News & Happenings

September 2, 2026

Green Alert Issued for Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission (CNE) has placed five communities near Rincón de la Vieja under a preventive green alert after more than 100 eruptions during July and August, including the year's most energetic eruption on Monday. The alert covers Dos Ríos and Aguas Claras in Upala, and Mayorga, Cañas Dulces, and Curubandé in Liberia. It is precautionary and does not mean residents are being evacuated. Officials are warning people to stay away from rivers that could carry fast-moving lahars (mixtures of water, mud, and volcanic debris) and to keep livestock from drinking from them. If ash falls, limit outdoor exposure and wear a mask. The national park has not automatically closed, but SINAC can restrict access on short notice, so check the latest conditions before visiting.

Read full article →

September 1, 2026

Costa Rica Medical Tourism Shifts Toward Hospital Surgery

Costa Rica's medical tourism is moving beyond its traditional base of dentistry and cosmetic work toward complex hospital care, including oncology and orthopedic surgery that requires admission, anesthesia, and supervised recovery. Medical tourism now accounts for about 13.4% of international arrivals (roughly 70,000 patients a year) and generates an estimated $465 million, with the average medical traveler spending far more than a conventional visitor. Most patients come from the United States and Canada, drawn by proximity, direct flights, and accredited private hospitals. If you are considering a procedure, verify physician credentials with the Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos and confirm the facility holds a Health Ministry Certificado de Habilitación. Note that Medicare does not cover care abroad and most travel insurance excludes elective procedures, so medical evacuation coverage is worth pricing before you travel.

Read full article →

September 1, 2026

Guanacaste Airport Adds New Route from Rockford, Illinois

Guanacaste Airport (LIR) and the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) have announced a new seasonal charter route from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) in Illinois. The once-a-week flights run from February 5 to April 2, 2027, operated by Apple Vacations on a 189-seat Boeing 737-800NG. Officials say the route responds to strong seasonal demand from the U.S., Costa Rica's primary source market, and expands convenient connections for travelers heading to Guanacaste. The airport handled about 67.2% of the country's net growth in international air arrivals between January and July, underscoring Guanacaste's growing role in Costa Rica tourism.

Read full article →

August 20, 2026

Thousands of Dead Crabs Wash Up on Guanacaste Beaches

Thousands of mora crabs (Euphylax dovii) were found dead on the beaches of Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo, and Potrero this week, turning the sand reddish. Scientists from MarViva say the mass die-off may be linked to El Niño-driven ocean warming and reduced oxygen levels. Authorities advise avoiding the affected areas until assessments are complete — do not handle or consume the crabs.

Read full article →

August 17, 2026

Guanacaste Airport Outpaces Costa Rica's Main Airport

Costa Rica welcomed over 2 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2026 — and Guanacaste's Liberia airport recorded the strongest growth at 13.3%, reinforcing its role as the gateway to the northern Pacific beaches. Canadian arrivals surged 24.4%, and European visitors grew 8.4%. Great news for our corner of Costa Rica.

Read full article →

August 11, 2026

National Geographic Traveller Puts Costa Rica on the Cover

National Geographic Traveller (UK) dedicated its cover story to Costa Rica's natural wonders and conservation model under the title "Costa Rica: Coast to Coast." The feature spans Manuel Antonio, Corcovado National Park, Arenal, and Bribri indigenous communities — highlighting the country as the first tropical nation to successfully reverse deforestation.

Read full article →

August 5, 2026

Costa Rica Approves Wildlife Crossings Law

The Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a landmark bill requiring wildlife crossings in new and existing road infrastructure. With more than 19,000 roadkill records compiled since 1996 — including an estimated 7,000 collisions on a single Guanacaste highway stretch in 2019 — the law mandates tunnels, underpasses, and canopy bridges to reconnect fragmented habitats across the country.

Read full article →

July 24, 2026

Costa Rica Named One of 10 Best Places for Gen Z Travelers

Travel + Leisure has named Costa Rica among its top recommendations for Generation Z travelers, citing Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo and Peninsula Papagayo. The recognition positions Costa Rica as the "reliability" pick on a list otherwise built around undiscovered destinations — a sign of the country's strong brand in global tourism.

Read full article →

July 13, 2026

U.S. Embassy Issues Chikungunya Alert for Guanacaste

The U.S. Embassy in San José issued a health alert after chikungunya was confirmed spreading locally in the Playa Langosta and Santa Cruz area near Tamarindo. Travelers are advised to use EPA-registered insect repellent, cover exposed skin, and eliminate standing water. The CDC raised Costa Rica to a Level 2 "Practice Enhanced Precautions" notice on July 16.

Read full alert →

June 30, 2026

U.S. Embassy Rainy Season Safety Advisory

The U.S. Embassy in San José reminds travelers to take precautions during Costa Rica's rainy season (May–November). Check weather conditions before hiking or visiting national parks, seek guidance from professional guides, and be aware that rivers can rise rapidly and roads may become impassable after heavy rainfall.

Read full advisory →

August 2026

Papagayo Marina Farmers Market — Every Saturday

The weekly farmers market at Papagayo Marina continues to grow. Find fresh tropical fruits, artisan breads, local honey, handmade crafts, and live music every Saturday morning from 8 AM to noon. A perfect start to a weekend in Guanacaste.

July 2026

New Beach Club Opens at Playa Hermosa

A new oceanfront restaurant and beach club has opened along Playa Hermosa, offering fresh ceviche, craft cocktails, and sunset views. Just a 20-minute drive from our properties — a great addition to the local dining scene.

July 2026

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins

Olive Ridley sea turtles are arriving along the Pacific coast for nesting season (July–December). Guided night tours are available at nearby beaches — an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Ask us for recommendations!

June 2026

Fiestas de Liberia — Cultural Celebrations

Liberia's annual fiestas brought colorful parades, traditional folk dances, topes (horse parades), and live marimba music to the streets. A beautiful display of Guanacaste's rich cultural heritage that our guests loved experiencing.