Costa Rica’s Route 32 Remains Closed After Overnight Landslide

Route 32 remained closed early this morning after a landslide left material on the highway connecting San José with Limón, forcing drivers to use longer alternate routes to reach the Caribbean. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation closed the road at 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, because of debris on the highway and unsafe weather conditions. As of 6:55 a.m. this morning, Costa Rica time, authorities had not announced an estimated reopening time. Crews were expected to inspect the affected area after sunrise and begin clearing the road once conditions were considered safe. Officials had not identified the exact kilometer where the material fell. Drivers traveling between the Central Valley and Limón were advised to avoid Route 32 until an official reopening announcement is issued. The available alternate routes are: Bajos de Chilamate–Vuelta de Kooper, which can be used by all types of vehicles. Route 10 through Turrialba and Siquirres, which can also accommodate cars, buses and freight vehicles. The Vara Blanca route, which is recommended only for light vehicles. Motorists should expect longer travel times and possible congestion along the alternate roads, particularly through Turrialba and the northern route through Sarapiquí. Route 32 is Costa Rica’s main direct connection between the Central Valley and the Caribbean province of Limón. It is heavily used by residents, tourists, buses and trucks traveling to the Caribbean coast and the ports of Moín and Limón. The mountainous section through Braulio Carrillo National Park is especially vulnerable to falling rocks, trees and landslides during periods of heavy rain. Much of the highway passes between steep slopes where saturated ground can become unstable with little warning. A recent technical assessment identified dozens of sites along the San José–Río Frío section with potential landslide risks. Areas near Zurquí were among the sections with the highest concentration of concerns. Authorities frequently close the highway overnight or during intense rainfall as a safety measure. Reopening depends on daylight inspections, weather conditions and whether crews can remove the fallen material without further movement from the surrounding slopes. Travelers heading to Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero, Guápiles, Siquirres or Limón should check the latest official road conditions before departing. Drivers already using alternate routes should reduce speed and remain alert for rain, fog and debris.