The New York Times has highlighted Costa Rica's 'El Camino de Costa Rica' trail as a top travel destination for 2024. The 174-mile route offers eco-adventure through jungles, beaches, and peaks, featuring 16 sections that connect the Caribbean and Pacific coasts over 11 to 15 days. Travelers can experience natural beauty, cultural encounters, and local gastronomy while traversing through 25 rural communities. The trail has been enhanced with better signage and offers economic opportunities for local residents, including the Cabécar Indigenous group, by involving them in tourism activities. The selection of 'El Camino' as one of only 52 global destinations for 2024 underscores its appeal for authentic experiences and community engagement.

Costa Rica has been named the best place to retire in 2024 by the Annual Global Retirement Index from International Living. The country is praised for its natural beauty, 'Pura Vida' lifestyle, political stability, environmental commitment, and healthcare system. Costa Rica offers a variety of climates and outdoor activities, and while Spanish is not required, it can enhance integration with the local culture.

Costa Rica's first meteor shower of 2024, the Quadrantids, peaked between January 2 and 3, with visibility until January 5. The National Meteor Institute forecasted favorable conditions due to scant cloudiness and the waning moon. The Cientec Foundation and its executive director, Alejandra León-Castellá, advised on optimal viewing strategies, including using the Stellarium app to locate the Quadrantids' radiant and choosing dark locations away from city lights.

In Costa Rica, Christmas is celebrated with traditional food, gatherings, and decorations, with 'El portal' or 'El pasito' (The Nativity Scene) being a significant tradition for Catholic families. The Nativity Scene is decorated with central figures like Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph, and is a family activity that starts as early as November. Neighbors, relatives, and friends are invited to view the Nativity Scene and share traditional food and drinks. Dismantling the scene is symbolic, involving prayers and music, and is followed by offering typical Costa Rican cuisine. These traditions are cherished by Ticos for promoting family unity and thanksgiving.

The ferry service between Costa Rica and El Salvador, operated by MARINSA, has been suspended indefinitely just four months after its launch. General manager Oscar Alvarez cited a poorly structured route with high operating costs of $10,000 daily and low demand, with cargo capacity reaching only 10% in the first month. The service, which initially offered two weekly trips, was reduced to one due to financial losses. José Antonio Salas, president of CRECEX, called the suspension unfortunate and pointed out the need for modernizing the infrastructure at Puerto Caldera to improve cost efficiency and procedures.

Traffic congestion in San José, Costa Rica, has worsened with the Christmas season, causing travel times to double. The public sector's vacation period starting December 21 and the distribution of Christmas bonuses have led to more people on the streets. Traffic Police spokesperson Steven Rodriguez urges drivers to be cautious and patient, as peak traffic hours now span nearly the entire day. The suspension of license plate restrictions from December 22 aims to aid traffic flow but also increases downtown congestion. Authorities are focusing on preventing accidents through increased road enforcement and public appeals for safe driving practices.

Three armed men, identified as Perez, Velasquez, and Cerdas, attacked Tony Facio Hospital in Limón, targeting Duarte Avilés, who was previously wounded in an armed attack. They breached the hospital's perimeter and accessed through the roof. During the attack, a hospital employee was shot, and despite one assailant's attempt to hide, all were apprehended. Avilés, guarded by Public Force officers, was killed in his hospital bed. The Ministry of Security referred the case to the OIJ, with further details pending investigation.

Dunkin’ Donuts is set to open in Costa Rica by 2024 through a partnership between AR Holdings and Inspire Brands. The expansion will introduce the US's largest coffee and donut brand to the Costa Rican market, with plans to open multiple locations and create new jobs. Antonio Burgos, CEO of AR Holdings, and Michael Haley, Chairman and CEO International of Inspire Brands, expressed their excitement about bringing Dunkin's diverse menu and hospitality to Costa Rica. Dunkin' aims to integrate into the daily lives of Costa Ricans with early opening hours and efficient take-out service.

Costa Rica is experiencing a significant rise in domestic violence cases, with over 30,000 complaints in the past four years and 10,000 in 2023 alone. The rate has increased from 170 to 420 cases per 100,000 inhabitants since 2020. Underage women, including infants and teenagers, are particularly vulnerable, with Puntarenas being the most affected province. This trend mirrors a broader issue in the Americas, where one in three women has faced violence from a partner. The situation demands urgent action to protect women and children.

