Sights in Alajuela
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Amigos de las Aves
Three kilometers to the southeast, in Río Segundo de Alajuela, is this important and successful green and scarlet macaw breeding program, housed on a 3-hectare finca also known as Flor de Mayo. Founded in 1992 by Richard and Margot Frisius, the organization is working to revive endangered macaw populations in collaboration with the Minae, the government ministry that oversees the national park system. They also have volunteer opportunities (from US$15 to US$18 per person per day). See the website for details. Two-hour guided tours of the breeding center and refuge can be arranged by appointment in advance. It’s tricky to find; get directions.
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A
Museo Juan Santamaría
Situated in a century-old structure that has served as both a jail and an armory, north of the Parque Central, the Museo Juan Santamaría chronicles the life and history of Juan Santamaría, the legendary drummer boy who helped route American filibuster William Walker in 1856 by torching the building that he and his men were hiding out in. A basic exhibit area contains vintage maps, paintings and historical artifacts related to the conflict. They also host rotating arts and crafts exhibitions and there is a small auditorium where performances are occasionally staged.
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Ojo de Agua
About 6km south of Alajuela are the Ojo de Agua springs, a picturesque working-class resort that's packed on weekends with folks from San José and Alajuela.
Approximately 20,000L of water gush out from the spring each minute, filling swimming pools and an artificial boating lake before being piped down to Puntarenas, for which the springs are a major supply of water. There are also snack stands, game courts and a small gymnasium. From San José, drivers can take the San Antonio de Belén exit off the Interamericana; Ojo de Agua is just past San Antonio.
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Flor de Mayo
Three kilometers southeast in Río Segundo de Alajuela is Flor de Mayo, a very successful green and scarlet macaw breeding program. Run by Richard and Margot Frisius, the botanical garden is an early home for infant macaws and has three aviaries that each house a pair of macaws. Visitation is by appointment only, and it's best to get detailed directions as it's difficult to find.
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B
Iglesia La Agonía
A Renaissance-inspired structure, built in 1941, houses the Iglesia La Agonía, a popular local spot for mass (the first one is at 6am). The columned interiors are airy and graceful, with ornate wood altars and, interestingly, a main altar encrusted with a fluorescent crucifix (somehow, it works).
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Parque Central
The shady Parque Central is a pleasant place to relax beneath the mango trees.
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C
Cathedral
Parque Central is surrounded by several 19th-century buildings, including the cathedral, which suffered severe damage in an earthquake in 1991. The hemispherical cupola is unusually constructed of sheets of red corrugated metal. The interior is spacious and elegant rather than ornate; two presidents are buried here.
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Parque Juan Santamaría
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Parque de los Niños
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