Costa Rican beaches, known for their natural beauty, are increasingly being used as venues for illegal raves, sparking significant concern among local residents and environmentalists. These “jungle raves,” taking place in Manzanillo, Bello Horizonte, and Santiago, promise partygoers an immersive experience in nature but come at a high cost to the environment and local communities. The Blue Zone Chamber of Tourism and Commerce ( ), which represents areas like Malpaís, Santa Teresa, and Playa Hermosa, reported 22 complaints related to these raves between November 2023 and May 2024.
Residents are frustrated by the noise pollution that these events generate, with music blaring from as early as 11 p.m. until 8 or 9 a.
m. the following morning. One resident noted that although the rave was a kilometer away, the sound was so loud it felt as if it were right next door.
Attendees often spill onto the beach after the official rave ends, continuing their festivities into the morning hours, much to the dismay of those living nearby. These raves are not small gatherings; some attract as many as 600 people, transforming them into massive, unregulated events. Despite their size, these gatherings lack the necessary permits, including sanitary licenses and emergency medical teams, and fail to implement any safety measures for the attendees.
This has led to increasing tensions between the organizers and local authorities. Cóbano Mayor Ronny Montero pointed out that property owners hosti.