This Week’s Top Costa Rica News Story
Semana Santa took over the country this week, with packed beaches, shifting traffic plans, and a run of ocean warnings after multiple rescues. At the same time, Costa Rica’s early-2026 tourism numbers hit a new high, while the U.S. deportation agreement continued to raise uncomfortable questions about logistics and righs.
Dangerous Ocean Conditions Persist Across Costa Rica
Dangerous ocean conditions remain in place across Costa Rica as strong currents, rough surf and wind-driven seas continue to affect both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts during one of the busiest beach travel periods of the year.
More News From Costa Rica This Week
Costa Rica tourism hits a new high as 2026 visitor numbers keep climbing
Costa Rica logged more than 653,000 visitors in the first two months of 2026, extending a five-month growth streak and reinforcing how strong demand remains from North America and Europe. Air arrivals did most of the work, with Liberia continuing to outpace San José in growth as Guanacaste stays hot with beach traveler
Search continues for missing swimmer at Manuel Antonio
Rescue teams continued searching for a 20-year-old swept away by strong currents at Playa Espadilla in Manuel Antonio, with sea and air crews working the area
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Route 27 will reverse toward San José on Easter Sunday
The Clodomiro Picado Institute at the University of Costa Rica released a free mobile app designed to help users identify venomous snakes and respond to bites, tying public education directly to the country’s antivenom expertise.
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What It’s Like to Finally See a Jaguar in the Wild in Costa Rica
A few months ago, I was preparing to take a group of people out on a tour to review camera traps. As I fiddled with my backpack and waited for the guests to gather, a middle-aged gentleman greeted me.
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CCSS weighs paying private doctors to reduce appointment backlogs
A new proposal would have private doctors treat some public-system patients as waitlists continue to stretch and pressure keeps building across the healthcare network
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Semana Santa and More
Spotlight
The Superstitions and Traditions that still mark Easter Week in Costa Rica
From old Good Friday warnings to family rituals that still shape the holiday week, this one explains why Semana Santa feels different here even if you’re not religious, and why many locals still treat certain days as “quiet days” no matter what the calendar says.
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