Located in a stunning natural setting, these sites represent much more than a collection of archaeological remains. They bear witness to the complex societies that inhabited the region over a thousand years ago and left behind the famous stone spheres—a symbol of national identity and one of the continent’s greatest archaeological mysteries.

Through the Diquís Project, the National Museum of Costa Rica promotes the conservation, research, and dissemination of this heritage, enabling both domestic and international visitors to learn about an essential part of the history that Costa Rica shares with the world today.

A region shaped by waves of migration

The cultural richness of Diquís region is not limited to its pre-Columbian past. The region’s contemporary history has been shaped by various groups of people who, throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, came to the southern part of the country in search of new opportunities and helped forge a unique identity.

One of the most notable groups is the Chiricanos, who hail from the Panamanian province of Chiriquí and constitute one of the most influential ethnic groups in shaping the culture of cantons such as Osa, Buenos Aires, and Golfito. Although their contribution has not always been sufficiently recognized, surnames such as Pinzón, Beita, Quintero, Atencio, Caballero, Lezcano, and Pití are part of the region’s collective memory and social fabric.

Migrants from Costa Rica’s Central Valley also played an important role in shaping the region. They brought with them traditions associated with coffee cultivation, guitar music, sugarcane mills, the production of aguadulce (traditional unrefined cane sugar drink), and other cultural expressions that enriched the daily life of southern communities.

The Banana Revolution in the South Pacific

One of the events that had the greatest impact on the region’s development was the arrival of the Banana Company in the 1930s. After winding down its operations in the Costa Rican Caribbean, the company shifted much of its business to the South Pacific, triggering profound economic, social, and demographic changes.

The expansion of banana plantations attracted thousands of workers from different parts of the country and abroad, giving rise to new communities and transforming the landscape of the area. This process marked the birth of a regional identity closely linked to agricultural work and cultural diversity.

People from Guanacaste, Nicaraguans, and Chinese: a shared heritage

Migrants from Guanacaste likewise made a significant contribution to the region. Thousands left the northern Costa Rican savannas seeking new opportunities in the so-called “Banana Zone.” Their culture, customs, and traditions blended into the rich social mosaic that defines southern Costa Rica today.

Adding to this history is the presence of Nicaraguan communities, whose influence was decisive in shaping the region’s demographics. Historical data indicate that in 1950, approximately 15% of the population of Osa, Golfito, and Aguirre came from Nicaragua, establishing a significant cultural and human legacy that remains relevant to this day.

Another key group has been the Chinese community and its descendants. Their presence in southern Costa Rica dates back to the late 19th century, particularly in El Pozo, now known as Ciudad Cortés, where families of Chinese origin have been recorded since that time. Through trade, entrepreneurship, and community integration, this population has contributed to the region’s economic and cultural development.

Art, Tradition, and Identity

The history of Osa and its surrounding areas is the result of the interplay between pre-Columbian heritage, colonial processes, migration, and the economic transformations of the 20th century. This complex historical process continues to be reflected in the region’s artistic and artisanal expressions.

Crafts, painting, music, and other cultural expressions constantly reinterpret the myths, stories, and traditions passed down through generations. They bring together indigenous roots, migratory influences, and the everyday experiences of those who have shaped the identity of Costa Rica’s South Pacific region.

As such, Diquís is not only an archaeological site of universal significance, but also a living landscape where history, culture, and diversity continue to intertwine, shaping one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating regions.

Sensorial Sunsets

A story of conservation and natural restoration

The history of Curi-Cancha began in 1970, when the Lowther family purchased the property that had belonged to Hubert and Mildred Mendenhall. The name “Curi-Cancha” comes from Inca culture and means “Enclosure of Gold,” a name that reflects the natural wealth found in this place.

At that time, the property consisted of approximately 50% pastureland and 50% virgin tropical forest. Over the next 45 years, the Lowther family decided to stop clearing and logging the land. Thanks to this commitment to conservation, much of the pastureland regenerated naturally, returning to forest.

