
Costa Rica has temporarily closed one of its national parks after a dramatic volcanic eruption sent an ash plume 2.5 miles into the sky.
The eruption, which occurred last Wednesday, triggered the country’s national emergency commission to issue a red alert for Poás Volcano National Park.
Following the incident, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Costa Rica, citing “an increasing and significant series of eruptions” at Poás. Travellers are being urged to monitor local news and follow all safety advice when visiting areas near volcanoes.
The advice also warns against visiting volcanic areas during or immediately after heavy rainfall, due to the heightened risk of lava flows. Visitors are reminded that ash plumes can significantly impact air quality and pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
Costa Rica is home to 16 volcanoes, several of which remain active.
Poás Volcano National Park, located in the central highlands around 19 miles from the capital San José, is one of the most active volcano sites in Latin America, with more than 40 eruptions recorded since the mid-19th century.