High in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, where mist floats between ridgelines and dense cloud forests surround the land, a giant watches quietly. Poás Volcano, one of the most iconic and active volcanoes in the country, has long been a source of wonder, power, and respect. Its activity is not only a geological phenomenon — it is a reminder that Costa Rica’s natural beauty is also alive, shifting, and very much awake.

A Crater Unlike Any Other

Poás rises to 2,708 meters above sea level and features one of the largest active craters in the world — nearly 1.5 kilometers wide. Inside this immense bowl lies Laguna Caliente, a surreal and acidic crater lake that shifts color depending on volcanic gas content and mineral composition. From eerie grey to bright turquoise, the lake changes like a living canvas.

But beauty here is matched by volatility. The volcano’s activity has shaped the region’s landscape for centuries and continues to do so today.

Recent Activity: A Reminder of Raw Force

In early 2025, Poás Volcano reawakened with intensity. On April 23, it erupted forcefully, sending an ash column over 3.5 kilometers into the sky. The event, recorded and confirmed by Costa Rica’s Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OVSICORI), marked one of the strongest explosions in its recent eruptive cycle, which began building momentum in late 2024.

Following several explosive events, Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) declared a red alert for the volcano and the surrounding Poás Volcano National Park. Ashfall and gas emissions reached towns nearby, including Grecia and Sarchí, which were placed under orange alerts due to air quality concerns and potential health risks.

Other surrounding regions such as Alajuela and Poás remained under yellow alert, reflecting a situation that, while stable, could change at any time.

Closure of the National Park

On March 28, 2025, authorities ordered the full closure of Poás Volcano National Park. The decision, although difficult for the local economy, was necessary to ensure the safety of both visitors and park rangers. Park officials cited increasing seismic activity, strong gas emissions, and unpredictable ash plumes as justification for the temporary shutdown.

The closure has had a tangible impact. Tour operators, coffee farms, restaurants, and artisan businesses in nearby towns — many of which rely heavily on tourism — have reported income drops between 40 and 67 percent. For communities that once welcomed thousands of visitors each month, the stillness brought by the volcano’s unrest has been deeply felt.

The Science of a Restless Giant

Poás is considered a stratovolcano, built by layers of lava and ash from hundreds of past eruptions. Its activity is fueled by a complex system of underground magma chambers, hydrothermal interactions, and tectonic pressure. Scientists from OVSICORI and the National Seismological Network monitor its behavior constantly, measuring tremors, gas emissions, and crater lake temperature fluctuations.

Despite modern monitoring, predicting the exact behavior of a volcano remains an inexact science. This is why alerts are based not only on past data but on caution and experience — ensuring that both residents and visitors are protected without compromising their connection to this remarkable site.

A Place of Awe, Even in Silence

Even when closed, Poás continues to capture the imagination. Its silhouette dominates the horizon, its influence touches the air and soil, and its legacy is written into Costa Rican culture. In many ways, the volcano is a symbol of balance — between beauty and danger, calm and eruption, silence and sound.

Costa Rica’s volcanic landscapes, including Poás, serve as both a draw for travelers and a case study in how humans and nature coexist. They remind us that the most breathtaking places in the world are often the ones we must approach with the greatest respect.

For now, Poás sleeps with one eye open. And all of Costa Rica watches, waits, and prepares.

Walk along any coastline in Costa Rica — whether it’s the wild Pacific edge of Guanacaste or the gentle Caribbean shores near Puerto Viejo — and you’ll notice something remarkable: there are no private beaches. No fences. No “residents only” signs. No guards keeping you from the tide.

In Costa Rica, the beach is not a luxury reserved for a few.

It’s a birthright. A common ground. A public good.

What the Law Says

Costa Rica’s Maritime Zone Law (Ley sobre la Zona Marítimo Terrestre, No. 6043) was passed in 1977 and remains one of the clearest declarations of coastal equality in Latin America.

The law divides the coastal zone into two key areas:

• The Public Zone: The first 50 meters from the high tide line are untouchable — no one, not even beachfront property owners, can restrict access to this space. It is entirely public domain.
  
• The Restricted Zone: The next 150 meters inland from that line may be developed under concessions, but even here, public access to the shoreline cannot be denied.
  

In simple terms: every beach in Costa Rica is open to the public — from locals with picnic baskets to travelers with surfboards.

The Spirit Behind the Law

This legal framework isn’t just about geography. It’s about values.

Costa Rica was built on the idea that nature is for everyone. The same philosophy that led to the abolition of its army in 1949 and the protection of over 25% of its land as national parks also safeguards its coasts.

Whether you’re a fisherman pulling nets at dawn, a family celebrating a birthday under a palm tree, or a visitor chasing the sunset — the beach belongs to you just as much as it does to the resort down the road.

What This Looks Like in Practice

You might see luxury hotels with infinity pools just steps from the sand — but walk along the shore and you’ll often find locals gathering under almond trees, vendors selling cold coconuts, and children chasing waves with the same freedom as generations before them.

Access paths to the beach may vary. Some are clearly marked trails; others wind discreetly through palm groves or between buildings. But once you reach the sand, you are not trespassing. You are exercising your right.

And if you ever find someone trying to deny that right — politely but firmly, the law is on your side.