In 1997, the commitment to environmental protection was strengthened when, thanks to the efforts of Julia Lowther, the property was officially designated a Wildlife Refuge under the protection of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). Subsequently, in 2011, the Curi-Cancha Reserve opened its doors to tourism in the form it is known today.

A mosaic of unique ecosystems

The reserve is part of the Arenal-Tempisque Conservation Area and protects 83 hectares (205 acres) of diverse ecosystems. Its territory consists of 50% primary forest, 45% secondary forest, and 5% grassland.

The elevation ranges from 1,450 to 1,615 meters above sea level, creating ideal conditions for various types of forest. Approximately 40% consists of low montane rainforest, while the remaining 60% is made up of premontane rainforest.

To explore these environments, visitors can enjoy seven kilometers of nature trails that wind through spectacular cloud forest landscapes, offering unique opportunities to observe flora and fauna.

Birdwatching

Curi-Cancha is internationally recognized as one of the best places for birdwatching in Monteverde. More than 200 species have been recorded within the reserve, including some of Costa Rica’s most iconic birds.

Among the species most sought after by birdwatchers are the majestic Resplendent Quetzal, the striking Iris-billed Toucan, the famous Bellbird, the Orange-bellied Trogon, and the Boobook, as well as a wide variety of hummingbirds that find refuge in the reserve’s diverse habitats.

The combination of primary and secondary forests creates ideal conditions for a wide variety of species to thrive year-round, making every visit a unique experience for photographers, naturalists, and birdwatchers.

Diverse wildlife along the trails of the cloud forest

The biological diversity of Curi-Cancha is not limited to birds. Among the mammals that can frequently be spotted are the armadillo, the agouti, the coati, the opossum, the two-toed sloth, and the elusive ocelot.

The reserve is also home to three species of monkeys: howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, and spider monkeys, which often move through the treetops, offering visitors memorable encounters.

Experiences for all visitors

Visitors can explore the trails on their own or hire the services of specialized nature guides who enhance the experience by explaining the ecosystem and identifying species.

The reserve also offers guided bird-watching hikes led by experts with extensive knowledge of the local birdlife. These excursions significantly increase the chances of spotting rare species and provide a better understanding of the ecological importance of the cloud forest.

Commitment to sustainability

The Curi-Cancha Reserve implements sustainable practices aimed at maintaining a healthy habitat for the wildlife and flora it protects. Its primary goal is to conserve natural ecosystems while providing visitors with a high-quality, responsible, and environmentally friendly experience.

Thanks to decades of conservation, natural restoration, and sustainable management, Curi-Cancha has established itself as a successful model of environmental protection and responsible tourism, offering every visitor the opportunity to discover the extraordinary biodiversity that characterizes Monteverde.

Sensorial Sunsets

The exhibition brings together outstanding films from Latin America and offers a journey through the diverse realities, styles, and voices of the region’s contemporary cinema. Through fiction and documentary films, audiences will be able to explore stories that address themes such as memory, social inequality, identity, music, nature, and the struggles of Latin American peoples.

Screenings will take place on June 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 13, with showings at 7:00 p.m. and special Saturday afternoon screenings. Admission is free, and seating is limited.

Preamble: Programming

Wednesday, June 3 | 7:00 p.m.

Un mundo para Julius
Fiction | 2021
Directed by: Rossana Díaz Costa
Spain, Argentina, Peru | 104 min. | +12

Julius is an upper-class boy in 1950s Lima who lives a life of privilege. As he grows up, he will come to discover the profound inequalities and injustices that exist beyond the walls of his home.

Thursday, June 4 | 7:00 p.m.

Amores perros
Fiction | 2000
Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Mexico | 154 min. | Rated R

A car accident brings together the stories of three characters whose lives are marked by love, loss, and survival in Mexico City.

Friday, June 5 | 7:00 p.m.

Just the Sun
Documentary | 2020
Directed by: Arami Ullón
Paraguay, Switzerland, Argentina | 72 min. | +12

Mateo travels through the Paraguayan Chaco, collecting testimonies from the Ayoreo people in an effort to preserve the memory and culture of a community that has been displaced from its ancestral lands.

