HomeDestinations Interests Top Places to Travel by MonthSearchMenuBest time to go to Costa Rica An authentic Halloween tradition of Costa Rica is an authentic local tradition that has deep historical roots and was revived two decades ago October 31st is officially known as the National Masquerade Day Giant costumed puppets march the streets with music and dances Large puppet heads are prepared by local artists with craft paper and various materials Escazu artisans are especially renowned for creating unique masks They are the masters behind traditional Costa Rican folk characters like El Diablo and la Muerte There is also el Padre sin Cabeza la Segua which appears in front of men and women who stay up late a female ghost that wonders along river banks and scares kids you can also see masks of various popular culture characters at the parades especially those that are loved by children you can watch large masquerade parades in the towns of Escazu at Escazu Central Park the masquerade is normally held on Plaza Mayor de Cartago the museum aims to promote this vibrant tradition of masquerades and showcase the beauty of its origins opens with a mesmerizing concert of Costa Rican music featuring the San José Concert Band Admission is completely free for residents and nationals This vibrant tradition dates back to pre-Colombian customs and the Giants and Big-heads parade held during the San Fermin festival The first masquerade was held in Cartago in 1824 The event was abandoned for nearly a century and was at risk of disappearing October 31 was officially declared the Dia de la Mascarada Tradicional Costarricense 2023) – Real Monarchs have signed centerback Keller Storlie ahead of the team’s match against St has been with Real Monarchs and Real Salt Lake since preseason while appearing in two matches during the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational against the Premier League’s Crystal Palace and German side TSG Hoffenheim Storlie helped the Real Monarchs secure a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace playing 71 minutes before being subbed off for RSL Academy product Luis Rivera Storlie spent a year in Costa Rica playing for AD Aserri As part of his development Storlie has played for the youth squads of Getafe TRANSACTION: Real Monarchs sign defender Keller Storlie to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract on August 5 Real Monarchs are currently in their second season in MLS NEXT Pro. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jamison Olave, the team finished the 2022 season with an eight-game unbeaten run at home, empowered by the league’s youngest roster (by average age) in the entire league. Tickets for Real Monarchs can be purchased by calling 844.Real.Tix or visiting www.RSL.com/tickets Costa Rica is a success story: one of the most prosperous countries in the Latin American region it is a global leader in its response to climate change and biodiversity conservation and it is well-known for its sustained economic growth and stable democratic institutions. Stagnant poverty rates and rising inequalities manifest in the country’s urban centers where pockets of poverty persist in some of the most economically dynamic and affluent parts of the country. with deep canyon rivers and mountains acting as natural barriers to connectivity between the different population centers The Costa Rica Urbanization Review “Connecting the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica” zooms in on an urban subregion of the Greater Metropolitan Area that rarely comes into view but that concentrates the country’s most problematic urban dynamics: the municipalities of Desamparados Alajuelita and Asseri that form the so-called South Corridor an expansive area to the South of the municipality of San Jose. Despite its proximity to the country’s economic center Most of its population rely on central areas like San Jose penalizing poorer families that rely on the transport system Increasing dependence on private cars leads to highly-congested roads high levels of transport-related emissions and dangerous levels of air pollution. Much of the difficulty plaguing the South Corridor stems from this history of unplanned and informal urbanization the South Corridor’s population grew even more rapidly than that of the wider metropolitan areas Informal land occupation and squatting in the South Corridor was so significant that the country’s social housing system was engineered on its heels Families living in informal settlements in the area many of them edged along riverbeds or high slopes the World Bank is working with the Government to develop a new methodology for land use planning to empower municipalities to update – and enforce – their land use plans. The Urbanization Review also points to the need to improve housing conditions and to address the complex challenges facing informal settlements Here too the World Bank is supporting the government with an analysis of the institutional and financial instruments to provide poor and vulnerable households with high-quality public spaces and access to basic services and resilient housing in a way that informs the future formulation of a national program for integrated slum upgrading. This will benefit services in the South Corridor and will contribute to the country’s decarbonization agenda Using land wisely and increasing options for public mass transport and active mobility alongside targeted investments to improve housing and informal settlements will help Costa Rica’s cities live up to expectations and continue being at the forefront of sustainable development You can download Costa Rica's Urbanization Review here To receive weekly articles, sign-up here Thank you for choosing to be part of the Latin America and Caribbean community The latest blog posts and blog-related announcements will be delivered directly to your email inbox Urban Development Specialist at the World Bank For those eager to dive deep into the heart of Costa Rican food we’ve spotlighted four must-visit eateries that promise an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. Costa Rica is a vibrant tapestry of culture Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity lies a culinary scene that’s as diverse and dynamic as its terrain Vibe: Perched high in the mountains of Aserrí Restaurante Mirador Ram Luna offers more than just a meal—it’s a full-on cultural immersion With panoramic views of the Central Valley this spot combines traditional Costa Rican cuisine with live folkloric performances making it a feast for both the palate and the eyes. Why It’s a Gem: Ram Luna isn’t just about the food; it’s about celebrating Costa Rican heritage Their “Noches Ticas” events showcase traditional music offering guests a genuine taste of local culture. Instagram: @restauranteramluna Vibe: Stepping into La Esquina de Buenos Aires feels like being transported straight to the heart of Argentina and walls adorned with Argentine memorabilia Why It’s a Gem: Beyond its delectable dishes La Esquina de Buenos Aires offers an extensive selection of Argentine wines The attentive staff and authentic ambiance make it a standout spot in San José. Instagram: @laesquinadebuenosairescr Vibe: Ever dined inside a vintage airplane having transformed a Fairchild C-123 into a quirky restaurant and bar Why It’s a Gem: El Avión seamlessly blends history with culinary delight Coupled with its diverse menu and breathtaking views Instagram: @elavionrestaurant Vibe: Housed within the trendy Container Platz Centenario Pizza offers a laid-back atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends and enjoy some of the best pizzas in town. Why It’s a Gem: Centenario Pizza stands out for its commitment to quality they achieve the perfect crust—crispy on the outside Their creative toppings and combinations cater to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters. Instagram: @centenariopizzacr Exploring Costa Rica’s culinary scene is a journey through its rich cultural tapestry From traditional Tico flavors to international influences these restaurants offer a taste of the country’s diverse gastronomic landscape venture beyond the usual spots and dive into these hidden gems for an authentic dining experience Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breast feeding For use only by adults twenty-one and older Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug The articles featured on this website are the opinion of the author and may not reflect the opinion of Respect My Region The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour tore through San Antonio on April 16 bringing a powerful wave of metal to the Boeing Center at Tech Port The NFL draft is a time of dreams coming true for both the teams and the players Players can fulfill their lifelong dreams while teams Although every team technically holds a chance there are always a few contenders that stand out amongst This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER The deputy Víctor Morales was appointed Thursday as the new Minister of the Presidency a position equivalent to that of the chief of staff with the mission of promoting the revival of the economy to combat high unemployment President Carlos Alvarado announced that Morales will assume the vacant position with responsibilities that include coordination of the