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Alajuela Costa Rica

The sunny city of Alajuela is one of those places that pass unnoticed most of the time by visitors, but charms anyone that passes through by chance. The City of Mangos, as Alajuela is called by locals, is home to the Juan Santamaria International Airport, and a perfect stop you should make on your way in or out of the Airport. Enjoy the small town feel of this bustling city, second in size to San José, Costa Rica’s capital. The name Alajuela doesn’t refer exclusively to the city: it is also the name of the province located to the north of our capitol and extending all the way to the Nicaraguan border, with different types of Alajuela hotels depending on the region you visit. Alajuela has an impressive climate and flora and fauna variation in relatively short distances from one another. As a matter of fact, it is a tico saying that once you cross the Virilla river, the weather will drastically change. The sky may be gray in San Jose, but in Alajuela, the sun shines through! Getting to Alajuela is easy. Just drive straight out of the Juan Santamaria airport after you arrive, and Alajuela will spread out in front of you… nothing else to it!

Alajuela is a lively town with a lively population. The warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants is as renewing to the spirit as a birdsong and the cool breezes you’ll find in its parks and green areas. Alajuela city is a central point from which you can explore different and diverse areas of Costa Rica by staying at Alajuela hotels, but the town itself also deserves a bit of attention. Although it is a highly populated province, the inhabitants of Alajuela are spread out, so the city itself isn’t as densely inhabited as our capitol. There is still a feeling of small town community in Alajuela, noticeable by newcomers in the parks, where the locals meet in the afternoons to chitchat, make business agreements or just observe others passing by. A funny characteristic of Alajuelenses is the knack they have of giving people nicknames. Anything is fair game to create the nickname. From how you look to what you like or dislike, to funny anecdotes can inspire the Alajuelense to create for you a nickname that will stick.

Another reason of why Alajuela is famous is thanks to the Liga Deportiva Alajuelense soccer team. This team usually faces off against Saprissa. This team is so recognizable that many have started calling Alajuela “La Liga”, in honor of the team. From Alajuela you can head out and visit the neighboring Poas Volcano, the Fraijanes lagoon, the Vara Blanca Waterfalls. Alajuela is also home to several Protected Areas and national parks The Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre in Cano Negro is one of the most important swamplands in Costa Rica, and Arenal Volcano National Park is also located within the borders of the Alajuela Province. There is also the town of Sarchi, home of the world patrimony painted wooden oxcart. But not needing to go so far, quite close to the airport is the best place for traditional corn based Costa Rican food: La Garita, located just a few miles from downtown Alajuela it has a variety of restaurants with inexpensive and delicious meals made in the traditional ways: it is a great weekend getaway for families and friends, particularly because of the perfect La Garita Weather which has been internationally recognized as one of the most pleasant climates throughout the world. Visit Alajuela and enjoy the variety this small city has to offer: casinos, nightclubs, hotels, restaurants and natural wonders to suit even the most demanding visitors. You may find yourself charmed into living in Alajuela, searching for that perfect slice of Alajuela real estate. Alajuela is worth the visit, so don’t miss out on booking yourself an Alajuela hotel, tour or travel to this Costa Rican province.