Friday, June 5 | 8:00 p.m.

Strike
Documentary
Bolivia | 72 min. | +12

An intimate portrait of collective courage amid the Banzer dictatorship, a group of women miners discovers that silence is no longer an option. Their homes, plagued by hunger, repression, and uncertainty, drive them to make a decision that will change the course of the country: to go on a hunger strike to demand justice and the restoration of the rights taken from their families and communities.

Saturday, June 6 | 2:00 p.m.

Conversations with Mom
Fiction | 2004
Directed by: Santiago Carlos Oves
Argentina, Spain | 90 min. | Rated PG-13

After losing his job, Jaime decides to sell the apartment where his mother lives, but he discovers that she has other plans for her life and isn’t willing to leave her home.

Saturday, June 6 | 4:00 p.m.

Cecilia the Incomparable
Fiction | 2024
Directed by: Vanessa Miller
Chile | 100 min. | +15

The film traces the life of the iconic Chilean singer Cecilia, from her rise to fame to the most challenging moments of her personal and artistic career.

Saturday, June 6 | 7:00 p.m.

The Pope’s Bathroom
Fiction | 2007
Directed by: César Charlone and Enrique Fernández
Uruguay, Brazil, France | 90 min. | +12

With the Pope’s visit to the city of Melo approaching, a smuggler sees an opportunity to improve his financial situation by building a restroom to rent out to visitors.

Wednesday, June 10 | 7:00 p.m.

Carandirú
Fiction | 2003
Directed by Héctor Babenco
Brazil, Argentina, Italy | 145 min. | R

Based on true events, the film depicts life inside the Carandiru prison in São Paulo and the events that led to one of Brazil’s most shocking massacres.

Thursday, June 11 | 7:00 p.m.

La suprema
Fiction | 2023
Colombia | 83 min. | +12

Set in a remote village, a young woman dreams of becoming a boxer and manages to rally her entire community to support her uncle in a world title fight.

Friday, June 12 | 7:00 p.m.

The Ghosts
Fiction | 2020
Directed by: Sebastián Lojo
Guatemala, Argentina | 83 min. | R

Koki gets by in Guatemala City through deception and false identities, until an unexpected encounter changes the course of his life.

Saturday, June 13 | 3:30 p.m.

The Untamed Salvador
Documentary | 2023
Director: Nigel Marven
El Salvador | 50 min. | TP

A journey through El Salvador’s natural wealth and biodiversity, guided by renowned explorer Nigel Marven.

Saturday, June 13 | 5:00 p.m.

El Pico Duarte
Documentary | 2025
Directed by: Artturo Dickson and Mariana Rubio Pittaluga
83 min. | Rated R

The journey to the highest mountain in the Caribbean becomes a reflection on environmental conservation, responsible tourism, and the relationship between people and nature.

Saturday, June 13 | 7:00 p.m.

Helena of Sarayaku
Documentary | 2025
Directed by: Eriberto Gualinga Montalvo
Ecuador | 70 min. | TP

The documentary follows the story of Helena Gualinga, a young Indigenous leader fighting to protect her territory from the threats of extractivism and climate change.

Sensorial Sunsets

Reserva Conchal Apiary announced the launch of an innovative pilot program aimed at exploring the potential of a bee genetics laboratory. This project hopes to strengthen the resilience of pollinators in the face of the growing challenges posed by climate change.

The initiative is part of Reserva Conchal’s sustainability strategy and aims to integrate applied science, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education as tools for protecting ecosystems.

Applied science to strengthen bee resilience

As part of this first phase, the project involves setting up a specialized facility for the insemination of queen bees through the selection of drones with desirable genetic traits. This process will allow for the evaluation of strategies to strengthen the populations of Apis mellifera at the Reserva Conchal Apiary, promoting colonies with greater resilience to disease and extreme weather conditions.

This project is the result of a partnership between Reserva Conchal, Blue Zones, and Mieles NICoyanas, organizations that contribute technical expertise and specialized knowledge in beekeeping to develop a model aligned with conservation and environmental sustainability goals.

