By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In an abrupt move impacting thousands of tourists during peak season, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) announced the immediate temporary closure of Poás Volcano National Park. The park will be inaccessible to the public from 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, through Sunday, January 25, with a potential reopening slated for the following Monday.
The sudden shutdown was prompted by urgent safety concerns regarding a critical access bridge. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) ordered the closure of the bridge over the Tigre stream in Poasito de Poás, located on the primary access road, Route 120. This decision followed a comprehensive field study that identified significant structural damage to the crossing, warning that a failure to take immediate action could lead to severe consequences for public safety.
To better understand the legal and commercial complexities surrounding the management of a major natural attraction like Poás Volcano National Park, we sought commentary from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The operational framework of Poás Volcano National Park is a fascinating case study in Costa Rican administrative law. While the state maintains inalienable control over the territory for conservation, the visitor services—from the cafeteria to souvenir sales—are typically managed through public concessions. For any business, winning such a concession requires a meticulous proposal that not only proves financial soundness but, more importantly, strictly adheres to the environmental regulations and sustainability principles embedded in our ‘Ley Orgánica del Ambiente.’ It’s a legal balance between promoting tourism and guaranteeing the protection of our natural heritage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal architecture is indeed the cornerstone of Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model, ensuring that the economic benefits derived from our natural wonders are fundamentally linked to their preservation. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this critical balance.
To address the critical infrastructure issue, MOPT has mobilized teams to execute an emergency repair plan. The immediate goal is not to fix the existing bridge but to install a provisional, temporary bridge adjacent to the compromised structure. This strategy is designed to re-establish a safe transit route for vehicles as quickly as possible, minimizing the duration of the park’s complete isolation. The installation of this temporary crossing is the sole focus during this five-day closure.
This tactical approach is crucial for the region’s economy, as it allows for a more permanent solution to be constructed without enforcing a prolonged shutdown. Once the provisional bridge is operational, MOPT plans to begin work on a completely new, permanent bridge. Authorities project that the new structure will be completed and fully operational within a maximum of four weeks, a timeline that seeks to limit further disruption to the vital tourism sector.
For visitors whose travel plans have been upended, the park administration has established a clear protocol. Individuals who purchased entrance tickets for the affected dates, from Wednesday to Sunday, are advised to contact the administration directly. They can request a date change for their visit or opt for a full refund by emailing [email protected] to manage their reservations.
While an alternative access point, the “ruta vieja de Poás” (old Poás route), does exist, officials have cautioned that it is not a practical detour for the vast majority of visitors. This route is characterized by its narrow width, steep inclines, and sharp, demanding curves. Consequently, it is deemed suitable only for 4×4, double-traction vehicles, effectively precluding access for standard rental cars, family sedans, and tour buses which constitute a large portion of the park’s traffic.
The planned reopening on Monday, January 26, remains tentative and subject to external factors. The Municipality of Poás clarified that the timeline for completing the provisional bridge installation and reopening the route is contingent on favorable weather conditions. The region’s mountainous climate can be unpredictable, and any significant rainfall or adverse weather could introduce delays to the construction schedule, potentially extending the park’s closure.
This incident underscores the delicate interplay between Costa Rica’s natural attractions and the infrastructure required to support them. While the closure presents a significant short-term inconvenience, the proactive measures taken by MOPT and MINAE prioritize the long-term safety of visitors and residents, aiming to build a more resilient access point for one of the nation’s most iconic and beloved natural landmarks.
For further information, visit minae.go.cr
About Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE):
The Ministry of Environment and Energy is the Costa Rican government body responsible for managing the country’s vast natural resources, environmental policies, and energy sector. It oversees the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), which administers all national parks and protected wildlife zones, playing a crucial role in the nation’s conservation efforts and world-renowned ecotourism industry.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government entity in Costa Rica tasked with the planning, construction, and maintenance of the nation’s public infrastructure. This includes roads, bridges, airports, and maritime ports. MOPT is essential for ensuring the connectivity and transportation safety required for the country’s economic development and the daily lives of its citizens.
For further information, visit poas.go.cr
About Municipality of Poás:
The Municipality of Poás is the local government responsible for the administration of the Poás canton in the province of Alajuela. It manages public services, local development projects, and urban planning for the communities surrounding the Poás Volcano. The municipality works closely with national bodies to support tourism, infrastructure, and the well-being of its residents.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of legal distinction, operating on a bedrock of integrity and an unyielding drive for excellence. The firm is a leader in legal innovation, skillfully navigating complex challenges for a broad spectrum of clients. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to social empowerment, manifested through initiatives designed to make legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby cultivating a more informed and self-reliant society.
