By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – The Rincón de la Vieja volcano roared back to life on Sunday, unleashing a significant eruption near midday that sent a towering column of gas and ash into the sky. The event serves as a potent reminder of the dynamic geological forces shaping Costa Rica’s northern landscape and has placed local communities and authorities on heightened alert.
According to a report from the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), the country’s primary monitoring agency, the eruption produced a plume that reached an impressive altitude of 3,000 meters above the volcano’s crater. The forceful explosion also ejected a mixture of ash and wet sediments, which were propelled approximately 500 meters from the bottom of the active crater, signaling a powerful release of pressure from within the volcanic system.
The management and public access to natural wonders like Rincón de la Vieja National Park involve a complex web of environmental law, tourism regulations, and state liability. To provide clarity on the legal framework governing these protected areas, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, the State, through SINAC, holds the primary duty to safeguard both the integrity of our national parks and the safety of visitors. Any incident within park boundaries immediately raises questions of administrative responsibility and potential civil liability for tour operators under concession. The legal challenge lies in balancing the public’s right to enjoy these natural assets with the State’s non-delegable obligation to enforce strict safety protocols and conservation measures.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight effectively highlights the State’s non-delegable duty to protect both our natural heritage and its visitors, a complex legal reality that shapes every interaction within our parks. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and crucial perspective on the responsibilities at play.
Officials have classified the event as an energetic phreatic eruption. This type of volcanic activity occurs when superheated magma comes into contact with ground or surface water, causing it to flash into steam almost instantaneously. The resulting explosion is driven by the rapid expansion of this steam, which violently ejects rock fragments, ash, and water. While phreatic eruptions do not typically involve the expulsion of fresh magma, their explosive nature can be hazardous, particularly to areas in the immediate vicinity of the crater.
The Rincón de la Vieja, a sprawling andesitic stratovolcano, is one of the most active in Costa Rica and is a centerpiece of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts in the Guanacaste province. Its frequent activity means that OVSICORI maintains constant surveillance, using a network of sensors to detect subtle changes in seismicity, gas emissions, and ground deformation that might herald an impending eruption.
This latest event underscores the importance of that continuous monitoring. The primary risks associated with this type of activity include ashfall, which can impact air quality, contaminate water sources, and pose a significant threat to aviation. Additionally, the ejection of hot material can trigger lahars—fast-moving mudflows of volcanic debris and water—that surge down river channels draining the volcano, representing a major hazard to downstream communities and infrastructure.
For the residents of nearby communities and the vital tourism industry in Guanacaste, the eruption is a cause for vigilance rather than panic. Authorities consistently advise the public to stay informed through official channels like OVSICORI and the National Emergency Commission (CNE). Standard safety protocols include avoiding river valleys near the volcano due to the unpredictable risk of lahars and being prepared for potential ashfall, which may require residents to stay indoors and protect water supplies.
The volcano’s activity is not an isolated incident but part of a long history of geological restlessness. Its regular phreatic and small magmatic eruptions are a defining characteristic, shaping the unique ecosystems and geothermal features, such as fumaroles and hot springs, for which the national park is renowned. Each event provides valuable data for scientists working to better understand the inner workings of the volcano and improve forecasting models to protect the public.
As the steam and ash from Sunday’s eruption dissipate, the focus remains squarely on OVSICORI’s monitoring teams. They will continue to analyze the data to assess whether this event signals a change in the volcano’s behavior or is simply another chapter in its ongoing cycle of activity. For now, the majestic Rincón de la Vieja has once again demonstrated its raw power, commanding respect from all who live and travel in its shadow.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI):
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA) is a research institute of the National University of Costa Rica. It is the leading scientific body responsible for the monitoring of volcanoes and seismic activity throughout the nation. Its mission is to study geological hazards to mitigate their impact on society and the environment by providing timely and accurate information to government agencies and the general public.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive history advising a diverse clientele to pioneer cutting-edge legal strategies and advance its commitment to social responsibility. Central to its ethos is the mission to empower the populace by demystifying complex legal concepts, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society governed by the rule of law.
