The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) confirmed the temporary closure of Poás Volcano National Park as of last Wednesday, January 21. The measure responds to an imminent risk of collapse of the bridge over Quebrada Tigre, located in the Poasito sector, the main land access route to the protected area.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and CONAVI determined that the structure presents severe structural damage that compromises the safety of visitors and staff. In response, authorities have begun the transport and assembly of a temporary modular bridge, whose final installation could take up to four weeks, although a controlled passage is expected to be restored sooner.

The National Park administration reported that individuals who purchased tickets for the closure dates may reschedule their visit by contacting the email address poas.info@sinac.go.cr. SINAC emphasized that tourist access will not be allowed while the instability alert on National Route 120 remains in effect.

As a provisional alternative, access has been enabled via the so-called “old Poás route,” a cantonal road that, due to its steep slopes and sharp curves, is recommended only for four-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicles and local traffic, and not for the massive flow of tourists or heavy vehicles.

The preventive closure seeks to avoid a major emergency in one of the country’s most visited tourist areas during the 2026 high season. Once the modular structure is installed, visitor flow is expected to normalize, allowing for the complete demolition and definitive construction of the new concrete bridge without again affecting access to the volcano.