In short
- Bring a warm fleece and a rain jacket for the 8,885-foot volcano summit.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for the 3.5 kilometers of wet stairs at La Paz.
- Pack your original passport; it is mandatory for Poás Volcano entry.
In this article
The 10 to 12-hour excursion from San José covers three distinct zones. You start at a lower-elevation coffee farm, climb to a cold volcanic crater, and end in a wet cloud forest. Packing the right gear ensures you stay dry and comfortable.
What to wear to Poas Volcano
Dress in warm layers and bring a rain jacket.
Poás Volcano sits at an elevation of 2,708 meters (8,885 feet). Temperatures drop significantly at the summit. You will need a warm jacket or fleece.
Rain and mist are very common in this high-altitude cloud forest. Bring a waterproof rain jacket or poncho. You must also wear a safety helmet at the crater viewpoint, which park staff provide.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking or hiking shoes.
You will walk extensively throughout the day. At Poás Volcano, the main trail is a paved 600-meter path. However, La Paz Waterfall Gardens requires more rugged footwear.
The La Paz trail spans 3.5 kilometers and descends past five waterfalls. The path features hundreds of wet stairs and wooden platforms. Good traction is necessary to avoid slipping.
What documents do I need to bring?
You must carry your original passport.
Poás Volcano National Park has strict entry regulations. Park rangers require your original passport for entry verification. A copy or a digital photo on your phone is not sufficient.
How should I pack for the different climates?
Use a small daypack to carry extra clothing layers and supplies.
The day starts early, often with a 6:00 AM hotel pickup in San José. You will visit the Doka Estate coffee farm and the La Paz animal sanctuary at lower, warmer elevations. You will need sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Insect repellent is also useful for the jungle sections at La Paz. Keep your heavy jacket in your daypack until you reach the volcano.
Are there any restrictions on what I can wear or bring?
Visitors face a strict 20-minute limit at the crater, but clothing choices are mostly open.
While there is no strict dress code, practicality is key. Pregnant women and individuals with respiratory issues should take precautions due to acidic volcanic gases. Bring a reusable water bottle, but note you cannot feed the rescued wildlife at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Should I bring a camera?
Yes, bring a camera or smartphone for photos.
You will want to photograph the 1.5-kilometer wide main crater and its turquoise acidic lake. At La Paz, you can photograph rescued jaguars, sloths, and toucans across the 70-acre animal sanctuary.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a heavy winter coat for Poas Volcano?
No, a heavy winter coat is too bulky. A warm fleece layered under a rain jacket is enough for the short 20-minute visit to the crater viewpoint.
Can I wear sandals on this combo tour?
Sandals are highly discouraged. The 3.5-kilometer trail at La Paz Waterfall Gardens includes hundreds of wet, mossy stairs where sandals pose a slipping hazard.
Is it safe to wear jewelry at the volcano?
It is best to leave valuable jewelry at your hotel. Sulfur dioxide and acidic gases at the crater can tarnish silver and other metals quickly.
