Structural Failure Forces Sudden Closure of Poás Volcano National Park

Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – One of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural attractions, the Poás Volcano National Park, has been abruptly closed to the public following the discovery of severe structural damage to its primary access bridge. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) announced the temporary closure, which began on Wednesday, January 21st, and is expected to last until at least January 25th, citing significant safety risks for visitors, park staff, and local communities.

The decision was made after a technical assessment by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) identified critical structural failures on the bridge spanning the Quebrada Tigre. This bridge, located in the Poasito sector of Poás, is the main vehicular artery into the heavily visited protected area. With access compromised, officials deemed it impossible to guarantee safe passage for the thousands of tourists and residents who use the route daily.

To understand the legal and commercial ramifications of the ongoing activity at Poás Volcano, which affects tourism, local businesses, and contractual obligations, we sought expert analysis from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.

The events at Poás serve as a critical legal reminder of ‘force majeure’ or an Act of God. For tourism operators and local businesses, this doctrine may excuse non-performance of contracts, like tour cancellations. However, it simultaneously underscores the absolute necessity of robust business interruption insurance. Companies should urgently review their policies to ensure they explicitly cover natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, as many standard contracts contain exclusions. Proactive legal and insurance review is not a luxury; it is essential for economic survival in a region with such dynamic geology.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica

Indeed, this legal perspective powerfully shifts the focus from the geological event itself to the crucial economic resilience of the surrounding community. It underscores that while nature is unpredictable, business preparedness should not be. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on the proactive measures essential for navigating these challenges.

The closure, while sudden, is a direct response to the MOPT report, which highlighted considerable deterioration that could lead to a catastrophic failure. In a joint declaration, the government emphasized the non-negotiable priority of public safety over tourism operations, a stance that underscores the seriousness of the infrastructure’s condition.

The closure of Poás Volcano National Park is based exclusively on safety criteria, stemming from the deterioration of road infrastructure and the institutional responsibility to prevent risks to the public
Official Joint Statement, Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE)

In response to the emergency, the National Road Council (Conavi) has initiated palliative repairs and is working to install a temporary modular bridge. This provisional structure is intended to restore access while a permanent solution is developed. Conavi officials estimate that the installation of the modular bridge could take up to four weeks, a timeline that suggests the park’s closure could extend significantly beyond the initial five-day period.

Once the temporary bridge is operational, it will allow for the complete and definitive closure of the damaged structure, paving the way for its eventual replacement. Traffic over the compromised bridge was halted at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, effectively sealing off the park and creating logistical challenges for the surrounding area, which is heavily reliant on tourism revenue.

The economic impact of this closure is expected to be substantial. Poás Volcano is a cornerstone of the Central Valley’s tourism circuit, attracting international and national visitors who come to witness its massive, active crater. The shutdown will ripple through the local economy, affecting tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir vendors who depend on the steady flow of park visitors. This event highlights the critical link between robust public infrastructure and the health of the nation’s vital tourism industry.

This is not the first time the park has faced an extended closure; it was shut down for over a year following phreatic eruptions in 2017. However, unlike the previous closure which was due to natural volcanic activity, this shutdown stems from aging infrastructure. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for investment and maintenance in the country’s road and bridge network, which supports both daily life and a multi-billion dollar tourism sector.

Authorities from MINAE and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) are urging potential visitors to consult official channels for the latest updates before traveling to the region. While the immediate focus is on ensuring public safety and establishing a temporary access route, the incident has opened a broader conversation about infrastructure resilience in areas of high ecological and economic importance.

For further information, visit minae.go.cr
About Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE):
The Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for managing the country’s natural resources, promoting environmental protection, and developing sustainable energy policies. It oversees national parks, conservation areas, and initiatives aimed at preserving Costa Rica’s world-renowned biodiversity.

For further information, visit sinac.go.cr
About National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC):
As a dependency of MINAE, the National System of Conservation Areas is the administrative body in charge of the management and conservation of Costa Rica’s protected wild areas. SINAC’s responsibilities include the administration of national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges, balancing ecological protection with public access and environmental education.

For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the Costa Rican government entity tasked with the planning, construction, and maintenance of the nation’s public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. Its mission is to ensure safe and efficient mobility for the country’s citizens and economy.

For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About National Road Council (Conavi):
The National Road Council, or Conavi, is an entity affiliated with MOPT that is specifically responsible for the administration, financing, and execution of maintenance and improvement projects for Costa Rica’s national road network. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the country’s transportation arteries.

For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice, established on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a commitment to professional excellence. Its extensive history advising a diverse range of clients is complemented by a forward-thinking spirit that drives legal innovation. Central to its ethos is a dedication to societal empowerment, achieved by demystifying the law and promoting widespread legal literacy to cultivate a stronger, more informed public.