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Source: http://www.ticotimes.net/feed

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<title>Viva Aerobus Connects Monterrey to San José, Costa Rica with New Route</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/viva-aerobus-connects-monterrey-to-san-jose-costa-rica-with-new-route</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jul 2025 16:26:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Travel and Tourism]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186528</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Mexican airline Viva Aerobus is launching a new international route linking Monterrey, Nuevo León, with San José, Costa Rica, starting October 30, 2025. This direct flight offers travelers a convenient and affordable way to hop between these two dynamic cities, marking Viva’s first-ever service to Costa Rica. Flights will run twice weekly. From Monterrey, planes […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/viva-aerobus-connects-monterrey-to-san-jose-costa-rica-with-new-route">Viva Aerobus Connects Monterrey to San José, Costa Rica with New Route</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
Mexican airline Viva Aerobus is launching a new international route linking Monterrey, Nuevo León, with San José, Costa Rica, starting October 30, 2025. This direct flight offers travelers a convenient and affordable way to hop between these two dynamic cities, marking Viva’s first-ever service to Costa Rica.<a href="https://www.larepublica.net/noticia/viva-aerobus-abre-vuelo-directo-entre-monterrey-y-san-jose"></a><a href="https://revistasumma.com/aerolinea-mexicana-viva-abre-nueva-ruta-monterrey-san-jose-costa-rica/"></a>
Flights will run twice weekly. From Monterrey, planes depart Mondays and Fridays at 9:50 PM, landing in San José at 1:20 AM the next day. Return flights leave San José on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2:20 AM, arriving in Monterrey by 6:00 AM. The schedule runs through January 12, 2026, pauses, and resumes permanently on March 28, 2026, for the Easter vacation season. “This route responds to growing demand,” said Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister, William Rodríguez. “Monterrey’s a thriving city, and Costa Rica’s natural beauty is a big draw.”<a href="https://www.larepublica.net/noticia/viva-aerobus-abre-vuelo-directo-entre-monterrey-y-san-jose"></a>
Viva Aerobus, based at Monterrey International Airport, operates 180 routes across Mexico, the U.S., Cuba, Colombia, and now Costa Rica, with 45 routes from Monterrey alone. Its fleet of 96 A320 and A321 aircraft is Mexico’s youngest and ranks fifth youngest in North America. Passengers can join Doters, Viva’s loyalty program with over 9 million members, earning points for flights and partner rewards. The airline’s flex-SÍ-bility policy also allows up to 11 ticket changes, like tweaking names, dates, or routes, making travel plans stress-free.
“This is a big deal for us,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Grupo Viva Aerobus. “Monterrey’s our home, and now our passengers can fly straight to San José’s capital. With over 45 connecting destinations from Monterrey, this route opens up new possibilities for travelers heading to Mexico, the U.S., or beyond.” The route strengthens Monterrey’s role as a key hub, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, when Nuevo León expects a tourism surge.
Costa Rica’s appeal is clear. From January to May 2025, 36,211 Mexican tourists arrived by air, making Mexico a top market for Costa Rican tourism, per the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). Travelers can explore San José’s cultural scene, nearby rainforests, and Pacific beaches, while Costa Ricans gain easier access to Monterrey’s business opportunities and culinary hotspots. “This connection brings our regions closer,” Rodríguez added, noting the boost to tourism and trade.<a href="https://www.larepublica.net/noticia/viva-aerobus-abre-vuelo-directo-entre-monterrey-y-san-jose"></a>
The route is Viva’s first venture into Central America, a milestone for the low-cost carrier founded in 2006. Tickets are already available on Viva’s website, and with competitive fares, the airline aims to make this route a go-to for budget-conscious travelers.
For more details, visit <a href="https://www.vivaaerobus.com/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viva Aerobus’s official site</a> or follow updates from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/viva-aerobus-connects-monterrey-to-san-jose-costa-rica-with-new-route">Viva Aerobus Connects Monterrey to San José, Costa Rica with New Route</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>Costa Rica’s Punta Leona Resort at Center of Beach Access Controversy</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/costa-ricas-punta-leona-resort-at-center-of-beach-access-controversy</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jul 2025 12:32:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Travel and Tourism]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186522</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort and the mayor of Garabito, Francisco González, are locked in a dispute over public access to Playa Blanca and Playa Mantas, as well as the legality of several constructions on the site. The mayor released a video during an inspection this Wednesday, in which he indicated there is […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/costa-ricas-punta-leona-resort-at-center-of-beach-access-controversy">Costa Rica’s Punta Leona Resort at Center of Beach Access Controversy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort and the mayor of Garabito, Francisco González, are locked in a dispute over public access to Playa Blanca and Playa Mantas, as well as the legality of several constructions on the site. The mayor released a video during an inspection this Wednesday, in which he indicated there is an “evident public invasion” by the hotel. González stated he intends to ensure Costa Ricans have access to these beaches and warns of compliance with Law 6043.
