This Week’s Top Costa Rica News Story
This week was dominated by the question Costa Rica can’t control: how far the Iran war spreads, and what that does to fuel prices, shipping, and tourism demand. At home, authorities pushed major security cases forward, coffee leaders warned of a rough 2026, and the northern Caribbean dealt with a familiar headache: sargassum.
US Bases Proposed in Limón, Puntarenas and Guanacaste to Target Drug Trafficker
Fabián Silva Gamboa, a constitutional lawyer who advises President-elect Laura Fernández, proposed a reform to the Political Constitution that would allow the United States to establish military bases in Costa Rica. He presented the idea as a way to step up action against drug trafficking and organized crimes
More News From Costa Rica This Week
Costa Rica and Nicaragua agree to coordinate against border gold smuggling
Costa Rica and Nicaragua reached an agreement to coordinate actions against illegal gold activity along the border, after Costa Rica flagged concerns tied to material taken from the Crucitas area and moved across the river
Guatemala Issues Orange Alert for Volcano Eruptions and Ashfall
Guatemalan officials issued public warnings amid ongoing explosive eruptions at two major volcanoes, prompting heightened monitoring and safety measures across affected departments. Authorities alerted residents to risks from the Fuego and Santiaguito volcanoes, both emitting ash and registering frequent blasts.
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Authorities investigate alleged plot to assassinate interim OIJ chief
A large police and judicial operation unfolded after investigators uncovered an alleged plot targeting interim OIJ director Michael Soto Rojas, linked in reporting to broader organized-crime investigations
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Costa Rica Central Bank Urged to Cut Rates and Act on Exchange Rate Collapse
Economists called on the Central Bank of Costa Rica to adopt measures that reverse the sharp drop in the dollar exchange rate. The local currency keeps gaining ground, and this movement now hits businesses and households across the country.
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Sargassum buildup grows along the northern Caribbean coast
MINAE reported increasing accumulation of sargassum along Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, with monitoring led through SINAC and Tortuguero conservation authorities
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Spotlight
Starbucks adds limited-time MrBeast tie-in drink at select Costa Rica stores
Starbucks stores in Costa Rica are offering the Cannon Ball Drink, a limited-time beverage tied to a partnership with content creator MrBeast. The drink went on sale Feb. 20 and is scheduled to remain available through March 6 at participating locations
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World’s Longest Happiness Study Comes to Costa Rica
Dr. Robert Waldinger, professor at Harvard University and Director of the renowned Harvard Study of Adult Development, will be the featured keynote speaker at the Gross Global Happiness Summit (GGH) 2026, taking place March 6–8 in Ciudad Colón.
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