 Around Town:
Alajuela Cathedral
With its massive metal red dome and white marble foundation, the Alajuela Cathedral, facing the east side of Parque Central is well worth a visit. Constructed in 1854, the church is frequented by Alajuela’s large Catholic population where mass is held daily.
Church of Agony (Iglesia la Agonia)
Built in 1941, the Iglesia la Agonia is a landmark church known for its ornate Baroque style. Located five blocks east of Parque Central.
Juan Santamaria Park
A tribute to national hero Juan Santamaria, the plaza is paved with red bricks and is centered around a statue of Santamaria. The park is lacking benches, landscaping and general ambiance but is a convenient meeting spot in Alajuela. Located two blocks south of Parque Central.
Parque Central
A constant hub of activity, Alajuela’s central park is shaded by huge mango and palm trees and is a pleasant spot to people watch and enjoy the occasional music concert or local performer. Several banks, restaurants, shops and the Catholic Church frame the park.
Mercado Central
Occupying an entire city block and always packed with locals, the central market offers everything from fresh produce and cheeses to butcher shops and shoe vendors. Inexpensive "tipico” meals like Sopa Negra, a hearty black bean soup served with boiled egg, can be sampled at one of many sodas (small eateries serving local cuisine) for less than 1500 colones ($3).
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Museums:
Juan Santamaria Museum
Located on Avenida 3 and Calle 2, this museum highlights the plight of national hero and Alajuelense, Juan Santamaria. Displays focus on the events surrounding Santamaria’s defeat of William Walker in the 1856 Battle of Hacienda Santa Rosa. Santamaria torched Walker’s building, ultimately losing his own life in an effort to preserve Costa Rica’s independence. Exhibits include paintings, historical artifacts and maps.
Open: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Admission is free.
Tel: 506-2-441-4475
Parks, Zoos and Gardens:
Poas Volcano National Park
Visitors from around the world are drawn to the steaming crater and bubbling green pools of Poas Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes. Located 36 kilometers north of Alajuela, via the scenic Fraijanes road (follow signs), Poas is the centerpiece of a 5,000-hectare park, which also features easy hiking trails through a small cloud forest.
Visitors are advised to carry a jacket and arrive early; clouds roll in at a moment’s notice and shroud the crater. A visitor’s center with a small cafe and souvenir shop are located near the entrance of the park. Buses depart from San Jose and pass by Alajuela’s TUASA station at 9:15 a.m. Cost is 1,410 colones ($3) round-trip. The bus departs Poas at 2:30 p.m. and returns to Alajuela by 3:30 p.m.
Open: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Admission: $10 adults and $1 children
Poas Volcano Park Office Tel: 506-2-482-2165
Read more about Poas Volcano National Park
Zoo Ave (in La Garita, 10 minutes west of Alajuela)
Zoo Ave, located on La Garita Road (Highway 3), is a wildlife rescue and breeding center that houses over 130 animal species native to Costa Rica and other parts of the world. Its 59 hectares of lush grounds offer a spectacular bird collection including macaws, toucans, cranes, ostriches, and resplendent quetzals. The zoo also houses many mammals and reptiles. Zoo Ave’s mission is to breed endemic animal species for reintroduction into the wild. To get to Zoo Ave by bus, take either the Atenas or La Garita bus from the Pacifico bus station in Alajuela.
Open: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: $9 adults, $4 children
Tel: 506-2-433-8989
 The Butterfly Farm
Located 12 kilometers south of Alajuela in La Guacima, the Butterfly Farm offers visitors the opportunity to observe thousands of butterflies and learn about their metamorphosis, mating and eating habits. Entrance fee includes a two-hour tour which is available in several languages. Direct buses depart from Alajuela's Pacifico station on Calle 8 and Avenida 2 at 6:20 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
Open: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Admission: $15 adults, $7 children under twelve, free for children under five
Tel: 506-2-438-0400
La Paz Waterfall Garden and Butterfly Observatory
La Paz is the country’s largest butterfly garden and has over twenty species of butterflies soaring freely in a natural habitat the size of an American football field. The waterfall garden has over three kilometers of walking trails that pass by several impressive waterfalls, a hummingbird garden, serpentarium, orchid exhibit and the butterfly observatory. Package tours are available that include lunch and transportation. La Paz is located near the town of Vara Blanca, roughly 45 minutes from Alajuela.
Open: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $29 adults, $18 children under 12
Tel: 506-2-225-0643; from U.S. Tel: 954-727-3997
Read our Travel Blogs about The Butterfly Farm and La Paz Waterfall Garden
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