“Those who do not come to the hotel or are members of the club also have the right to enjoy these beaches, and we are currently enforcing Law 6043. This beach must be accessible to ‘ticos’ without any fee, as stated in Law 6043,” he said. Regarding the buildings, according to the mayor, some are constructed on public land. In the video, he even shows what he considers a water source, possibly “piped and manipulated to facilitate construction on top of it.”
The mayor indicated that they will find a way to make the owners understand “that they cannot fence off public land” and must allow both national and foreign tourists to access the beaches. In response, the company opposed actions taken by the local government. They claim that González tried to demolish a construction built on private property, without an administrative procedure.
“He was informed that he would not proceed according to his intentions and certainly not without an order, as it involved private property, and any attempt to violate or remove the structure would be against the right to private property, and they would respond,” said the administration of the Club. Subsequently, González chose to change his statement and indicated that he would conduct an inspection.
<a href="https://ticotimes.net/2018/07/02/hotel-program-conserves-scarlet-macaws-in-the-central-pacific-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Punta Leona</a> said the municipal representative verbally informed them, without any legal documents, they had been granted eight days to remove infrastructure in the area and in spaces labeled by the mayor as public. Punta Leona warned the Municipality of Garabito that any attempt to enter forcefully or demolish buildings would constitute a violation of Article 45 of the Constitution.
“Such acts would be illegal, illegitimate, and arbitrary, resulting in serious legal consequences for the mayor and all public officials who accompany or support him in such actions,” the Club stated. The hotel emphasized that the buildings are on private property and there are no technical, legal, or registry criteria for their demolition.
“Any arbitrary action in this context could lead to civil, criminal, and administrative consequences, both institutional and personal, for those who execute or support it,” they said in a statement.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/costa-ricas-punta-leona-resort-at-center-of-beach-access-controversy">Costa Rica’s Punta Leona Resort at Center of Beach Access Controversy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>Peruvian Scientists Identify New Frog Species in Piura’s Highlands</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/peruvian-scientists-identify-new-frog-species-in-piuras-highlands</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jul 2025 12:14:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Latin America]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Peru]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186524</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A team of Peruvian scientists recently identified three new frog species in the misty peaks of the Huancabamba mountain range in northern Peru’s Piura region, according to the Peruvian Institute of Herpetology. Named Pristimantis chinguelas, Pristimantis nunezcortezi, and Pristimantis yonke, these amphibians add to the already diverse Pristimantis genus, which boasts over 600 species across […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/peruvian-scientists-identify-new-frog-species-in-piuras-highlands">Peruvian Scientists Identify New Frog Species in Piura’s Highlands</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
A team of Peruvian scientists recently identified three new frog species in the misty peaks of the Huancabamba mountain range in northern Peru’s Piura region, according to the Peruvian Institute of Herpetology. Named Pristimantis chinguelas, Pristimantis nunezcortezi, and Pristimantis yonke, these amphibians add to the already diverse Pristimantis genus, which boasts over 600 species across Central and South America.
The frogs, each about five centimeters long, were spotted during nighttime expeditions between 2021 and 2024 in forests sitting 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level. “We found these species in areas rarely explored,” said lead herpetologist Germán Chávez. “The Huancabamba range is a hotspot for unique wildlife, connecting the Amazon to the Pacific coast.” 
Their high-pitched calls and striking features—like large yellow eyes and cream, yellow, or brown skin with tubercles or black blotches—set them apart from known relatives. Pristimantis chinguelas, for example, was found clinging to mossy cliffs at Cerro Chinguelas, while Pristimantis nunezcortezi lives near cool streams in recovering forests, marked by distinct black groin patches.
These frogs don’t need standing water to breed, laying eggs in moist soil or plants, which makes them excellent indicators of their habitat’s health. “Their presence tells us the ecosystem is still intact,” Chávez noted. The team confirmed the species through DNA analysis, morphology, and bioacoustic studies, showing over 3% genetic difference from their closest kin. Their findings appeared in the journal Evolutionary Systematics in June 2025.
The Huancabamba range, with its fog-drenched dwarf forests and quiet páramo highlands, is a biodiversity treasure. Yet, it faces serious threats. Agricultural burning, deforestation, and climate shifts endanger the frogs’ small habitats. Pristimantis chinguelas occupies less than four square miles, and only two Pristimantis nunezcortezi have been found at one site. “We’re racing against time,” Chávez said. “These frogs could vanish before we learn more about them.” The species are currently listed as “Data Deficient” on the IUCN Red List, meaning more research is needed to assess their survival odds.
The discovery highlights how much remains unknown in the Andes. “This range is like a living archive,” said co-researcher Wilmar Aznaran from the Instituto Peruano de Herpetología. The team trekked five to six hours each night, scanning vegetation and streams with headlamps. Their persistence paid off, but they stress that more surveys, especially in the dry season, are needed to protect these fragile ecosystems.
One species, Pristimantis nunezcortezi, honors Elio Iván Núñez Cortez, a conservationist who championed the Huancabamba region. The findings underscore the need to preserve this rugged landscape, which not only supports unique wildlife but also holds cultural significance for local communities. As Chávez put it, “Every new species we find is a reminder of what’s at stake.”
For more on this discovery, check the study in <a href="https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/148522/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolutionary Systematics </a>or follow updates from the Peruvian Institute of Herpetology.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/05/peruvian-scientists-identify-new-frog-species-in-piuras-highlands">Peruvian Scientists Identify New Frog Species in Piura’s Highlands</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>Costa Rica’s Wildlife and the Camera Trap Method That Won Me Over</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-ricas-wildlife-and-the-camera-trap-method-that-won-me-over</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Losasso]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 05 Jul 2025 00:19:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Environment and Wildlife]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186511</guid>
<description><![CDATA[To change your mind on previously strongly held convictions can be viewed in two different lights. You’re either an open-minded individual that allows new information to influence their beliefs or you’re a flip-flopper of the first degree whose opinions depend on the way the wind is blowing. I’m not sure if I’m open-minded or a flip-flopper, but I must […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-ricas-wildlife-and-the-camera-trap-method-that-won-me-over">Costa Rica’s Wildlife and the Camera Trap Method That Won Me Over</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
To change your mind on previously strongly held convictions can be viewed in two different lights. You’re either an open-minded individual that allows new information to influence their beliefs or you’re a flip-flopper of the first degree whose opinions depend on the way the wind is blowing. I’m not sure if I’m open-minded or a flip-flopper, but I must admit I’ve had a change of heart recently.
For years I raged against anyone who dared to set their camera traps to photo mode. Why on Earth would you do that? At this point every camera has the ability to record video. Videos not only give the animal more time to align itself directly in front of your camera for easy identification but also allow you to see your subject interacting with its environment. A photo shows an instant of animal in its natural environment and a video allows you to actually see what the animal is up to. Up until very recently, this is a hill I would have died on.
My change of heart happened after meeting <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeevan_vridhan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeevan Vridhan</a>. Jeevan is a wildlife photographer who specializes in DSLR camera traps. I was going to tell you what DSLR stands for, but I looked it up and it’s a nightmare. What you need to know about these camera traps is that they are like the regular camera traps that I have except on steroids.
They consist of a very nice camera that a photographer would actually use, which is then placed inside of a weather-proof box that is connected to a motion sensor and several flashes. When an animal passes in front of the motion sensor, it triggers the camera and flashes simultaneously hopefully producing a National Geographic-esque, super high-quality photograph. 
Jeevan has been working in India for years where he uses his camera traps to photograph all sorts of interesting wildlife including elephants and tigers. He has a list of species in Costa Rica that he would like to photograph, so we have been working together for the last several months to find the animals that he is interested in. 
After a few months spent scouting locations with traditional camera traps, we picked two promising spots and deployed two DSLR camera traps. I set them up with the help of another biologist named Benjamin Luke who has a lot of experience with these cameras through a project he founded called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildcatimagingproject/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Wild Cat Imaging Project</a>, and then it was time to wait for the animals to start taking pictures of themselves.
After the first hike to review Jeevan’s cameras, I quickly learned two things. First, I kind of stink at DSLR camera trapping. It’s more complicated than what I’m used to, and I had the focus all messed up. Additionally, we are on the hunt for perfectly centered, perfectly focused photos and the wildlife of Costa Rica seem uninterested placing in themselves in the right spot. Second, I’m a huge flip-flopper. Even though they aren’t videos, as soon as I saw the first few results, I felt that little happy twinge in my heart just like I get when I review cameras and see a perfectly wonderful video.
