Booking choice: The Arenal Volcano Experience, from $165 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The bus leaves before 7 AM, climbs into cool, often misty mountains, drops to the warm, humid plains around La Fortuna and ends in a hot spring. Arenal also gets rain in every month of the year.
That makes a short packing list important. Everything below fits in a small daypack.
The quick answer
Wear your swimsuit under comfortable clothes and bring a towel, sandals, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, a dry change of clothes, a plastic bag for wet things and some cash for tips and souvenirs. Leave valuables at the hotel.
What should you wear on the Arenal day trip?
Your swimsuit under light, comfortable clothes, plus a layer for the cool morning in the mountains.
The first stops are high on Route 126, where mornings can be cool and damp. By midday you will be in the warm lowlands. A light fleece or long-sleeve top you can take off works well.
Packed? Check dates for the Arenal Volcano Experience with hotel pickup.
Check dates for the Arenal Volcano ExperienceWhich shoes are best?
Comfortable walking shoes for the stops, and sandals or flip-flops for the hot springs.
The flagship day involves only short, easy walks. If you book a tour with La Fortuna Waterfall or a volcano trail, wear shoes with grip: guests warn that the steps are steep and lava rocks slippery.
Do you need a rain jacket?
Yes. Arenal rains in every month, and the tours run in all weather.
A light packable jacket is enough; an umbrella is handy at the stops. Showers often pass quickly, and the hot springs are lovely in the rain.
What do you need for the hot springs?
A swimsuit, a towel, sandals and a plastic bag for wet clothes.
The Go Tours days do not list towels, so bring your own; the Baldi day includes towels and lockers. More on the pools in Arenal hot springs compared.
Rather not pack a towel? The Baldi day includes towels and lockers.
Explore the Baldi Hot Springs dayWhat else should go in your daypack?
Pack light: sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, any medication, a phone in a waterproof pouch and a dry change of clothes.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Dry change of clothes for the ride back
- Plastic bag for the wet swimsuit
- Camera or phone for sloths and toucans
- Motion-sickness tablets if mountain roads bother you
How much cash should you bring?
Enough for tips, drinks and souvenirs; meals and entry fees are included.
Small US dollar bills or Costa Rican colones both work. A little extra helps if you like crafts or coffee to take home.
What should you leave at the hotel?
Valuables, a laptop and anything you would not want to leave on a bus while you soak.
Keep passports and cards to a minimum: you need only a card or cash for extras.
All set? Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Arenal Volcano ExperienceFrequently asked questions
Do I need my passport for the Arenal tour?
Ask the operator when you book; carrying a photo of your passport on your phone is a sensible minimum.
Is it cold at Arenal?
No; La Fortuna is warm and humid. Only the early-morning mountain stops on the way can feel cool.
Can I leave my bag on the bus?
Ask your guide at the first stop, and keep valuables with you or at your hotel.
Ready to book
Choose your day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Arenal Volcano Experience: Full Day from San José
- Hotel pickup in San José (default 6:30 AM) and air-conditioned transport
- Bilingual guide, plus coffee or tea with local snacks
- Lunch near Arenal and a Costa Rican dinner on the way back
Arenal Mega Combo: Ziplines & Hot Springs
- Hotel pickup in San José and air-conditioned transport
- About 2 hours of ziplining at Go Adventure Arenal Park
- Paradise Hot Springs (about 3 hours)
