Alajuela, Costa Rica

Alajuela is also known as Villa Hermosa, meaning beautiful village, and was the country’s capital from the year 1834 to 1835 before it was permanently relocated to San Jose. The province is filled with farms and coffee plantations, and remains a principal trade center for cattle, coffee and sugar. The city of Alajuela has the frills of a modern city, however it is more. Within minutes from the airport, visitors will find a variety of restaurants and accommodations that will fit all tastes and budgets. Since Alajuela has an ideal central location and easy accessibility, it makes a fantastic base for travelers who prefer to take group tours or day trips.

Almost all of the popular excursions from this area are accessible by bus and include a nearby butterfly farm, various canopy tours, Poas Volcano National Park and coffee tours to Doka Estate, as well as visits to Sarchi and the Grecia.

It is the birthplace of Juan Santamaría, the national hero of Costa Rica who was a drummer boy turned national hero during the battle of Hacienda Santa Rosa in 1856. Santamaria sacrificed his own life to preserve the independence of the country, an act that is honored throughout the city with parades and fiestas every April 11, on Juan Santamaria Day. The Juan Santamaría International Airport, the main airport serving Costa Rica, is located just 3 kilometers south of the city. Almost all of the popular excursions from this area are easily accessible. Alajuela is the capital city of the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica. Alajuela serves as the capital for the canton of Alajuela, an area much larger than the district.

It is the birthplace of Juan Santamaría, the national hero of Costa Rica who was a drummer boy turned national hero during the battle of Hacienda Santa Rosa in 1856. Santamaria sacrificed his own life to preserve the independence of the country, an act that is honored throughout the city with parades and fiestas every April 11, on Juan Santamaria Day. The Juan Santamaría International Airport, the main airport serving Costa Rica, is located just 3 kilometers south of the city.

Many consider the Central Valley to be the most comfortable climate in the world with temperatures usually hovering in the upper 70s during the day and lower 60s at night. The rain season here runs from May through November, though the heavy rains are generally during September and October.

Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt.

Modern amenities, close proximity to the airport and plenty of local charm creates an atmosphere that is relaxed where locals greet passersby from their front porches and city wide activities are enjoyed by all. Alejuala boasts a movie theater, internet cafes, and mall with plenty of additional shopping options.

The largest outdoor farmers market in the country is held in Alajuela every Saturday morning. The traditional markets are a must visit event, as they offer up fresh produce, flowers, handicrafts, and snacks, all accompanied by live music. Alajuela gives visitors a glimpse of rural Costa Rican life with all the comforts of a contemporary city – whether you prefer to sit in the shade of a tall palm tree in the picturesque central park, browse through the stalls at the Saturday market, or sample authentic food from Costa Rica in the Mercado Central.

The main exports of the region are coffee, sugar-cane, maize, beans, tobacco, citrus fruits, strawberries, tubers like cassava, flowers and ornamental plants. Other commercial activities include poultry farming, beekeeping, pig farming and the dairy industry. More recently, Alajuela has seen important investment in free zone parks and heavy industry companies.