No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaEruption threat leads to extended closure of Turrialba Volcano National Park

Eruption threat leads to extended closure of Turrialba Volcano National Park

Turrialba Volcano National Park will remain closed until at least November 19 due to the ongoing threat of volcanic activity, authorities announced.

According to the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), sensors continue to detect an increase of volcanic gases — including sulfur dioxide — at Turrialba. As a result, authorities will keep the park closed as a precautionary measure while the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) continues monitoring the stratovolcano.

Turrialba Volcano National Park was closed starting November 3, following a small eruption. A column of ash rose 200 meters above the crater (about 3,540 meters above sea level) during the event, which had a duration of one minute:

Turrialba Volcano National Park reopened last December. It had been closed to the public since 2012, when the volcano increased in activity and experienced several moderate-sized eruptions. In addition to the park’s closure, authorities had maintained a 2 km forbidden zone around the crater.

In 2015, ash from Turrialba suspended flights at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José.

But the stratovolcano had decreased in activity over recent years, and SINAC constructed safety shelters and barriers — in addition to mandating hard hats — as safety measures for visitors to the active crater.

In addition to the volcano itself, on clear days visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Caribbean plains, Turrialba valley, and Talamanca mountain range. Some 84 species of birds and 11 species of mammals inhabit the park.

Visiting Turrialba Volcano involves a 4 km (2.5 mile) hike of moderate to high difficulty from the entrance to the craters. Visitors must make prior reservations by calling 8534-1063 and enter at Finca Monte Calas (Google Maps link).

The cost is 6,000 colones for the required guide, plus 1,000 colones for citizens/residents and $12 for non-residents.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Adds 17th Accessible Beach at Playa Blanca

Costa Rica added another spot to its list of inclusive coastal destinations this week. Playa Blanca in Punta Morales de Chomes now stands as...

El Salvador’s Safety Outpaces Costa Rica’s Crime in Tourism Race

El Salvador has turned heads this year with a sharp uptick in tourism, pulling in visitors eager for its mix of natural draws and...

Costa Rica Warns on Methanol Risks in Alcohol Amid Regional Outbreaks

Costa Rica's health officials have stepped up alerts on the dangers of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol, aligning with similar actions across Latin America...

Panama’s Indigenous Families Relocate Amid Rising Sea Levels

Panama's government faces mounting pressure to relocate more Indigenous Guna families from low-lying Caribbean islands as sea levels continue to rise, building on the...

US sanctions Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro

The United States announced on Friday financial sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro for failing to combat drug trafficking, drawing a strong response from...

Costa Rica U-17 Women’s Team Earns Historic Draw vs Brazil

Costa Rica's under-17 women's national soccer team marked a milestone in their history with a 1-1 draw against Brazil during the FIFA U-17 Women's...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica