Q COSTARICA — The Ruta 32, one of Costa Rica’s main highways, carving a crucial path from the capital city, San José, to the Caribbean coast, will remain closed between Heredia and Guapiles until Monday, November 10.
The stretch of Ruta 32 that winds through breathtaking scenery—thick rainforests, twisting mountain paths, and the famous Braulio Carrillo National Park—has been shut down since last Monday. The closure is due to multiple landslides, with the worst at kilometer 31, where a crumbling rock face has been dropping debris onto the road.
The closure is the longest of consecutive days.
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) — Ministry of Public Works and Transport —confirmed that Route 32 will remain open until next Monday, as work will begin this Friday to remove a rock measuring some 50 cubic meters and weighing more than two tons, on a slope and, given its imminent fall, poses a risk to drivers traveling through the area. The MOPT confirmed that various works will begin this Friday to remove it in a controlled manner.
With dump trucks, cranes, and loaders, as well as specialized equipment for detonations, it is estimated that the road will reopen on Monday, November 10, weather permitting, as rain is common in that area.
The Policia de Transito (Traffic police) will reinforce alternate routes with additional personnel to expedite traffic flow and request the public’s understanding.
The alternate routes available for traveling to and from the Caribbean are:
- Via Vara Blanca (light vehicles only), Heredia in the area of the Poas, to Sarapiqui and Guapiles
- Route 10 between Cartago and Siquirres via Turrialba, or
- Via Bajos de Chilamate – Vuelta de Kooper from San Carlos to Guápiles.