Lawmakers in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly passed a bill in its first debate this week that sets out heavy fines for people who enter national parks and protected areas without permission. The measure aims to stop a rise in unauthorized access that threatens both the environment and public safety.
The bill, which reforms the National Parks Service Law, would hit violators with penalties starting at three base salaries – around ₡1.4 million, or about $2,700. For tour operators and guides who organize or promote these trips, fines could climb to seven base salaries, topping ₡3.2 million. In dangerous spots like active volcanoes, the maximum fine reaches 10 base salaries, or ₡4.6 million. Repeat offenders face a 50% increase on the original amount, and a second violation could bar them from all protected areas for up to three years.
Officials from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) back the change, pointing to a recent jump in illegal entries. Over the holidays from late December to early January, they caught 408 people slipping into parks through back routes. Irazú Volcano saw nearly half of those cases, with 200 detections. Other sites like Poás Volcano and Isla San Lucas also reported problems. SINAC says these numbers likely miss many more incidents, as patrolling large remote areas remains tough.
The push for stricter rules comes as Costa Rica protects over a quarter of its land to safeguard habitats and prevent damage. Unauthorized groups often stray from marked paths, leading to soil erosion, disturbed wildlife, and long-term harm to sensitive spots. Rescues in these zones add extra costs and risks for emergency teams.
Beyond the environment, the bill takes aim at unfair practices in tourism. Licensed operators follow rules from the Costa Rican Tourism Board and SINAC, including insurance, taxes, and safety checks. Informal guides who skip these steps undercut them by offering cheap, off-limits adventures, often advertised online.
The legislation still needs a second debate and presidential sign-off to become law. If it passes, SINAC would handle the fines, using the money to boost patrols and support legal tourism.
For travelers, the advice is simple: Stick with certified guides and check park rules ahead. This keeps trips safe, legal, and in line with Costa Rica’s focus on protecting its natural sites.
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