No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsEnvironment and WildlifeTourist access reopened at Poás Volcano following recent phreatic eruptions

Tourist access reopened at Poás Volcano following recent phreatic eruptions

Tourist access to Poás Volcano, Costa Rica’s second most visited national park located 47 kilometers northwest of the capital, was reopened Tuesday after phreatic explosions prompted the evacuation on Monday of tourists and park staff.

National Seismological Network (RSN) volcanologists asked park officials to remain vigilant and to enforce special security protocols for visitors, such as prohibiting entry to people with respiratory and heart ailments.

RSN volcanologists issued a full report following an on-the-ground inspection of the volcano’s crater on Tuesday. The report states that more phreatic explosions of varying intensity are expected in coming days. Analysis shows that Poás “is accumulating significant pressure in short periods of time,” the report said.

On Monday, the volcano sent mud, ash and rock flying all the way to the park’s scenic tourist lookout, the visitors’ center and parking lots located 1.5 km (0.9 miles) away from the crater’s lagoon.

Park administrator Redy Conejo Aguilar on Wednesday confirmed the reopening of the tourist entrance, and park officials said they would follow the recommendations of volcanologists.

“We are allowing access to the viewing area for periods of only 20 minutes at a time,” Conejo said. “We also are warning visitors that those with respiratory or heart problems should avoid making the trip.”

The Poás Volcano has been constantly active since March 2006, mostly with phreatic eruptions in the crater’s lagoon.

On Oct. 8, experts registered a phreatic eruption that spread material vertically some 300 meters (984 ft). Monday’s explosions reached 500 meters (1,640 ft).

Popular Articles

Costa Rica’s Record Meth Bust in Tibás Raises Concerns

Costa Rican authorities seized 48 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in Tibás, marking our country’s largest synthetic drug seizure. The operation, conducted by the Drug...

American Airlines Adds More Chicago-Costa Rica Flights for High Season

American Airlines has announced plans to increase its number of flights to Costa Rica from Chicago for their 2025-26 winter travel season, aligning with...

Costa Rica President’s State of Nation Address Sparks Controversy

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves delivered his third State of the Nation Address to the Legislative Assembly, employing an unconventional approach that blended multimedia...
L. Arias
L. Arias
Reporter | The Tico Times |
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait

Latest Articles