Poás Volcano eruption triggers new safety rules in Costa Rica

Poás Volcano in Costa Rica experienced a high-energy eruption in the early morning hours, ejecting incandescent ballistic materials and debris approximately 600 meters from the crater. The event caused a significant disturbance to the crater lake and was captured by thermal monitoring cameras.

In response to increased seismic activity, eruptions, and gas emissions, the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Attention (CNE) has declared a Green Alert for Poás Volcano National Park. While the park remains open to the public, the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) has implemented strict safety measures to protect visitors.

New regulations include a mandatory requirement to wear safety helmets on the main trail to the viewpoint and the Sombrilla de Pobre trail. Additionally, daily visitor capacity has been reduced by half, from approximately 2,052 to 1,064 people. Access to the crater viewpoint is now limited to a maximum of 56 people at a time for up to 20 minutes. Authorities urge visitors to follow all instructions from park rangers and avoid entering restricted zones.