Travelers planning a visit to Poás Volcano National Park face ongoing disruptions after authorities extended the closure of the site’s main access route. The park, a popular day trip from the Central Valley, shut down on the 21st following severe damage to the bridge over Quebrada Tigre on Route 120 in Poasito.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) closed the bridge preventively at 4 p.m. that day after inspections revealed an imminent risk of collapse. Officials now work to install a temporary modular Bailey bridge next to the damaged structure, a process that could last up to four weeks. While some repairs aim to allow limited passage sooner with restrictions on heavy vehicles, the full timeline depends on site conditions.
The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) confirmed the park’s closure will continue until MOPT reopens the route safely. Initially set to end on the 25th, the shutdown stretched further as work progressed slower than expected. This leaves the park inaccessible to visitors, halting entry for safety reasons.
Tour operators and self-drivers from areas like San José and Alajuela feel the hit hardest. Poás ranks among Costa Rica’s top draws, pulling in thousands for its crater views and hiking trails. The sudden halt scrambles itineraries, forcing cancellations or reroutes that strain businesses reliant on steady tourist flow. Local hotels, guides, and transport services in Poasito report immediate drops in bookings, with ripple effects across the Central Valley’s tourism sector.
Authorities stress avoiding alternate paths. The so-called “old Poás route,” a road linking through Route 146 near Freddo Fresas, suits only four-wheel-drive vehicles. Its steep grades and tight turns pose serious hazards for standard cars or buses, and officials deem it unfit for high-volume traffic. SINAC urges people not to risk these options, as they could lead to accidents or strandings in remote spots.
Visitors holding tickets for affected dates can reschedule by emailing poas.info@sinac.go.cr. No refunds apply, but flexibility helps ease the inconvenience. For updates, check official channels from MOPT or SINAC, as weather or further assessments might shift timelines.
This closure shows the broader infrastructure challenges in Costa Rica’s volcanic regions, where heavy rains and terrain wear down roads and bridges. As repairs advance, the focus stays on restoring safe access to keep Poás open for future trips. In the meantime, travelers might pivot to nearby sites like La Paz Waterfall Gardens or Arenal Volcano for similar experiences without the current barriers.
