according to data from the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE).

Far from being merely a political phenomenon, abstention reveals a deeper crisis linked to emotions, decision-making, and a lack of self-awareness, warns Borja Vilaseca, writer, speaker, and one of the leading international experts on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the Enneagram of personality.

“Not voting isn’t an absence of decision; it’s a decision made based on emotion, often on frustration, fear, or a disconnection from oneself and from society,” says Vilaseca.

Various national studies and surveys have shown that a significant portion of the Costa Rican population expresses disinterest, distrust, or emotional exhaustion with the political system.

For Vilaseca, these reactions don’t arise from nothing.

“When a person doesn’t know themselves, doesn’t identify their values, or doesn’t understand how their emotions influence their decisions, they end up relinquishing their personal power. Abstention is a clear expression of this internal disconnection,” he explained.

Another relevant piece of data to analyze in the context of abstention is the World Health Organization (WHO) data, which estimates that around 359 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorders, characterized by excessive fear, constant worry, and restlessness—factors that can hinder decision-making and the development of daily life.

Furthermore, Vilaseca asserts that decisions like voting or abstaining are not solely based on the political options available, but rather on deeply ingrained limiting beliefs, such as the idea that “my vote doesn’t change anything” or “no option represents me,” beliefs that are rarely questioned consciously.

As an admirer of Costa Rica, Vilaseca has always seen something profoundly valuable in this country: a vibrant democracy, built over time by citizens who understand the true meaning of decision-making. Democracy is not limited to the act of voting, but rather involves assuming the collective and individual responsibility of choosing the country’s course, with awareness, sound judgment, and commitment.

Personality, Fear, and Avoidance of Commitment

Using the Enneagram of Personality, the psychological model that studies patterns of human behavior, Vilaseca points out that abstention can also be related to avoidance mechanisms, fear of making mistakes, or aversion to conflict—traits that impact not only civic life, but also personal and professional life.

“Deciding not to vote can be a way to avoid responsibility. But not choosing also has consequences. In democracy and in life, what isn’t decided consciously ends up being decided by inertia,” he stated.

In this context, Vilaseca proposes rethinking voting not only as a right, but as an act of personal consistency.

“A more conscious society is made up of individuals who take responsibility for their decisions. Voting based on self-knowledge is a natural extension of living in alignment with one’s values,” he affirmed.

In this context, the call to the Costa Rican people is clear: every vote matters. It matters because it defines the future of the nation and because inaction also has consequences. Costa Rica has historically been a democratic benchmark worldwide; protecting that legacy requires active participation. Democracy is nurtured and strengthened by exercising it, especially in decisive moments for the country.

This approach takes on particular relevance in a pre-election year where more than 3.7 million people are eligible to vote and where abstention could define the country’s course.

There are 195 countries in the world, and of those 195, only 25 are full democracies. Costa Rica is part of the 6% of the world’s population that enjoys this privilege.

What should you do if you’re still unsure about voting?

The first step is to identify the root of your feelings. Honestly asking yourself if your doubt stems from anger, distrust, lack of information, or the feeling that “nothing changes” allows you to regain emotional clarity and prevent your decision from being driven by inertia.

It is also key to separate the system from personal power. Even if the political context generates disappointment, the ability to choose remains personal. Voting does not imply approving everything, but rather exercising judgment and assuming the responsibility of not completely delegating decisions to others.

Informing oneself with a balanced perspective is another fundamental element. Choosing a few reliable sources, comparing proposals, and reducing the constant noise helps to decrease anxiety and transform frustration into a more conscious decision.

Furthermore, it is advisable to connect the vote with personal values and not solely with figures or parties. Thinking about which principles one wishes to defend—such as education, the environment, equality, employment, or democracy—allows for a more coherent choice, even when no option is perfect.

Finally, understand voting as an act of personal coherence. It may not generate enthusiasm, but it does strengthen the alignment between what one thinks, feels, and does. This coherence is, in itself, a concrete way to take care of emotional well-being and exercise responsible citizenship.

“Democracy is strengthened not only by institutions, but also by conscious citizens. Political change always begins with inner change,” Vilaseca concluded.

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Inaugural arrival of Virgin Voyages reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a high-value cruise destination

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21 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica marks a new milestone in its positioning as a high-value tourist destination with the inaugural arrival of the Virgin Voyages cruise line to the country.

On the morning of January 19, 2026, the Brilliant Lady made its first call in Costa Rican waters at the Hernán Garrón Salazar Port in Limón, becoming the first vessel of this premium lifestyle line to visit Costa Rica.

This arrival represented a significant event for the Costa Rican Caribbean and for the country’s strategy to attract innovative segments of the cruise industry, characterized by greater added value, extended stays in port, and a strong focus on sustainability.

Virgin Voyages, part of the Virgin Group, operates adults-only luxury cruises and positions itself as a premium lifestyle line, offering a differentiated proposition based on personalized experiences, contemporary design, fine dining, wellness, and entertainment. Its model caters to a traveler profile that seeks authentic destinations with a distinct identity and high-quality experiences.

The Brilliant Lady, which began operations last September, is part of the new generation of cruise ships focused on unique experiences. It has a maximum capacity of 2,770 passengers, 1,160 crew members, and 1,300 cabins, in addition to more than 20 dining concepts, over 10 bars and lounges, swimming pools, a spa, and fitness areas.

“The arrival of this vessel demonstrates the strong interest of international cruise lines in Costa Rica as a competitive, safe, and attractive destination, a clear sign of its positioning within the cruise industry. The first-ever arrival of the Brilliant Lady, belonging to the Virgin Voyages line, will contribute to generating economic activity and boosting the economy of the residents of Puerto Limón and surrounding areas,” highlighted Gustavo Alvarado, Director of Competitiveness and Tourism Sustainability at the Costa Rican Tourist Board (ICT).

2025–2026 Season Figures

During the 2025–2026 season, to date, 91 cruise ships and 117,723 cruise passengers have arrived at the country’s official ports:

Caribbean: 33 cruise ships and 68,027 cruise passengers
Pacific: 58 cruise ships and 49,969 cruise passengers

According to the Cruise Industry Economic Impact Study (BREA, 2024), the average expenditure per passenger in Costa Rica is estimated at US$72.74, concentrated primarily on shore excursions, handicrafts, clothing, and local souvenirs, which represent 87% of total spending.

The main source markets include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Spain, and France.

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Costa Rica specialty coffee delighted new palates at a major global fair held in Dubai

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21 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — From January 18 to 20, a group of Costa Rican companies participated in the World of Coffee Dubai 2026 trade show, with the goal of showcasing and positioning the country’s specialty coffee offerings, as well as accelerating business opportunities in the region and connecting with new international buyers.

The national delegation maintained a busy schedule of activities, including technical and commercial visits to key roasters and coffee shops within the specialty coffee ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates, meeting with buyers at the Essential Costa Rica Country Brand booth, individual cupping sessions, and tastings of differentiated products, among other key activities for positioning the national offerings.

“Coffee is one of the country’s main export products and an iconic Costa Rican product, so these types of events are key to diversifying markets and expanding access to specialized and strategic buyers. At PROCOMER, we coordinate these platforms so that companies can reduce their dependence on just a few destinations and develop more robust export strategies, aligned with markets that value the origin, quality, and traceability of Costa Rican coffee,” stated Laura López, General Manager of the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER).

Participation in World of Coffee Dubai 2026 was a joint effort between PROCOMER and the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) and marks the fourth time Costa Rica has had a dedicated booth at this fair, which this year brought together more than 17,000 visitors from around the world.

“Costa Rica’s participation, led by ICAFE and PROCOMER along with six national coffee companies, in the trade mission and at World of Coffee Dubai 2026, represents a strategic platform to open new markets, consolidate commercial alliances, and strengthen the presence of Costa Rican coffee as a product of excellence in the Middle East, boosting business opportunities and the global visibility of our country brand,” stated Andrés Piedra, Promotion Manager at ICAFE.

This year’s participants include CoopeTarrazú (with high-quality coffee for export), Tertulia Brugge (offering coffee and cacao geared towards retail, HORECA, and foodservice), Monte Copey (specializing in nanolots and limited editions for high-end roasters), Beneficio La Eva (offering micro and macro lots and commercial coffees, backed by processes that ensure quality and traceability), Café Don Mayo (microlots with traceability in processes and varieties), and Beneficio Brumas del Zurquí (with a high-end, boutique-style offering).

“Our role is to create the conditions for companies to access more sophisticated and demanding markets. In this context, this is the fourth time we have supported the sector at this fair, as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the presence of Costa Rican coffee in international markets and open new business opportunities for companies,” concluded López.

As of November 2025, Costa Rican coffee ranks among the top five products exported by Costa Rica. Furthermore, it is among the three fastest-growing agricultural exports (the country’s second most important goods export sector).

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Venezuela receives first plane with migrants deported by the US since Maduro’s capture

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20 January 2026

Q24N (EFE) Venezuela received a plane on Friday carrying 231 migrants deported by the United States, the first of the year and since the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, amid a series of attacks in Caracas and three surrounding regions.

The Eastern Airlines aircraft landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, which serves Caracas, with 231 Venezuelans, according to the Chavista government.

The plane departed from Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and this is the 99th repatriation flight, the vast majority from the United States, since January of last year, when Caracas and Washington signed a migration agreement.

Last year, the agreement remained in place even amid heightened political tensions following the US military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August, and it resumed this Friday, nearly two weeks after the operation ordered by President Donald Trump on Venezuelan soil to capture Maduro.

The last flight was on December 10, when 218 migrants returned to Venezuela on a plane from the US.

The oil-rich nation is experiencing a period of uncertainty following the capture of Maduro and Flores, who are being held in New York.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, far from intensifying the anti-imperialist rhetoric of Chavismo, has shown her willingness to work on a “cooperation agenda” with the United States. She spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday about a “bilateral work agenda” and “pending issues” between the two countries, which are considering restoring diplomatic relations, severed in 2019.

In any case, the Chavista government insists that these overtures to the White House are aimed at “defending the peace of Venezuela” and ensuring the “safety and security” of Maduro and Flores.

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Costa Rica attracts new medical device company; Mozarc Medical announces plant in Cartago

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20 January 2026

Q COSTARICA – Mozarc Medical, a US-based company, is set to open a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Cartago, Costa Rica, focusing on advanced renal access catheters essential for kidney treatment.

The new facility covers about 4,500 square meters (a little over 48,000 square feet). The company expects to be in operation by June 2026, creating jobs in production, engineering, R&D, and leadership.

CEO Ven Manda praised Costa Rica’s strong medical device ecosystem and skilled workforce as key reasons for choosing the location. The government, through agencies like PROCOMER and COMEX, highlighted this investment as part of a broader push to attract foreign investment and boost job creation across sectors.

“Costa Rica’s reputation for excellence and its robust ecosystem in medical device manufacturing makes it an ideal location for this new plant. Here, we will produce advanced renal access catheters—critical technologies and products for providing dialysis therapies and care to patients who depend on them—helping people lead healthier lives. We expect to establish this facility in the coming months and years.,” stated Mozarc Medical CEO Ven Manda.

“Once again, this government demonstrates its commitment to attracting foreign direct investment and generating new job opportunities in all regions of our country,” stated the Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar,

Costa Rica’s medical device industry is thriving, with exports hitting over US$10 billion by late 2025 and the country leading the Americas in medical device exports per capita. The new Mozarc Medical plant reinforces Cartago’s reputation as a hub for specialized manufacturing and innovation.

Job seekers interested in joining Mozarc Medical can find openings on the company’s careers portal.

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New Guanacaste Airport terminal to be developed by a company linked to Bill Gates

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20 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — The Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is getting a new private aviation terminal (G&BAT), set to open in late 2026, by Signature Aviation in partnership with Aerologística.

The project will be developed and operated by Signature Aviation, considered the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals.

Signature Aviation is part of a consortium comprised of renowned private equity investors such as Blackstone, Cascade Investment (the investment firm owned by Bill Gates), and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

Its arrival in Costa Rica represents a significant step for the country in a sector that has shown sustained growth in recent years.

The project includes the construction of a specialized terminal that will offer high-level services such as VIP lounges, dedicated customs, EV charging, and immigration clearance for private aviation flyers visiting this popular tourist hub. This expansion focuses on enhancing the premium experience for business and luxury travelers. To date, the total cost of the project has not been disclosed.

This initiative stems from the remarkable growth experienced by the Guanacaste airport.

One example of this growth occurred on December 27, 2025, when the terminal reached a record high with 13,815 passengers in a single day.

Guanacaste has established itself as one of the country’s most attractive tourist destinations, especially for high-profile visitors.

The presence of ultra-luxury hotels and residences has made the area a frequent stop for international celebrities, such as actors Hugh Jackman (known for his role as the Wolverine in the X-Men), Gal Gadot (who gained recognition for portraying Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe), and Nathan Fillion (Richard Castle in Castle and star of The Rookie), among others, who visited the region at the end of last year.

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DEKRA Enables Same-Day Vehicle Inspection Appointments Nationwide

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20 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — To facilitate timely vehicle inspections for drivers, DEKRA announced that it is offering same-day appointments at its 16 stations nationwide.

This measure is especially aimed at vehicle owners whose license plates end in 1 and 2.

In addition, the company reported that drivers who were unable to complete their vehicle inspection in 2025 and therefore do not have a current registration sticker now have another opportunity to do so.

“As part of our commitment to road safety, we have reinforced resources and systems to enable same-day appointments. We urge those with license plates ending in 1 and 2 to schedule their inspection as soon as possible so they can drive with peace of mind,” said Maureen Ramírez, General Manager of DEKRA.

The appointment scheduling process is done through the official DEKRA Costa Rica website, www.dekra.cr, where each person can select the station and time that best suits their needs.

A search for today, January 20 at the Alajuela station in Coyol

DEKRA has 13 stations throughout the country, located in Alajuelita, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia, Santo Domingo, Pérez Zeledón, Puntarenas, Guápiles, San Carlos, Liberia, Nicoya, and Limón.

All of them operate Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., while the Cañas location is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In addition, there are three mobile stations: the North Mobile Station in Grecia; the South Mobile Station in Ciudad Neily; and the Central Mobile Station in San Marcos de Tarrazú, each with special hours.

Those who wish to obtain more information about the company’s services and actions can visit the website www.dekra.cr or its official Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/DEKRACostaRica.

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Opposition is betting on a second round election

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19 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — With the presidential elections just days away, a couple of questions are capturing the attention of leaders, parties, presidential candidates, and Costa Ricans in general.

Can Laura Fernández, of the Pueblo Soberano party (PPSO), win in the first round? And if not, which opposition candidate would have the best chance of defeating Chavismo?

Álvaro Ramos, of the Partido Liberaciòn Nacional (PLN); Fabricio Alvarado, of Nueva República; Claudia Dobles, of the Coalición Agenda Ciudadana; Ariel Robles, of the Frente Amplio; Juan Carlos Hidalgo, of Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC); and Eliécer Feinzaig, of the Paritdo Liberal Progresista (PLP), all point out that none of them could win in February with the current poll numbers.

They also acknowledge that their pro-government rival, Laura Fernández, will have a guaranteed spot in the April runoff. Therefore, their strategy in the final stretch of the campaign is to motivate Costa Ricans to vote, combat abstention, and prevent Fernández from reaching the 40% of valid votes needed to win outright without a runoff.

But who has the best chance of making it to the second round in April? And who would have the best opportunity to unite the opposition against Chavismo?

At this point, polls haven’t indicated a runoff scenario, and they still show voter indecision ranging from 29% to 45%, making the answers to these two questions complex.

I would never vote for…

In that sense, the best approach to the issue, practically two weeks before the elections, is to evaluate what Costa Ricans think when asked: Who would you never vote for?

The firms Demoscopía and Opol Consultores, along with the CIEP at the University of Costa Rica (UCR), have been measuring this phenomenon since December of last year, yielding more or less similar data.

For example, all three polls place Álvaro Ramos as the second most popular candidate, with a maximum of 11.3% support, according to Demoscopía. The problem for him is that he is also the opposition candidate with the highest disapproval rating nationwide.

22% told Demoscopía that they would never vote for him; 30% told the UCR the same, and Opol Consultores places that percentage at 22%.

In other words, the opposition candidate with the most support is, in turn, the one who generates the least electoral sympathy at the national level.

Regardless, Ramos believes the electoral race is between Fernández and himself.

“One of us will be the next president of Costa Rica,” says Ramos, who is calling on Costa Ricans to go out and vote.

The politician denies that the PLN is a significant obstacle to his electoral aspirations and believes that in a second round, the leadership of the two candidates will be the deciding factor.

Less rejection, but less initial support

From there, the other presidential candidates who currently poll above 1% in the three surveys mentioned have lower rejection rates than Ramos.

However, it is also true that they are currently receiving less electoral support.

For example, Claudia Dobles has a voting intention that fluctuates between 3% and 4%, and a voter disapproval rating that varies between 3.6% and 4.3%.

The former first lady and prominent figure in the PAC party remains optimistic and proclaims herself the opposition’s best candidate to challenge the ruling party.

“There are candidates with higher disapproval ratings; this means that, in our case, there’s a lower ceiling for consolidating more votes in the second round,” Dobles states.

Juan Carlos Hidalgo and Eliécer Feinzaig make a similar argument.

Feinzaig, who was also a presidential candidate in 2022, points out that in the last two weeks of the campaign, an opposition candidate needs to gain momentum through the debates, thereby consolidating anti-Chávez sentiment.

The politician adds that voters are already thinking about various scenarios for the second round, for example, Laura versus the PLN or Laura versus the PAC, while highlighting how a candidacy like his would be more viable to unite voters opposed to the government.

Second round of voting

A second round of voting is triggered when no candidate obtains 40% of the valid votes cast. The law stipulates that it will be held two months after the first round of voting; in 2026, it would be on Sunday, April 5.

These are the rules:

According to the Political Constitution of Costa Rica, to be declared president in the first round, a candidate must obtain at least 40% of the valid votes cast. If no candidate reaches this percentage, a second round is held.
In the second round, only the two presidential candidates who received the most votes in the first election participate. In this runoff, the rule is simpler: the candidate who obtains the most votes will be declared president, regardless of the percentage. The 40% threshold does not apply in this instance.
In the event of an absolute tie in the number of votes in the second round of elections, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) must call for a new election between the same two candidates.

Election runoffs were never necessary in Costa Rica until the beginning of the century. Since then, Costa Ricans have gone to an election runoff four times (winner in bold):

2022 Rodrigo Chaves Robles vs José María Figueres Olsen
2018 Carlos Alvarado vs Fabricio Alvarado
2014 Luis Guillermo Solís vs Johnny Araya
2002 Abel Pacheco vs Rolando Araya.

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Porter Airlines will maintain year-round flights from Toronto to Guanacaste

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17 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — Guanacaste Airport (LIR) announced that Porter Airlines will operate year-round flights from Toronto to Liberia, following positive results since December.

The Toronto–Guanacaste (YYZ–LIR) route, inaugurated on December 4, 2025, was initially planned as a seasonal service for the peak season.

Due to high demand, the airline decided to extend the service and maintain operations throughout the year.

According to the schedule, from May to October there will be two weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Sundays.

During the peak season, from November to April, the route will increase to an average of six weekly flights.

The expansion is the result of a joint strategy between Guanacaste Airport and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.

This collaboration allowed Guanacaste to become the first airport in Central America to receive Porter Airlines flights from Toronto.

Days later, the airline inaugurated the direct Ottawa–Guanacaste route, the first air connection between Costa Rica and the Canadian capital.

Currently, Guanacaste Airport leads the way in direct connectivity with Canada, with flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Calgary.

Canada is the second largest (after the United States) source of tourists to Costa Rica.

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US issues air travel alert for Central America

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17 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — What’s happening in the skies? The United States issued an air safety alert on Friday, January 16, for flights crossing specific regions of Central America and parts of South America, raising concerns for airlines and travelers alike.

The air safety alert for flights crossing certain areas of Latin America due to potential risks to air navigation, such as interference with GPS systems and military activity in the region.

The warning is primarily directed at airlines and pilots due to potential risks to air navigation, such as interference with GPS systems and military activity in the region. It does not mean flights are canceled, but rather that they should exercise extra caution and adjust routes if necessary.

While details on the exact nature of the risks have not been fully disclosed, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other relevant U.S. agencies are closely monitoring the situation. Airlines flying over Central America have been advised to review their flight plans and remain vigilant to any updates.

Central America, a crucial corridor for international flights connecting North and South America, has seen increased air traffic in recent years. The newly issued alert underscores the importance of heightened safety measures in this busy airspace.

Travelers planning trips through this region are encouraged to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest information and to expect possible delays or rerouting as airlines respond to the advisory.

Officials emphasized that the alert aims to prevent any incidents and ensure the highest levels of safety for all flights operating in and around Central America. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

For now, this is a preventative measure focused on maintaining passenger safety and air operations.

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Ortega eliminates dual nationality, a blow to the exile community

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16 January 2026

QCOSTARICA — Nicaragua’s legislature ratified a constitutional reform on Wednesday, January 14, that ends the right of Nicaraguans to dual nationality. This move affects hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans living abroad, who will now lose their citizenship if they acquire another nationality.

The change is part of a broader constitutional overhaul last year that cemented absolute control for the country’s ruling dictatorship, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.

The ruling party-controlled National Assembly said on X (formerly Twitter) that the law means Nicaraguans “will lose their nationality upon acquiring another nationality.” The assembly framed the change as a reaffirmation that being Nicaraguan is “an act of commitment to the defense of independence, sovereignty, and self-determination,” rather than a mere title.

The reform was initially approved by legislators in May 2025 at the request of Ortega and Murillo, with final ratification completed this week.

In recent years, Ortega and Murillo’s government has stripped citizenship from many opponents and critics, branding them “traitors” and forcing them into exile.

The new law also requires foreigners who become Nicaraguan citizens to renounce their original nationality, except for those from Central American countries.

The announcement of the elimination of dual citizenship generated unease among broad sectors of the population. Dozens of Nicaraguans took to social media to express their discontent and doubts about the constitutional reform, an unusual gesture in a country where fear of public opinion persists due to the risk of legal repercussions.

The main concern is whether the loss of citizenship would be retroactive and affect thousands of Nicaraguans with one or more citizenships.

Initially, following approval last May, Gustavo Porras, president of the legislature, appeared on television to assure the public that the regulation would not be applied retroactively.

However, the reform approved on Wednesday leaves no room for interpretation: acquiring a foreign nationality entails the automatic loss of Nicaraguan nationality.

For many Nicaraguans abroad, obtaining a new nationality has meant stability, a secure passport, and the end of immigration restrictions. However, with the reform of Articles 23 and 25 of the Political Constitution, what was once an administrative advancement has become a complete loss of rights within Nicaragua.

The law will take effect after its publication in La Gaceta, the Official Gazette, expected in the coming days.

The reform places exiles before a crucial dilemma: continue or begin the naturalization process in the country of residence, or preserve their rights as Nicaraguan citizens and the legal link with their country of origin.

The Great Nicaraguan Opposition Confederation, representing expatriate organizations, condemned the reform as a “punishment by the dictatorship” that will increase forced exile.

Ortega, 80, and Murillo, 74, tightened their grip on power following the 2018 protests that left around 300 dead, which they labeled a U.S.-backed coup attempt.

Last Saturday, the government freed about 20 imprisoned opposition figures amid U.S. pressure and shortly after the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally. Yet dozens of political prisoners remain, including some recently arrested for celebrating Maduro’s capture on social media, according to an exile-based NGO.

Reports suggest Ortega, who has ruled since 2007, is facing health issues, prompting Murillo to intensify crackdowns and an internal purge to secure the regime’s future.

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El Salvador’s Bukele visit to Costa Rica stirs political controversy

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16 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele visited Costa Rica during the final days of its presidential campaign, sparking renewed political and legal tensions.

Bukele’s main public engagement was a midday ceremony on Wednesday to mark the start of construction for the Center for High Containment of Organized Crime (CACCO), a new maximum-security prison backed by the Costa Rican government.

The prison is modeled on a smaller scale after El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), established under Bukele’s administration to detain members of criminal organizations.

El Salvador donated the prison’s blueprints to Costa Rica, a move that President Rodrigo Chaves’ government says saved roughly US$25 million, according to El Observador.

CECOT, which houses gang members and terrorism suspects, has become a symbol of El Salvador’s tough stance on organized crime. The facility also received migrants deported by the Trump administration who were suspected gang affiliates.

Bukele’s visit, just three weeks before Costa Rica’s Feb. 1 presidential election, intensified friction between Chaves’ administration and opposition parties. Public security has been a central issue in the campaign.

To supporters, Bukele represents a firm hand that can restore order. Critics warn his growing hold on power signals a weakening of democratic institutions in El Salvador.

The visit also triggered legal challenges before Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), the independent body overseeing elections.

Semanario Universidad reported that the TSE received complaints demanding Bukele’s visit be blocked over fears of election interference, as well as counterclaims alleging foreign funding and political exploitation of the trip.

The tribunal rejected these motions, allowing the visit to proceed but cautioning that foreign delegations must avoid meddling in domestic politics, according to La Nación.

Despite this ruling, the visit took on political weight, with every word, gesture, and photo scrutinized as potential election influence.

Opposition presidential candidate Claudia Dobles criticized the visit, saying Bukele’s presence was unnecessary. “The first thing is that President Bukele comes for nothing,” she said, dismissing it as “an inspection of a prison that does not exist.”

Dobles called the project “smoke and mirrors,” explaining that what was presented as a new mega-prison is actually just an expansion of La Reforma, Costa Rica’s main prison complex. “That expansion is needed,” she added to CRHoy.

Costa Rica is grappling with a surge in violence linked to organized crime and drug trafficking conflicts, pushing homicide rates to historic highs.

The country recorded 873 homicides in 2025, nearly matching the 876 in 2024 and following a record 906 killings in 2023, according to the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), Costa Rica’s main criminal investigative body.

Official reports indicate many killings stem from revenge attacks carried out mainly with firearms, reflecting the growing reach and territorial disputes of criminal networks.

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What’s wrong with this picture?

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16 January 2026

RICO’s Q —On Wednesday, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves, joined by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and other officials, gathered to lay the first stone for a massive new prison inspired by El Salvador’s model.

The Centro de Alta Contención de la Criminalidad Organizada (Center for High Containment of Organized Crime)—known as CACCO—will be built inside the La Reforma prison complex.

What’s wrong with this picture? Chaves and Bukele are standing in front of a police unit equipped with specialized weapons and equipment not normally issued to regular police units

Chaves and Bukele stood in front of a police unit equipped with specialized weapons and equipment not normally issued to regular police units. During this administration, this display has played out several times for the cameras.

This Costa Rica isn’t the one I fell in love with. It’s not the place I chose to make my home. And I bet a lot of foreigners who’ve been here a while feel that same way.

The arrival of the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, in Costa Rica met by Vice President Mary Munive and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arnoldo André Tinoco.

After nearly thirty years in Costa Rica, I’ve crossed paths with now former presidents like Luis Guillermo Solis (2014-2018) and Carlos Alvarado (2018-2022), but only in casual, non-political settings.

Solis was just another guy mingling at a paella event in Parque Viva. Alvarado? My wife and I bumped into him at Automercado. We talked for a few minutes, and of course, the internet had a field day making memes about me getting paid for that photo.

Years earlier, Abel Pacheco (2002-2006) would pass by my house in Rohrmoser on his way to and from work at Casa Presidencial. No bodyguards, just a low-key traffic police escort. Walking my dogs, I’d sometimes stroll past his home, a few blocks away, guarded by a single police officer.

Sometimes my walk extended to Oscar Arias’s house (2006-2010 second term), where again, just a lone police officer kept watch. I attended official events like the Ruta 27 inauguration and even the tense 2009 Honduran constitutional crisis, where the military ousted President Zelaya. Not once did I see heavily armed agents lurking anywhere—not even hidden in the bushes.

I remember walking with a group around Oscar as he headed to the National Stadium for Laura Chinchilla’s inauguration (2010-2014). La Sabana was packed with VIPs from across Central America and beyond. No police decked out in military gear, just the usual traffic officers handling traffic and escorting some of the dignitaries.

When President Obama came to Costa Rica, President Laura Chinchilla stopped her car just ahead of his motorcade and stepped out to shake hands with the crowd gathered along Paseo Colon — including mine.

I could go on, but this brings me to today.

I’ve never met Chaves, and honestly, I don’t want to be around when he stages these kinds of shows, which aren’t new for his administration.

Sure, there were reports on Tuesday about an alleged assassination plot against him and the Salvadoran president. But as Claudia Dobles, former first lady and now a presidential candidate, put it in perspective: “Any threat against a president demands serious attention. Yet, with Chaves, it’s strange how the mediático (media spectacle) takes priority, and only afterward do formal complaints come into play.”

Just so you know, I’m not a fan of Chaves, not for his politics, but mostly because he tends to create more division than unity with things like this.

On February 1, we Costa Ricans will face a decision. To me, it’s obvious that another four years of the same, continuing with Laura Fernandez, as she’s Chaves’s handpicked successor for his policies, appealing to his supporters despite his controversies, isn’t what we need.

PS: The first stone of the new prison, the reason for Bukele’s visit, was not laid, and the deadline for construction has not yet begun. The Salvadoran president simply arrived, gave a speech, stayed for the remainder of the event, and left. He did not inspect the construction work or tour the site, as had been previously announced.

Nils Ching, Deputy Minister of Justice, acknowledged that the event did not yet mark the start of construction and that it was merely a symbolic activity, with no noticeable progress on the project at this time.

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American gunned down in Costa Rica

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15 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) released updated details regarding the shooting death of an American man in the Esterillos Oeste de Parritas, Puntarenas, south of Playa Jaco, which occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14.

The deceased was identified as Chandler, 45 years old.

Preliminary reports indicate that Chandler was walking to a residence when, before entering, he was intercepted by two hitmen, “sicarios” in Spanish, on a motorcycle. Apparently, one of them got off the motorcycle and shot him multiple times, killing him at the scene. After the crime, both suspects fled.

The case remains under investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.

Let’s break it down analytically. Hitmen don’t just pick random targets. They go after specific people for a reason. Sure, security might be lacking, but these incidents usually happen because the victim did something they shouldn’t have or owes someone.

This page will be updated as we obtain more information

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In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

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14 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — The U.S. Embassy and Consular Section will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Alabama, Georgia. For this reason, the U.S. Congress designated the third Monday of January as a day to honor him and remember his work in promoting equality and nonviolence.

Dr. King’s leadership during the civil rights movement transformed the United States by challenging systemic racism and advocating for nonviolent protest. His speeches, especially the iconic “I Have a Dream” address delivered at the 1963 March on Washington, painted a picture of a future where people would be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. That dream, though not fully realized, continues to inspire activists and everyday citizens alike.

The federal holiday was signed into law in 1983, nearly 15 years after King’s assassination in 1968.

The U.S. Embassy in San José will reopen to the public on Tuesday, January 20, during its regular hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Costa Rica NOT on U.S. visa processing freeze list

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14 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — The U.S. State Department announced it will suspend all visa processing for 75 countries starting January 21.

A State Department memo, seen first by Fox News Digital, directs consular officers to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses screening and vetting procedures.

The countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran and more, confirmed Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X (formerly Twitter).

The guidance instructs consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits, weighing a wide range of factors including health, age, English proficiency, finances and even potential need for long-term medical care. Older or overweight applicants could be denied, along with those who had any past use of government cash assistance or institutionalization.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement.

Costa Rica is NOT on the list.

The Latin countries affected by the suspension include Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Uruguay.

The full list of countries with suspended visa processing:

Afghanistan,
Albania,
Algeria,
Antigua and Barbuda,
Armenia,
Azerbaijan,
Bahamas,
Bangladesh,
Barbados,
Belarus,
Belize,
Bhutan,
Bosnia,
Brazil,
Burma,
Cambodia,
Cameroon,
Cape Verde,
Colombia,
Cote d’Ivoire,
Cuba,
Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Dominica,
Egypt,
Eritrea,
Ethiopia,
Fiji,
Gambia,
Georgia,
Ghana,
Grenada,
Guatemala,
Guinea,
Haiti,
Iran,
Iraq,
Jamaica,
Jordan,
Kazakhstan,
Kosovo,
Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan,
Laos,
Lebanon,
Liberia,
Libya,
Macedonia,
Moldova,
Mongolia,
Montenegro,
Morocco,
Nepal,
Nicaragua,
Nigeria,
Pakistan,
Republic of the Congo,
Russia,
Rwanda,
Saint Kitts and Nevis,
Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Senegal,
Sierra Leone,
Somalia,
South Sudan,
Sudan,
Syria,
Tanzania,
Thailand,
Togo,
Tunisia,
Uganda,
Uruguay,
Uzbekistan and
Yemen

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Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, makes an official visit to Costa Rica

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14 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, is on an official visit to Costa Rica. The Salvadoran leader arrived in Costa Rica on Tuesday afternoon as part of a diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for cooperation in various areas.

Bukele was received by local authorities and will hold meetings with representatives of the Costa Rican government. The talks will include topics such as regional integration, trade, and security cooperation.

Diplomatic sources indicated that both sides expressed interest in deepening technological cooperation and exchanging experiences in public policy.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele was received by the Vice President of Costa Rica, Mary Munive.

The visit’s program includes a working agenda with meetings with high-level officials, as well as official ceremonies, including the groundbreaking of Costa Rica’s new mega prison, the Centro de Alta Contención de Crimen Organizado (CACCO), inspired by the model Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), which Bukele implemented in El Salvador to combat gangs.

Bukele is visiting Costa Rica at a time of an alleged death threat against both Costa Rica’s president, Rodrigo Chaves, and the Salvadoran president. Read more: Alleged death threat against Rodrigo Chaves

Costa Rica’s future prison, which will cost US$35 million, will have five modules with a total capacity of 5,100 inmates, and according to the Government, it will serve to lock up the most violent prisoners.

The project is being developed at a time when Costa Rica is registering record numbers of homicides: around 900 each year, 70% of which are attributed by authorities to drug trafficking.

Last December, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves visited El Salvador, during which he met with Bukele and toured the CECOT.

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Alleged death threat against Rodrigo Chaves

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14 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — The head of the Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional (DIS) — Costa Rica’s Intelligence and Security Directorate, Jorge Torres, filed a complaint on Tuesday with the Fiscalia (Attorney General’s Office) alleging a death threat against President Rodrigo Chaves.

According to Torres, who spoke to television media outlets that were already aware of the information when he arrived at the Fiscalia to file the complaint, confidential reports indicate that a hitman has been hired to assassinate Chaves.

Following the reports on Tuesday of a death threat against President Rodrigo Chaves, a woman, surnamed Chinchilla Mora, and a supporter of the Frente Amplio (FA), the party condemned all acts of violence.

The Fiscalia (Public Prosecutor’s Office), which is investigating a possible attempted murder, said the alleged threat was made by the 62-year-old woman Stella Chinchilla Mora, a supporter of the Frente Amplio (FA), who posted a video on her social media accounts.

According to the DIS filing, there is a WhatsApp message in which the woman allegedly states the following: “They had all the time in the world. To get rid of that misogynist (Chaves). They didn’t have the courage. If your hitman doesn’t have the courage, I’ll use the rest of the money to pay you to kill yourselves for being useless.”

The Frente Amplio, in an official statement, stated: “We categorically reject any act of violence or aggression against the president or any other political figure. We consider an incident like the one reported this morning to be extremely serious and must be investigated thoroughly by the relevant judicial authorities. We have repeatedly denounced, from all platforms, that violence should never have a place in politics.”

The DIS presented two screenshots via WhatsApp in its complaint against the alleged plan to attack President Rodrigo Chaves

Although the alert was made public on Tuesday, according to Torres, it was made public hours before the arrival of the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, for an official visit at the invitation of Rodrigo Chaves, and 19 days before the presidential elections in Costa Rica.

In filing the formal complaint, Director Torres added that the alleged threat included the Salvadoran president.

The nature of the threat remains unclear, but officials are treating it with utmost seriousness, given the potential risks it poses to national stability.

For now, authorities are keeping the case confidential, as is standard procedure in these types of reports, and the Fiscalia will be responsible for determining the veracity of the information, identifying any potential perpetrators, and any possible criminal charges.

The alleged death threat against Costa Rica’s president, the first in the country’s history, stirred alarm within the country’s political circles and raised questions about the security environment surrounding the nation’s highest office.

A “setup”

ElMunco.cr reports that Chinchilla Mora called the accusations against her regarding an alleged plot to assassinate President Rodrigo Chaves “a setup” and told the media, “I don’t know what they’re accusing me of, honestly. They’re saying I paid someone to send a hitman, or something like that, someone told me. But I’m on my way to see my lawyer.”

“I’m not going to say anything else, except that this is a crude, dirty setup, just like this government,” she added.

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China accuses new US ambassador of “sowing discord” in Costa Rica

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14 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — After asserting that Melinda Hildebrand, the new United States ambassador to Costa Rica, made statements that “sow discord” in relations between Costa Rica and China, the Chinese embassy expressed its dissatisfaction and called for respect from its counterpart.

The U.S. Embassy even highlighted that President Donald Trump himself expressed his interest in deepening “mutual respect” between the United States and China.

“The statements ignore the facts and realities of exchanges and cooperation between China and Costa Rica, spreading in bad faith the ‘economic threat theory’ of China. These assertions sow discord in the friendly relations between China and Costa Rica and run counter to President Donald Trump’s public commitment to deepening mutual respect between China and the U.S. The Chinese side expresses its strong dissatisfaction and categorical opposition to this,” the embassy stated.

Upon arriving in the country, Hildebrand had previously noted that countries like Costa Rica face challenges such as cybersecurity threats and Chinese economic influence.

“Relations between countries must respect the basic principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Cooperation between China and Costa Rica does not target any third party and is not subject to interference from any other country,” the Chinese diplomatic mission concluded.

Costa Rica has become a notable focal point for China’s expanding economic footprint in the region. Over the past decade, Chinese investment and trade ties with Costa Rica have steadily grown, reflecting Beijing’s broader strategy to deepen connections across Latin America.

Trade between the two countries has surged, with China becoming one of Costa Rica’s top trading partners. Chinese companies have invested heavily in infrastructure projects within Costa Rica, including ports, roads, and telecommunications. Tourism also benefits from China’s economic engagement.

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The current government will leave office without having purchased a single train or even a single switch for railway crossings

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13 January 2026

Q COSTARICA — What once felt like a minor inconvenience, traffic congestion has now turned into a daily struggle for thousands, especially in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), which includes the capital, San José, and its surrounding suburbs.

The root causes are clear. Rapid urban growth, a surge in vehicle ownership, and limited road infrastructure have all collided to create a perfect storm. And no expansion of the urban train.

For years, the idea of a modern, efficient urban train system in Costa Rica has been a hopeful vision for easing the country’s notorious traffic congestion and boosting sustainable transportation. Yet, despite repeated promises and ambitious plans, the expansion of Costa Rica’s urban train network remains frustratingly stagnant.

Perhaps the worst is the actions or lack thereof of the current government led by Rodrigo Chaves, who will leave office on May 8th without having purchased a single train during its administration, which began in 2022.

“Regarding the acquisition of rolling stock (equipment), we have made contact with some countries to explore the possibility of purchasing trains; however, no units have been acquired,” the state rail, the Incofer, responded through the press office.

The last investment in trains was in 2020 during the administration of Carlos Alvarado, when eight train units were acquired that are currently operating alongside eight others that were already in service.

The Incofer has maintained the same number of train units despite an increase in passengers.

In 2022, the Incofer reported a total of 2,572,952 passengers, a figure that increased to 3,423,887 in 2023. By 2024, there were 3,689,747 passengers, and in the first half of 2025 alone, the figure reached 1,736,014. The total for last year has not yet been released.

The electric train

The Incofer emphasized that the institution’s current priority is advancing the Metropolitan Electric Train project, known as “Tibi.”

The focus is on the approval of a loan for the development of the electric train.

The proposal is titled: “Approval of the loan agreements signed between the Republic of Costa Rica, the CABEI, and the European Investment Bank for the construction, equipping, and commissioning of lines 1 and 2 of the Rapid Passenger Train (TRP) system in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).”

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) will contribute US$550 million, of which US$178 million will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund. The European Investment Bank will contribute US$250 million.

Additionally, a US$21 million donation from the Green Climate Fund is included.

The proposal reached the Legislative Assembly on November 12, 2025, although it was announced in September.

This initiative is it. There is no alternative for the train in Costa Rica.

Álvaro Bermúdez, executive president of Incofer, believes that buying expensive, used trains is pointless because it involves a very high cost. These are units that are 40 or 50 years old.

He also emphasized that spare parts are expensive. “Continuing to buy used trains doesn’t make much sense,” the Incofer president is quick to point out.

