AGP Executive Report

Road Resilience Watch: Costa Rica’s road-repair spending is being criticized for staying in “rebuild after disaster” mode, with audits saying too little goes into drainage, slope work, and climate-risk redesign—so the same washouts keep coming back (Route 32 is cited). Tourism Marketing Win: Costa Rica’s “This is Pura Vida” campaign picked up Gold for Content Marketing Campaign of the Year and Silver for Media Partnership of the Year at the UK Travel Marketing Awards, with The Independent partnership highlighted. Currency Pressure for Travelers & Expats: The Costa Rican colón hit a new record-low dollar rate on Monex (¢446.93), extending a five-session streak—good for dollar spenders, but a squeeze for locals and anyone converting income to colones. Air Access Boost: British Airways says it will expand Latin America capacity by 25% in summer 2027, including year-round Heathrow–San José service (3 weekly flights) plus more links via Buenos Aires. Domestic Nature Getaway: Hideaway Río Celeste is pushing special rates for Costa Rican residents and domestic travelers (Sept. 1–Oct. 31), with private trail access and spa credits.

Currency & Cost of Living: Costa Rica’s dollar hit a new all-time low on Monex, closing at ¢446.93, extending a five-day record slide that’s quietly squeezing purchasing power for expats, retirees, and anyone converting USD to colones. Air Connectivity to Costa Rica: British Airways is boosting Latin America capacity by 25% in summer 2027 and extending London–San José, Costa Rica to a year-round service with three weekly flights. Tourism Marketing Win: Costa Rica’s “This is Pura Vida” campaign picked up Gold (Content Marketing Campaign of the Year) and Silver (Media Partnership of the Year) at the UK Travel Marketing Awards, highlighting ICT’s push into the British market. Cruise Interest (Costa Rica on the radar): Oceania Cruises opened booking for 12 segments of its 2028 Around the World voyage, including an itinerary that calls at Costa Rica among other Central American stops. Travel Safety/Border Update: A Colombian man was detained at Paso Canoas in Chiriquí after an INTERPOL alert during immigration checks, with authorities citing a foreign criminal investigation tied to weapons/ammunition.

Costa Rica Tourism Wins UK Awards: Costa Rica’s “This is Pura Vida” campaign picked up Gold for Content Marketing Campaign of the Year and Silver for Media Partnership of the Year at the 2026 Travel Marketing Awards, highlighting ICT’s push into adventure, nature, and wellness for the UK market. Wellness Pura Vida Trend: A new push is positioning Costa Rica as a wellness destination built around forest therapy, volcanic hot springs, and “micro-getaways,” tying mental health and nature reconnection to local biodiversity and community benefits. MedTech Growth Spotlight: The Costa Rica Report 2026 spotlights how the country has rapidly expanded into medical technology and advanced manufacturing, including major exports and new projects through 2028. Independence Travel Notes: Costa Rica’s Independence celebrations continue with lantern parades and Independence Day festivities, plus road-closure updates for the holiday period. Safety Reminder for Travelers: A reminder to pack a carbon monoxide detector—fatal incidents have been reported at resorts in the region, including Costa Rica. Border/Transit Watch: A Colombian man was detained at Paso Canoas after an INTERPOL alert while traveling by TICA bus to Costa Rica. Airport Upgrade: Juan Santamaría Airport is rolling out new biometric eGates to modernize passenger processing.

Wellness Tourism in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is leaning hard into its “Wellness Pura Vida” push, spotlighting forest therapy (Shinrin-yoku), volcanic hot-spring hydrotherapy, and small “micro-getaways” that blend nature, rest, and local food. Nature Tech for Conservation: Tech4Nature’s AI camera and underwater sensor work is expanding, with Costa Rica named among the satellite countries using digital tools to strengthen biodiversity protection. Bribri Cacao Spotlight: National Geographic Traveller highlights the Bribri community of Yorkín and the women-led Stibrawpa association, where cacao supports eco-tourism, biodiversity, and food autonomy. Independence Traditions: Costa Ricans continue the faroles (lantern parade) tradition on Sept. 14 ahead of Independence Day, with neighborhood processions and anthem singing at 6 p.m. Safety for Travelers: A reminder to pack a carbon monoxide detector—recent reports cite deadly poisoning cases at resorts in the region, including Costa Rica. Tourism & Economy Context: A new “Costa Rica Report 2026” frames how the country’s tourism and broader investment ecosystem are evolving, including MedTech growth.