More than 2.5 million bees protect the tropical dry forest

Currently, the Reserva Conchal Apiary is home to 50 hives and approximately 2.5 million bees. Their role is essential in pollinating the tropical dry forest, which is considered one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the region.

The presence of these pollinators promotes the reproduction of native species, drives natural forest regeneration, and helps maintain ecological processes that are essential to local biodiversity.

Through this initiative, the Reserva Conchal Apiary seeks to explore scientific tools that complement traditional models of beekeeping </ a>in Costa Rica, with a focus on climate resilience and the strengthening of key ecosystem services, such as pollination.

Innovation and sustainability for environmental conservation

The strengthening of bee populations is essential for the protection of ecosystems and environmental resilience. With this pilot project, we aim to explore how applied science can contribute to the conservation of pollinators, recognizing that bees play an essential role in forest regeneration and the balance of biodiversity. “This process will also allow us to gain insights and continue developing sustainable models with the potential for long-term positive impact,” said Gabriela Meza, Sustainability Manager at Reserva Conchal.

Currently, the initiative is in a learning and monitoring phase. It focuses on identifying behaviors, levels of adaptation, and resilient characteristics within existing communities. The results obtained will make it possible to assess opportunities for improvement and define potential next steps for the project.

A model with the potential to be replicated in Costa Rica

Future plans include strengthening technical monitoring, expanding the educational component, and assessing the laboratory’s potential. These initiatives will serve as a tool to support pollinator conservation and applied sustainability.

Over the medium term, the project aims to contribute to the development of replicable models for biodiversity conservation in Costa Rica, generating knowledge that can be applied to other conservation and sustainable production initiatives.

With this proposal, the Reserva Conchal Apiary reaffirms its commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental conservation. In this way, it seeks to promote science-based solutions to protect the health of ecosystems.

Sensorial Sunsets

The species was named Sthenelais onca, and its discovery was confirmed through the BioMar-ACG project, a scientific initiative involving the Center for Marine Science and Limnology Research (CIMAR) at the University of Costa Rica.

A discovery that began in 2016

The official description of this new species was recently published in the international scientific journal ZooKeys, in a study by researchers Jeffrey A. Sibaja-Cordero and Waiomi Miranda-García.

The first encounter with this unusual worm took place in February 2016, during fieldwork conducted at Playa Naranjo. On that occasion, the scientists collected four specimens hidden in damp sand. However, it wasn’t until a second expedition in May 2024 that they were able to obtain more specimens and complete the formal description of the species.

Inspired by the jaguar’s appearance

According to the researchers, the worm immediately caught their attention due to its size, anatomy, and color pattern. It features orange, gray, and cream tones that resemble the spots of the jaguar (Panthera onca), one of the most iconic felines in the Americas.

The worm features orange, gray, and cream tones that resemble a jaguar’s fur; it was given this name precisely because of that resemblance and because it is a predator within the marine ecosystem.

That visual resemblance, combined with its predatory behavior within the marine ecosystem, inspired the name Sthenelais onca.

The discovery once again demonstrates Costa Rica’s biological richness and the importance of continuing to explore and study the country’s marine ecosystems, where species still unknown to science remain.

Sensorial Sunsets

This corridor spans 10 cantons and is part of a national strategy to connect fragmented ecosystems, natural areas, landscapes, and micro-watersheds within urban and semi-urban areas. Its goal is to facilitate the safe movement of wildlife between green spaces while bringing environmental conservation closer to local communities.

Some of the places with the highest number of recorded species included Roble Alto, in San José de la Montaña; the Benjamín Núñez campus of the National University, in Lagunilla de Heredia; and Hacienda Barvak, in Barva. These locations recorded 65, 60, and 57 bird species, respectively.

Hacienda Barvak joins the monitoring effort

One of the most significant findings of the census was the official inclusion of Hacienda Barvak in the corridor’s monitoring routes. In its first survey, the property recorded 327 individual birds, including three endemic species, two aquatic species associated with nearby bodies of water, and two species listed as threatened under Costa Rica’s Wildlife Conservation Law.