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves directed the withdrawal of security reform bills after their rejection by the Security Commission. The bills were part of his

Costa Rica's Administrative and Civil Court has suspended new trawling studies due to potential harm to marine ecosystems and state finances, following a lawsuit by the MarViva Foundation. The court cited imminent danger and irregularities in the studies, which include technical deficiencies and developmental flaws. The suspension halts all related activities by INCOPESCA, including new fishing permits, until a substantive resolution is reached. MarViva's Advocacy Manager, Katherine Arroyo, praised the decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and fishing resources. The controversy began when President Rodrigo Chaves announced plans to revive shrimp fishing, which faced criticism from various organizations for lacking transparency and failing to meet research standards.

An emu died during a rescue operation by Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy at an unlicensed wildlife facility in Orotina, Alajuela province. The facility, La Granjita, was found to have inadequate conditions for the animals, which led to the confiscation of various species by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). The owner, Francisco Araya, contends that the animals were well cared for despite the facility's lack of permits. The incident underscores the need for proper licensing and humane conditions at wildlife facilities, as well as stronger enforcement of environmental laws in Costa Rica.

Angela Acuña Braun, the first female lawyer in Costa Rica and a pioneering ambassador to the Organization of American States, was honored with a portrait in Washington, D.C.'s 'Women Who Transformed the Americas' Gallery. A champion for women's suffrage and rights, Braun's legacy is celebrated through the National Prize for Gender Equality and Equity named after her. President Rodrigo Chaves highlighted her historic achievements during the unveiling, noting the contrast between her era and today's world.

La Ruta, the iconic mountain bike race in Costa Rica, returns for its 29th edition with a new route, starting on the Caribbean side and finishing on the Pacific coast. The event will take place from November 30 to December 2, featuring international athletes like Hans Becking and Tinker Juarez. SHIMANO will donate 10 bicycles to the Cabécar community students at CATIE, Turrialba. The race includes cash prizes and a side competition, La Siesta, with the final day promising a challenging 115 km stretch through diverse terrains.

A 24-year-old Ukrainian tourist named Novytskyi was arrested at Juan Santamaría Airport in Alajuela, Costa Rica, with eight kilograms of methamphetamines hidden in his luggage. The drugs were discovered during a routine inspection by the Airport Police and with the help of the Air Surveillance Service's canine unit. Novytskyi, who arrived from Madrid, is now in custody, and the Ministry of Public Security is investigating to identify any additional individuals involved and the intended destination of the drugs. Methamphetamines are highlighted as dangerous stimulants with severe health risks.

A coalition of farmers, students, unions, and advocacy groups in Costa Rica participated in the “Great National March” to protest against government policies. They marched from Plaza de la Democracia and the University of Costa Rica to the Presidential House, demanding food security, quality public health and education, environmental policies, human rights protection, fair economic systems, job opportunities, support for arts and culture, and a plan to address crime. They opposed hydrocarbon exploration and open-pit mining, calling for national dialogue and reforms. Similar protests occurred in Limón, Liberia, and Pérez Zeledón, with legislative support from Frente Amplio and Liberación Nacional parties.

A study by the University of Costa Rica, in collaboration with PROLEDI and CIEP, reveals that 53% of Costa Ricans believe there is censorship in the media. The survey, which included 1,000 participants, found that 48.46% hesitate to express opinions online due to potential personal and professional repercussions. There is a widespread view (83%) that media ownership concentration hinders free speech, and a similar percentage advocate for more local and regional media. Concerns about the safety of journalists are evident, with 48.26% considering it a dangerous profession in Costa Rica. Despite this, 63% trust public universities for information, surpassing other institutions. The survey also indicates a distrust in media, with 67.41% skeptical of media integrity and 73% believing media serves owners' interests. Entertainment is the most consumed media content, and television remains the primary source for national news. Additionally, 45.86% of respondents have recently avoided the news.

Costa Rica has declared a national state of emergency due to a significant increase in migrants crossing from Panama, with over 60,000 in September alone. President Rodrigo Chaves announced the measure to enable additional funding and operational capabilities. The National Emergency Commission (CNE) reported 386,000 migrants this year, with incidents of unrest in Paso Canoas. The government plans to redirect migrants to the northern region, emphasizing respect for authorities and local community resources. An extraordinary legislative session is called to approve emergency funds. The migrant surge, involving individuals from various countries, is part of a larger regional issue requiring international cooperation.

The Costa Rican Minister of Security, Mario Zamora, confirmed normalcy at the southern border after weekend riots. Seventeen migrants were detained for instigating a riot against police. Zamora visited Paso Canoas, a primary entry point for migrant caravans, and praised the police for managing the situation. The riots were sparked by police confiscating food and beverages from an improvised camp, leading to migrants throwing stones and temporarily barring access. The camp was established in May to support migrants, many of whom are stranded due to financial constraints and fees imposed by Nicaragua. Costa Rica and Panama are seeking international aid to cope with the humanitarian costs and manage the migrant influx.