We’ve only just started the DSLR camera trapping a few weeks ago but I made a little video of the photographs we’ve captured so far. I’ll start with the bad and work toward the good. First, you’ll see a photo of us just missing a female <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/04/05/how-jaguars-in-costa-rica-boost-sea-turtle-numbers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jaguar </a>and then you’ll see a photo of the tiniest juvenile jaguar I’ve ever recorded. This photo is a little heartbreaking because I had the focus messed up, but it was enough to spark my love of this method of photography. After the jaguar near-misses, you’ll see a picture taken of the camera being knocked over by a crazy flood and then some pictures of the sideways camera being triggered by a <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2014/10/06/a-caracara-hitches-a-ride-on-a-tapirs-back" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baird’s tapir. </a>
Finally, you’ll see a few photos that actually worked out pretty well. The focus was right, and you can appreciate the details of the animals in the pictures. I’m still learning this new method of photography and I hope to be able to share some more pictures of our great success in this project in the future. Until then, enjoy the video below.
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<iframe title="DSLR Camera Trapping - Tico Times" width="696" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_Uh-9MejdPw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-author">About the Author</h2>
Vincent Losasso, founder of <a href="https://guanacastewildlifemonitoring.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guanacaste Wildlife Monitoring</a>, is a biologist who works with camera traps throughout Costa Rica
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-ricas-wildlife-and-the-camera-trap-method-that-won-me-over">Costa Rica’s Wildlife and the Camera Trap Method That Won Me Over</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>El Salvador Sentences Ex-Military Chiefs for 1982 Murder of Dutch Journalists</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/el-salvador-sentences-ex-military-chiefs-for-1982-murder-of-dutch-journalists</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 20:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[El Salvador]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Latin America]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186514</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A court in El Salvador sentenced three former military chiefs to 60 years in prison on Thursday for the murder of four Dutch journalists 43 years ago during the country’s civil war (1980–1992). On June 3, the Court of First Instance of Dulce Nombre de María, in the northern department of Chalatenango, had initially sentenced […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/el-salvador-sentences-ex-military-chiefs-for-1982-murder-of-dutch-journalists">El Salvador Sentences Ex-Military Chiefs for 1982 Murder of Dutch Journalists</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
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A court in El Salvador sentenced three former military chiefs to 60 years in prison on Thursday for the murder of four Dutch journalists 43 years ago during the country’s civil war (1980–1992). On June 3, the Court of First Instance of Dulce Nombre de María, in the northern department of Chalatenango, had initially sentenced them to 15 years in prison each. However, this Thursday, when delivering the written verdict, the court clarified that since four people were killed, the sentence totals 60 years.
The ruling specifies that the convicted men “will only serve 30 years” in prison, the maximum sentence allowed by the criminal law in force at the time, explained the victims’ lawyer, Gustavo Huezo. The convicted men are: former Minister of Defense (1979–1983), General José Guillermo García, age 91; former director of the now-defunct Treasury Police, Colonel Francisco Morán, 93; and Colonel Mario Adalberto Reyes Mena, 85, former commander of the Fourth Infantry Brigade based in Chalatenango.
On March 17, 1982, <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/03/17/trial-date-set-for-murder-of-dutch-journalists-during-el-salvador-war" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dutch journalists </a>Jan Cornelius Kuiper Joop, Koos Jacobus Andries Koster, Hans Lodewijk ter Laag, and Johannes Jan Willemsen were killed in an ambush by the Atonal Battalion in Chalatenango while filming a documentary on El Salvador’s civil war. The journalists were working for IKON TV, a Dutch television channel created by several churches.
According to the verdict, Morán and Reyes Mena were convicted as “indirect perpetrators” and García as an “accomplice by omission.” The three retired military officers were also ordered to pay civil damages to the victims’ families.
The ruling also requires the Salvadoran state to publicly apologize to the journalists’ families for the “delay in justice” and because the “main perpetrators” were part of the military high command. The public apology must be issued by President Nayib Bukele, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, within 30 working days.
