Costa Rica Cracks Down on Unauthorized Tours at Volcán Poás National Park
A recent operation at Volcán Poás National Park saw 30 people detained for entering restricted zones within the park, with at least one repeat offender referred to the Public Prosecutor’s office a reminder that Costa Rica is no longer treating illegal access to protected areas as a minor inconvenience. The country’s National System of Conservation Areas, known as SINAC , has been ramping up operations at Poás and other volcanic parks for years, and the consequences for those caught are becoming increasingly serious. For travelers planning a visit to Costa Rica’s extraordinary natural landscapes, the incident underlines one of the most important pieces of advice any experienced visitor can offer: always book through a licensed operator and always confirm that park entrance fees are included in what you are paying for. The appeal of going off the beaten path in Costa Rica is understandable. Operators advertising access to places like the Quemaderos del Poás, the dramatic sulfuric canyo...