- The project is 85% complete and represents an investment of approximately ¢347 million, funded by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
- Once completed, the Ministry of Public Security will be responsible for the management and maintenance of the infrastructure, equipment, and furnishings.
Friday, February 7, 2025
The community of Cahuita, located in the Talamanca canton of Limón, will soon have a new Tourist Police station. This project is part of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute’s (ICT) efforts to enhance security in tourist destinations.
Currently, 85% of the construction is completed, with a total investment of ¢347 million provided by the ICT. According to projections, the new station is expected to be finished and inaugurated in April 2025.
This was confirmed during an inspection on the morning of February 7, conducted by Tourism Minister William Rodríguez, Kattia Chavarría, Director of the Tourist Police, and a group of 20 officers who will be assigned to the new station.
A Modern and Functional Facility
The new station spans 286 square meters of building space within a 388 m² total area. It includes:
- A public service area
- A chief’s office
- Dormitories for officers
- An armory
- A kitchen and dining area
- A laundry room
- Restrooms, including one fully accessible under Law 7600
- A perimeter fence, treatment plant, parking for police units and visitors, and green areas
One of the primary goals of the new police station is to reduce response times and improve police patrol coverage for Cahuita, its beaches, and surrounding areas.
“Cahuita is a highly touristic destination where security plays a crucial role in ensuring that tourism grows and develops properly. The ICT, aware of this, has worked with the Ministry of Public Security to construct a Tourist Police headquarters that meets the needs of the area and provides the necessary conditions for officers to deliver an even better service,” stated Tourism Minister William Rodríguez.
Strengthening the Tourist Police
This important project is part of a cooperation agreement between the ICT, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Municipality of Talamanca. The construction of this new station will directly benefit the 13,656 residents of Cahuita and the 75,000 national and international tourists who visit the destination each year.
“This project, financed with the support of the ICT, is part of a national plan to improve tourism infrastructure. The Southern Caribbean sees a large number of visitors, and we need to meet their needs efficiently and with quality service—something this new station will undoubtedly improve,” said Kattia Chavarría, Director of the Tourist Police.
She also revealed that 20 Tourist Police officers will be stationed at this facility and will be ready to serve the local community in the coming months.
Once completed, the Ministry of Public Security will be responsible for the management and upkeep of the building, as well as its equipment and furnishings.
“This project is extremely important for us and for the quality of service we provide to tourists. It is an incentive that will enhance our capacity as public servants in this area,” concluded Henry Díaz, Coordinator of the new Tourist Police station in Cahuita.
Expanding Security in Tourist Areas
As part of this agreement, the ICT is also working on:
- Expanding the Tourist Police force with over 300 new officers
- Providing equipment, including vehicles, motorcycles, uniforms, and radios
- Offering training programs for officers
Additionally, in the second half of 2025, another Tourist Police station is expected to be completed in Santa Teresa de Cóbano, Puntarenas. These new stations will complement existing ones in Tamarindo and Playa Panamá, in the Gulf of Papagayo.
The ICT supports these projects under the belief that a sustainable destination must also be a safe destination. This responsibility involves security authorities, various government entities, and civil society working together to ensure safety in Costa Rica’s top tourist areas.
