Alajuela is a province and city in Costa Rica, in Central America. The city is the country's second-largest and is often called the "City of Mangoes." It sits close to the capital, San José, and it is the home of Juan Santamaría International Airport, so many visitors pass through it on the way to somewhere else.
Alajuela is also a useful base for exploring the wider province, which reaches from the urban centre into more rural and mountainous country. The province takes in the Arenal Volcano, the hot springs of La Fortuna, and the misty cloud forests of Monteverde. Those places are among the reasons people come to this part of the country, and the city gives a practical starting point for reaching them.
What to expect in the city
- Bustling markets where tropical fruit is sold, including the mangoes that give the city its nickname.
- An easy transition between urban comforts and the countryside.
- Convenient access to the international airport.
Beyond the city
The province is known for its natural landscapes. Arenal Volcano is one of its best-known features, and the hot springs of La Fortuna offer a place to relax after a day outdoors. Monteverde's cloud forests are cool, damp and quiet, and they make a contrast with the lower, warmer parts of the province.
Alajuela suits visitors who want a mix of city life and nature, with lodging ranging from city hotels to eco-lodges set among the forest and countryside. Plan your route around the region's distances and travel times, since the attractions are spread across the province rather than gathered in one place.