The case remained in impunity until it was reopened in 2018 after El Salvador’s Supreme Court declared the 1993 Amnesty Law unconstitutional in 2016. That law had pardoned crimes committed during the civil war. The conflict left 75,000 people dead and 7,000 missing, according to official figures.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/el-salvador-sentences-ex-military-chiefs-for-1982-murder-of-dutch-journalists">El Salvador Sentences Ex-Military Chiefs for 1982 Murder of Dutch Journalists</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>Costa Rica Hotels Struggle with Mid-Year Booking Slowdown</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-rica-hotels-struggle-with-mid-year-booking-slowdown</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 17:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Travel and Tourism]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186507</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Costa Rica’s tourism ss facing a slowdown as the mid-year school vacation period approaches. Running from July 5 to 20, the break typically draws strong domestic travel activity, but hotel bookings for 2025 are falling short of expectations. According to a national survey of 50 hotels across various regions and categories, only 51 percent of […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-rica-hotels-struggle-with-mid-year-booking-slowdown">Costa Rica Hotels Struggle with Mid-Year Booking Slowdown</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
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Costa Rica’s tourism ss facing a slowdown as the mid-year school vacation period approaches. Running from July 5 to 20, the break typically draws strong domestic travel activity, but hotel bookings for 2025 are falling short of expectations.
According to a national survey of 50 hotels across various regions and categories, only 51 percent of reservations are confirmed. This suggests that while the average projected occupancy stands at 66 percent, many hotels are still well below their targets. Nearly half of the respondents expect lower occupancy compared to the same period last year, with some anticipating an average decline of 17 percentage points. However, 21 percent of hotels forecast an increase in visitors.
Occupancy expectations vary significantly by region and hotel type. Hotels in the <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2022/06/29/costa-ricas-northern-zone-is-affected-by-rain-floods-and-landslides" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Zone</a> are leading projections with estimated occupancy rates of 85 percent, followed by all-inclusive resorts at 83 percent, mountain hotels at 75 percent, and five-star properties at 70 percent. These figures highlight that while some segments remain resilient, others are struggling to attract bookings.
To help boost domestic travel, more than half of the hotels surveyed plan to offer promotional packages. These include discounts ranging from 10 to 30 percent, multi-night stay incentives such as 3×2 or 4×3 packages, preferential pricing for Costa Rican residents, and family-oriented deals. The industry is hoping these offers will encourage more nationals to travel during the school break.
Tourism leaders have warned that the current tourism outlook is being shaped by a combination of economic pressures and a reduction in international arrivals. Although global tourism rose by 5 percent in the first quarter of 2025, and the Americas posted 2 percent growth, Costa Rica experienced a 3.8 percent drop. Some in the industry point to issues such as high travel costs, exchange rate challenges, and growing insecurity as key factors discouraging travel to the country.
While government officials have pointed to international conditions—including global conflicts, rising tariffs, and diplomatic tensions—as explanations for the decline, many business owners argue that internal problems are just as significant. Limited airlift, reduced flight availability, and fewer seats on key routes have also compounded the issue, especially for international arrivals to <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2021/06/26/how-to-decide-which-costa-rica-airport-to-fly-into" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liberia and San José.</a>
As the mid-year break approaches, Costa Rica’s hospitality sector is counting on last-minute bookings, strong domestic marketing campaigns, and competitive pricing to reverse the trend and bolster tourism revenues during one of the year’s most important travel periods.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-rica-hotels-struggle-with-mid-year-booking-slowdown">Costa Rica Hotels Struggle with Mid-Year Booking Slowdown</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>Costa Rica Faces Scrutiny After Murder of Exiled Nicaraguan Officer</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-rica-faces-scrutiny-after-murder-of-exiled-nicaraguan-officer</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Crime]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186498</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Costa Rican government is facing growing criticism after the murder of exiled Nicaraguan military officer Roberto Samcam, who was shot to death in San José on June 19 in what appears to be a targeted political assassination. Samcam had reportedly warned Costa Rica’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) about threats to his life, […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-rica-faces-scrutiny-after-murder-of-exiled-nicaraguan-officer">Costa Rica Faces Scrutiny After Murder of Exiled Nicaraguan Officer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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The Costa Rican government is facing growing criticism after the murder of exiled Nicaraguan military officer <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/06/19/nicaraguan-critic-roberto-samcam-assassinated-in-costa-rica" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roberto Samcam,</a> who was shot to death in San José on June 19 in what appears to be a targeted political assassination. Samcam had reportedly warned Costa Rica’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) about threats to his life, but no action was taken to provide protection.
Legal action is now underway against the Costa Rican State, with Samcam’s widow seeking to hold government institutions accountable for failing to respond to repeated alerts.
