Access to Barva Volcano Sector Limited as Infrastructure Upgrades Begin

Planning a hike? Access to Costa Rica’s Barva Volcano is currently limited to weekends only, with a mandatory 4km hike from Sacramento due to ongoing road improvements.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 9:15 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

New Entry Schedule and Weekday Suspensions

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) has clarified that the Barva sector is not fully closed, but its operational hours have been sharply curtailed. Under the current mandate:

Weekdays (Monday–Friday): All public entry is suspended to allow heavy machinery and construction crews full access to the roadway.

Weekends (Saturday–Sunday): The park remains open to the public, though vehicle access is strictly prohibited beyond a certain point.

The Sacramento Hike: Logistical Changes for Visitors

Because the access road is under construction, vehicles can no longer reach the official park entrance. Travelers must now park in or near the community of Sacramento and transit on foot. This adds a rigorous four-kilometer (2.5-mile) uphill hike just to reach the ranger station. Authorities emphasize that this change makes the excursion considerably more demanding. Visitors are urged to: