Alajuela
Costa Rican city and province of Alajuela. A convenient base for visiting the surrounding sights.
Why Visit Alajuela?
The city of Alajuela is home to Costa Rica's main international airport, making it an unavoidable stop if you're traveling in and out of San Jose. Outside of the airport, you'll find a bustling provincial city and a taste of rural Costa Rica.
The province of Alajuela encompasses many other parts of Costa Rica, including the Arenal Volcano area and parts of Monteverde. Technically all these places are part of Alajuela, but they're also major travel destinations.
Here are some reasons to visit Alajuela:
- The City Of Alajuela: It's a city worth checking out for those who want to get a snapshot of authentic Costa Rican life.
- Rural Towns And Country Villages: Enjoy the coffee farms on the route up to Volcan Poas, or check out towns like Sarchi, where they make painted oxcarts. (Great souvenirs!)
- National Parks: Alajuela boasts some of the best national parks that Costa Rica offers, all within easy distance of the Central Valley. The crown jewel of these parks is Poas Volcano.
Where to Stay
As Costa Rica's second-largest city, Alajuela offers plenty of places, from business-class chain hotels to boutique coffee farms outside of the city.
Things to Do
Visit a coffee farm and learn about the process of coffee production or spend a day exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens! There are many activities to choose from.
Experience Urban Costa Rica in Alajuela!
If you're flying into Costa Rica, then Alajuela will be the very first place in Costa Rica you experience. That's because Juan Santamaria Airport, the main international airport in Costa Rica, is in Alajuela, not in the capital city of San Jose. Alajuela is Costa Rica's second-largest city and province.
Best Time to Travel to Alajuela
There's no wrong time of the year to be here. You're good, year-round. Be aware that September and October can be stormy if you're outside a lot, but other than that, come and enjoy. If you're visiting some tourist towns and national parks like Sarchi and Poas, you might find weekends and holidays get a little crowded.
Weather in Alajuela
The city of Alajuela itself is pretty warm. Temperatures are slightly higher than San Jose's due to its lower elevation. You can expect to feel it in the early 70s F all year. The temperature cools off somewhat as you head into higher ground, but this part of Costa Rica is comfortable. Expect sunny mornings and rainy afternoons May through November, with most of the rain in September and October. For the rest of the year, expect spring-like perfection.
Is Alajuela Safe?
In Alajuela, take the same precautions as you would in any large town. Keep your belongings close to you and bags in front. Then, if you're cautious, you'll have no problems.
Top Restaurants in Alajuela
Ragu
In the city of Alajuela, just south of downtown, it is one of Costa Rica's most celebrated and best Italian restaurants. Guests often say it's the most authentic Italian food outside of Italy. We'll let you judge for yourself.
Taj Majal
There's not much good Indian food in Costa Rica, but this branch of Taj Majal will do the trick for curry lovers everywhere (other branches exist in Escazu and Heredia).
Pesqueria da Limonta
Normally, we recommend being by the sea to experience the best Costa Rican seafood. We'll make an exception with this downtown restaurant, though. Instead, expect seafood with an Italian/Latin fusion twist.
El Chante Vegano
Another downtown eatery in Alajuela, this one serving up a fantastic, healthy, vegan fair. Try their quinoa burgers!
Jalapeños Central
Costa Rica is infamous for having bad Mexican food. It's tough to find decent Mexican food anywhere, and the ex-pat Facebook groups are full of complainers. But in the center of Alajuela, there's a small, cheap eatery that does the trick. Jalapeños isn't perfect, but it's about the best you'll find in Costa Rica.
How to Get to Alajuela
Outside Costa Rica's capital of San Jose, Juan Santamaria Airport (Airport Code SJO) is the closest international airport to Alajuela. In fact, it's in Alajuela.
Distance & Driving Time to Alajuela
From SJO Airport: 2 miles (3 kilometers), about 10 minutes
All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport "meet and greet" service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers. This means you're all set when you arrive in-country - just sit back, relax, and our driver will get you to your destination.
If you're driving into the center of Alajuela from SJO Airport, you're close. It's less than 10 minutes away, although you'll need to give yourself an hour at the airport to arrange that if you're renting a car. But once it's done, you're there!
Come out of the airport and onto the junction you'll see, and follow the signs. You'll pass by the City Mall on your left, and you're home free.