The case is being supported by legal experts and international human rights advocates, with backing from parties in the United States and Spain. The legal complaint argues that the murder was politically motivated and part of a broader pattern of repression against Nicaraguan exiles. <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2018/09/06/the-nicaraguan-war-hero-accused-of-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samcam </a>had been living in Costa Rica since 2018, following his outspoken opposition to the regime of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.
Samcam had reportedly shared intelligence with authorities regarding threats and the presence of foreign cells operating in Costa Rica. Despite these warnings, no protective measures were implemented, and no coordination occurred with Samcam or his family.
The murder has raised alarm among Costa Rica’s Nicaraguan exile community, many of whom now say they feel increasingly unsafe. Just last year, another prominent Nicaraguan dissident survived an armed attack under similar circumstances. Many fear that these attacks represent an escalating trend in transnational repression.
On the morning of the murder, a gunman posing as a delivery worker approached Samcam’s residence and opened fire, shooting him multiple times before fleeing on a motorcycle. Surveillance footage and ballistic evidence have been gathered, but no suspects have been publicly identified or arrested.
Calls are intensifying for Costa Rican authorities to strengthen protections for refugees and exiles, and to conduct a thorough investigation into the intellectual and material authors of the crime. Lawmakers and human rights groups are demanding answers, citing the failure to act on credible threats as part of a wider breakdown in the country’s refugee protection system.
The incident has cast a shadow over Costa Rica’s reputation as a safe haven for political exiles and has sparked renewed debate over our country’s role in shielding individuals fleeing authoritarian regimes.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/04/costa-rica-faces-scrutiny-after-murder-of-exiled-nicaraguan-officer">Costa Rica Faces Scrutiny After Murder of Exiled Nicaraguan Officer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>Costa Rica’s Congress Expands Organized Crime Probe, Summons Ex-Presidents</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/costa-ricas-congress-expands-organized-crime-probe-summons-ex-presidents</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Crime]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186500</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly is intensifying its investigation into alleged links between public officials and organized crime. Earlier today, the Special Permanent Commission on Security and Drug Trafficking voted unanimously to summon former presidents Laura Chinchilla (2010–2014) and Luis Guillermo Solís (2014–2018) to testify before Congress regarding their potential connections to Celso Gamboa, a former […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/costa-ricas-congress-expands-organized-crime-probe-summons-ex-presidents">Costa Rica’s Congress Expands Organized Crime Probe, Summons Ex-Presidents</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
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Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly is intensifying its investigation into alleged links between public officials and organized crime. Earlier today, the Special Permanent Commission on Security and Drug Trafficking voted unanimously to summon former presidents <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2014/04/01/president-laura-chinchilla-approaches-the-end-of-her-term-as-the-least-popular-leader-in-the-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laura Chinchilla</a> (2010–2014) and <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2014/05/08/who-is-president-luis-guillermo-solis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luis Guillermo Solís</a> (2014–2018) to testify before Congress regarding their potential connections to Celso Gamboa, a former high-ranking security official now facing extradition.
Gamboa, who served as Vice Minister of Security under Chinchilla and later as Minister under Solís, is currently in provisional detention after a San José court approved a U.S. extradition request on June 24. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has linked Gamboa to suspected drug trafficking networks, prompting heightened scrutiny of his political and institutional ties.
Lawmakers on the commission say both ex-presidents must clarify the nature of their relationships with Gamboa, particularly whether political appointments or endorsements may have facilitated criminal activity. The goal, they said, is to determine whether Gamboa’s rise to power was enabled by institutional blind spots or political protection.
In addition to Chinchilla and Solís, several other current and former senior officials will be called to testify, including Minister of Security Mario Zamora, Minister of Justice and Peace Gerald Campos, Costa Rican Drug Institute director Fernando Ramírez, Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) director Rándall Zúñiga, Supreme Court Justice Patricia Solano, and former Attorney General Jorge Chavarría.
Hearing dates have not yet been confirmed but are expected to take place in the coming weeks. The inquiry comes amid growing concerns over the infiltration of drug trafficking networks into Costa Rica’s political and judicial systems. Gamboa’s extensive career in law enforcement, the judiciary, and politics has made the case particularly high-profile.
Authorities are also pursuing a related case involving Edwin López Vega, alias “Pecho de Rata,” a Costa Rican national currently held in provisional detention and also wanted for extradition to the United States on drug trafficking charges.