Three ancient relics from Costa Rica’s Caribbean region, dating back over 2,000 years, were returned to the country after being confiscated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in 2017. The artifacts, seized from a passenger at Orlando International Airport, include a tripod pot, hollow rattle, and vase decoration fragment. Costa Rica filed a claim for their repatriation, which was accomplished last week in a ceremony in Miami. CBP’s Acting Director Robert Del Toro emphasized the importance of protecting cultural heritage and the role of customs agents in preventing illegal trafficking. The artifacts will be preserved at the National Museum of Costa Rica.

Heavy rainfall and high tides over the weekend caused flooding in 33 municipalities of Costa Rica, particularly affecting Golfito, Esparza, Quepos, and Garabito. Oceanographer Omar Lizano attributed the swells to high and low-pressure systems in the South Pacific, with waves expected to break heavily on beaches. The National Meteorological Institute forecasted moderate to heavy rains with thunderstorms and advised caution due to the risk of landslides and floods. The Costa Rican government has declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources and assist affected individuals.

The article discusses the legal perspective in Costa Rica regarding the rights of businesses to refuse service to customers who do not wear masks, despite a recent decree eliminating the mandatory use of masks in closed places. Lawyers like Marvin Carvajal and Ruben Hernández argue that businesses are entitled to make their own rules to protect the health of their customers and staff, as long as these rules are not discriminatory, unjustified, or disproportionate. They cite the freedom of commerce protected by the Constitution and recent Constitutional Court rulings to support their views. Businesses are advised to post their mask policies visibly to inform customers before entry.

Costa Rica and other parts of Latin America will witness the first total lunar eclipse of the year on May 15. The eclipse will start at 7:32 p.m. and end at 12:50 a.m. Costa Rica time, with the total phase occurring at 10:11 p.m. The event will last over five hours and will be visible without special equipment, though a dark environment is recommended for the best view. NASA will stream the eclipse live on their website. The Lucy spacecraft will also capture high-resolution images of the Earth and Moon during the eclipse. The next total lunar eclipse visible in Costa Rica will occur on November 8, 2022. Alejandra León, director of the Cientec Foundation, dispelled myths about the eclipse causing harm to people.

The UN Human Rights Council has voted to begin an investigation into potential war crimes by Russian forces in Ukraine since the invasion on February 24. The resolution was supported by 33 members, with China and Eritrea opposing and 12 abstentions. The investigation will focus on alleged atrocities around Kyiv, particularly in Mariupol. Russian and Chinese ambassadors criticized the decision, while the French ambassador highlighted the severity of the situation. The UN has called for Russia to allow humanitarian access to civilians, and the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, noted evidence of possible war crimes. Ukraine's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the gravity of human rights violations in the occupied areas.

The article discusses the increase in child and adolescent motherhood in Central America, particularly in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the patterns of sexual abuse and the physical, psychological, and social transformations that maternity imposes on young girls. Organizations like UNICEF, CLADEM, and UNFPA have expressed concern over the rising pregnancy rates among girls and adolescents, which are associated with inequality and social exclusion. The IDB study emphasizes the persistence of adolescent fertility despite a declining childbearing rate in the region. The WHO has pointed out the higher risk of maternal death in children under 15 and the need to address gender-based violence.

The article discusses the United States' concern over the authoritarian direction of Nicaragua, particularly after the November general elections, which the U.S. does not recognize as free or fair. Emily Mendrala, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, criticized the Nicaraguan government's legitimacy and pledged continued U.S. support for Nicaraguans seeking democracy. The U.S. has enacted the Renacer Law to pressure Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo for their undemocratic practices. Mendrala emphasized the importance of international support in restoring democracy in Nicaragua and the U.S. commitment to stand with the Nicaraguan people.

Rodrigo Chaves, a former Minister of Finance and World Bank official, was elected as Costa Rica's new President on April 3rd, representing the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD). He won the second round of voting with 52.85%, defeating José María Figueres of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), who received 47.15%. The election was marked by negative campaigning and mutual accusations of misconduct, with Chaves facing allegations of sexual harassment and Figueres facing corruption scandals. Many Costa Ricans expressed their dissatisfaction with both candidates through invalid votes and messages of reproach. Chaves acknowledged the discontent, recognizing that the majority did not vote for him. The election highlighted the public's frustration with corruption, unfulfilled promises, and the need for political parties to regain trust and present better candidates in the future.