Alajuela City

Alajuela

Costa Rica's second city, a laid-back provincial capital known as the birthplace of national hero Juan Santamaría. Its central park, cathedral and museums offer an authentic taste of Tico urban life near the airport.

Things to do

• Juan Santamaría Central Park — Relax under mango trees in the leafy main plaza that gives Alajuela its nickname 'City of Mangoes' and watch daily Tico life unfold.
• Juan Santamaría Historical Museum — Housed in a former colonial jail and armory, this museum honors the drummer boy hero of the 1856 Battle of Rivas against filibuster William Walker.
• Alajuela Cathedral — Admire the red-domed neoclassical cathedral facing the central park, an important landmark rebuilt after earthquakes.
• Juan Santamaría Monument — Visit the bronze statue of the torch-bearing national hero in his own park a few blocks from the center.
• Zoo Ave Wildlife Sanctuary — Just outside town in La Garita, this rescue center shelters toucans, scarlet macaws, monkeys and other native Costa Rican wildlife.
• Mercado Central de Alajuela — Browse the bustling covered market for produce, coffee, sodas and everyday goods for an authentic slice of local commerce.
• Poás Volcano day trip — Drive up into the highlands north of the city to peer into one of the world's largest active crater lakes.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty everyday plate of rice, black beans, plantain, salad and your choice of meat served at local sodas around the market.
• Gallo pinto — The classic Costa Rican breakfast of stir-fried rice and beans seasoned with Salsa Lizano, often served with eggs and coffee.
• Mangoes — In this 'City of Mangoes' seek out the sweet fruit fresh from street vendors, especially in the dry season.
• Chifrijo — A popular Tico bar snack layering rice, beans, crispy pork chicharrón, pico de gallo and tortilla chips.
• Costa Rican coffee — Sip locally grown Central Valley coffee at a market cafe, a staple of the surrounding highland farms.
• Granizado — Cool off with this shaved-ice treat drizzled with syrups and condensed milk sold by park vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Airport gateway — Alajuela sits right next to Juan Santamaría International Airport, making it a convenient first or last stop for many travelers.
• Celebrate April 11 — On this national holiday Alajuela honors hometown hero Juan Santamaría with parades, bands and civic events centered on his monument.
• Carry small cash — Colones in small bills are handy for market vendors, sodas and bus fares, though many places also accept US dollars.
• Embrace 'pura vida' — Greet locals warmly and expect a relaxed, unhurried pace typical of this laid-back provincial capital.

Nearby

• Heredia City (Heredia) — 11 km
• Barva (Heredia) — 12 km
• San José de la Montaña (Heredia) — 13 km
• Café Britt Coffee Tour (Heredia) — 13 km