Poás Volcano

Although Poás Volcano has entered a more stable phase and the alert level has been downgraded to green, the national park remains closed for now, according to Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). Authorities say the popular tourist destination cannot reopen until all safety conditions are fully ensured.

A reopening plan is already underway, but technical evaluations, maintenance work, and infrastructure inspections must be completed first. These actions follow strict safety protocols for protected natural areas and active volcanic zones.

The reopening date will be officially announced in the coming days. Before that, a series of infrastructure maintenance activities must be carried out

Environment Minister Franz Tattenbach.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) lowered the alert level on July 2, after observing a sustained decrease in volcanic activity. Reports from the Technical Advisory Committee on Volcanology and Seismology noted low-amplitude tremors, fewer long-period events, more stable gas emissions, and a decline in the intensity of phreatic eruptions.

Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano

Poás Volcano: Authorities prepare plan for its reopening

Monitoring by the Smithsonian/USGS as of July 1 confirms that Poás remains in a state of “ongoing activity”—indicating intermittent behavior without major eruptions. Seismic data from July 2 showed no significant earthquakes, supporting assessments of current stability.

Drone overflights confirmed that ash deposits west of the active crater have diminished considerably. Heavy rains—exceeding 120 mm on some days—have helped wash ash into lower river basins, especially the Desagüe, Anonos, Gorrión, and Agrio rivers.

Despite these positive signs, volcanologists urge continued vigilance. Rainwater entering the crater could still trigger new phreatic explosions. Meanwhile, SINAC’s Central Conservation Area continues evaluating trails and infrastructure, performing preventive maintenance, coordinating with emergency agencies, and updating safety protocols.

The reopening involves many details to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our visitors

Meryll Arias, regional director of the Central Conservation Area.

Poás Volcano National Park has been closed since March 23, when volcanic activity intensified. The closure has significantly impacted surrounding communities that rely on tourism. Its eventual reopening is expected to bring a much-needed boost to local businesses and the regional economy.

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