Challenges and Realities

Despite the law, conflicts occasionally arise. In certain tourist-heavy regions, private developers or security personnel may attempt to discourage beach access, whether through unclear signage or intimidation.

But community organizations, environmental groups, and citizens frequently push back — defending the coastline not just as territory, but as a living piece of Costa Rican identity.

Over the years, multiple legal victories and public protests have reaffirmed this commitment to free and open shores.

The Beach as a Bridge

In Costa Rica, the beach is more than a destination — it’s a meeting place. It’s where families gather on weekends, where first dates happen under hibiscus skies, where elders share stories while watching grandkids play in the tide.

It’s also a place of economic opportunity — for fishermen, artisans, surf instructors, coconut vendors, and tour guides. When the beach is public, its benefits ripple outward into communities and livelihoods.

A Country That Leads by Example

At a time when many parts of the world are seeing coastlines privatized, gated, or eroded by development, Costa Rica stands firm — not as a perfect system, but as a powerful model of what can happen when a nation protects not just its nature, but its people’s connection to it.

So the next time your feet touch the warm sand here, remember:

You’re not just walking on a beach.

You’re walking on a shared promise — one written into law, and lived in spirit.

Costa Rica, long celebrated for its welcoming immigration policies and vibrant expat communities, is taking significant steps to reform its immigration system. A new legislative proposal aims to address the widespread practice of the “Visa Run,” a loophole that has allowed foreigners to extend their stays indefinitely without applying for residency. This development has far-reaching implications for tourists, expats, and immigration professionals alike.

Understanding the “Visa Run” Phenomenon

The “Visa Run” is a well-known strategy employed by foreigners in Costa Rica to circumvent the 180-day limit typically granted to tourists under the country’s visa policies. By briefly exiting the country—often to neighboring Nicaragua or Panama—and re-entering shortly thereafter, individuals can obtain a new tourist visa, effectively resetting their 180-day stay. While this practice has been a convenient workaround for long-term visitors, it has also created significant challenges for Costa Rica’s immigration system and local economy.

The Rationale Behind the Proposed Reforms

The proposed legislation, spearheaded by lawmakers from the Frente Amplio party, seeks to address the unintended consequences of the Visa Run. These include rising housing costs in popular expat destinations, increased pressure on public services, and unfair competition in the labor market. By closing this loophole, the government aims to create a more equitable and sustainable immigration framework.

Marcela Gurdian, President of Immigration Experts Costa Rica and a leading immigration lawyer, has been a vocal advocate for these reforms. She emphasizes the need for a system that distinguishes between genuine tourists and those who misuse tourist visas to live or work in Costa Rica indefinitely.

“Costa Rica has always been a welcoming destination for foreigners, but the current system allows for exploitation. Many individuals work illegally under the guise of tourism, undermining local businesses and workers. This reform is about fairness and ensuring that those who reside here contribute to the system in a meaningful way.”

Key Components of the Proposed Legislation

The proposed reforms focus on two critical amendments to Costa Rica’s General Law of Migration and Foreigners:

Mandatory Waiting Period for Re-Entry

Articles 33 and 91 of the law would be amended to introduce a mandatory waiting period before individuals can re-enter Costa Rica under the same visa status. This change would effectively eliminate the ability to perform back-to-back Visa Runs, requiring long-term visitors to pursue legal residency options instead.

Increased Penalties for Overstaying

The legislation proposes higher fines for individuals who exceed their authorized stay. These fines would be directed to the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) to fund improvements in immigration services and enforcement.

Legal and Practical Implications for Immigration Professionals

For immigration experts, these reforms underscore the importance of guiding clients toward compliance with Costa Rica’s residency requirements. The proposed changes will likely lead to an increase in applications for temporary and permanent residency, particularly among digital nomads, retirees, and long-term visitors who have historically relied on Visa Runs.

Marcela Gurdian highlights the broader implications for the immigration landscape:

“This reform is not about discouraging tourism or expatriation. Rather, it is about ensuring that those who choose to make Costa Rica their home do so through the proper legal channels. As immigration professionals, our role is to help clients navigate these changes and secure the appropriate visas or residency permits.”

What This Means for Tourists and Expats

For short-term tourists who adhere to the 180-day limit, the reforms will have little impact. However, long-term visitors, including digital nomads and retirees, will need to reassess their strategies for staying in Costa Rica. The proposed waiting period for re-entry will make Visa Runs impractical, necessitating a shift toward formal residency applications.

A Balanced Approach to Immigration Policy

Costa Rica’s proposed reforms reflect a broader effort to balance the country’s open-door policy with the need for sustainable and equitable immigration practices. By addressing the misuse of tourist visas, the government aims to protect local resources, support Costa Rican workers, and maintain the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for responsible visitors and residents.

Conclusion: Navigating the Changing Landscape

As the legislative process unfolds, immigration professionals will play a critical role in helping clients adapt to the new rules. The proposed reforms represent a significant shift in Costa Rica’s immigration policy, emphasizing compliance, fairness, and sustainability. For those who cherish Costa Rica as a home or destination, understanding and adhering to these changes will be essential.

Marcela Gurdian and the team at Immigration Experts Costa Rica remain committed to providing expert guidance and support as these reforms take shape. For updates and assistance with residency applications, contact our office to schedule a consultation.