Swine Flu in Costa Rica

Costa Rica announced first case of possible swine flue. First case is a 21 year old female traveler who was returning from Mexico. She spent 24 hours in hospital and is in stable condition. They are awaiting confirmation from CDC. CR has 30,000 doses of influenza medication.

More information Costa Rica
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm
http://influenza.ccss.sa.cr/ (Spanish)
Inside Costa Rica - Swine Flu

International Swine Flu News
BCC World News
Centers for Disease Control - Swine Flu
National Institutes of Health - Swine Flu

Manuel Antonio National Park regains Ecological Blue Flag Status

Manuel Antonio National Park regained the Ecological Blue Flag status reported by Environment, Energy and Telecommunications Ministry (MINAET). The prestigious status was previously revoked by Aya (Costa Rican Water and Sewer Institute) citing “future” risk due to sewage contamination from park bathrooms.

Note: There is no contamination at any of Manuel’s beaches. It is safe to swim at all 4 beaches. The previous revoking of Blue Flag status was a way to pressure the park service to install portable bathrooms and build new environmentally friendly bathrooms.

More information about Costa Rica’s Ecological Blue Flag:
Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) - Ecological Blue Flag
Fodors.com - CR Ecological Blue Flag

Travel information on Manuel Antonio

6.1 Earthquake hits Costa Rica

The USGA is reporting a 6.1 Earthquake near San Jose, Costa Rica at 01:21PM (CST).

UPDATE: 1/9/09
-Government to declare national emergency as earthquake death toll climbs
-14 dead
-300 injured
-Unknown number missing
-Hundreds of people are still trapped
-Town of Cinchona: Reported that no houses standing
-U.S. helicopters are flying in today to help with transportation of injured and trapped

Read A.M. Costa Rica for the most up to date news.

In nearby Nicaragua, Costa Rica’s northern border, at 4.6 Earthquake was reported by USGA at 6:31 AM (CST).

View earthquakes for past week in Central and North America. Here’s a world map of seismic activity for the last 2 weeks.

$15 Tourist Tax Approved by Costa Rica Government

A.M. Costa Rica reports that the Costa Rica legislator passed a new $15 tax on every airline ticket from abroad. They will be eliminating a 3% tourism tax on hotels and other temporary housing.

The elimination of the 3% lodging tax is really great news for travelers who plan to stay in Costa Rica for extended period of time. This will save a lot of money. Articles on the topic
A.M. Costa Rica
InsiderCostaRica

Btw, the $26 exit tax is still in place.

EcoTourism Adventure Park Inaugurated in Costa Rica

Veragua Rainforest Research and Adventure Park was recently inaugurated in Limon, Costa Rica. This ecotourism park is comprised of about 4,000 acres surrounded by rainforest. Attractions include frogs, butterflies, insects, snakes and 2,460 feet of zip line canopy tours. Read more

Development Example Set by Playas del Coco

Devon Magee, TicoTimes.net, recently reported on the hard-line example Playas del Coco is setting for other costal towns in Costa Rica. He reports that the local municipality started demolishing all illegal constructions within 50 meters from the water’s edge designated by ZMT laws. These areas are intended for public use and have been mostly ignored. Read more

Tourism Growth Slows in Costa Rica Due to Economy

Costa Rica has experienced a reduction in tourism growth in past couple months. InsideCostaRica.com reports this is due to increases in gas prices, U.S. economic problems and reduction in flights to Costa Rica.

Read more