|
Alajuela (älähwā'lä), the provincial capital city of the province, is located northwest of San José and has about 220,000 inabitants. Alajuela's climate is warmer than many other areas in the Central Valley. It is the birthplace of Juan Santamaria, a national hero and for whom the international airport is named (the airport is 3 km. south of the city center). The Cordillera Mountain range passes through the province and is dotted with spectacular volcanoes and magnificent natural beauty. Arenal Volcano, located within Alajuela province and the most well-known of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, offers hot baths, scenic waterfalls and horseback riding trails through lush greenery. Nearby Lake Arenal, the largest inland body of water in Costa Rica (48 square miles), provides excellent fishing, windsurfing and boating opportunities. (Arenal Volcano is often referred to as being in the Northern Region, along with the towns of Neuvo Arenal and Tilarán.) Another important volcano in Alajuela province is Poás. Visits to Poás Volcano (37 km. north of Alajuela) and nearby La Paz Waterfall in Heredia make a pleasant day trip. Poás Volcano is a large crater filled with bubbling, green, sulfurous liquid. On a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from this vantage point. Be sure to go early in the morning before the clouds roll in.
Sarchi is a popular destination for those who enjoy handcrafted wood products or leather rocking chairs (you can't leave Costa Rica without having enjoyed a rock in one!). Sarchi has several home businesses in which artisans fill orders to duplicate a bed, dresser, chair or table from just a picture!
Zarcero is recognized as the town with the "tree scuptures" similar to those found in Disneyworld. Passing through town, you can't miss the large sculpture garden in front of the church.
Popular towns in Alajuela Province are Atenas, Grecia, La Guácima, Fraijanes, La Garita, Sarchi, Zarcero, San Ramón and La Fortuna.
|