Alajuela

Alajuela is the closest city to airport, only 3 kms away in fact, and about 20 kms northwest of San Jose. The city was founded in 1782, and the church was originally called the parish of La Lajuela. Over the years it became the city of Alajuela. It actually served as the capital of the country for just one year in 1834! Alajuela is the hometown of Juan Santamaria, a simple drummer boy who gave his life to preserve the independence of the country during the famous battle of Hacienda Santa Rosa. Today his act is still remembered and celebrated every year on Juan Santamaria Day on April 11th.

Alajuela is known for its warm climate, being right in the middle of the central valley, with an altitude of 957m. It is actually the capital of the Alajuela Province, and is still the main trade centre for cattle, coffee and sugar. It has been nicknamed the city of mangoes for its abundance of the fruit and during the season, it’s mango fiestas everywhere!

Visiting the sunny Alajuela is never on top of the list but the city does have amenities and entertainment to offer; a movie theatre, a shopping mall, casinos, nightclubs and restaurants, it has everything to please, and let’s not forget of course its natural attractions. With its proximity to the airport it is a good base for touring the area and see the mighty Poas Volcano (2.704 meters/8.871 feet), to go to the Zoo Ave and to do the coffee tours of the famous Doka Estate. See also the waterfalls of the Celeste River that are simply breathtaking, and do not miss the sculptures and figures that have been shaped out of cypress trees in the Zarcero Park, and finally the famous go to the wonderful Venado Caves.

The province of Alajuela is rich in flora and fauna, with micro ecosystems that change on the crossing of a river. It is a large province stretching all the way to the Nicaraguan border. La Garita, only a few minutes away from the city, on the Jaco/Puntarenas road, is a popular little town with a whole array of typical restaurants serving food made out of corn. Hundreds of people gather there on Saturdays and Sundays to spend the day. La Garita is said to have the best climate of the world!

Alajuela is famous for one thing in Costa Rica, and one thing only; La Liga, or La Liga Deportiva Alajuelense soccer team. Usually they play against Saprissa, and it seems the country is divided in two, those supporting La Liga and those supporting Saprissa!

Second in size in the country, the city of Alajuela has a good choice of places to stay. It has a certain soul and feel to it, which you will not find anywhere else. The alajuelenses are famous for giving nicknames to everyone, whether friends or complete strangers, and they are good at it too! Anything is fair game and used to create this nickname and it will stick to you, whether you like it or not! It is good to relax in the picturesque Central Park, in front of the church and watch people passing by, it is also the main meeting point of the city, where adults catch up with gossip, make business agreements or just observe others while children play by the fountain.

If you happen to be in Alajuela on a Saturday morning, make sure to visit the outdoor market, it’s probably the biggest outdoor market of the country where you can find handicrafts, flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, with local music playing in the background. It will give you a good insight of the typical Costa Rican way of life.