Alajuela

Downtown:

Alajuela Cathedral

With its beautiful dome and white marble foundation, the neoclassical Alajuela Cathedral, facing the east side of central park, is well worth a visit. Constructed in 1854, the church is frequented by the city's large Catholic population.

Central Park

A constant hub of activity, Alajuela’s central park is shaded by huge mango trees and royal palms 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.

Central Market

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 typical meals like sopa negra, a hearty black bean soup served with a boiled egg, can be sampled at one of many small eateries serving local cuisine for less than $3.

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 central park.

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. 

Museums:

Juan Santamaria Museum

Located one block north of the central park, 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 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Admission is free
Tel: 2441-4775

Coffee Plantations, Parks, Zoos and Gardens:

Doka Estate

A working coffee plantation on the slopes of Poas Volcano, Doka Estate offers delightful coffee tours of its ample fields, mills and roasting room. Note that coffee picking season runs from October-February, so visitors during these months can also sample ripe coffee cherries straight off the tree. The coffee plantation is located in San Luis de Sabanilla, about ten miles north of Alajuela via Fraijanes Road.

Open: Tours are offered daily at  at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Tel.: 2449-5152 

Botanical Orchid Garden

Situated in La Garita, a short bus or taxi ride away, the garden is a nice day trip from Alajuela. Trails meander through a demo orchid nursery, laboratory, orchid showroom, and extensive gardens, where a permanent orchid flower exhibition is on display. Facilities include a coffee shop and souvenir store.

Open: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues-Sun.
Admission: $12 adults, $6 children; special rates for groups
Tel: 2487-8095

The Butterfly Farm 

Located 7.5 miles 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. to 5:00 p.m. 
Tel: 2438-0400

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 1.8 miles 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.

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 22 miles north of Alajuela, via the scenic Fraijanes road, the park features easy hiking trails through a small cloud forest and is almost completely wheelchair accessible. 

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 $3 round-trip. The bus departs Poas at 2:30 p.m. and returns to Alajuela by 3:30 p.m.

Zoo Ave

Zoo Ave, located in La Garita, is a wildlife rescue and breeding center that houses over 130 animal species native to Costa Rica and other parts of the world. Its 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. daily
Admission: $15 adults, $4 children
Tel: 2433-8989

Alajuela on Foot:

Though packed with honking cars, Alajuela is easy to navigate on foot; visitors can walk the entire downtown area in less than 45 minutes. The town center is framed by Calle Ancha (wide street) which runs the perimeter of the city much like a large box. The heart of Alajuela is central park and the Catholic Church, both commonly used as landmarks when giving directions. Avenidas (avenues) run east/west and Calles (streets) run north/south. However, Alajuela has few street signs and Calles and Avenidas are rarely used in directions. 

Taxi:

Taxis are plentiful and visitors will find taxi stands along Alajuela’s main parks and behind the Mall Internacional. They are a convenient way of getting around town but can be pricey for long hauls. All official red taxis have meters that calculate fares based on distance and travel time. Official Red Taxi Tel: 2443-3535, 2443-3030
 
Sample taxi fares from Alajuela to nearby destinations:

• Juan Santamaria International Airport $5-$7

• San Jose - $15-20

• Heredia - $15

• Zoo Ave (in La Garita) - $8

• Atenas - $16 - $20

• Doka Estate Coffee Plantation - $15-$20

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens - $45-$60

Public Bus:

Alajuela has an extensive and reliable public transportation system. From the main bus terminal, TUASA buses depart daily for San Jose, Heredia and Poas Volcano National Park.

TUASA Schedule: 

San Jose 
Buses depart Alajuela every five to ten minutes beginning at 4 a.m. with the last bus at 10 p.m. The trip lasts from 45 minutes to one hour and costs 60 cents. Some buses are marked direct while others make a few stops along the way, including the airport.
 
Heredia
Buses depart every eight minutes for Heredia starting at 4 a.m. until 10 p.m. The trip lasts from 40 minutes to an hour and costs 60 cents. Direct buses do not pass by the international airport.
 
Poas Volcano National Park
Buses depart from San Jose and pass by Alajuela’s TUASA station at 9:15 a.m. Cost is $3 roundtrip. The bus departs Poas at 2:30 p.m. and returns to Alajuela by 3:30 p.m.

