Poás Volcano National Park Closed: Ongoing Bridge Repairs Delay Reopening for Visitors in Costa Rica

Poás Volcano National Park in Costa Rica remains closed for repairs after severe damage to a key bridge over Quebrada Tigre on Route 120, located in Poasito. The closure, initially set to end on January 25, 2026, has now been extended indefinitely due to delays in repairing the bridge, which is a critical access point for tourists visiting the park.

The Ongoing Bridge Repair Challenges

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) closed the bridge on January 21, 2026, after inspections revealed that the structure was at high risk of collapse. The decision was made to prioritize safety, and authorities are working to replace the damaged bridge with a temporary modular Bailey bridge, a process that is expected to take up to four weeks to complete. While some hope that repairs will allow partial access sooner, the timeline is still dependent on weather conditions and further site assessments.

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) confirmed that the park remains closed for the time being, citing the ongoing safety concerns and the complexity of the repairs. The extension of the closure has been a disappointment for tourists, tour operators, and local businesses, especially since Poás Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors from around the world for its breathtaking views and hiking trails.

Tourism Impact and Business Strain

Local businesses, particularly those relying on tourism in the Poasito area, are feeling the immediate economic strain. The volcano is among Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations, attracting visitors from San José, Alajuela, and beyond for its stunning views of the crater and the surrounding forest. The sudden closure has forced tour operators to cancel or reroute bookings, while local hotels and guides have seen a significant drop in bookings.

Tourists who had planned to visit Poás Volcano are being left with limited options to modify or reschedule their itineraries, particularly those from San José and Alajuela, where the park is a short drive away. According to tourism insiders, these disruptions could affect Costa Rica’s overall tourism revenue, especially in the Central Valley, which depends heavily on Poás Volcano as a key attraction.

Alternate Routes and Travel Recommendations

For those looking to still visit the region, officials are warning against using alternate routes like the “old Poás route,” which is accessed via Route 146 near Freddo Fresas. The steep and narrow roads make this path unsuitable for standard vehicles, and local authorities advise against using it, as it can be dangerous for high volumes of traffic and difficult for buses.

The National Park Service (SINAC) urges travellers to avoid attempting to access Poás through these makeshift routes as they could lead to accidents or stranded vehicles in remote areas. Instead, visitors should consider exploring other nearby sites, such as La Paz Waterfall Gardens or Arenal Volcano, both of which offer comparable natural experiences without the current logistical barriers.

Government Efforts to Address Infrastructure Challenges

The closure highlights ongoing challenges in Costa Rica’s volcanic regions, where roads and infrastructure are susceptible to weather damage due to frequent rains and the difficult terrain. The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) and the Ministry of Public Works (MOPT) are working closely to address these challenges and restore safe access to the park. However, the situation raises questions about the vulnerability of Costa Rica’s infrastructure in more remote tourist areas, especially those prone to natural disasters or extreme weather conditions.

Visitor Rescheduling and Flexibility

Visitors who had previously booked tickets for the park during the closure period can reschedule their trips by contacting the park’s customer service via the official email address.Although refunds are not offered, the flexibility in rescheduling is seen as a welcome move for affected tourists. This adjustment aims to ease the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen closure.

Impact on Costa Rica’s Broader Tourism Sector

The disruption of Poás Volcano National Park also serves as a reminder of how fragile tourism infrastructure can be in some of Costa Rica’s remote areas. The country is heavily reliant on tourism, and natural sites like Poás Volcano play an essential role in attracting visitors to the region. While Costa Rica continues to attract millions of tourists annually, this temporary closure shows how vulnerable its tourism system can be to infrastructure issues, particularly in regions where the roads are difficult and vulnerable to the elements.

Local government officials are reassessing safety protocols and infrastructure development plans to ensure that future closures can be handled with minimal disruption to the travel industry. This issue also highlights the need for investment in more resilient roadways and quicker emergency responses for tourists in critical areas.

Conclusion: A Temporary Setback with Long-Term Solutions in Sight

For now, visitors to Poás Volcano National Park will need to adjust their plans or explore alternative natural destinations in Costa Rica. However, once repairs are completed, Poás will once again offer its iconic views and natural wonders. Costa Rica’s tourism industry, while temporarily affected by the closure, remains one of the most popular global destinations, renowned for its biodiversity and rich cultural heritage. As repairs progress, Poás Volcano will reopen, continuing to serve as a must-see destination in the Central Valley for years to come.

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