The participation of Hacienda Barvak adds a new private conservation area to the Cubujuquí monitoring network. The property’s owners support a reforestation program aimed at restoring forest cover in an area once dominated by coffee plantations through tree planting and water source protection.

At the hacienda, the count was conducted by 13 volunteers under the guidance of conservation and wildlife management specialist Hellen Solís and birding expert Federico Oviedo. Participants recorded their observations using the eBird platform, which compiles data from Costa Rica’s eight interurban biological corridors.

Featured species and national results

Among the most abundant species observed at Hacienda Barvak were Pygochelidon cyanoleuca, a small blue-and-white swallow, and Sturnella magna, known for its yellow breast and regarded as an indicator of healthy open areas with low pesticide pressure.

Nationwide, the April survey of interurban biological corridors recorded 11,976 birds from 329 species. The corridors with the highest species richness were Cobri Surac, with 211 species; Cubujuquí, with 183; and Bicentenario Tiribí, with 168.

Urban Conservation and Community Participation

The Cubujuquí Corridor is part of the National Biological Corridors Program administered by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). Its local monitoring committee includes representatives from the National University, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, municipalities, and civil society.

This initiative is also supported by the Organization for Tropical Studies’ “Transition to a Green Urban Economy” project, promoted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The census results highlight the important role that urban and peri-urban green spaces can still play in protecting wildlife. In densely populated areas of the Central Valley, corridors such as Cubujuquí demonstrate that it is possible to combine conservation, environmental education, and community participation without excluding human presence.

Sensorial Sunsets

A century after the disaster, revised figures put the death toll at 385, with another 93 people injured. The event remains etched in Costa Rica’s national memory as the Virilla Tragedy, as it occurred on one of the railway bridges spanning the river, at the point connecting Santo Domingo de Heredia and Tibás.

But the tragedy did not begin on the bridge. According to historical records, the disaster began to unfold as passengers boarded the train in Heredia, when high demand far exceeded the railway service’s normal capacity.

A charity excursion

The trip was intended for Cartago and was organized as part of a charity event. Father Claudio Volio organized the trip with the aim of raising funds for the local nursing home.

The call was a success, but that very success ultimately became one of the factors that exacerbated the outcome. A train from the Northern Railway Company was assigned for the transport; it departed from Alajuela and made stops in Heredia.

The number of people who tried to board was much higher than usual. Adriana Sánchez, a researcher at the University of Costa Rica, explained in a paper published in 2020 that, during regular service, the Northern Railway’s trains carried between 70 and 75 people per car, including some standing passengers.

That day, however, the turnout was much higher.

Normally, on regular services, Ferrocarril del Norte trains carried between 70 and 75 people per car, including some standing passengers. That day, however, there were around 100 people on board each car, and estimates suggest the number may have reached as many as 200 per car.

According to their estimates, this resulted in an excess of between 40 and 120 passengers per car. In addition, some 265 people were reportedly left behind because the driver did not stop at four stations, precisely due to the large number of passengers already on board the train.

The overload made any maneuver along the route extremely difficult. A few kilometers later, that situation would have fatal consequences.

The critical moment on the Virilla Bridge

The tragedy occurred at 8:20 a.m. as the train was crossing the railway bridge over the Virilla River, on the border between Santo Domingo de Heredia and Tibás.

Based on statements reported by the press at the time and during the subsequent trial, the train conductor, Gonzalo Facio, described the difficulties he faced upon reaching that point along the route.

At the end of the bridge there was a slight incline. Given the extra weight the train was carrying, Facio decided to accelerate in an attempt to make it up the hill. That maneuver, combined with the overload, was a key factor in the accident.

According to reports, the last three cars had not yet finished crossing the bridge when the train began to accelerate. Two of them fell to the bottom of the ravine, and a third became lodged in part of the structure.

The impact was devastating. Initial reports put the death toll at 248, but the number rose over the following days as more bodies were recovered and some of the injured succumbed to their injuries.