For destinations including La Garita, Sarchi, Atenas, Grecia and other small towns, buses leave from the El Pacifico bus station, just a half a block south of the TUASA terminal.

Less than two miles from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, Alajuela is a convenient option for travelers with early morning departures or late arrivals. The city is a mere 10-minute taxi ride from the airport and most hotels are happy to arrange car rentals, tours and airport transfers for guests. Economy hotels cater to those on a budget, offering central locations, airport transfer, breakfast and other amenities. Midrange and upscale hotels offer special touches including traditional architecture, spectacular views, pools, and onsite restaurants.

Phones

Cell phones can be rented from most car rental agencies and from a few private businesses. Most mid-range hotels and Internet cafes allow international calls and have reasonable rates. Visitors can purchase pre-paid phone cards in any pharmacy or supermarket for both local and international calls (often at much cheaper rates). Pay phones are located in central park and are also scattered throughout town. Some are coin-operated and others require phone cards.

Internet

More and more hotels are offering WiFi service to guests. The Juan Santamaria International Airport is a WiFi hotspot and offers free service. Internet cafes are plentiful in Alajuela. Most charge just under $1 for an hour of service and several are open on Sundays. 

Banks

Alajuela has more than 15 banks where visitors can change money. Several are clustered around central park and most have ATM machines.

Medical Facilities

The Red Cross in Alajuela provides 24-hour ambulance service. Patients are taken to Hospital San Rafael de Alajuela, which has modern facilities. There are several private clinics in town that treat patients for minor injuries only. Private hospitals in San Jose, such as Clinica Biblica and CIMA hospital, are less than 12 miles away and have English speaking staff.

All emergencies: 911
Alajuela Red Cross: 2441-3939
Hospital San Rafael de Alajuela: 2436-1000
CIMA Hospital (Escazu): 2208-1144
Clinica Biblica Hospital (San Jose): 2522-1000

Post Office

Located two blocks north of the Catholic Church, the post office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Gas Stations

There are several gas stations on the outskirts and throughout the center of Alajuela. All are full-service and several offer oil changes and car washes.

Visitors will discover small eateries on almost every city block. Roasted chicken, fine steaks, Tex-Mex and traditional food are all available, as are American fast-food chains. Here is a sampling of Alajuela's many cafes and restaurants: 

Cafe Tres Generaciones

Great place for cappuccinos, light snacks, pastries and cakes. Also sells Doka Estate’s Tres Generaciones coffee by the pound. Located on Calle Ancha (the wide street that runs the perimeter of Alajuela) opposite the Farmacia del Este.

Soda Palmares

Serves American-style breakfasts but specializes in traditional plates of rice, beans, salad, ripe plantain and a choice of grilled or fried chicken, fish or pork. Seating is in a quiet courtyard area with a fishpond. Delivery service is free. Located one block of the old San Rafael Hospital.

Jalapenos

Authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and a great place to meet other travelers and swap stories. Features enchiladas, chalupas and burritos as well as BLT's and chilidogs. Complete lunches cost $4 and will leave you stuffed. Dessert specialties, all baked by La Casa de Chocolate, include New York cheesecake and chocolate-covered spice cake.

Restaurant Como En Casa

Features a fusion of Costa Rican and Argentinean cuisine. Steaks (T-bones and filets), grilled chicken and ribs, pastas and a selected fine wines. Dishes start at $7.50. Located a half block east of La Tropicana gas station.

La Princesa Marina

Fresh seafood is the name of the game at this popular eatery located at the intersection of the old road into La Garita. Sample various types of ceviche, shrimp, octopus, or chow down on traditional dishes made with pasta, rice, beans, beef or chicken. The restaurant features an open-air seating area and decent prices.

Mirador del Valle

Rustic, rancho-style restaurant and bar with fantastic views of the Central Valley. Inexpensive appetizers starting from $2.50. Features both Costa Rican and international cuisine. Located in Pilas, on the road to Poas, about four miles north of Alajuela.

Although a large city, Alajuela isn’t famed for its nightlife. Low-key neighborhood bars are relatively easy to seek out, but dance halls and discos are rare.

Casino Fiesta

Live music, shows and plenty of slot machines and card games. Expensive by Costa Rican standards ($3 beers), the Fiesta Casino is next to the Garden Court hotel at the airport intersection.

El Spectro Disco

Good spot for dancing to contemporary and Latin music. Popular with locals and packed on weekends. Located on Calle 2, between Avenidas 10 and 12.

Air:

The Juan Santamaria International Airport is less than two miles from the center of Alajuela. There is an official taxi stand as you exit the international airport. Taxis to Alajuela cost between $5 and $7.

For regional travel within the country, two domestic airlines, Nature Air and Sansa have airports close to town. Sansa is adjacent to the international terminal and Nature Air is located in Pavas, a 20-minute drive from Alajuela.

Bus:

From the Airport: TUASA buses headed for Alajuela stop at the airport once every 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to ask the driver if the bus is going to Alajuela, as many buses stop there on their way from Alajuela to Heredia or San Jose.

From San Jose: On Avenida 2, between Calles 12/14, TUASA buses depart for Alajuela via the highway. Buses leave every five minutes and almost always stop by the international airport on the way. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs just over $1. Buses depart San Jose starting at 4 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.; after 10:30 p.m. buses depart every 30 minutes for the airport. 2442-6900

Station wagon (brown and yellow) buses also depart San Jose for Alajuela from Avenida 2, between Calles 10/12. Buses depart every five to ten minutes, some of which are direct, making no stops en route. Buses depart from 5 a.m. until midnight and cost around $1. 2222-7532

Car:

Rental Cars: Several car rental companies have offices in or near the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Travelers should note that car rental fees are higher if renting from a company located within the airport, as an airport tax is added. There are plenty of car rental agencies with offices near the airport that offer clients free hotel and airport pickups.
 
Directions: From the airport, take Highway 1 and follow signs to Alajuela. The trip takes less than ten minutes.

Canopy Tours

Thrill seekers will enjoy soaring through the air on a zip-line canopy tour from a series of 24 platforms at Colinas de Poas. The park has a stocked lake for trout fishing, a nice restaurant and hiking trails. Located in the cool mountains a few miles outside of Alajuela on Fraijanes Road, follow the signs.

Schedule: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., call for reservations 
Tel: 2430-4113

Coffee Tour

Doka Estate, located on the slopes of Poas Volcano, offers guided tours of its plantation and mill where guests learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting and roasting. Tours include tasty samples of award-winning coffees and an optional lunch. Located in San Luis de Sabanilla, about ten miles north of Alajuela via Fraijanes Road.

Schedule: Tours are offered Monday through Sunday at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m and 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays there is no 3:30 p.m. tour.
Tel: 2449-5152

Farmers' Market 

Held every Saturday from 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., this massive outdoor market is locally known as la feria.  Fruits, vegetables, honey, herbs, flowers, cheese, meats and clothing are just some of the items for sale. Bring a sturdy bag to stock up on goods; everything is incredibly cheap. Two pounds of tomatoes sell for 50 cents and a bag of lychees goes for just under $1. Try a chorreada, a type of cornmeal pancake topped with delicious sour cream. Marimba bands are often heard at the market and taxis are plentiful for the trip back to your hotel.

Soccer

Alajuela is the proud hometown of La Liga, one of the best soccer teams in Costa Rica. Soccer fans will enjoy a game in the Liga Stadium on the northeast corner of Calle Ancha in Alajuela. Matches are typically held on alternating Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings; ask around for the latest schedule. Costa Ricans are crazy about soccer (known as futbol), and La Liga fans are notoriously passionate about their team.

Study Spanish 

Four language schools in town offer private and group Spanish classes for all levels. Students can opt to live with a homestay family, where most meals are included, or stay in a hotel and take Spanish classes alone. Schools typically ask for a two-week commitment; monthly programs are popular as students have time to immerse themselves in the culture while honing their Spanish skills.

Swimming

Ojo de Agua, a water park that is frequented by locals on weekends, has two swimming pools and a small lake that are filled with natural spring water. The park also features a soccer field, tennis courts and picnic area. Located four miles south of Alajuela.

Schedule: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Admission: $2
Tel: 2441-2808