Alajuela also called ‘City of the Mangoes’, has a slightly warmer climate than San José. Enhanced by green, rolling countryside, quaint lodges, and first-rate restaurants, Alajuela is the second most important city in Costa Rica. It is the capital of the providence bearing its name and is located just 11 miles northwest (17 km) of San José. Just outside of town you will find the Juan Santamaría International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría), Costa Rica’s major airport. It is named after Juan Santamaría, the national hero of the Republic of Costa Rica, a drummer boy who was born in Alajuela and turned national hero. He died while setting fire to the headquarters of William Walker’s invading troops in the war of 1856. In commemoration of his bravery, the country celebrates a national holiday on April 11th.
Interesting places to visit:
Mercado Central. (Central Market) is an open market with fresh produce, meats and fish. Especially great to visit on Saturdays.
Parque Central (Central Park) is the town square full of mango trees, providing a shady place to stop and relax. Adjacent to the park is the old 19th century Cathedral (Catedral), with its distinctive red metallic dome, is also the elegant resting place of two former Costa Rican Presidents.
The Juan Santamaria Museum: This museum was named after the Costa Rican hero “Juan Santamaría” who fought and stopped William Walker.
Poas Volcano National Park, situated 23 miles (37 km) directly north of Alajuela, attracts visitors from around the world to its steaming crater and bubbling turquoise sulfur pool. The 5,000-hectare park is home to one of the country's most beautiful cloud forests. Bring a jacket and prepare to wait patiently for a break in the clouds that usually shroud the misty summit. The educational Visitors Center at the park's main entrance also houses snack bar and a gift shop.
Ojo de Agua, offers natural spring-water swimming pools, artificial boat pond, tennis courts, soccer fields, barbecue grills, restaurant.
Laguna Fraijanes, On the road to Poas, enjoy local sports, recreation facilities, nature trails, picnic areas, basketball, volleyball courts on 38 acres around a lagoon. Unlighted cabins, chalets, and campsite for groups of 10 and up. Open daily until sunset except Mondays.
The Butterfly Farm, a must-see, 14 km south of downtown. Thrills with hundreds of these beautiful creatures in tropical garden setting. Guided tours in several languages. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Zoo Ave in La Garita, vast collection of tropical birds, some primates, reptiles, park- like setting. Open daily 9 am. to 5 p.m.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Less than an hour away from Alajuela city, you definitely do not want to miss it! Lush tropical Rain Forests, flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies and flowers, it has everything what you would expect from Costa Rica. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
The Volcano El Arenal, at 5,389 ft (1,643 m), is Costa Rica’s most active volcano and one of the most spectacular and awe inspiring displays of natural beauty. This majestic, symmetrical volcano sits to the north of the 29,960 acres (12,124 ha) Arenal Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal). Encompassing 4 different life zones, the park is made of mostly primary rain forest as the various habitats harbor a tremendous amount of flora and fauna.
Charming town La Fortuna, is just 4 miles (6.4 km) away from the volcano and 75miles (120 km) from San José, offers great lodging, restaurants, tours and hot springs and horseback riding. Other smaller cities but not less interesting to visit in the province of Alajuela are:
Atenas, one of the very special areas of the central valley. For a small town (27,000) Atenas boasts the largest population of expats outside of the San Jose area. The most centrally located of the Central Valley towns, it is 42 km northwest of San Jose; 24 km. west of the international airport and 50 km to the Pacific beaches. Atenas is well-known for having the best climate in the world and is also famous for its coffee, sugar cane production and fruit orchards.
Grecia, known to be the cleanest city in Latin America, famous for its hard-to-miss, huge, all red metal Catholic Church and the World of Snakes; Sarchi, famous for Costa Rican artisans, is the town where you will find literally thousands of handcrafted oxcarts, including the world's largest constructed oxcart. In the 19th Century, these oxcarts were the only means of transportation. Now the oxcart has become Costa Rica’s national symbol. It is very important to mention that the whole are of Grecia has experienced a great development in the last few years, as many North Americans have chosen this area as the ideal place for their retirement.
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