Holidays in Alajuela

Alajuela is the third largest city in Costa Rica, the capital of the Alajuela province and lies 952 metres above sea level. It is also the hometown of the national hero, Juan Santamaria.

Planning Alajuela holidays

Alajuela has a tropical climate but the elevation keeps the temperatures around 23- 26°C year round. The moderate temperatures combined with the low humidity and light rainfall have earned Alajuela and the surrounding area the reputation of having one of the best climates in the world. The town can easily be explored by foot and is well connected to other cities by coach. Alajuela's city centre is only a few kilometres from Juan Santamaria International Airport and can be quickly reached by cab. Alajuela is located in the Central Standard timezone (GMT-6).

Alajuela holidays city highlights

Juan Santamaria park in the city centre is the perfect place to relax and absorb the city. It also features a statue of the hero and a small collection of cannons from the 1860s. To learn about his legacy visit the Juan Santamaria Museum. Also centrally located is Iglesia La Agonía, a landmark church built in 1941 in an ornate Baroque style. Just outside of the city centre is Morera Soto Stadium, home to Liga Deportiva Alajuelense - a top Costa Rican team.

Nature surrounding Alajuela

An exciting Alajuela holidays highlight is a trip to Poas Volcano National Park. Here one can peer into the crater of an active volcano. East of the city is the Ara Project which aims to increase the number of macaws. Take a guided tour of the breeding centre, the aviaries where the macaws are housed and where they learn to fly before being released into the wild.