Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) has issued an official alert after recording 408 people entering various protected wildlife areas without authorization during the last weeks of December and the first half of January.

According to the institutional report, Irazú Volcano National Park tops the list with 200 recorded cases. Other locations with a high incidence of entries through prohibited routes include Poás Volcano, Turrialba Volcano, and San Lucas Island National Park.

Operational and Legal Risks

Authorities indicated that these incursions—often promoted on social media—expose visitors to real dangers such as landslides, volcanic gas emissions, and wild animal attacks in unsupervised areas. Rescue personnel also warn that emergency responses on these “clandestine” routes are extremely complex due to limited accessibility.

From a legal standpoint, those apprehended in these areas face proceedings for the crime of disobedience to authority. Likewise, SINAC seeks to impose stricter sanctions on informal guides who organize these tours, with fines that could exceed ₡2.3 million.

Environmental Impact

Beyond human safety, illegal entry accelerates the degradation of natural trails, contributes to waste pollution, and disrupts fragile ecosystems. SINAC urges the public to use only official entrances and purchase tickets through the authorized platform to ensure a safe and sustainable visit.