Things to do in Alajuela
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Como en Casa
This Argentinean grill is a popular weekend lunch spot, serving a comprehensive round-up of grilled meats and a strong selection of pastas (including vegetarian options). There is a good wine list (from ₡6600 abottle), as well as desert crepes stuffed with local strawberries.
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Jalepeños Central
Run by an animated Colombian-American from New York City, this popular Tex-Mex spot will introduce some much-needed spice into your diet – as well as some super jumbo burritos. You’ll also find Tico specialties, spit-roasted chicken and New York–style cheesecake.
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Ojo de Agua Springs
About 6km south of Alajuela are the Ojo de Agua springs, a picturesque working-class water park that’s packed on weekends with families from San José and Alajuela. Approximately 20,000L of water gush out from the spring each minute, powering a small waterfall that’s great for shoulder massages, as well as filling various pools (including an Olympic-sized lap pool complete with diving tower) and an artificial boating lake. From here, the water is piped down to the coast at Puntarenas, for which the springs are a major supplier of water. There are also snack stands and game courts. From Alajuela, buses depart every half hour from the main terminal area on the southwest end …
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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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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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Goodlight Books
Book-a-holics rejoice! You’ll find one of the best English-language bookstores in the country right in Alajuela. Goodlight Books, managed by longtime expat Larry Coulter, offers a mind-boggling selection of tomes: 9000 well-organized books (both used and new) that cover everything from literature to history to sci-fi. He also keeps a worthwhile stock of difficult-to-find books on Costa Rica and the region, and there is a small array of volumes in Dutch and German. You will also find maps, guidebooks and a tiny cafe serving very tasty iced coffee.
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Los Olivos
This bright corner spot facing the Parque de los Niños serves tasty café con leche (coffee with milk), along with a mix of international specialties, from burritos to steak. The best part: if you pick up fresh strawberries from the roadside vendors near the Poás volcano, the kitchen will clean them and whip them up into a delicious natural de fresa (strawberry shake without milk) – with the purchase of a main dish.
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Ceviche del Rey
It’s worth the trek to the northern outskirts of town for Peruvian food at this favorite family outpost. Expect all manner of Andean classics, including fresh ceviche (seafood marinated in lime juice), the tender stir-fries known as saltados and even harder-to-find regional specialties such as cabrito a la norteña (stewed goat in cilantro). They even have Peruvian beer.
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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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La Mansarda
An old standby for traditional Costa Rican fare is this casual balcony restaurant overlooking the street. Grilled fish and chicken dishes are the specialty, and can be complemented by a good selection of wines by the glass (from ₡1400). Save room for the flan de coco (coconut flan) or, better yet, a belt of Flor de Caña rum. The best!
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Dolcelato
A fantastical array of Italian ice creams in flavors of both fruit and chocolate can be found at this contemporary gelateria at the strip mall on the south edge of town. In a nod to local palates, they even have the mysterious flavor known as ‘Churchill’.
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Ambrosia
This pretty, open-air cafe in a yellow building is good for a pick-me-up espresso. The menu features a mix of Italian-influenced options, including sandwiches, pasta and several types of tasty lasagna (including one made with hearts of palm).
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Fundación Castillo
A few blocks from central Alajuela, this school also offers courses in business Spanish for a bit extra. There are activities and field trips around town every afternoon, and students get a discount at a local Latin dance school.
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Mercado Central
Head to the enclosed Mercado Central for lots of sodas, produce stands and much, much more. If you're having a little bit of culture shock, all of your favorite fast-food chains are conveniently located downtown.
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Libros Chiloé
Dusty little shop packed to the rafters with Spanish-language historic and literary tomes, including a large section devoted to Costa Rican history. There is a small selection of English and French titles, too.
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La Baranda
Though this soda (inexpensive eatery) definitely caters to tourists, it's still packed with locals in search of hearty casados and fresh ceviche (uncooked but well-marinated seafood.
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Panadería Santa Clara
Follow your nose to this outstanding bakery, which is stocked with all types of homemade breads as well as eye-popping pastries, cookies and cakes. The macaroons totally rule!
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Adventure Education Center
Combine Spanish classes and white-water rafting at this Turrialba school that also offers medical Spanish.
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Monkey Shot
If you're looking to experience the melodic monotony that is reggaetón, check out Monkey Shot, a huge indoor-outdoor bar that sometimes has male and female strippers.
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Finca La Flor de Paraíso
This organic farm, outside of Cartago, offers small group classes.
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La Cocina de Abuelita
A real locals' haunt, this place serves up a buffet of such Tico treats as pork stew and fried plantains. It's as cheap, hearty and authentic as a farmer's cackle.
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Coffee Dreams Café
This adorable cafe is a great place to sample the local blend, but it’s worth bringing your appetite along, too, as the tamales here are hot and heavenly.
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Intercultura
This Heredia school also arranges volunteer positions throughout the country, and your new language comes with cooking and dance classes included.
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Café Las Delicias
A cute corner spot for cappuccino, iced coffee, chilled drinks, cheesecake and a highly yummy pastelito de piña (pineapple pastry).
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