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Things to do in Alajuela

Our most recommended things to do in Alajuela

San José: Guided Volcano, Waterfall & Coffee Farm Day Trip

1. San José: Guided Volcano, Waterfall & Coffee Farm Day Trip

Visit the Poás Volcano, the picturesque La Paz outdoor waterfall, and a coffee farm on a day trip from San José, Costa Rica. A wonderful choice for coffee aficionados and nature lovers alike, this tour includes a hotel pickup and lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a convenient pickup directly from your accommodation in San Jose and make your way to your first stop for the day, the Poás Volcano. Travel in an air-conditioned van and admire coffee plantations as well as flower and strawberry farms along the way. Poás is one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes and last erupted in April 2017. The volcano and the surrounding park were closed for close to 17 months and a safety perimeter of nearly 2.5 kilometers was established around the erupting crater. At the volcano, you'll have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles. Then, follow a trail to the Botos Lagoon, a crater lake located inside the Poás Volcano National Park. As you hike, learn about the different ecosystems in the park. After your trek, refuel with a delicious lunch of local fare at one of the restaurants in the area. Then, head out to your next destination, the La Paz Waterfall. Discover La Paz waterfall as you stroll along paved trails through cloud forests and rainforests. Make the most of excellent photo opportunities as you visit these falls and see them from different vantage points Then, head to your final stop for the day, the Hacienda coffee farm, the first and only Coffee farm. See the visitor center and learn what Coffee is doing to empower farmers, promote sustainable practices, and develop the next generation of coffee. At the end of your Costa Rica adventure, enjoy a convenient transfer back to your hotel in San José.

San Jose: Irazú Volcano, Cartago City & Orosi Valley Tour

2. San Jose: Irazú Volcano, Cartago City & Orosi Valley Tour

Start with a pickup from your hotel and travel by minibus along the Panamerican Highway until you reach the base of the Irazú Volcano. Travel up the winding road through fertile farmlands where many types of fruit and vegetables are cultivated.  Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. At the summit of the volcano, on a clear day, marvel at the spectacular view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Next, descend to the city of Cartago and stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica. Discover this local pilgrimage site which has large vaulted ceilings and exquisite examples of stained glass windows.  Continue the tour through the Orosi Valley, an area of magnificent natural beauty. Visit one of the few remaining colonial churches in the region and stop for a tasty typical lunch at one of the local restaurants. Finally, be returned to your hotel to complete the tour.

San José: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining w/ Meals

3. San José: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining w/ Meals

Tour the best locations in Costa Rica and learn about local life and culture from those who live there. Visit a coffee plantation, zip line, and soak in the hot springs at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Take the scenic route to the Arenal Volcano and visit a coffee plantation along the way. Gain an insight into the world of Costa Rican coffee and taste one of the best coffees in the world. Arrive at the "La Paz" and "San Fernando" waterfalls and admire the exotic tropical birds of Costa Rica, including many species of hummingbirds and rare emerald toucanets. Take in the views at the San Fernando Waterfall observation point before heading to the "Iguana Bridge", where you will have the chance to spot iguanas, sloths, monkeys, and toucans. Stop for an authentic Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant located in "La Fortuna." Then, prepare for a zip-lining adventure in the local rainforest jungles with 9 canopy cables and a 50 meter (150 feet) rappel on the Arenal River. Learn about the culture while listening to a "Maleku" Indigenous tribe presentation from locals. Relax for a couple of hours in the Paradise Hot Springs at the base of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by tropical gardens followed by dinner.

From San Jose: 3-Day Tortuguero National Park Excursion

4. From San Jose: 3-Day Tortuguero National Park Excursion

Explore the protected Tortuguero National Park in the Limón Province, reachable only by airplane or boat. Take in the wealth of biodiversity in its eleven different habitats, including rainforest, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. Trip itinerary: Day 1: After an early morning hotel pickup, admire the biodiversity of a primary forest through the window as you drive past Braulio Carrillo National Park. Sample a delicious Costa Rican breakfast during the drive. Mid-morning, board a comfortable boat and travel along the Tortuguero Canals. Be enchanted by the surrounding paradise and its varied flora and fauna. Then, enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious lunch at the hotel. After lunch, tour the canals and take incredible photos for the rest of the afternoon. Arrive at Pachira Lodge (or similar) for a delightful dinner and a restful night's sleep. Day 2: Discover the flavors of Costa Rica with breakfast at the Lodge. Then, hike along the Lodge's private trail and work up an appetite for lunch. After lunch at the Lodge, visit the Sea Turtle Museum, the beach, and the picturesque village of Tortuguero. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the Lodge again. Day 3: After breakfast at the Lodge, head back to San José, stopping for lunch at El Ceibo in Guápiles on the way. Arrive back in San José in the afternoon.

San Jose: Tortuguero Park Day Tour with Breakfast & Lunch

5. San Jose: Tortuguero Park Day Tour with Breakfast & Lunch

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in San Jose, Heredia, or Alajuela at 6:00 AM. On your way to breakfast, drive past rolling coffee plantations and admire the mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park. At around 7:15 AM, stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast to set you up for the day's adventure. Enjoy fresh fruit juice, coffee, eggs, and the popular gallo pinto (a typical Central American rice and bean dish.) After breakfast, visit a local banana plantation and learn about the process of growing and exporting fruit. At around 10:00 AM, leave the bus behind and hop onboard a boat as you cruise into the jungle of Tortuguero National Park. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, which covers over 29,000 hectares, soak up the magic of this luscious green landscape. As you sail along the jungle canals, see native green sea turtles, as well as other endangered animals such as sloths, monkeys, and manatees. There are also countless colorful butterflies, toucans, herons, crocodiles, and more. Learn about each of the animals and their habitat in the jungle, as well as about local conservation efforts to protect them. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, enjoy a hearty buffet lunch. After lunch, take a relaxing stroll through Tortuguero Village where you’ll discover local life and learn about the history of the town and its residents. At the end of an unforgettable day, get back on the bus at around 3:30 PM and begin the return journey back to San Jose.

Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens

6. Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Experience Costa Rica's nature and culture on this full-day tour from San José. Your first destination is the Doka Estate coffee plantation, where you'll learn all about the ancient techniques of producing some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. Experience the careful process involved in the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting of the Golden Bean before tasting the delectable product. After your coffee tour, continue to Poás Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and beautiful scenery in a cloud forest. Climb up Poás Volcano, an active stratovolcano that most recently erupted in 2017. The crater of the volcano is over a mile across and 1,050 feet deep, making for breathtaking views. Hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon as you learn about the different ecosystems in the park. Then, continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and enjoy a buffet lunch of traditional Costa Rican dishes. After lunch, explore the lush tropical rainforest. See the flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds before returning to San José.

San Jose: Doka, Grecia & Sarchi Oxcart Factories and Stores

7. San Jose: Doka, Grecia & Sarchi Oxcart Factories and Stores

Dive into the art, architecture, history, and flavors of Costa Rica's countryside on this fun-filled day tour. Check out a coffee and sugar cane plantation with plenty of time for samples, make a stop at a butterfly museum, and get up-close looks at the creations of artisans in the town of Sarchi. Start your day at the Doka Estate, where you can follow the process of creating the perfect cup of coffee. See how beans are harvested and roasted, get tips on your tasting technique, and then wake up with a rich cup followed by a tasty lunch. In the afternoon, head to the charming town of Grecia to learn how its brick-red metal church was built using materials from Belgium in the late 19th-century. Nearby, pop into a butterfly museum for up-close looks at exotic species. Then, hop back in your shuttle to head to Sarchi. When you arrive, get an insider's look at artisan workshops that produce the colorful ox carts the town is famous for, and then return to San Jose with convenient drop-off back at your hotel.

From San Jose: Coffee Plantation Day Trip with Coffee Sample

8. From San Jose: Coffee Plantation Day Trip with Coffee Sample

Our tour guide will pick up you at your hotel and bring you with comfortable and full equipment vehicle to our estate. Getting to our destination, we start the tour with a delicious iced coffee as a welcome drink and we going to walk through a coffee plantation, visiting different stations as the coffee nursery, wet mill, drying patios, roasting room and souvenir shop. Also, we will enjoy a coffee sample with different blends and roasts. After the tour you can discover by yourself the butterfly garden, the botanical garden and takes great pictures of the place. Just in case we also have a restaurant so you can enjoy typical food and the local flavor in addition.

San José Airport: Transfer to/from Jaco or Playa Herradura

9. San José Airport: Transfer to/from Jaco or Playa Herradura

Enjoy a private transfer between San José Airport and Jaco or Playa Herradura. Choose from either a hotel-to-airport transfer or an airport-to-hotel transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport. Experience a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned vehicle. Let your driver navigate you through the traffic smoothly. Travel conveniently without having to worry about pre-booking or last-minute searching.

San Jose: Sarapiqui River & La Paz Gardens Tour with Lunch

10. San Jose: Sarapiqui River & La Paz Gardens Tour with Lunch

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in San Jose and heads to the stunning La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This private nature reserve has been designed to educate visitors and provide sanctuary for rescued wildlife through a variety of gardens and exhibits. Enjoy a stroll through the park's luscious green landscapes and see rescued jaguars, colorful butterflies, exotic birds, and unique plants. Theres's also plenty of tropical cascades to admire and snap photos of for your vacation album. Later, discover the wonders of the Sarapiqui River on a relaxing boat cruise. Soak up the tranquility of the river and surrounding rainforest as you listen to the sound of bird’s chirping and trickling water. At the end of an unforgettable adventure, be dropped off back to your accommodation.

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What people are saying about Alajuela

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 223 reviews

Such a great experience. Alex our tour guide was amazing. From pulling over to spot Costa Rica’s vast wildlife, to helping us perfect our selfies & memorable photos, to taking care of a majority all girls booked group. Felt entirely safe & at home. Loved the coffee shop, and other mini shops we stopped at along the way. The drive was actually probably one of my more favorite parts of the entire day. The springs were cool, but they are man-made, resort like springs. The zip lining was great as well. Felt super safe with the crew helping us thru the jungle. Saw some amazing wildlife out there too. Overall, this excursion was my fav day in Costa Rica 10/10.

lovely tour to beautiful Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna area, with great stops at Lapaz waterfalls, and small restaurant (called soda) with bird feeders and lots of amazing birds I would recommend this trips however it is just a bit too long

Beautiful experience! Geovanny was very kind and professional. The visit to the volcano is breathtaking and the meal was delicious with a fantastic view! This tour is a must when you are in San Jose! Don't miss it!

It was expensive, but I enjoyed it. Our guide Harlem is very knowledgeable and he is a birdwatcher as well.

Guide, Oscar, is very knowledgeable about visited sites and arranged trip to optimize our use of time.