INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
over 200,000 visitors each year, remains shut with no reopening date
Local businesses, many of which rely almost entirely on tourism, now face severe financial hardship.On April 8, the volcano sent ash columns
up to 1,500 meters above the crater
hyperacidic crater lake has shrunk, and gas emissions have increased, worsening the risk to nearby communities
N95 masks and stay indoors to avoid respiratory issues and eye irritation
Business owners in Poasito and surrounding towns report catastrophic losses.Some restaurants have seen daily sales drop from 300,000 colones
Misinformation on social media and official travel advisories have further discouraged visitors.Fifty-five companies in the region depend
directly on tourism linked to the volcano
Local leaders have appealed to authorities for at least a partial reopening, but safety concerns remain.The ongoing eruptions highlight the
economic risks of relying on natural attractions
Communities continue to wait for conditions to stabilize, but the financial strain grows with each passing day.
