8 Things to do in Alajuela Costa Rica with 48 Hours

April 14, 2025

Here is a comprehensive list of things to do in Alajuela Costa Rica – just a short drive from the Juan Santamaria International airport vicinity if find yourself in the area with a little extra time and looking for stuff to do.

Here is a comprehensive list of things to do in Alajuela Costa Rica – just a short drive from the Juan Santamaria International airport vicinity if find yourself in the area with a little extra time and looking for stuff to do.

If You Have 1 Day in Alajuela…

This one-day itinerary includes a bit of relaxation & some outdoor adventure to entertain and help shake off jet lag. One of the top things to do during your stay at Hotel Villa San Ignacio is to visit the Poás Volcano. Your best chance for clear weather in the cloud forest will be early morning.

Day 1 – Morning at Poás Volcano


Start your first day in the Alajuela area of Costa Rica with an early morning tour of Poás Volcano; we recommend that you reserve your park entry a few days ahead. Visiting hours to Poás volcano, including holidays, are 7:00 a.m. to the last viewing tour at 1:20 p.m.

Day 1 – Afternoon Options

Near the Poás Volcano, there are several options of places to visit in the afternoon. While you are in the area, consider one or two of the following options:


La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the #1 most visited privately owned ecological attraction in not only Alajuela, but in all of Costa Rica. This tour features an easy hike with views of the breathtaking waterfall, a wildlife preserve with over 100 species of rescued animals, and an environmental education program.

The ARK Ethno Botanical Garden. If you love plants, this botanical garden will satisfy the most professional enthusiast of this fascinating world.

Costa Rica is known for its perfectly balanced coffee. An educational tour of the Doka Coffee Farm will take you from the seed to the cup. You experience everything there is to know about how coffee is harvested and roasted in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

 

If You Have 2 Days in Alajuela…

Staying 2 or 3 nights allows you to add a bit of local history and culture to your Alajuela visit. Set aside a day to change the pace and experience the local day-to-day “pura vida” lifestyle of Costa Rica. Spending time in the region will enrich your experience with a greater perspective of life in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Day 2 – Morning Birdwatching Tour


Start your morning with breakfast at Hotel Villa San Ignacio and shortly after enjoy the morning with a local expert as your guide who knows the best birding spots at Hotel Villa San Ignacio.

Day 2 – Afternoon in Alajuela Central


Grab a Copo and find space on a shaded bench in Alajuela’s Central Park. Take a break like a Tico in Alajuela’s historical center. In Alajuela you will discover a few of the simple pleasures noted on My Tan Feet travel blog’s list of 50 things to do while in Costa Rica.

Day 2 – Family Activities Near Hotel Villa San Ignacio


Only a few minutes away, both the ZooAve Wildlife Rescue Center and the Chocotour are family-friendly activities that are fun, shorter tours.

Looking for a hotel in Alajuela Costa Rica?

Alajuela, the so-called “Ciudad de los Mangos”, has the namesake for the number of fincas or Mango Fruit plantations in the province. Hotel Villa San Ignacio is located only 4 kilometers from all the things to do in Alajuela mentioned above. True to our location, we have several mango trees on the property. You can enjoy both the feel of the finca and also the city. Within minutes, you can start exploring Alajuela by taxi or a rental car.

>>>Book your stay at the best hotel in Costa Rica

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