This week felt like Costa Rica snapping back into real life after the holidays. The presidential race finally hit debate mode, traffic police reminded everyone Marchamo isn’t optional, and daily life stories kept circling the same themes: security, costs, and getting around the country without hassles.
Top Costa Rica News Story
Costa Rica Highway to Close Temporarily for Wildlife Crossing Installations
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
New York Times Spotlights Costa Rica’s Osa as Top 2026 Travel Pick
The Osa Peninsula has landed on The New York Times’ annual list of 52 places to visit in 2026, ranking fourth overall. This recognition points to the region’s rich biodiversity and its role as a quieter option compared to busier parts of Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica’s first official presidential debate puts security and cost of living front and center
Costa Rica’s presidential candidates squared off in the first official debate hosted by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE), marking a key moment in the run-up to the February 1 election. The debate, broadcast across multiple channels including Canal 13 and streamed on TSE platforms, centered on pressing national concerns.
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Tribunal reviews request to block Bukele visit over election neutrality concerns
Costa Rica’s electoral tribunal confirmed it is reviewing a citizen appeal seeking to bar El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele from entering Costa Rica during a planned visit tied to the CACCO mega-prison project. The filer claims Bukele’s presence could compromise the neutrality of Costa Rica’s ongoing electoral process.
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Police warn of a pattern of tourist-targeted crimes after violent home invasion
Authorities said four U.S. tourists were rescued from a home invasion in Nuevo Arenal de Tilarán after a shootout left one suspect dead and two fleeing. OIJ officials described it as a mode of operation they’ve seen in recent months, especially in tourist areas
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Manuel Antonio development faces calls for a halt amid environmental complaints
A project known as Ocean Cove drew formal complaints filed with SINAC, SETENA, and the Quepos municipality, alleging damage to forest and plant cover and arguing construction is proceeding without proper approvals.
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Other News This Week
Spotlight
Costa Rica is the Land of Roadside Good Samaritans
After nearly 14 years of living in Ticolandia, I have come to appreciate so many things about the Costa Rican culture, people, and way of life. While there are many gems to treasure, today’s topic will highlight something that anyone who lives here long enough will eventually encounter in first person: the culture of the Roadside Good Samaritan.
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