Those brave enough to drive towards Cartago during Costa Rica’s annual Romería will receive a temporary break from toll payments on the Florencio del Castillo Highway this weekend. The National Roadway Council, known as Conavi, will suspend toll collection at the Tres Ríos station for 12 hours, beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, and ending at 6 a.m. on Sunday, August 2.
The measure is intended to keep traffic moving during the busiest period of the pilgrimage, when large numbers of people travel on foot and by vehicle toward the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago. The Romería is one of Costa Rica’s largest religious traditions. Pilgrims from across the country walk to the basilica to honor Our Lady of the Angels, our patron saint, whose feast day is celebrated each year on August 2.
The Florencio del Castillo Highway is the main connection between the San José metropolitan area and Cartago. The combination of pilgrims, support vehicles, buses and regular weekend traffic can create significant congestion along the route, particularly around Tres Ríos and the entrances to Cartago.
Authorities expect that allowing vehicles to pass through the toll station without stopping to pay will reduce delays during the overnight period when pilgrim traffic is expected to reach its peak. However, Conavi warned drivers that the temporary suspension does not mean they should pass through the station at high speed.
The toll booths, barriers and other structures will remain in place throughout the night. Motorists should reduce their speed when approaching the plaza, follow posted limits and remain alert for traffic officers, temporary controls and pedestrians near the roadway.
Drivers should also expect heavier-than-normal traffic even while toll collection is suspended. Authorities are urging motorists to plan ahead, allow additional travel time and follow instructions from traffic police operating along the route.
Pedestrians participating in the pilgrimage should use designated walking areas whenever possible, remain visible after dark and exercise caution when crossing streets or walking near moving traffic. Regular toll collection at the Tres Ríos stationwill start again at 6 a.m. Sunday.
The temporary suspension is part of the wider traffic and public safety operation organized each year for the Romería. Authorities may introduce additional road controls depending on the number of pilgrims and traffic conditions approaching Cartago.
