Published on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Congress (Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica) approved legislation on Monday imposing steep fines on individuals and tour operators who illegally enter national parks and other protected areas.

In a 34-9 vote, the lawmakers passed Bill No. 22.878, titled “Reform to the National Park Service Law.” The measure authorizes authorities to levy significantly higher penalties for unauthorized entry and prohibited activities in protected areas nationwide.

Under the new law, individuals who enter national parks without authorization or through unauthorized access points face fines of $2,700.

Tour operators or guides who offer visitors access to protected areas through unauthorized routes face fines of $6,400.

 

Tour guides or tourism companies that bring visitors into protected areas through unauthorized entry points and conduct hikes in areas classified as high risk face fines of $9,200.

Fines will increase by 50% for repeat offenders.

The legislation also establishes an additional $4,600 penalty if rescue operations must be launched to locate and remove individuals who entered through unauthorized areas. The surcharge is intended to cover costs incurred by park rangers and rescue units.

The penalties apply to anyone arrested for entering unauthorized areas, promoting prohibited activities within parks or offering tours in restricted locations.

According to data from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), between December 2025 and January 2026, authorities arrested 408 people for entering protected areas through unauthorized access points. Of those cases, 200 occurred at Irazú Volcano National Park in Cartago province.

SINAC, the government agency responsible for managing Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas, is urging the public to report anyone suspected of offering tours or conducting unauthorized activities within protected zones by calling 911 or the 1192 hotline.

Visitors may purchase tickets in advance to visit any national park in the country through the SINAC website.

The bill will now be sent to President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles for his signature. If signed, it will become law once published in the government-owned official gazette, La Gaceta.

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What have you heard about tour guides offering private tours through unauthorized areas in Costa Rica’s national parks? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com