Controversy has erupted over construction of a crocodile viewing deck next to the bridge that spans the Tárcoles River in Garabito. Environmental lawyer Walter Brenes raised questions about the project in an area known for its large crocodile population and steady stream of tourists. He sent an inquiry to the Orotina Subregional Office of the National System of Conservation Areas.
In a written reply dated March 24, the office stated it has issued no permit, authorization or approval for the observation deck. It added that no applications related to the project appear in its records, either approved or pending. Brenes said he wants the developer to follow the rules. “It is simply unacceptable that a project of this magnitude is being carried out alongside the renovation of the Tárcoles Bridge without, allegedly, having the necessary permits,” he said.
The Municipality of Garabito defended the work. Officials there said the project meets all required procedures and that several government agencies reviewed it because of its location near the riverbed. The municipality’s technical department described the evaluation as rigorous and in line with current regulations.
Local leaders explained that the deck aims to bring order to tourist activity that has gone on for years in a disorganized way and under conditions that put visitors and the environment at risk. Officials pointed to a document signed by the Ministry of Environment and Energy that supports moving forward with the project. That paper stands in contrast to the SINAC response.
The confusion has led to an official review. The Deputy Attorney General’s Office for Agricultural and Environmental Affairs confirmed it opened an investigation into alleged irregularities on the property next to the bridge. Authorities gave no further details while the probe continues.
Brenes noted that the case has a history. In 2025, SINAC issued an administrative order to suspend construction work and sent a statement of facts to the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office to examine how the first structure went up. The bridge itself remains under renovation, with single-lane traffic in place and pedestrian viewing restricted for safety. The new deck sits on the right bank of the river coming from Orotina, only meters from the bridge.
