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An Insight into Alajuela, our home town

"Juan Santamaria square in Alajuela"

Alajuela is the second largest city in Costa Rica but it feels more like a market town from a previous century with it's narrow streets an beautiful mango tree lined cathedral square. Alajuela is located 2 km from the main International airport and about 20km from the capital San Jose.

Drive 2 km north and you are in the heart of the coffee growing region of Costa Rica. Drive 4km west and you are in La Garita, the center of the viveros (nurseries) growing exotic plants and orchids for locals and for export alike.Did we mention the perfect climate and relatively low humidity at 3000 feet?

The revered hero of the country, Juan Santamaria was born here and a statue commemorates his exploits at a square in the middle of town. Juan Santamaria was instrumental in driving the filibustero William Walker from the county in 1856. William Walker was intent on starting a slave based confederation in Central America (funded by southern US slavers). See historic memorabilia of this epoque in the Juan Santamaria Museum in central Alajuela. Enjoy the classical and popular music played by the concert band of Alajuela in the cathedral square Thursday night and Sunday morning. Don't miss the Poas Volcano the most visited site in the country nor the Waterfall park with its tropical rain forest, butterfly sanctuary, humming bird feeding area, serpentarium, and five thundering waterfalls. Visit the amazing Zoo Ave (possibly the best Zoo experience you will ever have). This well maintained Zoo will appeal especially to children with many species of tropical birds, as well as crocodiles, monkeys, deers and other animals. On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning do not miss the farmers market at Plaza Ferias (about 10 blocks west of the Mercado Central) - this is the biggest farmers market in Costa Rica and of great interest to those wanting to know more about tropical fruits and veggies.

Additional things we'd recommend for any visitor to the Alajuela area include the thrill of a long canopy tour descending from the tops of high trees an the zip line tour near Poas. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the scenic drives through the 3000 to 5000 feet altitude coffee country to places like Sarchi and Zarcero. This drive is not to be missed for any first time visitor. And what would a trip be to Alajuela without a visit to the largest active volcanic crater in Costa Rica - Poas Volcano. Poas gave us a nice little show with eruptions earlier this year but is now safe to visit and is the most easily accessible volcano by car, taxi or tour operator 45 minutes north of the city center.

Most tourists stop in Alajuela on their way into and out of Costa Rica. Some for only a few minutes to get to the airport, some for a night to enjoy our historic town and amenities and others for a few days to use Alajuela as a base camp to explore the Central Valley of Costa Rica. However long you stay with us you will be welcomed by the locals with a wide smile and a "Pura Vida" welcome or adieu!

If you'd like to visit Alajuela email us at: InsightCostaRica for information or ideas?