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Where do I vote? The TSE website clarifies the polling station

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13 January 2026

COSTA RICA-US-FTA-REFERENDUM — A young Costa Rican votes in the referendum to approve a free trade agreement with the United States 07 October, 2007 in the morning at a polling center in Cartago, 12 km southeast from San Jose. Voting opened in Costa Rica Sunday on a free trade treaty with the United States, officials said, as polls showing central America's richest state may turn down closer ties with the economic superpower. Costa Rica is the only country to hold a referendum on the deal, which has been ratified by Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, opening them up to free trade with the United States. AFP PHOTO/Mayela LOPEZ (Photo by MAYELA LOPEZ / AFP)

Q COSTARICA — For many foreigners who have made Costa Rica their home, the right to vote is more than just a civic duty—it’s a milestone that marks their full embrace of the country’s democratic fabric.

This election season, a wave of naturalized citizens is stepping up to the polls for the first time, signaling a new chapter in their relationship with Costa Rica.

Local officials have noted a steady increase in the number of naturalized voters. This trend reflects broader demographic shifts as Costa Rica becomes an increasingly diverse society. Experts say that these new voters bring fresh perspectives that could influence policy debates on immigration, environmental protection, and economic development.

Just days before the presidential elections, many ask where do I vote?

The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) launched a website where voters can find their assigned polling place.

To do so, voters should visit the following link and enter their cedula (national identity card) number without hyphens.

The system will then display their personal information, a map of the polling center address, and their assigned table number.

Three weeks before the elections, the TSE completed the printing of 7,396,306 ballots that will be used in the national elections on February 1st.

According to official information, the total number of ballots printed exceeds 7 million because, in addition to the ballots for the presidency and vice presidencies, separate ballots are required for the election of legislators, one for each province in the country.

In this election contest, 20 presidential candidates are participating, who will appear on the white ballot, intended exclusively for the election of the positions of president and two vice presidents.

The TSE website lists all the candidates running for president, the two vice presidential spots, and legislative positions from each political party in the election. on Sunday, February 1, 2026

Voting hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in a continuous session.

To provide the country with robust data, the TSE is expected to release the first election results by 8:45 p.m.

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How Travelers Are Combining Tourism and Online Gaming in Costa Rica

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Carter Maddox

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13 January 2026

Costa Rica has long drawn visitors looking for something beyond the ordinary. With its volcano hikes, lush eco-lodges, and beaches that stretch into the Pacific and Caribbean, the country offers far more than just a place to relax.

But there’s a quieter trend taking shape behind hammock naps and coffee tours—one that links digital downtime with tropical escapes. Increasingly, travelers are blending their vacations with bursts of online gaming, especially through mobile casino platforms. It’s not a headline-grabber, but it’s changing the rhythm of leisure in small, noticeable ways.

From San José to Sámara, tourists are finding that moments spent waiting for a sunset or lying low during a rain spell offer just the right window for exploring online casino games. This habit doesn’t disrupt the core of their travel plans. Instead, it complements the slower moments, turning idle time into light entertainment.

Quality Matters: Global Platforms and Regional Habits

When travelers turn to gaming platforms while abroad, they’re not picking apps at random. The need for reliability, fast load times, and secure transactions doesn’t disappear just because someone is logging in from a hotel terrace or beach resort. In fact, the demand for quality platforms may be even higher when players are outside their home country.

This is where regional contrasts begin to show. In parts of Central America, casual gaming habits are still forming around mobile access and limited local infrastructure. Costa Rican players and visiting tourists often rely on international platforms, sometimes navigating language or payout differences. In contrast, countries like South Africa already have established markets, localized support, and consistent performance.

For example, platforms that offer curated lobbies of online casino games and maintain high technical standards often see repeat traffic from travelers and locals alike. In South Africa, Betway has positioned itself well by offering a wide range of games, from live blackjack tables to themed slots. These are tailored for mobile-first use and provide seamless access from both city networks and remote lodges. African users have become more discerning, favoring apps that balance performance with responsible gaming tools and transparent conditions.

Costa Rican tourists adopting similar habits tend to prefer platforms that already perform well in demanding environments. They look for apps that don’t stall, games that load cleanly on spotty Wi-Fi, and interfaces that feel intuitive even under a palm tree. The link is clear: reliable infrastructure paired with intelligent design helps these games slip easily into a traveler’s downtime without interrupting the rest of their itinerary.

Gaming Between Hikes and Hammocks

What makes Costa Rica a unique fit for this trend is the nature of its tourism. Visitors don’t stay locked inside hotels or stick to urban zones. They move between cloud forests, beach towns, waterfalls, and surf camps. That creates a lot of transition time—buses, boats, evenings with little planned—which becomes fertile ground for lightweight digital entertainment.

Online gaming, in this context, doesn’t try to dominate the experience. It fills in the blank spaces. One moment it’s a break from reading on a quiet balcony, the next it’s a way to unwind after ziplining or snorkeling. And because the games don’t require long sessions or deep concentration, they work well in short, unpredictable bursts.

Platforms that thrive in this setting tend to do a few things right:

They keep sign-ins smooth, even for new users registering from different IP regions.
They optimize mobile interfaces to minimize loading time, even on slow networks.

Once those basics are covered, the experience becomes more about mood. A tropical drink beside a pool. A few spins on a slot with ocean-themed graphics. Ten quiet minutes on a table game while waiting for dinner at a lodge with patchy service.

In other words, the experience blends in rather than interrupts.

Local Wi-Fi, Global Apps, and Traveler Expectations

For this blend to work, infrastructure plays a subtle but important role. Tourists arriving in Costa Rica expect at least moderate internet access. In most areas, that’s what they get. Hotels, hostels, and eco-resorts often provide steady Wi-Fi. Still, the quality can vary wildly depending on region and season. That pushes mobile gamers to seek platforms with reliable buffering and low latency.

A gaming app that loads quickly in Cape Town may still falter in Monteverde if it wasn’t built for uneven networks. That’s where the most successful platforms pull ahead—they invest in global usability, anticipating fluctuations in signal strength, regional regulations, and user habits.

Travelers also bring expectations from their home markets. A visitor used to South African interfaces and features won’t adjust easily to clunky logins or long game loading times. If a platform like Betway has set the benchmark back home, users expect that same performance abroad. The challenge is making those transitions feel natural.

The Future of Leisure Tourism May Include a Digital Pocket

What this signals is not a full shift in travel culture, but a layering. Traditional vacation activities remain front and center. The zip lines, rainforests, and surf breaks still define a Costa Rican getaway. But digital habits don’t get left at the airport. They come along, tucked inside a traveler’s phone.

Online gaming, when done well, doesn’t feel intrusive in this setting. It fits into a rhythm where a few minutes of entertainment enhance rather than compete with the trip. The Central American online gaming market is a growing segment within the larger Latin American market, with specific forecasts for 2025 projecting $66.29 million in revenue for Gaming Networks and over $1.28 billion for the overall Games market. The growth of this trend suggests travelers aren’t seeking something flashy—they’re looking for familiar moments of relaxation that carry over into unfamiliar places.

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Italy isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling you’ve been waiting for

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13 January 2026

RICO’s Q — The other day, I came across a post on social media listing countries with strong Italian roots, and like many others, I was caught off guard that Canada wasn’t on it.

Having grown up in Canada after my family moved to Toronto in 1964, I always thought Canada had the highest percentage of people with Italian heritage. So yeah, that omission surprised me.

I wasn’t shocked to see Australia on the list—I’d been there in 1996. Nor was I surprised by the US, where I lived briefly, or Costa Rica, which has been my home now for over twenty years.

Growing up Italian in Toronto felt like standing at the intersection of two lively cultures, each shaping your identity in ways loud and quiet. Toronto’s neighborhoods have long been home to Italians. My grandfather and his two sons arrived in 1955, settling in for good less than a decade later, bringing the whole family over.

But my grandfather never quite felt Canadian. Neither did his sons, now well into their eighties. My father lived for over 60 years in Canada and barely learned three words of English. Why bother? Italian culture thrived in places like Little Italy and Woodbridge, where the language hung in the air like a familiar tune, even if kids didn’t speak it fluently.

For Italian kids, Sunday lunches were more than just food. They were gatherings filled with stories, laughter, and the unmistakable aroma of garlic and fresh basil. These moments connected us to our roots, keeping traditions alive even as the city around us changed.

But being Italian in Toronto wasn’t just about family dinners or speaking a little Italian. It meant juggling two worlds. School halls echoed with accents from all over, and friends came from everywhere.

There was the push to fit in at school while holding onto family traditions at home. Sometimes it felt like you didn’t fully belong anywhere—too Italian for the locals, too foreign for the Italians back in Italy. That tug on identity can linger for years, pushing you to figure out what being Italian really means beyond the usual stereotypes.

Back in high school, it was like flipping a switch—turn off the Italian when you left home, become “mangia cake” for the day, then switch back to pasta and fagioli at dinner.

Many parents and grandparents came to Canada chasing opportunity, often starting with hard, long hours. Their sacrifices laid the groundwork for future generation—whether that means going to college, chasing creative careers, or starting businesses. Their lessons came wrapped in simple advice: respect your elders, work hard, and never forget where you come from.

Growing up Italian abroad

Living Italian outside Italy feels like straddling two worlds—both vibrant and messy, filled with love and confusion. It’s a mix of old traditions and new realities, creating a life that’s deeply personal and rich.

For many Italians abroad, food is the strongest link to home. Sunday pasta, the smell of garlic and basil, nonna’s homemade sauce—these aren’t just meals, they’re rituals. Even if the rest of the week is loaded with the local cuisine—burgers, sushi, curry—the Italian kitchen remains a sacred spot, a little slice of home wherever you are.

Language plays its own tricky role. Italians abroad carry a certain flair—stubbornness mixed with humor. Phrases like “Mamma mia!” pop up, and hands fly wildly when people talk, even if no one else gets it. That expressiveness becomes a badge of identity, a way to stay connected to something bigger. With over 250 hand gestures, Italians use their hands to say what words sometimes can’t.

Maybe that’s the charm of it. Growing up Italian abroad teaches you to be flexible and resilient. Your identity isn’t fixed; it’s a blend of old customs and new experiences. It’s about loving a culture half a world away while making a life where you are.

At the end of the day, being Italian abroad means carrying a piece of Italy in your heart, no matter where life takes you. It’s a story of family, food, language, and the messy, beautiful struggle of belonging.

Being Italian in Costa Rica

Being Italian in Costa Rica is a mix of Mediterranean passion and Central American pura vida, full of surprises and quiet challenges.

For Italians, food is more than fuel. Arriving in Costa Rica, the first thing you notice is the difference in food. Costa Rican dishes are simple, fresh, built on rice, beans, and tropical fruits. Italian food is about layers of flavor, fresh herbs, and olive oil. At first, this contrast can feel like a culture shock—missing a good espresso or a slice of authentic pizza hits hard. But over time, many Italians learn to appreciate Costa Rica’s own culinary treasures, like gallo pinto for breakfast or the variety of fresh seafood by the coast.

Some even start mixing the two—imagine pasta with a splash of Costa Rican citrus or a coffee break with a tropical twist.

For many Italian families who settled here, the journey began full of hope. They brought recipes, memories of cobblestone streets, and a fierce loyalty to family. Costa Rica, with its lush landscapes and warm people, became home. Holding on to Italian roots wasn’t just nostalgia—it was a way of seeing the world.

You’ll hear Italian phrases drop into everyday conversation or passionate debates about Juventus and AC Milan alongside cheers for the Costa Rican national team.

At school and on the streets, being Italian in Costa Rica can feel like walking a tightrope. Pride in heritage meets the desire to fit in locally. Kids grow up juggling two languages—Italian at home, Spanish everywhere else. They learn to switch effortlessly, blending the musical rhythm of Italian with the laid-back flow of Costa Rican Spanish.

This dual identity opens doors. It brings a wider perspective, curiosity, and a rich mix of culture. Italian lessons come with stories of Rome and Venice, while Costa Rican history paints rainforests and volcanoes. Together, they shape a worldview that’s rooted and broad.

Still, growing up Italian here isn’t without its struggles. Sometimes it feels like you belong to neither place fully. Traditions can feel heavy, expectations high, and the pull of local youth culture strong. But it’s in juggling these forces that a unique identity is born—one that’s tough, flexible, and deeply personal.

In the end, growing up Italian in Costa Rica is about blending. It’s savoring pasta while hearing waves crash nearby. Celebrating family traditions under a tropical sun. Carrying the best of two cultures inside and letting them shape who you are.

This fusion creates a life rich with flavor, warmth, and color—a life full of possibility, grounded in history. And maybe that’s the real beauty of growing up Italian in Costa Rica.a Rica.

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Ortega and Murillo’s Greatest Fear Is Betrayal from Within Their Own Ranks

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12 January 2026

Q24N — Lawyer and former opposition legislator Eliseo Núñez told 100% Noticias that Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo’s main fear is not a foreign military intervention, but rather internal betrayal brought on by two years of sustained mistreatment of their own members and historical figures.

According to Núñez, this erosion of support has opened the possibility that sectors of the Sandinista movement and the security forces may choose to abandon the regime.

“Loyalties were unwavering, but not bulletproof. The Army and the Police are already wondering if, in an extreme situation, they will be the ones who end up paying the price,” he stated.

The former legislator warned that Ortega is experiencing a paranoid spiral in which he has begun to persecute even his own people.

“Basically, I believe that today there are more political prisoners on their side than on ours. I’m almost certain of it,” he said, explaining that many of those detained do not appear in the opposition’s records because they come from the Sandinista ranks.

The Fear of Being Abandoned

For Núñez, this situation places Ortega in a position of extreme vulnerability.

In his view, this is the moment to increase internal and external pressure. “It’s not due to a lack of optimism, but this is the moment to demand a series of things from Ortega that will allow for the release of all political prisoners, the safe return of exiles, the restoration of nationalities, freedoms, and the opening of the media,” he said.

He added: “I believe it’s time to demand everything from Ortega. We must remind him that this is not just about political prisoners, but about freedoms and human rights violations.”

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Nicaraguan Dictatorship Releases 20 Political Prisoners After US Pressure

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12 January 2026