National mourning and a lengthy legal process

The government at the time declared three days of national mourning. The scale of the accident shocked the country and dominated newspaper headlines.

On Monday, March 15, 1926, the newspaper La Nueva Prensa published the news of the disaster on its front page. That same day, the newspaper La Prensa captured the magnitude of the event with a phrase that reflected the nation’s shock.

In the wake of the tragedy, a legal proceeding began that lasted more than a decade. That proceeding had two significant consequences for the history of public transportation in Costa Rica.

The first was a push toward greater professionalization of public transportation, following the investigations conducted in connection with the case. The second was the legal responsibility assigned to the railway company, which was found guilty by the Heredia Criminal Court.

A hundred years later, the Virilla Tragedy remains one of the deepest wounds in Costa Rican history. What began as a charity outing to Cartago ended up becoming the worst train accident in the country’s past, a tragedy marked by overloading, decisions made along the way, and the safety limitations of the time.

Sensorial Sunsets

The program combines virtual sessions in May with fieldwork at sea between late May and June. Although more than 150 people from across the country signed up for the training, organizers will give priority to Southern Caribbean residents for the practical monitoring sessions, with the aim of strengthening a local network of environmental observers.

Coastal projects and environmental pressures

During the workshop, participants will learn the basics of reef ecology, how to identify coral species found in the area, and methods for tracking changes in the health of marine ecosystems. The training covers species such as Acropora palmata, Montastraea, and Porites spp., as well as protocols for documenting coral bleaching and other environmental threats.

The initiative comes at a critical time for the reefs of the Southern Caribbean, which are facing mounting pressures from rising sea temperatures, bleaching events, sedimentation, pollution, and proposed coastal infrastructure projects. Environmental organizations and local communities have warned that coral systems in the Puerto Viejo area remain alive but are under stress from wastewater discharges, sedimentation, and higher sea temperatures.

The workshop aims to ensure that reef protection does not depend solely on scientists and public institutions, but also rests in the hands of the communities that live alongside these ecosystems every day. Through citizen science, residents will be able to gather useful information to support conservation efforts and local environmental decision-making.

Communities, environmental organizations, and the University of Costa Rica

The training is organized by Costa Rica por el Océano in collaboration with the University of Costa Rica’s Socio-Environmental Kiosks Program. The social action projects “Voces y Política,” from the School of Political Science and Geography, and “Diálogo de Saberes,” from the School of Geography, are also participating.

This effort builds on years of environmental organizing in the Southern Caribbean. Various community groups have carried out reef health assessments, promoted coral monitoring, and voiced opposition to projects they consider risky for marine ecosystems. One of the most significant recent cases has been the proposed Puerto Viejo pier, which has sparked legal and environmental objections over its potential impacts on coral cover and marine biodiversity.

Coastal projects and environmental pressures

In March, an environmental appeal challenged the approval of the pier project, arguing that the environmental assessment lacked sufficient marine analysis and failed to fully evaluate the reef system present at the proposed construction site. The appeal also noted the presence of live corals and marine species that could be affected by the work.

Due to high demand for the workshop, organizers are considering adding another session aimed at increasing participation among Talamanca residents. For coastal communities, this training represents another step toward greater local involvement in the protection of reefs that sustain marine life, protect the coastline, boost tourism, and form part of the cultural identity of Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean region.

Sensorial Sunsets

The project, organized by Oropopo Experience and Funga Conservation, seeks to introduce people to the world of fungi through interpretive hikes, species identification, field observation, and activities connected to rural communities.

This year, the route will feature activities in locations such as Iyok Ami, on Cerro de la Muerte; La Sabana; Monteverde; the Escazú Hills; Wanatura Reserve, in Esparza; Laguna Don Manuel, in Santa María de Dota; Hotel Savegre, in San Gerardo de Dota; and Monte de la Cruz, in Heredia.

