This week, Costa Rica’s election season took a darker turn with an alleged plot against President Rodrigo Chaves, while the Bukele-inspired prison project kept sparking political heat. Meanwhile, Palmares kicked off, tourism leaders warned the country is losing momentum, and travelers got a fresh FAA alert tied to regional airspace.
Top Costa Rica News Story
Costa Rica says it uncovered an assassination plot against President
Motorists traveling between the capital and the Caribbean coast had to adjust their plans this week. Route 32, the key highway linking San José to Limón, experienced temporary closures as workers installed aerial wildlife crossings at several locations.
More News From Costa Rica This Week
Electoral tribunal rejects efforts to block Bukele visit
Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal denied legal challenges seeking to stop Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s visit, after critics argued the timing could collide with campaign neutrality.
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Bukele prison model lands in Costa Rica and fuels the campaign
Bukele joined President Chaves to launch the CACCO maximum-security prison project in Alajuela, modeled on El Salvador’s CECOT, intensifying debate over security policy and civil liberties ahead of the vote
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Luxury home tax deadline in Costa Rica was Jan. 15
The Finance Ministry reminded property owners that the 2026 “luxury home tax” filing and payment deadline is Jan. 15, with penalties for late compliance..
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Tourism chamber warns Costa Rica is falling behind competitors
CANATUR says Costa Rica’s tourism growth lagged in 2025, while countries like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala posted stronger gains, raising questions about pricing, airlift, and competitiveness.
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Costa Rica Road to Close for Two Weeks for Bridge Construction
Route 606 will be closed for the construction of a bridge over the Guacimal River. The project includes the construction of a two-lane bridge, one lane in each direction, as well as a pedestrian walkway. This route connects Monteverde with the North Inter-American Highway.
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Other News This Week
Spotlight
Palmares starts and it’s already in full swing
Fiestas de Palmares opened Jan. 15, with parades and the first nights of programming setting the pace for Costa Rica’s biggest January festival. If you’re going, plan for crowds, traffic bottlenecks, and late-night movement, especially around headline events.
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