The government claims that efforts are being done to comply with the security and safety requirements established by the National Emergency Commission necessary to reopen the Poas Volcano National Park to the public.

Tourists and tourism businesses are impatient and tired of waiting, in fact, neighbors and business owners are planning to march this Sunday at 9 a.m. as a protest to demand the prompt reopening of the park.

“We don’t have employees, we have no money, we hardly have product left, because we use what comes in to pay our debts”, commented Mayela Cespedes, owner of the restaurant Comidas Tipicas Doña Mayela in a recent interview with daily La Nacion.

The closure of the park for over one year now after a series of eruptions, left many families struggling, since their businesses depended on the tourism of the area. It has also affected the income of the National System of Areas of Conservation, since this park was the second most visited in the country after Manuel Antonio.

Since late last year the National Emergency Commision and SINAC had been analyzing the possibility of opening doors since the volcano entered a period of calm. The green light was given in February this year. The institutions created the “Controlled Access Management Plan for Visitation of the Poas Volcano National Park” which includes information on the necessary infrastructure, technology and procedures to ensure the safety of all visitors to the park; however, SINAC was working on gathering the necessary funds to complete the project.
Authorities expected the park to be ready by the end of June, however, it seems that this may not be the case.

According to the government, some of the work is already done, the reconstruction of trails, the installation of security signs, and repairs in the infrastructure that was damaged by the eruptions. Some of the personnel has already been trained and the training still needs to be extended to tourist guides and members of the community.

SINAC confirms they already submitted the blueprints for the construction of shelters but are awaiting the approval and permit of the Federate College of Engineers and Architects. Once approved, the construction process could take close to 6 weeks.

“From the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) all efforts are being carried out to open this park for tourism and allow the enjoyment of this wildlife area and the security of visitors and employees. As well as the opportunity to promote the development of the nearby communities”, commented Pamela Castillo, Vice-Minister of MINAE.

The government also confirms they have carried out efforts with the help of the Costa Rica Tourism Board, Municipalities and the Tourism Chamber in the area to promote visitation to this area which has many other attractions to offer.

“It is necessary for Chambers and Organizations in the area to diversify the tourism offer or structure packages and offers catering to different populations (senior citizens, families, youth, couples, etc.)”, stated Ruth Alfaro, Director of Development of the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

A new date has not been given on when the park may reopen. Neighbors consider that the delays now obey to bureaucracy.