Alajuela

This province has an enviable natural richness. Its uneven topography includes the rainforest and exuberant plains to the north. Visitors have a choice of the two most impressive, active volcanoes of the country: Arenal volcano, in the City of San Carlos and the Poás volcano, at the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. Surrounded by farms and coffee plantations. It is located in the Central Valley, about 20 minutes, 19 kilometers northwest of San José.

La Fortuna, Costa Rica is a small-town famous for its fantastic outdoor adventures, beautiful scenery, natural hot springs and stunning Arenal Volcano views. For these reasons, La Fortuna is one of the best destinations in Costa Rica for first time visitors and even repeat visitors.

 

The Arenal volcano, with its beautiful conic silhouette, is one of the most active in the world. Its charm is enhanced at night, when the colorful eruptions and lava rivers can be fully appreciated.

 

Alajuela’s central location and accessibility are ideal for travelers who prefer taking day trips or group tours with the convenience of returning to a familiar hotel. Popular excursions include a nearby butterfly farm, Poas Volcano National Park and coffee tours to Doka Estate, all accessible by public bus.

 

 

The climate is tropical, typical of the Central Valley, but slightly warmer than San José. Temperatures are moderate, averaging 23–26 degrees Celsius (about 73-78 Fahrenheit degrees) with a low humidity level, with dewpoints around 20 almost all year round. Alajuela and its surroundings are famed for having "the best weather in the world".

 

Some of the activities you can do are to visit other than the most two visit volcanoes are to hike Barbara Volcano, which is part of Braulio Carillo National Park. It is a non-active volcano located in a protected national park area. You will need a 4×4 vehicle to get here, especially in the rainy season. Or hike to Cataratas Bosque del Nino, the hike to this waterfall is steep and strenuous in some parts, but it is a nice woodsy hike with an impressive waterfall view as a reward. You can also enjoy Rescate Wildlife Rescue center as well as La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

 

If you are a coffee lover you can visit the Doka Estate which is a small local business, also just a few minutes' drive you will find Hacienda Alsacia which is the only coffee farm run by Starbucks in the world that you can actually visit, or you can do both. 

 

Personally, I love nature and Alajuela is one of my favorite places to go to in Costa Rica. I'm pretty sure you will find something you will love about Alajuela too, especially from La Fortuna. There is so much to do and see and you get a wonderful experience of the lush rainforests, volcano and Pura Vida lifestyle of the Costa Ricans. With that being said, let's start packing!