Alajuela & Poas National Park Travel Guide
Lesser visited colonial city and stunning views inside a volcanic crater
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Alajuela is the capital of the province of Alajuela, and is the second most important city in Costa Rica. Located just 20 km from San Jose and very close to the International Airport, the city is not one of the most visited locations in the country but can make an excellent starting point for routes that lead to the most important beaches of the Pacific Coast, National Parks and Natural Reserves in the country.
Surrounded by farms and coffee plantations, Alajuela is a principal trade centre for cattle, sugar and coffee. The most important nearby attraction is, however the continually active Poas Volcano. Visitors to the Poas Volcano National Park usually have easy access to the volcanic rim, where they can enjoy incredible views into its interior as well as a fantastic panorama of landscapes from the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
There are several places to stay in Alajuela itself, or some wonderful haciendas and farms closer to the National Park which all have easy access to the International Airport.
The city of Alajuela was founded in 1782 when a church was constructed to serve the region’s practicing Catholics; the parish was originally named La Lajuela. Between 1834 and 1835 Alajuela was the country’s capital before it was moved permanently to San Jose.
Alajuela is well-known as the hometown of Juan Santamaría, a national hero during the battle of Hacienda Santa Rosa against William Walker in 1856. Santamaria sacrificed his own life to safeguard the independence of the country. In honour of his sacrifice, parades and fiestas take place throughout the city every April 11th, Juan Santamaría Day. The Juan Santamaria Museum shows exhibits explaining the legacy of Juan Santamaria and the 1856 campaign against invaders who wanted to take control of Central America. In the Juan Santamaria park you can see a statue of the hero and a small collection of 1860's cannons.
Every Saturday morning, the city hosts one of the largest outdoor farmers markets in the country. You can browse the stalls of flowers, fresh produce and handicrafts whilst listening to local music. Whilst being a contemporary city, Alajuela also gives travellers a glimpse of rural Tico life.
Attractions in Alajuela & Poas National Park
Fraijanes Recreational Park is located at the southern foothills of Poas Volcano and consists of 18 hectares of forest, trails, look-outs, playgrounds and campfire sites.
Zoo Ave is a wildlife rescue centre for injured and confiscated wildlife, covering 59 hectares of landscaped grounds.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens has over 3.5 km of walking trails, a Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Frog Exhibit, Tica House, Trout Lake and bird watching areas.
Within the Poas National Park, Poas Volcano is 2,708 meters high and one of the most spectacular volcanoes in the country.
Activities in Alajuela & Poas National Park
From the city it is easy to explore the attractions within Alajeula province and travel to the beaches of the Pacific Coast or to the Nicoya Peninsula and its many National Parks and Nature Reserves.
Relaxing
The central park in front of Alajuela’s cathedral is a great place for people watching and for spotting the odd parrot.
Getting Around
Alajuela is small enough to get around by foot although there are taxis which are often an easy and cheap way to get around the town. Taxies are red and will only accept Costa Rican colones, whilst the orange airport taxies will accept US dollars. There are many taxi stands around the city.
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