For the fifth consecutive year, the initiative received the Esencial Costa Rica seal of approval, a recognition that, according to the organization, reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and local impact. In its four previous editions, the Mycological Route brought together more than 700 participants, visited 16 destinations, and offered 52 experiences in different parts of the country.

Science Tourism During the Rainy Season

The Mycological Route takes place during the rainy season, a time when traditional tourism activities tend to decline, but when the presence of mushrooms increases across various ecosystems.

According to the organization, the activities are conducted in small groups and are designed for people ages 12 and up, with varying levels of physical exertion depending on the type of activity.

Luis Francisco Ledezma, co-director of Funga Conservation, pointed out that the initiative aims to transform the way people view forests.

The Mycological Route is an experience that changes the way people perceive the forest: it ceases to be merely a landscape and becomes a living system full of interconnections, where fungi play an invisible but crucial role

Talks, hikes, and conservation

For 2026, the Mycological Route will include three talks aimed at the whole family, accessible for a donation, with the goal of bringing knowledge about fungi to a wider audience.

The program includes topics such as edible mushrooms, bioluminescent fungi, mushroom myths, ecological restoration, and methods for identifying and conserving mushrooms in oak forests.

Besides its educational aspect, the route promotes citizen science by allowing participants to observe, record, and learn about species found in the country’s various ecosystems.

Registration and prices

Prices for the activities will range from $47 to $235, depending on the type of experience. There will also be options available on a donation basis.

More information about dates, activities, and registration is available on the website oropopoexperience.com and on the Instagram accounts @oropopoexperience and @fungaconservation.

Sensorial Sunsets

The strongest eruption since January

The volcano, which stands 1,916 meters tall, erupted at 3:03 a.m. on Monday, April 27. The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica at the National University (OVSICORI-UNA) classified the event as moderate, although it noted that it was the strongest recorded at the site since January. The eruption was detected by seismic and acoustic instruments, but darkness prevented cameras from determining the height of the eruption column.

Despite the intensity of the event, authorities confirmed that no lahars, the volcanic mudflows that pose one of the greatest risks to nearby communities, were generated.

A change in the volcano’s behavior

“The volcano’s behavior has changed in recent weeks,” OVSICORI volcanologist Geoffroy Avard told local media. According to the expert, Rincón de la Vieja has once again entered a more eruptive phase following a period of relative calm in early 2026. OVSICORI currently records several low-intensity eruptions each week.

The April 27 eruption followed an earlier event on April 17 at 12:08 p.m., which reached a magnitude of 3.8 and produced a dense column of gas and ash above the crater. Another eruption on April 24 generated a gas plume that rose about 4,900 feet. Each event was briefly considered the strongest of the year before being surpassed by the next.

The interaction between groundwater and the volcano’s heat has triggered the recent phreatic activity, explained volcanologist Henriette Bakkar. Most of the material ejected consists of sediments from the crater lake and steam. For now, experts have ruled out lava emissions. Although the recent activity has caught the attention of volcanologists, the current events remain considerably smaller than the eruptions the volcano experienced in 2021 and 2023.

According to OVSICORI bulletins, the aviation alert level for Rincón de la Vieja remains at Yellow, the second of four levels.

Park access and visitor recommendations

Rincón de la Vieja National Park, part of the UNESCO-recognized Guanacaste Conservation Area, is located about 16 miles northeast of Liberia and is one of the most visited destinations in the region. Its two sectors, Las Pailas and Santa María, remain open to the public.

Visitors can hike trails leading to fumaroles, boiling mud pots, hot springs, and waterfalls such as La Cangreja and Las Escondidas. However, authorities have kept the Active Crater Trail, which leads directly to the volcano’s crater, closed since 2011 and continue to prohibit access to that area.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has advised nearby communities to avoid riverbeds that may carry volcanic sediment during periods of increased activity. Additionally, tourists staying in Liberia, on the Papagayo Peninsula, or at accommodations near Rincón de la Vieja are advised to check the park’s status with SINAC or their tour operators before visiting.

Also, it is recommended to stay tuned for updates from OVSICORI, especially regarding possible ash fall advisories.

Sensorial Sunsets