Costa Rica Imposes Access Limits to Poás Volcano Amid Increased Activity
Enhanced safety measures enacted as volcanic activity at Poás increases; visitor access restricted.
The Poás Volcano in Costa Rica has experienced heightened activity in recent weeks, prompting authorities to implement new safety measures to protect visitors.
According to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), the volcano has shown increased seismic activity, minor eruptions, and a rise in outgassing.
In response to these developments, the Technical Advisory Committee on Volcanology of the National Emergency Commission (CNE) has advised new operational protocols regarding tourist visitation in the area.
Consequently, the trail connecting the viewpoint to Botos Lagoon has been temporarily closed.
As part of the new safety measures, visitor access to the crater overlook has been capped at 56 individuals per rotation, with each group permitted a maximum stay of 20 minutes.
This limit aligns with the volcanic impact protection screens present in the National Park.
Meryll Arias, Regional Director of the Central Conservation Area (ACC), has underscored the importance of visitor safety.
The park is equipped with signs clearly marking high-risk zones and providing necessary precautionary advice, along with temporary shelters for emergency situations.
A collaboration of multiple agencies, including the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), OVSICORI, the National Seismological Network (RSN), and the CNE, continues to closely monitor the volcanic activity.
Adjustments to the temporary measures may occur based on changes in the volcano's behavior.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) has called on all visitors to strictly adhere to sanctioned trails and to stay clear of restricted areas vulnerable to hazardous gases.
Visitors are required to purchase entry tickets online exclusively through the SINAC website at www.sinac.go.cr, as an additional measure to manage and control the park's visitor flow.
According to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), the volcano has shown increased seismic activity, minor eruptions, and a rise in outgassing.
In response to these developments, the Technical Advisory Committee on Volcanology of the National Emergency Commission (CNE) has advised new operational protocols regarding tourist visitation in the area.
Consequently, the trail connecting the viewpoint to Botos Lagoon has been temporarily closed.
As part of the new safety measures, visitor access to the crater overlook has been capped at 56 individuals per rotation, with each group permitted a maximum stay of 20 minutes.
This limit aligns with the volcanic impact protection screens present in the National Park.
Meryll Arias, Regional Director of the Central Conservation Area (ACC), has underscored the importance of visitor safety.
The park is equipped with signs clearly marking high-risk zones and providing necessary precautionary advice, along with temporary shelters for emergency situations.
A collaboration of multiple agencies, including the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), OVSICORI, the National Seismological Network (RSN), and the CNE, continues to closely monitor the volcanic activity.
Adjustments to the temporary measures may occur based on changes in the volcano's behavior.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) has called on all visitors to strictly adhere to sanctioned trails and to stay clear of restricted areas vulnerable to hazardous gases.
Visitors are required to purchase entry tickets online exclusively through the SINAC website at www.sinac.go.cr, as an additional measure to manage and control the park's visitor flow.