The short version
- CR Hoy reported that Mariale Acosta leaves Sunday night from Juan Santamaría International Airport for the 75th Miss Universe edition in Puerto Rico
- La Nación reported she is carrying about 50 outfits by Costa Rican designers and around 150 looks total after months of preparation
- According to La Nación, the final is set for Nov. 24 with preliminary competition on Nov. 22 and national costume parade on Nov. 21
- La Nación quoted Acosta saying she feels ready, loves her country and considers herself a favorite with strong national and international support
Departure and Competition Schedule
Mariale Acosta, Miss Universe Costa Rica, is traveling to Puerto Rico on Sunday, Nov. 1, to participate in the 75th Miss Universe 2026 pageant. CR Hoy reported that her departure is scheduled for that night from Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, with a farewell event beginning at 8:00 p.m. The competition's final gala will take place on Nov. 24 at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. Preliminary events include the national costume parade on Nov. 21 and the preliminary competition on Nov. 22.
La Nación reported that Acosta arrives with a clear goal of competing for the crown after rigorous preparation. She told the outlet she now identifies fully with representing Costa Rica, stating she left behind being simply Mariale five months ago and that her love for the country is her driving force. She expressed confidence that Costa Rica has everything needed to win.
Also on PuertoRico.com: San Juan travel guide
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Soy una Mariale disciplinada, esforzada y que se siente lista. Yo no tengo ninguna duda de que puede pasar cualquier cosa porque es una competencia, pero no dudo de que tenemos todo para que Costa Rica sea Miss Universo.
Our translation: I am a disciplined, hardworking Mariale who feels ready. I have no doubt that anything can happen because it is a competition, but I do not doubt that we have everything for Costa Rica to be Miss Universe.
The source's own statement, as quoted by La Nación. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Preparation and Wardrobe Logistics
In an interview with La Nación, Acosta described an integral preparation process focused first on mental and emotional strength through deep conversations with her director and team. She trained in runway with Mexican instructors, acting with Adriana Víquez, dance with Michael Rubí, public speaking with Andy Salandy of Telemundo, self-makeup and hairstyling with Iecsa, and fashion styling. She emphasized that a contestant must be complete and belong to the world of entertainment.
Logistics for the trip proved challenging, La Nación reported. Acosta is bringing nearly 50 garments by national talent along with pieces from Central American, Colombian, Mexican, Asian and U.S. designers. Friends and team members assisted daily with strategic packing to allow quick access during the competition. She noted that she will alternate between curly and straight hair depending on time and humidity, saying she loves her natural curls as they represent her roots.
Prior Experience and Support
Acosta recently visited Puerto Rico at the invitation of the government along with representatives from 17 countries to promote tourism ahead of the pageant, according to La Nación. She described the trip as useful preparation that confirmed she could work under pressure with little rest, including a successful appearance at Telemundo. She also walked in New York Fashion Week for designer Michael Cinco.
The titleholder told La Nación she feels backed by former Costa Rican representatives such as Johanna Solano, Karina Ramos and Valeria Rees. She highlighted advice from Rees to never lose her essence, be herself in her most formal version, avoid rigid stereotypes and remain authentic. Acosta said she has enormous national and international support and considers herself one of the favorites.
Where the sources differ
Both La Nación and CR Hoy agree that Mariale Acosta travels on Sunday, Nov. 1, to Puerto Rico for the Miss Universe 2026 final on Nov. 24 at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. CR Hoy focuses on the travel date, airport farewell and basic schedule. La Nación provides extensive quotes from Acosta on her mindset, preparation details, wardrobe numbers, prior Puerto Rico visit, support from past queens and her belief that she is a favorite. The sources do not conflict on any facts.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the exact flight time beyond the evening departure, the full list of other participating countries, how Acosta's social project will factor into judging, or details on voting mechanics for the platform. They also omit any mention of the current Miss Universe titleholder, the production company organizing the event in Puerto Rico or specific plans for Acosta upon arrival in San Juan.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Mariale Acosta viajará este domingo al Miss Universo 2026 en Puerto Rico
- Reporting Mariale Acosta revela cómo llega a Miss Universo y deja clara su meta: ‘Yo voy por la corona’
How we checked this
CR Hoy reported the basic travel and schedule facts. La Nación supplied the majority of the article's content through its interview with Acosta, including all quotes and preparation details. Information on the exact number of outfits and her statements about feeling like a favorite rests solely on La Nación.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
Nils Huenerfuerst / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0PuertoRico.com is free, and readers like you keep it that way.
The PuertoRico.com newsroom checks every story against its sources and publishes it free. If this one helped, a contribution of any size keeps the next one free too.
Secure checkout by Stripe: card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Link.
One payment, nothing to sign up for.
Contributions go to Puerto Rico.com, LLC. They are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible. Payments are processed by Stripe.
Thank you for keeping PuertoRico.com free.
Your contribution went through. It helps pay for the next story.
Contributions go to Puerto Rico.com, LLC. They are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible. Payments are processed by Stripe.