Things To Do in Alajuela, Poas & the Airport Area
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Alajuela, Poas & the Airport Area Attractions
Alajuela’s main church, the Catedral de Alajuela (Alajuela Cathedral; (tel) 2441-4665) is a large, relatively ornate Catholic church, with a striking white-washed exterior, ceiling frescos, and a gold-leaf painted interior dome. Mass is held Monday to Friday at 9am and 5pm; Saturday at 9am and 7pm; and Sunday at 9 and 11am and 5 and 7pm.
The Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaría (Juan Santamaría Museum of Cultural History) ★, Avenida 3 between calles Central and 2 ((tel) 2441-4775; www.museojuansantamaria.go.cr), commemorates Costa Rica’s national hero, Juan Santamaría, who gave his life defending the country against a mercenary army led by William Walker, a U.S. citizen who invaded Costa Rica in 1856, attempting to set up a slave state. Housed in a sprawling two-story downtown building with a large central courtyard, the museum features permanent exhibits about Santamaría and Walker’s filibuster exploits, as well as temporary expositions, and evening concerts and theater performances. The museum is open Tues through Sun from 9am to 5pm; admission is free.
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- Zoo/Aquarium
Butterfly Farm
At any given time, you might see around 30 of the 80 species of butterflies raised at this butterfly farm south of Alajuela. The butterflies live in a large enclosed garden similar to an aviary and flutter about the heads of visitors during tours of the gardens. You should be certain… - Farm
Doka Estate
This large and long-standing coffee estate/farm in Alajuela offers a tour that takes you from “seed to cup.” Along the way, you’ll get the rundown of the processes involved in the growing, harvesting, curing, packing, and brewing of award-winning coffee. This tour is similar to that… - Natural Attraction
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Originally just a series of trails through primary and secondary forests alongside La Paz River, with lookouts over a series of powerful falls, this attraction has expanded over the years into a multifaceted nature experience.. In addition to the orchid garden and a hummingbird… - Museum
Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaría (Juan Santamaría Museum of Cultural History)
This museum commemorates Costa Rica’s national hero, Juan Santamaría, who gave his life defending the country against a small army led by William Walker, a U.S. citizen who invaded Costa Rica in 1856, attempting to set up a slave state. Housed in a sprawling two-story downtown… - Natural Attractions
Poás Volcano
From San José, narrow roads wind through a landscape of fertile farms and dark forests to this active volcano. A paved road leads right to the top, although you’ll have to hike in about 1km (1/2 mile) to reach the crater. The volcano stands 2,640m (8,659 ft.) tall and is located… - Zoo
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
The opportunity to see dozens of rare, native species that are often quite difficult to encounter in the wild make this one exciting place to visit. Birds are a highlight, with scarlet macaws, reclusive owls, majestic raptors, several different species of toucans, and a host of…
