Sidebar #62 - Alajuela Province

Alajuela is located to the northwest of San Jose and is another incredibly important province in Costa Rica. Many visitors to Costa Rica travel to Alajuela province both knowingly, and unknowingly. They may arrive "unknowingly" in a sense, because although the international airport is for “San Jose”, it is actually located in Alajuela.

Outside of the airport, there are several other major travel destinations in the province. La Fortuna is probably the most notable of these places. La Fortuna is a beautiful town known as the gateway to Arenal volcano. There are also lots of thermal baths, waterfalls, hanging bridges, and adventure activities in the area. Alajuela also is home to many other unique sights such as Zarcero, a charming mountain town, Poas volcano, and Starbucks’ coffee farm, Hacienda Alsacia. Finally, my favorite soccer team in Costa Rica, Alajuelense, is based in the city of Alajuela so that is my personal favorite aspect of the province.






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