The forthcoming solar annular eclipse scheduled for October 14th is anticipated with mounting excitement and expectations, particularly in the Southern Caribbean region. However, this anticipation is tinged with anxiety among local entrepreneurs, who are also bracing for a potential traffic meltdown in the area due to the expected surge of tourists.
Accommodations Sold Out Amidst Tourist Influx
Accommodations in the region have been booked solid for the weekend surrounding the event, with entrepreneurs reporting having to turn away numerous requests. With a heightened demand for rooms, the average cost for a double-room has surged from $60 to well over $100.
Access Woes: Single-Lane Bridges & Narrow Roads
The Southern Caribbean Tourism and Commerce Chamber (Catccas) has reported an anticipated influx of day-trippers from various parts of the country. These visitors will have to navigate through access roads that are far from ideal—characterized by narrow lanes and single-lane bridges—posing a considerable challenge.
Eclipse’s Allure: The “Ring of Fire”
The astronomical phenomenon captivating everyone’s attention is indeed special. This eclipse forms a visually stunning “Ring of Fire”, created when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, leaving only the glowing outer edge visible. While the entire country will witness this spectacle, the coasts of the Caribbean offer the best vantage points for viewing the eclipse in its full glory.
Early Morning Exodus Expected
According to data from Catccas, dozens of buses and minibuses are scheduled to depart in the wee hours of Saturday morning heading towards prime viewing locations like Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo.
Advisories Issued Amidst Traffic Concerns
With Talamanca’s roads deemed inadequate to handle the surge of visitors and no traffic officers allocated to manage the flow, patience and early departures are advised for those planning to witness the event. The absence of traffic management personnel exacerbates the traffic concerns, necessitating travelers to plan accordingly.
Contingencies & Alternatives in Place
In preparation for the possible chaos, alternative routes will be signposted for ingress and egress without passing through Puerto Viejo, which is expected to be particularly congested. There will also be beach cleaning teams deployed to manage waste, with coordination between firefighters, public forces, municipality officials, and the Ministry of Health to address any emergencies that may arise.
Potential Road Closures – Plan Accordingly
Travelers from the Central Valley must factor in the possibility of route closures, especially Route 32 that connects San José with Limón. Adverse weather conditions like heavy rainfall could precipitate such closures due to risks of landslides in the mountainous pass. Should that occur—as has happened several times in recent weeks—alternative routes through Turrialba, Vara Blanca, or Bajos de Chilamate-Vuelta de Kooper should be considered.
As the Southern Caribbean braces for the rare and mesmerizing “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse, the anticipated influx of enthusiastic sightseers is posing logistical challenges for the region. With accommodations booked to capacity and the impending traffic congestion on narrow, inadequate roads, travelers are advised to plan their journeys meticulously, consider alternative routes, and brace for potential delays and adjustments to ensure a smooth and enjoyable eclipse-viewing experience.
1 comment
[…] Source link […]