Independence Day in Costa Rica: The Independence Torch is set to arrive in San José around 6 p.m. and then continue to Cartago around 8 p.m., with a student relay route of about 378 km and roughly 22,000 participants. Independence Traditions: Communities across Costa Rica keep the spirit going with the desfile de faroles (lantern parade) on Sept. 14, when students process through neighborhoods with glowing handmade lanterns. Tourism Strategy: Costa Rica is pushing “Wellness Pura Vida” as a tourism brand built around forest therapy, volcanic hot springs, and small “micro-getaways,” linking nature, mental health, and local community benefits. Travel Safety: A reminder for travelers: pack a carbon monoxide detector for lodging stays, after past deaths tied to faulty heaters and resorts. Air Travel Update: British Airways is shifting some UK departure airports for Costa Rica (San José) from Gatwick to Heathrow starting Oct. 25. Nature Tech: Costa Rica is included in an international conservation push using AI camera traps and underwater sensors to monitor biodiversity.

Independence Torch & road closures: Costa Rica’s 205th Independence relay flame is set to arrive in San José around 6 p.m. and reach Cartago near 8 p.m., with traffic police closing key routes Monday from 5 p.m. and reopening as the caravan passes—plan extra time. Tourism & safety: A new travel health reminder highlights carbon monoxide risks in resorts and urges travelers to pack a detector and know symptoms can mimic flu. Air travel change for UK travelers: British Airways will shift departures for flights to San José (Costa Rica) and other routes from London Gatwick to Heathrow starting this October—double-check your airport. MedTech spotlight: A new “Costa Rica Report 2026” profiles the country’s rapid growth in medical technology and advanced manufacturing, including major export figures. Local culture tie-in: Sept. 15 marks Costa Rica’s independence anniversary, and the date is also being used as a cultural anchor for Hispanic Heritage Month programming. Nature & community tourism: National Geographic spotlights Bribri cacao farming in Yorkín, linking eco-tourism, biodiversity, and women-led conservation. Weather watch: Tropical Wave #43 is flagged for continued heavy rain and storms this Sunday.

Costa Rica Independence Torch: The Independence Torch relay is set to reach San José and Cartago tonight, with the flame arriving at Plaza de la Democracia around 6 p.m. and continuing to the Ruins of Cartago around 8 p.m., after a student relay route from Peñas Blancas—expect major traffic disruption as closures move with the caravan. Road & safety alerts: Authorities are warning drivers about Independence-week closures and also about ongoing weather risk; Tropical Wave #43 is keeping conditions unstable with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and possible flooding and landslides. Tourism & nature watch: A Galápagos sea lion drew crowds at Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, with locals urging visitors to keep distance as the animal became agitated when people got too close. Local travel economy: Costa Rica is nearing 49,000 short-term rentals as tourist numbers lag, while the country also faces higher fuel prices as oil climbs back above $100. Travel planning note: British Airways is changing its London airport departure for flights to San José (Costa Rica) starting Oct. 25, so UK travelers should double-check Heathrow vs Gatwick before booking. Culture spotlight: National Geographic highlights Bribri cacao farming in Costa Rica, focusing on the Yorkín community and women-led Stibrawpa eco-tourism and agroforestry efforts.

Independence Torch Route: Costa Rica’s 205th Independence student relay flame is heading into the Central Valley, with the torch expected to arrive in San José around 6 p.m. (Plaza de la Democracia) and then continue to the Ruins of Cartago around 8 p.m., with a detour tied to the Cambronero modular bridge closure. Road Disruptions: Expect major traffic impacts Monday night and Tuesday morning as Independence closures roll through San José and into Cartago, with reopening times depending on the torch caravan. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave #43 is keeping Sunday unstable, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusts possible—especially in the Caribbean and northern zones—plus flood and landslide risk in saturated areas. Safety on Route 32: Costa Rica’s Comptroller ordered fixes to seven Route 32 roundabouts after finding they were designed for shorter trucks than the ones using the highway, raising collision and encroachment risks. Tourism & Flights: British Airways is shifting its London airport departure for Costa Rica (San José) from Gatwick to Heathrow starting Oct. 25—check your terminal before you travel. Nature & Wildlife: A sea lion drew crowds at Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, and authorities are urging visitors to keep distance.

Route Safety Fix: Costa Rica’s Comptroller General ordered CONAVI to correct safety problems on Route 32 after finding seven roundabouts were designed for much shorter trucks than the ones using the road, with redesigns already driving up costs. Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport launched its first biometric eGates, using biometric passports and facial recognition to speed up immigration for adult Costa Rican travelers with plans to expand. Weather & Travel Disruption: Tropical Wave #43 keeps Sunday (Sept. 13) highly unstable, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, possible severe storms in the Central Valley, and flooding/landslide risk. Nature Watch: A Galápagos sea lion drew crowds at Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, but visitors were warned to keep distance as it became agitated when people got too close. Adventure Safety: A woman was recovered after a river surge near Oropéndola waterfall in Curubandé de Liberia swept visitors into the current; five escaped and one remained missing until Sunday morning. Tourism Demand Signals: Costa Rica is nearing 49,000 short-term rentals as tourist numbers lag, while cruise tourism in the region continues to grow (Panama up 21.6% in early 2026). Wildlife Tourism How-To: A beginner’s guide highlights how easy it can be to start scuba in Costa Rica, including intro dives and typical costs.

Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport has launched its first biometric eGates, letting adult Costa Rican travelers with biometric passports pass immigration faster via facial recognition, with staff supervision and plans to expand to international departures. Road Safety: Costa Rica’s Comptroller ordered CONAVI to fix safety issues on Route 32 after roundabouts were designed for shorter trucks than the ones actually using the corridor, creating collision and encroachment risks. Tourism Growth Watch: While Panama’s cruise traffic rose 21.6% in early 2026, the itinerary for Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas included Limón, Costa Rica—another reminder of the region’s cruise-linked travel pull. Wildlife & Nature: A sea lion drew crowds at Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, with visitors urged to keep distance; and a woman was recovered after a river surge at Oropéndola waterfall in Curubandé de Liberia. Travel Planning: JacoBeach.com launched a dedicated independent travel guide for hotels, rentals, tours, nightlife, and visitor info. Adventure Basics: A beginner’s guide highlights how easy it can be to start scuba in Costa Rica, including intro dives and typical costs.

Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport is rolling out its first biometric eGates, aiming to speed up immigration checks for adult Costa Rican travelers with biometric passports, with plans to expand to more nationalities and eventually international departures. Road Safety Fix: Costa Rica’s Comptroller ordered CONAVI to correct safety problems on Route 32 after finding seven roundabouts were designed for shorter trucks than the ones actually using the corridor between the Central Valley and Caribbean ports. Tourism Demand Watch: Costa Rica is nearing 49,000 short-term rentals as visitor numbers lag, a sign the market is still recalibrating. Travel Planning Resource: JacoBeach.com launched as a one-stop independent guide for hotels, vacation rentals, tours, attractions, nightlife, and local visitor info. Nature & Adventure Stories: A rainforest trip highlights wildlife encounters in Costa Rica, from spider monkeys to sloths, while another piece spotlights responsible sloth viewing. Community & Culture: A Highland osteopath couple is heading to Costa Rica for a humanitarian mission with Hands with Heart Foundation.

Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport is rolling out its first biometric eGates, letting eligible adult Costa Rican travelers with biometric passports clear immigration in seconds via facial recognition, with staff supervision and plans to expand to departures. Road Safety Accountability: Costa Rica’s Comptroller General ordered CONAVI to fix Route 32 roundabouts after finding they were designed for shorter trucks than the ones using the corridor, raising risks like lane encroachment and overturning; the redesign adds millions in costs. Tourism Demand & Costs: Costa Rica is bracing for higher fuel prices as global oil climbs back above $100, with knock-on effects expected at gas stations. Local Travel Planning: JacoBeach.com launched a dedicated independent travel guide for hotels, vacation rentals, tours, dining, nightlife, and visitor info—aimed at making trip planning easier for visitors heading to the Pacific hub. Nature & Wildlife Tourism: A new report flags unusually warm ocean water linked to mass crab deaths in Costa Rica, a reminder for travelers to stay mindful of changing coastal conditions.

Airport Tech Upgrade: Juan Santamaría International Airport is rolling out its first biometric eGates, letting eligible adult Costa Rican travelers with biometric passports clear immigration in seconds via facial recognition, with accessibility support and Immigration supervision on-site. Tourism & Planning: JacoBeach.com launched a new independent travel guide for Jaco, bundling hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, tours, nightlife, transport, and practical visitor info in one place. Travel Costs Watch: Costa Rica is bracing for higher fuel prices as global oil climbs back above $100 a barrel, with the increase expected to reach local gas stations soon. Family Travel Rules: Costa Rica is reminding parents of children born abroad that minors may need a Permiso de Salida (exit permit) tied to citizenship/registry checks—so families should sort paperwork before flying. Wildlife & Nature: UNA researchers say unusually warm ocean water in Guanacaste may explain last month’s mass crab die-off, with heat at depth and reduced food likely stressing animals before they washed ashore. Sports Travel Tie-In: Corendon is offering a limited fan trip to San José for the Curaçao vs. Costa Rica Concacaf Nations League match on Sept. 24, with supporters flying on the same aircraft as the team.

Tour Planning & Local Picks: JacoBeach.com just launched a full independent travel guide for Jaco, bundling hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, tours, nightlife, and practical visitor info. Airfare & Events: Corendon is offering a limited 100-seat fan trip from Curaçao to San José for the Curaçao vs. Costa Rica Concacaf Nations League match on Sept. 24. Costs & Fuel: Costa Rica is bracing for higher gas prices as global oil climbs back above $100 a barrel, driven by renewed US-Iran tensions. Money & Taxes for Travelers: Costa Rica clarified that overseas hotel stays booked via Costa Rican cards on platforms like Booking.com and Expedia can trigger an automatic 13% VAT charge, but travelers can request reimbursement through a separate application. Nature & Wildlife: UNA researchers link unusually warm Gulf of Papagayo ocean water to mass crab deaths along Guanacaste beaches, with heat and reduced food likely stressing crabs before they washed ashore. Family Travel Reality Check: A reminder for Costa Rican parents returning with kids born abroad: immigration may require a Permiso de Salida (exit permit) even if the child enters on a foreign passport. Travel Deals: Travelzoo rolled out a Costa Rica package deal for members (13-day round trip with flights and a rental car).

Costa Rica Travel Deals: Travelzoo is promoting a Costa Rica package with flights and a rental car—13 days covering Caribbean beaches, national parks, and a Monteverde rainforest canopy hanging-bridge tour. Fuel Costs Watch: Oil prices jumped back above $100 a barrel after renewed US-Iran tensions, and Costa Rica travelers should expect higher gas prices in the coming weeks. VAT Refunds for Travelers: Costa Rica clarified that booking overseas hotel stays with Costa Rican cards can trigger an automatic 13% VAT charge via digital-service rules, but refunds are possible through a separate application process. Tourism & Exchange Rate: President Laura Fernández rejected calls to artificially peg the dollar, pointing to employment, tourism, and investment data as signs the economy is holding up. Wildlife & Nature Alerts: UNA researchers link unusually warm Gulf of Papagayo waters to mass crab deaths in Guanacaste, while new camera work in Santa Rosa National Park is reshaping what we know about Pacific nurse shark movement. Family Travel Rules: Costa Rica warns that kids born abroad may need an exit permit (Permiso de Salida) when they’re recognized as Costa Rican citizens at the border, even if they enter on a foreign passport. Health for Trip Planning: The CDC updated its global travel advisory after dengue upticks among travelers returning from Costa Rica and other countries, urging mosquito-bite precautions. Conservation Moments: Olive ridley “rush hour” arribada season is underway, with sea turtle biologists filming major mass-nesting activity on Costa Rican beaches.

Costa Rica Travel & Tourism: Corendon is selling an exclusive Curaçao fan trip to San José for the Sept. 24 Concacaf Nations League match vs. Costa Rica, with just 100 seats available and flights on the same aircraft as the team. Wildlife & Nature: In Guanacaste, researchers at UCR fitted nurse sharks with small cameras in Bahía Santa Elena, challenging the idea that Pacific nurse sharks barely move. Sea Turtles: Two people were detained at Ostional during the olive ridley arribada after allegedly removing 125 eggs without authorization. Travel Safety: The CDC updated its global dengue advisory, flagging higher-than-expected dengue risk among travelers returning from Costa Rica and other countries—pack repellent, cover up, and use screened or air-conditioned lodging. Local Travel Disruption: Route 1 through Cambronero is closed indefinitely after a truck crash. Practical Travel Tip (Citizenship/Docs): Costa Rican parents returning with a child born abroad may be required to secure a Permiso de Salida before leaving, even if the child enters on a foreign passport.