In Costa Rica, it is illegal to climb areas near active volcanoes. However, many choose to ignore the law and engage in this dangerous activity, risking their lives and safety. Some go there for sport. Others go there to post a video on Tiktok or a photo on Instagram.
Guides break rules
They generally take advantage of the early hours of the morning and the secondary roads to escape the authorities. There are also guides and tourist companies that advertise this illegal and risky activity.
People have been known to climb near the active craters of volcanoes such as Rincon de la Vieja, Poas, Arenal and even climb Turrialba Volcano.
Volcanoes erupting
Since August, the Rincon de la Vieja volcano has entered a new eruptive period. “A small eruption could throw rock fragments at high speed into altitude. Obviously, they are heading towards the crater, so it is even more dangerous, the gases that escape during an eruption could suffocate them,” underlines a specialist.
Specialists have even warned that, for example, the Poas volcano had experienced a small eruption in August, after months of inactivity.
“Increased volcanic activity could be a precursor to a period of phreatic eruption like that seen in 2019. When a moderate eruption was energetic enough to damage a solar panel at the crater rim”
