Weekday access to Barva Volcano, located in Braulio Carrillo National Park in Heredia Province, will be restricted as authorities carry out road improvements, officials said.

The Ministry of Environment said the Heredia municipal government is repairing the main road leading to the park, leaving it inaccessible to all types of vehicles during the work.

Officials expect the repairs to be completed by June.

Despite the closures, the park will remain open on weekends. Visitors may enter on Saturdays and Sundays using an optional trail that is not accessible by vehicle. The route requires a 2.5-mile hike from the community of Sacramento in Barva canton.

Authorities advised visitors to park their vehicles in a secure area in Sacramento and continue on foot to the park.

Officials recommend wearing appropriate footwear for long hikes, bringing sufficient water, applying sunscreen, wearing bright-colored clothing and carrying a cellphone to contact emergency services by dialing 911 if needed. They also caution against attempting the hike with young children.

Authorities said the temporary restrictions could reduce weekday visitation and affect local businesses that depend on consistent tourism, including tour guides, restaurants and lodging providers. However, weekend access may help offset some losses, particularly if visitors plan ahead.

In the long term, officials said improved road conditions could enhance access and potentially increase tourism once the repairs are completed.

Tickets for park entry are available through the National System of Conservation Areas website (SINAC), the government agency that manages Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas.

Barva Volcano is an andesitic stratovolcano complex. A lake known as “Laguna de Barva” sits within a former volcanic crater on the mountain’s eastern side, while three hills at the summit on the western side are known as “Las Tres Marías.”

As an inactive volcano, the area supports diverse cloud forest vegetation and wildlife, including about 80 bird species and 20 mammal species such as monkeys, tapirs, peccaries, pumas and jaguars.

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How might the closure of Barva Volcano affect tourism in the area?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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