cabinet and liaison with the parliament “What will be the fundamental task of Don Víctor It is the central task of the government: the generation of employment in a context of social peace and dialogue,” Alvarado said when announcing the appointment at Casa Presidencial “We are at a particular moment” in which economic growth projections throughout Latin America have been revised downward we are committed to working hard to generate jobs That will be our central task,” he said the Central Bank reduced the economic growth projection in Costa Rica from 3.2% to 2.2% for this year Costa Rica’s official statistics agency announced Thursday that unemployment rose to 11.9% in the second quarter one of the highest figures in recent years served as deputy for the Citizen Action Party Morales has been Minister of Labor and mayor of the town of Aserrí It’s known for its beautiful landscapes and varied climbing spots This place is perfect for adventure lovers From the steep volcanic rocks of Cerro de la Muerte to easy routes at Escalada Cachí We’ll show you the top places to climb in Costa Rica You’ll get all the info you need to enjoy your climb Costa Rica is a paradise for climbers of all levels It has everything from easy to hard climbs offering trad and sport climbing in beautiful scenery The views make climbing even more exciting for everyone The Cañón del Río Uruca is another great place for climbers Pico Blanco and Cerro de la Muerte offer stunning views and thrilling climbs for the brave Escalada Cachí is great for beginners with 42 routes of different levels The 25-meter rock wall is perfect for training There are many outdoor climbing spots in Costa Rica. You can climb in the Tarcoles River canyon or tackle Chirripo National Park Costa Rica is full of adventure for climbers Cerro de la Muerte is a top spot for rock climbing in Costa Rica It offers an exciting outdoor adventure at 2,800 meters high This place is known for its stunning views and diverse ecosystems Climbers of all levels will find routes that suit them It’s just an hour’s drive from San Jose climbers will be surrounded by beautiful rocks and greenery This makes the climb both thrilling and peaceful Escalada Cachí in Cartago is perfect for those starting out in climbing It has a 25-meter rock wall with 42 routes for all skill levels Climbers stay safe with steel bolts and anchors along the way It’s great for families wanting to teach their kids to climb so beginners don’t need a lot of equipment there are comfy places to stay nearby for a longer visit The area around Escalada Cachí is beautiful It’s a place where new and experienced climbers can both find something fun to do It’s a great way to start your climbing adventure La Fortuna is a top spot for adventure lovers, set against the stunning Arenal Volcano It offers a range of climbing routes that mix the excitement of volcano climbing with Costa Rica’s beautiful nature The area is perfect for those who love to explore new places The climb in La Fortuna is a mix of hard work and amazing views You can’t reach the volcano’s top because of past eruptions there are many trails around the base that are great for hiking The best time to visit is from December to April when it’s dry and perfect for outdoor fun offering safety and interesting facts about the area La Fortuna isn’t just about climbing volcanoes It’s also known for its hot springs and lush rainforest hikes The blend of adventure and beautiful views makes La Fortuna a top choice for exploring Costa Rica’s nature Aserrí is near San Jose and is a hidden paradise for rock climbing fans This makes it perfect for climbers at all levels Climbers love Aserrí for its beauty and tough rock faces climbers get to tackle the rocks and enjoy amazing views The local climbing community is welcoming and shares tips to help newcomers The friendly vibe in Aserrí helps climbers meet experienced locals This leads to sharing knowledge and support Aserrí is known for great climbs and a strong sense of community It’s a place where climbers can make lasting memories in Costa Rica’s beautiful nature Providencia in Dota is a top spot for climbers who love scenic views and a challenge The Extreme Forest Park has routes that go up to 40 meters high Climbers get to see amazing views and test their skills You can also rappel down 50 meters or cross the Monkey bridge There’s a Tarzan Swing and Jungle Fly too It’s a full adventure for those who love thrills It’s a team effort that requires skills in rigging and rappelling Guided tours by Santos Tour offer an “Extreme Lunch” at Cascadas del Savegre Providencia is perfect for climbers and adventure lovers Cerro Chirripo It’s a top spot for