With two extradition cases now involving prominent figures, the Assembly’s investigation marks one of the most significant efforts to address allegations of organized crime influence within the Costa Rican government in recent years.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/costa-ricas-congress-expands-organized-crime-probe-summons-ex-presidents">Costa Rica’s Congress Expands Organized Crime Probe, Summons Ex-Presidents</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>When Will Poás Volcano National Park Reopen? Here’s What We Know</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/when-will-poas-volcano-national-park-reopen-heres-what-we-know</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Travel and Tourism]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186496</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Although Poás Volcano has entered a more stable phase and the alert level has been lowered to green, the national park will remain closed for the time being, according to Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). Authorities say the popular tourist destination cannot reopen until safety conditions are fully assured. SINAC officials announced […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/when-will-poas-volcano-national-park-reopen-heres-what-we-know">When Will Poás Volcano National Park Reopen? Here’s What We Know</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
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Although Poás Volcano has entered a more stable phase and the alert level has been lowered to green, the national park will remain closed for the time being, according to Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (<a href="https://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SINAC</a>). Authorities say the popular tourist destination cannot reopen until safety conditions are fully assured.
SINAC officials announced that a reopening plan is in progress, but the park’s infrastructure must first undergo technical evaluations, maintenance work, and inspections. These measures follow strict safety protocols established for protected wildlife areas and active volcanic zones.
“In the next few days, the date for the reopening will be officially announced. Before reopening, a series of infrastructure maintenance activities must be carried out,” said Environment Minister Franz Tattenbach.
The downgrade to a green alert was issued by the National Emergency Commission (CNE) on July 2, following a sustained reduction in volcanic activity. Reports from the Technical Advisory Committee on Volcanology and Seismology noted low-amplitude seismic tremors, fewer long-period events, more stable volcanic gas emissions, and a decline in the intensity of phreatic eruptions.
Recent monitoring by the Smithsonian/USGS confirms that Poás remains in a state of “continuing activity” as of July 1—indicating intermittent volcanic behavior but no full-scale eruption. Seismic data from July 2 also show no significant earthquakes in the region, supporting current assessments of stable conditions.
Drone overflights confirmed that ash deposits west of the active crater have significantly diminished. Recent heavy rains—exceeding 120 millimeters on some days—have helped wash the ash into lower basins, primarily the Desagüe, Anonos, Gorrión, and Agrio rivers.
Despite these signs of stabilization, volcanologists warn that vigilance is still needed. Rainwater entering the volcano’s mouth A could accumulate and trigger new phreatic explosions. Meanwhile, SINAC’s Central Conservation Area is reviewing infrastructure and trails, performing preventive maintenance, coordinating with the CNE and local emergency committees, and updating safety protocols.
“The reopening involves a series of details to offer a good experience to our visitors,” said Meryll Arias, regional director of the Central Conservation Area. The park has been closed since March 23, when Poás entered an active eruptive phase. The closure has had a major economic impact on nearby communities that depend heavily on tourism. The park’s eventual reopening is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the local economy.
The park <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/03/09/costa-ricas-poas-volcano-erupts-national-park-closes-temporarily" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been closed </a>since March 23, when Poás entered an active eruptive phase. The closure has had a major economic impact on nearby communities that depend on tourism. The eventual reopening is expected to bring a welcome boost to local businesses and the regional economy.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/when-will-poas-volcano-national-park-reopen-heres-what-we-know">When Will Poás Volcano National Park Reopen? Here’s What We Know</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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<title>Costa Rica Stars in Variety’s Top Ten Film Locations</title>
<link>https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/costa-rica-stars-in-varietys-top-ten-film-locations</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tico Times]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Travel and Tourism]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ticotimes.net/?p=186487</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Variety Magazine named our small piece of paradise a top filming destination in its latest featured article, “Ten Locations to Die For,” spotlighting our country’s famous landscapes and growing film industry. The recognition highlights Costa Rica’s appeal to filmmakers looking for varied settings, stable infrastructure, and eco-friendly production options, positioning it as a rising star […]
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/costa-rica-stars-in-varietys-top-ten-film-locations">Costa Rica Stars in Variety’s Top Ten Film Locations</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
Variety Magazine named our small piece of paradise a top filming destination in its latest featured article, <a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/markets-festivals/top-ten-costa-rica-locations-to-die-for-1236445855/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Ten Locations to Die For</a>,” spotlighting our country’s famous landscapes and growing film industry. The recognition highlights Costa Rica’s appeal to filmmakers looking for varied settings, stable infrastructure, and eco-friendly production options, positioning it as a rising star in global cinema.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-landscapes-for-every-film">Varied Landscapes for Every Film</h2>
Variety praises Costa Rica’s geographic range, spanning rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and rivers, making it a magnet for filmmakers. “Costa Rica is ramping up efforts to become a strong contender in global film production. A compact nation with a growing cash rebate scheme, skilled bilingual crews, close proximity to the U.S., political and economic stability, rich natural landscapes and — perhaps most importantly — a keenness to better support productions,” the article states. This variety allows directors to shoot everything from fantasy epics to intimate dramas in one country.<a href="https://variety.com/2025/film/global/top-ten-costa-rica-locations-to-die-for-1236445855/"></a>
Topping the list is La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, with its conical peak rising 1,657 meters. Its rainforests, waterfalls, and Lake Arenal, which generates 60% of Costa Rica’s electricity, starred in Hollywood’s “After Earth.” Just about three hours from San José and Liberia, with a local airstrip and hotels from luxury resorts to simple lodges, La Fortuna makes it easy access. Monteverde’s Cloud Forest, another standout, is attractive due to its biodiversity, ideal for fantasy or nature-driven stories.
The Nicoya Peninsula’s Santa Teresa and Malpaís attract filmmakers with rugged beaches, while Manuel Antonio National Park blends rainforest and ocean, a long-time favorite for its cinematic appeal. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, called one of Earth’s most biologically intense places, offers untouched jungles and rare wildlife. 
Tortuguero and Cahuita on the Caribbean coast provide sea turtle nesting sites and vibrant culture, perfect for coastal tales. <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2021/08/15/a-guide-to-costa-ricas-rio-celeste" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rio Celeste</a> in Tenorio Volcano National Park, with its vivid turquoise waters, appears “straight out of a fantasy film,” Variety notes. Golfo Dulce’s marine-rich waters, Papagayo Peninsula’s upscale resorts like the Four Seasons, and the Central Valley’s coffee plantations and waterfalls, noted for their authentic charm, complete the list.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infrastructure-and-support-drive-appeal">Infrastructure and Support Drive Appeal</h2>
Costa Rica’s appeal extends beyond its scenery. Stable infrastructure, political stability, and proximity to the U.S. make it a practical choice for productions. In 2021, the Costa Rica Film Commission and Procomer launched six Film Friendly Zones (FFZs), chosen for scenic variety and logistical support. 
These zones simplify permits and access, as seen in La Fortuna’s robust hospitality network or Bahía Ballena’s eco-lodges and transport services. A growing cash rebate scheme and bilingual crews enhance the package, positioning Costa Rica against Panama and the Dominican Republic.<a href="https://variety.com/2025/film/global/top-ten-costa-rica-locations-to-die-for-1236445855/"></a>
Sustainability also draws eco-conscious filmmakers. With 93% renewable energy and decades of deforestation reversal, Costa Rica aligns with green production goals. “This recognition highlights our potential,” says a Costa Rican Film Commission spokesperson. “We’re a partner in storytelling, not just a backdrop.” 
Accessibility further adds to Costa Rica’s appeal. Domestic flights <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/04/08/sansa-airlines-bolsters-operations-with-fleet-expansion-eyes-tourism-surge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with Sansa</a>, like those to Palmar Sur for Bahía Ballena, take 40 minutes from San José, while boats to Tortuguero outpace buses. This convenience, combined with a welcoming culture, keeps productions on track. As Hollywood seeks immersive natural settings, Costa Rica delivers locations that feel both wild and reachable.
The Variety feature marks a turning point for Costa Rica’s film industry. With its mix of natural beauty, practical support, and eco-friendly ethos, our country is hoping to host more blockbusters. Whether it’s <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2022/01/16/why-is-costa-ricas-arenal-volcano-famous-a-brief-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arenal’s volcanic drama</a>, <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2019/04/09/monteverde-revisited-new-reasons-to-return-to-the-green-mountain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monteverde’s rainforest</a>, or <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2021/05/23/visiting-costa-ricas-tortuguero-national-park-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tortuguero’s </a>coastal authenticity, these locations show Costa Rica is more than just a travel destination.
The post <a href="https://ticotimes.net/2025/07/03/costa-rica-stars-in-varietys-top-ten-film-locations">Costa Rica Stars in Variety’s Top Ten Film Locations</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ticotimes.net">The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate</a>.
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