Poas Volcano National Park reopens

After 16 months of closure due to intense volcanic activity, the Poas volcano opened its doors to the public (by reservation only) on August 31, 2018. With more than 400,000 visitors a year, this reopening was eagerly awaited, as Poas Volcano National Park was the second most visited site in Costa Rica, after Manuel Antonio National Park. The financial hole left by this closure has been estimated at nearly 150 million colones in the area.

10 things you need to know about the reopening of the Poas volcano

• Open from Friday August 31st.
• 5 new refuges have been built by SINAC to protect visitors from possible pyroclastic flows that could be expelled by the Poas volcano.
• Each shelter can accommodate between 18 and 50 people.
• Special equipment has been purchased to protect visitors from the toxic gases emitted by the volcano.
• 4 real-time gas measurement sensors will detect levels of sulfuric and other gases potentially dangerous to humans.
• In the event of an eruption, an evacuation plan includes a safety site with 70 helmets, 140 air filters and 70 masks for personal use.
• Tourists will enter in groups of 50 and will only be allowed to stay for 20 minutes at the active crater observatory. According to SINAC forecasts, 1,000 visitors will be allowed into the national park on a daily basis.
• Tickets can be purchased online via the SINACTo do this, you'll need to create an account, enter your name and pay by credit or debit card.
• Once payment has been made, visitors will receive a QR code which they must present to the authorities at the entrance to Volcan Poas National Park.
• If you come with your own vehicle, you will have to pay the parking fee. Payment can be made on site in cash.