advanced climbers it attracts a few thousand adventurers ready for a tough climb The climb offers stunning views and the thrill of reaching the top The famous “Crestones” spire is a key highlight The main trail starts in San Gerardo de Rivas It’s a 19.5-kilometer (12.1-mile) trek that takes 15 to 20 hours round trip Climbers can also choose to stay overnight at Crestones Base Camp This base camp is a good spot to rest before the final push The trail has steep climbs and several checkpoints Los Monos and El Quetzal are places to rest and check your strength Be ready for cold and tough conditions near the summit Climbing Cerro Chirripo is a test of both body and mind It’s perfect for those looking for a challenging outdoor adventure in Costa Rica The first edition of the Nrmal Music Festival to be held outside of its native Mexico will take place in Costa Rica this Saturday Featured bands include The Sonics (United States) and The Wiesengrund Project (all four from Costa Rica) “Festival Nrmal” takes place Nov. 21 at Centro de Eventos Pedregal, Heredia. 12 noon. Find more info at the Nrmal Festival in Costa Rica Facebook page Asociación Bienestar Social De La Ciudad De Escazú will hold its annual craft fair in order to raise funds for education “Feria Mágica” takes place Nov. 21 at Asociación Bienestar Social De La Ciudad De Escazú, in front of the Cruz Roja in Escazú. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. Find more info at the Asociation Facebook page The sixth edition of Expo Tattoo will take place Nov 21-22 at Cariari Country Club; the event will feature 95 stands with tattoo experts and special guests Musicians performing during the event will include Balerom Alterk 2 and El Guato; belly dancing and various competitions round out the lineup “Expo Tattoo” takes place Nov. 21-22 at Cariari Country Club, Heredia. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). For more info visit the Expo Tattoo Facebook page or call 8797-3000 The town of Aserrí will be hosting a three day tamal fest this weekend “Festival del Tamal de Aserrí” takes place Nov. 20-22 at the central park of Aserrí. Free. Find more info at the Fiesta del Tamal Aserrí Facebook page The sixth and last edition of this year’s Art City Tour Art City Tour is a regular event that offers participants free access to museums and other participating institutions throughout downtown San José Itineraries include tours through different museums Art City Tour ““Noche en Blanco” takes place Nov. 20, downtown San José. Free. More info: GAM Cultural website Develop your acting abilities through relaxation “De Raíz, taller de actuación” takes place Nov. 21 at Andamio Escuela de Movimiento, San José. 1:30 p.m. ₡30,000 ($60). For more information email deraizworkshop@gmail.com or call 8368-2642 The library celebrates its 30th birthday on Saturday followed by a dance by the Artistic Department of the Casa de la Cultura at 10 a.m Throughout the day many more activities will take place “Aniversario Biblioteca de Ciudad Colón” takes place Nov presents its latest performance of the year Retrospective is a performance of the different aerial acrobatics disciplines and theater; under the direction of renowned dancers Carolina Cabañas (director of Danzaire) and Ricardo Thames “Restrospectiva” will be performed November 26 at Teatro de la Danza, Cenac. 7 p.m. Tickets cost: ₡4,000 ($8) for students and elderly, ₡5,000 ($10) pre-sale for general public, ₡7,000 ($14) the day of the performance. More info at Danzaire Facebook page or call 2234-5373 who lives and works in Paris; Jairo Alfonso who lives and works in New York; and rising talent Pablo Romero collaborate on an exhibit including photography “Exhibición de arte: Poveda-Alfonso-Romero” takes place Nov urban agriculture and healthy nutrition workshops “Inauguración Mercado Natural de Curridabat” takes place Nov. 22 at Escuela La Lía, Hacienda Vieja. 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. More info at the Event Facebook page Hoxton: The Hoxton bar features the bands Colornoise Salsa de Callejón: A whole night to dance salsa until your feet hurt Electrik: El Steinvorth features DNCFLR featuring Vladimir in a free concert. Nov. 21 at El Steinvorth, San José. 9 p.m. Free. Find more info at the El Steinvorth Facebook page A strong magnitude 4.6 earthquake hit 7.8 km (4.9 mi) away from San Jose, Provincia de San Jose, Costa Rica 2024 at 4.48 pm local time (America/Costa Rica GMT -6) The quake had a very shallow depth of 9 km (5.6 mi) and was felt widely in the area The shallow depth of the quake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicenter than a deeper quake of similar magnitude would.