Costa Rica’s Emergency Commission (CNE) has issued a Green Alert due to continued eruptions at Poás Volcano, located in Alajuela Province.

The alert applies to nearby cantons, including Alajuela City, Poás, Grecia, Sarchí, Naranjo, Zarcero, and Río Cuarto. This first-level warning ensures emergency teams remain informed and prepared for any changes in the volcano’s activity.

According to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OVSICORI), the volcano has been emitting persistent columns of gas, rocks, and ash, while low-frequency sustained earthquakes continue to be detected.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take precautions to minimize health risks from volcanic ash. Experts recommend the following safety measures:

• Stay indoors when possible.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce skin exposure.

• Use goggles to protect your eyes.

• Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses to prevent irritation.

• Use a dust mask or a damp cloth over your nose and mouth to aid breathing.

• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

• Keep pets indoors and brush or vacuum them after they return inside.

• Stay informed by following updates from local officials.

In addition to the Green Alert, the CNE has issued a Yellow Alert for Poás Volcano National Park. This second-level warning signals that a large-scale natural event is developing and is highly likely to impact the area. Rescue teams have been placed on standby in case of escalation.

This week CNE raised the volcano’s activity alert level from 2 to 3, signaling a potential threat to nearby communities. They have urged residents and local officials to remain on high alert.

This heightened caution allows experts to closely monitor increased eruptions, gas emissions, temperature changes, seismic activity, ash fall, acid rain, and hazardous gases.

On Tuesday, the national park was closed to tourists until further notice.

Tourists who purchased tickets for the park during its closure may reschedule their visit or request a refund. To do so, they should contact the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) via email at poas.info@sinac.go.cr.


To reschedule, visitors must include their preferred date and time. Refund requests require a copy of the ticket, proof of payment, a valid ID, and bank account details for the transfer.

The national park covers approximately 16,000 acres, with its summit reaching an elevation of 8,900 feet. Visitors are typically allowed to walk to the edge of the main crater, depending on conditions.

The main crater, measuring 950 feet wide, remains highly active, regularly producing geyser-like eruptions and lava outbursts. The park also features two smaller craters: Von Frantzius and Botos. The Botos Crater is a popular tourist attraction, known for its striking green lake with a diameter of 1,200 feet.

In addition to its volcanic landscapes, the park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Birdwatchers may spot the clay-colored robin, quetzal, hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, and toucans. Mammals found in the park include pumas, coyotes, rabbits, and marmots among many others.

OVSICORI is a research institute at the National University of Costa Rica that monitors seismic and volcanic activity.


CNE coordinates emergency preparedness and response efforts across the country.

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What measures should Costa Rica take to ensure the safety of communities near Poás Volcano? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com