You might not know this, but there's a big chance that if you're flying into Costa Rica, then Alajuela will be the very first place in Costa Rica you experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;That's because Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO), the main international airport in Costa Rica, is in Alajuela, not in the capital city of San Jose. But Alajuela is more than just an airport. It's Costa Rica's second-largest city and a province in its own right.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Book the Best Places to Stay in Alajuela, Costa Rica

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton

City of Alajuela

Xandari Resort & Spa

The Retreat

Costa Rica Coffee, the Flavors, and Unique Varieties 

Coffee Plantation Visit

Culture

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Waterfalls

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.

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.

<h2>Experience Urban Costa Rica in Alajuela!</h2>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Best Time to Travel to Alajuela</h3>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.<h3>Weather in Alajuela</h3>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.<h3>Is Alajuela Safe?</h3>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.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652297912/xandari_resort_aerial_general_view_alajuela_d02743f1f7.jpg" alt="xandari-resort-aerial-general-view-alajuela.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652297913/thumbnail_xandari_resort_aerial_general_view_alajuela_d02743f1f7.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652297914/small_xandari_resort_aerial_general_view_alajuela_d02743f1f7.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652297913/medium_xandari_resort_aerial_general_view_alajuela_d02743f1f7.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652297913/large_xandari_resort_aerial_general_view_alajuela_d02743f1f7.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;<h2>Top Restaurants in Alajuela</h2>RaguIn 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.&nbsp;Taj Majal&nbsp;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).&nbsp;Pesqueria da LimontaNormally, 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.&nbsp;El Chante VeganoAnother downtown eatery in Alajuela, this one serving up a fantastic, healthy, vegan fair. Try their quinoa burgers!&nbsp;Jalapeños CentralCosta 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648150983/alajuela_volcano_coffee_field_overview_d51b2ac7cd.jpg" alt="alajuela-volcano-coffee-field-overview.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648150984/thumbnail_alajuela_volcano_coffee_field_overview_d51b2ac7cd.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648150985/small_alajuela_volcano_coffee_field_overview_d51b2ac7cd.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648150985/medium_alajuela_volcano_coffee_field_overview_d51b2ac7cd.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648150984/large_alajuela_volcano_coffee_field_overview_d51b2ac7cd.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;<h2>How to Get to Alajuela</h2>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.&nbsp;<h3>Distance &amp; Driving Time to Alajuela</h3>From SJO Airport: 2 miles (3 kilometers), about 10 minutesAll 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.

Alajuela

Relaxation

Yoga

Real Estate

Wow!!! All I can say is that this trip was amazing. It was an incredible experience from beginning to end. The scenery in this country is beautiful and breathtaking. So much to learn about the continental divide and diversity of the plant and tree life in this beautiful lush rainforest. The volcano in Arenal was amazing. The scenery changed every minute literally. Emma Lasiuk was the reason we decided to take this vacation. I told her what I was looking for and she gave me and my wife everything I wanted and more.