As the high season ramps up, Costa Rica is facing a growing crisis: the national currency — the colón — has surged against the U.S. dollar, making travel increasingly costly for tourists and squeezing local hotels and tour operators.
Dollar Hits 20-Year Low — And It’s Bad News for Visitors
On December 6, 2025, the Central Bank of Costa Rica reported the dollar exchange rate at ₡488–₡490 — the weakest level since 2005. Over the past three years, the colón has appreciated nearly 27%, climbing from levels above ₡640 per dollar in mid-2022.
For travelers from the U.S. or Europe, this means that every dollar buys far fewer colones
→ Continue reading at Traveling Lifestyle
