By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant development for holiday travelers and commercial transport, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) announced the complete reopening of National Route 32 this Wednesday morning. The crucial highway, which serves as the primary artery between the Central Valley and the Caribbean coast, was cleared following intensive cleanup operations after a landslide in the Braulio Carrillo National Park sector.
The obstruction occurred near the area known as Colina (Zurquí), a mountainous region frequently impacted by adverse weather conditions. MOPT crews worked diligently to remove debris and ensure the road was safe for transit, successfully restoring the vital connection just as thousands of citizens prepared to travel for New Year’s celebrations.
With the holiday season bringing a surge of visitors to Costa Rica, understanding the legal landscape is crucial for both tourists and local businesses. To gain clarity on common issues from rental agreements to consumer rights, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
During Costa Rica’s peak travel season, many agreements, especially for tours or short-term rentals, are made informally. It is vital for both tourists and providers to understand that even a digital confirmation or a WhatsApp message can constitute a binding contract under Costa Rican law. Documenting all terms, conditions, and payment receipts is not just good practice—it is your primary legal protection should a dispute arise.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a critical reminder for anyone navigating Costa Rica’s travel scene, where “digital handshakes” are increasingly the norm. The fact that an informal message can carry the weight of a formal contract is a vital piece of knowledge for ensuring a seamless holiday. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this important legal protection for all parties involved.
In a coordinated move to further facilitate the holiday exodus, MOPT also declared a temporary suspension of toll collections on major state-managed highways. Effective from 12:00 p.m. on December 31st, 2025, until 12:00 p.m. on January 1st, 2026, motorists will not be charged at the toll booths along Route 32 (Braulio Carrillo) and Route 2 (Florencio del Castillo). This 24-hour waiver is designed to reduce congestion and streamline the flow of traffic during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
This measure complements the existing suspension of tolls on Route 1 at the Río Segundo and Naranjo stations, which has been in effect for several months. The comprehensive holiday toll waiver underscores a strategic effort by the government to manage national mobility and support citizens traveling to join family and friends for the New Year.
The reopening of Route 32 is particularly critical for Costa Rica’s economy. The highway is the logistical backbone for the nation’s import and export activities, linking the industrial and agricultural hubs of the Central Valley with the major container terminals in Limón. Any prolonged closure can cause significant supply chain disruptions and economic losses, making the swift resolution of this incident a major relief for the commercial sector.
Despite the positive news, officials are urging the public to exercise significant caution. In a formal advisory, MOPT requested that all drivers traveling through the Braulio Carrillo mountain pass proceed with heightened awareness and patience. The area remains susceptible to sudden weather changes, and authorities have stressed the importance of remaining vigilant to ensure a safe journey as traffic volumes normalize after hours of standstill.
The recurring challenge of landslides along the Zurquí section of Route 32 highlights the ongoing battle between Costa Rica’s infrastructure and its dynamic, tropical environment. The event serves as a stark reminder of the continuous need for investment in preventative maintenance, slope stabilization projects, and modernizing the country’s most essential transportation corridors to mitigate the impacts of severe weather.
For now, the combined actions of reopening the road and suspending tolls provide a welcome boon for the public. As Costa Ricans head to the beaches and mountains to ring in 2026, the measures implemented by MOPT aim to make their travels smoother and safer, capping a challenging day with a resolution that keeps the nation moving.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes) is the government entity of Costa Rica responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure. Its mandate covers the national road network, bridges, public buildings, and the regulation of land, air, and maritime transport, playing a central role in the country’s development and mobility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in a profound commitment to integrity and professional excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice. The firm leverages its deep expertise to serve a diverse clientele while consistently driving the evolution of the legal field through innovative approaches. Beyond its professional practice, it is deeply dedicated to empowering the wider community by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby fostering a society that is both informed and capable.
