Top Things to Do in Alajuela
Things to Do in Alajuela
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Popular things to do
- 4WD Tours
- Hiking Tours
- Day Trips & Excursions
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Sporting Events
- Airport & Hotel Transfers
- Walking Tours
- Tours & Sightseeing
- Top Picks
- Luxury & Special Occasions
- Ports of Call Tours
- Food, Wine & Nightlife
- Cultural & Theme Tours
- Water Sports
- Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
- Family Friendly
- Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
- Weddings & Honeymoons
- Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
- Special Offers
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Alajuela.
Top Attractions in Alajuela
Zoos • Educational sites
Open now
Admission tickets from €29.28
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Open now
Parks • Forests
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Arenas & Stadiums
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Theatres
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Open now
Multi-day Tours • Taxis & Shuttles
Private Tours • Day Trips
Nature & Wildlife Tours • Factory Tours
Open now
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Barbara7 contributionsKarol our tour guide was so friendly and warm - fascinating experience in a gorgeous setting! Just happened in, was on the tour in minutes. Easy, free parking.Written 3 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roza169Switzerland4 contributionsI did the guided tour to the Wildlife Rescue Center which is only 5 dollars more than the general admission ticket. It was definitely worth it since our guide Amy knew a lot about the animals, the tasks of the rescue center, the facilities of the center and how to find the animals. It is really interesting and informative to go to the center! You get a lot more aware of wildlife and what (not) to do with animals you find on the street.Written 3 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Minor RAlajuela, Costa Rica4 contributionsGood place to hike, moderate difficulty, not accessible for people with some disability.
Suggestion: I would include more signaling, since the trails are a little bit confuse so you could easily lose or don’t arrive to the correct lagoon (Hule or Congo).
Recommended. Carry a floater.Written 21 February 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - COLETTE BRueil-Malmaison, France15 contributionsvery nice place quiet
beautiful church
it is free and visit is short
the place is green and quiet
easy for childrenWritten 16 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Phil GLondon, UK36 contributionsIf you're in Alajuela then this is somewhere you must visit, along with the central market!!
Here you can learn all about the history of the country and see many interesting historical items of clothing, tools, stonware, army weapons, etc... It doesn't take more than an hour to walk round and it's a good place to take a break from either the heat or the rain.
I think the entry was free and the staff that were working at the museum were very helpful.Written 31 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - romanshornerMunich, Germany936 contributionsThis mall is quite big and has several floors. Inside, there are a lot of international brand stores and an big electronics store, which are more expensive than in our home country (Europe). There is also a Food Court. Shops for tourists are less. Only one little souvenir shop with a limited choice. And the supermarket in the basement for buying local alcohol, cocoa or coffee. It was very difficult to change money inside (Euro to local currency). But it is more a place for local people than for tourists. I think a tourist you can skip.Written 4 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JoeVaudreuil-Dorion, Canada12 contributionsvery clean and entertaining mall with many restaurants and clothing store not to mention the nicest barber shop I ever sawWritten 30 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cdub333Chicago, IL302 contributionsAn inspiring statue of Juan Santamaría is of course the centerpiece of this pleasant park, not far from the old cathedral.
Juan Santamaría was part of a rag-tag campesino army trying to repel Tennessee pro-slavery advocate William Walker (who had already invaded Nicaragua and was moving down the coast). A doctor-turned-adventurer, Walker hoped to lead a mercenary conquest of Central America and make the whole region pro-slavery.
Santamaría (of Alajuela) was a drummer boy in the Costa Rican forces. He volunteered to set fire to a wood fort where Walker’s “army” was holed up. He lit it up, but was shot to death. Walker’s forces retreated north after a 14-minute fight.
Santamaría is depicted gripping a torch, charging into possible death. Below the statue are two small cannons on an elevated stage (with a dangerous drop-off; I almost plunged off). Colorful noisy parrots fly around the trees and old buildings by the park. A shoeshine guy is doing a brisk business, lovers stroll, old men read newspapers.
There are several nice parks in this area of Alajuela, but this is the only one celebrating the boy hero. Could he have known an international airport would be named in his honor?Written 20 February 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Karina ACosta Rica11 contributionsWe went to Fraijanes on a Sunday, to have a change in our schedules, we enjoy very much outdoors activities and hiking through the woods and then just lying in the grass and grab a snack to relax your body, mind and soul is perfect. The place allows you to set your mind free.Written 18 March 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeffrey MWilliamsburg, VA309 contributionsFootball is the world's favorite sport and the stadium in Alajeula is where medium-sized crowds enjoy. There is nothing fancy about this stadium, but if you get there early you can get a perfectly decent general admittance seat for $10, Take local currency for drinks and snacks in the stands. If you cannot get a ticket in advance, get there early since the ticket booth lines are long and slow.
Alajuela is a Costa Rican powerhouse, so you will probably see a victory by the home team.Written 29 January 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AndrewTaylorSao Paulo, SP17 contributionsVolcano, and an exotic fauna. You have to arrive early to avoid the heat, crowds and late afternoon clouds that will disrupt the beautiful view of the Arenal. Once you have enjoyed the volcano, it is a good idea to stop for lunch. After, drive about 10 minutes out of town towards the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. It is easily accessible via a stairway platformWritten 28 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- fromfloridaFloridaRenton, WA6 contributionsGreat tour given by Anna , beautiful landscape of the rescue center and Genuine love and care for the animals they have. Very nice tour for all ages and looking forward to come back and visit againWritten 31 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- YaFiCalgary387 contributionsWe enjoyed our stop at that rescue center (on the way b/w Sarapiqui and la Fortuna). Big and spacious grounds with lots of shade, interesting animals. Tapir, peccaries, monkeys, lots of parrots, etc. The only sad part is small cages for the big cats...
I am glad we went (credit to some pics below goes to my son :)
To read more reviews, go to their FB page.Written 11 March 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Esteban Carranza3 contributionsBeware of any tour offering this hike. It’s an ilegal access to an extremely dangerous and forbidden area.
Although the pictures indeed look nice, this is not an authorized access to the Poas Volcano national park and exposes people to hazardous conditions, as has been warned in numerous occasions in local media. In case of injury, insurance policies could deny coverage due to the ilegal nature of the hike. Avoid!Written 1 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alajuela
- The top attractions to visit in Alajuela are:
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm
- Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
- Laguna de Hule
- Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral
- Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
- The best outdoor activities in Alajuela according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Rescue Center Costa Rica
- Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
- Cavernas del Venado
- Parque Juan Santamaria
- Laguna de Hule
- The best day trips from Alajuela according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
- Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José
- Monteverde Sky Tram & Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Tour from San Jose
- Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose
- The most popular things to do in Alajuela with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Rescue Center Costa Rica
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm
- Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
- Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral
- Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum