April 27, 2017
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The Poás Volcano National Park will remain closed indefinitely.
The 3.5 km safety perimeter established by the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Care (CNE) must be respected.The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) calls on the public to respect the safety restrictions implemented in recent weeks by the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Care (CNE) due to the eruptions of the Poás Volcano.
The ICT has received information about unscrupulous individuals offering tours to places located within the safety perimeter established by the CNE and promoting visits to the Poás Volcano National Park using illegal access routes, which exposes both national and international tourists to a high level of risk.
“The SINAC and CNE authorities have decided to indefinitely close the park to safeguard the integrity of visitors. We appeal to the common sense of the public and ask them to respect the authorities’ guidelines. All of this is an effort to protect the well-being of the population,” said Víctor Ramírez Montero, Head of the ICT’s Tourist Service Department.
The activity of the volcano has been increasing, reaching imminent danger levels. The constant eruptions lead to rockfalls, gas emissions, acid rain, and sediment runoff in rivers that can cause flash floods.
While there is a restricted area for visitation, the area offers a variety of tourist attractions that can be safely enjoyed in Poás, Valverde Vega, and Grecia without endangering tourists’ lives.
MAP OF THE SAFETY PERIMETER
The following recommendations should be taken into account:
– Do not visit the Poás Volcano National Park until the relevant authorities indicate that it is safe to do so.
– The population should not visit or engage in activities along the rivers in the affected area.
– Do not stay at riverbed levels in the event of possible sudden water surges.
– Be alert to notices of possible new eruptions of the Poás Volcano and stay informed about its conditions, as issued by technical-scientific entities (OVSICORI, National Seismological Network, National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Care).