Things to do & places to visit in Province of Alajuela, Costa Rica

Province of Alajuela #3 destination in Costa Rica 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 49.0k traveler reviews, of 238 attractions. Timezone: America/Costa_Rica, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 23:25.

Province of Alajuela Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

82°F - 69°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm, humid but cool

Feels like

89%

Chance of rain

1171.0 millimeters

Amount

6.0 mph

Wind speed

91%

Humidity

12.6

Daylight length

5:15 AM

Sunrise

5:50 PM

Sunset

16%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (39)

Top destinations in Province of Alajuela 66

See more 54 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Proyecto Asis (1.784 reviews)
- Great Family Experience!
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Previous Reservation is required. Proyecto Asis is a Wildlife Shelter and Environmental Education Center located very close to La Fortuna. Wild animals which have been found wounded, forsaken or are rescued from the black market by the local forest rangers are brought here. Those that cannot be released are used within our educational programs. In order to finance our shelter, we offer daily tours and volunteer activities. Schedules: Monday to Saturday at 8:30 am or at 1:00 pm. Sundays Closed. Easy access facilities and trails for all ages. See more..
5.0 Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm (1.134 reviews)
- Good tour but should come with a drink
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms

A place where connection - and our mission - come to life. Located on the slopes of Poás Volcano, less than one hour away from Costa Rica's capital of San Jose, Hacienda Alsacia is the company's first and only coffee farm. But it's so much more. See firsthand the work being done to partner with local farmers, promote sustainable practices and develop the next generation of coffee in Costa Rica and around the globe. 90-minute guided coffee tour. See more..
5.0 Bogarin Trail (881 reviews)
- Amazing Guide!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Sloths, sloths, and more sloths! Visit Bogarin Trail, the BEST place in Costa Rica to see sloths in their natural habitat! Our private trail offers tons of wildlife just 5 minutes away from downtown La Fortuna! For rates and bookings please visit our website! https://lafortunasancarlos.com/ See more..
5.0 El Toledo Coffee Tour (470 reviews)
- Excellent! Equal parts coffee tasting, coffee tour, and coffee (and health) philosophy. And organic too!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

We are a sustainable organic coffee farm. We have been using sustainably organic practices for over fourteen years. Today we are happy to consider ourselves environmentalists first, and coffee farmers second. See more..
5.0 Venado Caves (424 reviews)
- Best Tour Ever!
Caverns & Caves

When looking for a fun adventure in Costa Rica, this is a must-do. The cave is beautiful and very cool to spelunk though. The tight passages were surprisingly not claustrophic, as they were fairly short and our guide, Mauricio, would guide us through in very understandable English. In fact, he would often offer a wider passage if we were not comfortable with the more narrow. Beautiful formations. We were able to take our time and enjoy the cave and it's beauty. Wear water shoes, but though one gets wet, it is not muddy. My husband is scared to death of spiders, but he was having so much fun that Mauricio convinced him to hold a very sweet cave spider. The cost was extremely reasonable and for only $10/person,, Mauricio snapped over 80 professional pictures for us. This tour would be great for our grandchildren (ages 7 - 12) up to us (ages 61 and 63). Thank you, Mauricio. We will be back next year to do it again. Pura Vida! See more..
5.0 Rescue Center Costa Rica (289 reviews)
- Rescue Center Costa Rica
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Rescue Center is dedicated to protect and help endangered Costa Rican wildlife indigenous to our beautiful country. First and foremost, our goal is to ensure the welfare of injured animals and help them recover from their physical and psychological wounds. We staff a team of experienced veterinarians who work at our on-site hospital in addition to the thousands of volunteers from around the world who have helped us over the past 10 years. We rescue, rehabilitate and when possible release the animals back to their natural habitat. We are a non-profit and receive no government help financially. The passion of the owners, dedication of our staff and generosity of our volunteers and donors makes everything possible. We don't believe we can solve all of the world's problems but we do believe the work we do makes the world just a little bit better. We hope you feel the same way and if you do please click the links above and join our team as a donor, intern or volunteer. We look forward to seeing you soon in beautiful Costa Rica. Pura Vida See more..
5.0 Finca Verde Lodge Tours (283 reviews)
- Great stop after Rio Celeste
Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We added an unexpected stop at Finca Verde after hearing about it from fellow travelers. It was a great experience and definitely worth the detour. The price of a tour is very reasonable (about $15/pp) and much more affordable than the tours in La Fortuna. We do not normally do "guided tours" and typically prefer to hike alone, but because the price was so reasonable, we decided to go with a guide this time. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The restaurant was also great, we had lunch there after the tour and the food was delicious. This is a great stop if you are visiting the Rio Celeste area. See more..
5.0 Jungle Life Costa Rica (254 reviews)
- Great tour in the jungle with daniel
Private Tours

Daniel was our tour guide and did an amazing job of finding all hidden animals. It was beautiful to explore in the jungle! See more..
5.0 Canyoning Costa Rica Maquique Adventure (241 reviews)
- A+++dventure with Maquique
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

We (my 10yr old daughter) sister and brother all went canyoning with Maquique. It was the highlight of our trip. My brother and I are very afraid of heights but felt so safe with our guides. My daughter has been terrified to zip line but the manner and calm demeanor of our guides was so effective that my daughter cannot wait to do it again. For the fearless adventurous souls and even the nervous adventurous souls go with Maquique. See more..
5.0 Tree Chocolate Tour (228 reviews)
- Wonderful Chocolate Tour- Would go again!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Distillery Tours • Walking Tours • Food Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Factory Tours

We loved the Tree Chocolate Tour. There were 15 of us on our tour, including our kids and grandkids, ages 2-15. Our tour guide was so nice and very knowledgeable and spoke great English. He kept everyone's interest, including the 2 year old. We got to smell and taste all kinds of plants, like cinnamon and vanilla. There was an interesting demonstration as to how the chocolate was made. We got to have some hot chocolate, that was Amazing. Our guide took us on a walk through the farm into the rain forest. There was a swing that was attached to a 350 year old tree. All 7 of our grandkids got to swing on this magnificent swing. The owners were so kind and helpful. There is a little shop inside the house that you can buy cocoa products, candy bars, candles, hot chocolate powder, wooden items made by the locals and other products. Our family highly recommends this Cocoa Farm. See more..
5.0 Canopy San Lorenzo (224 reviews)
- Awesome adventure
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Horseback Riding Tours

Absolutely amazing experience canyoning with this company. They are real professionals who take safety very seriously. Very informative and funny guides who enhance the experience. Rappelling down into a waterfall then being inside the canyon is truly unique and I highly recommend this anyone looking for an awesome time. See more..
5.0 Bijagua Rainforest - Tours (199 reviews)
- Best way to see tapirs!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bike Tours • Eco Tours • Night Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

During our stay in Rio Celeste Hideaway we booked a tour to view tapirs on the day of our arrival. It turned out to be a private tour. The tour in a privately-owned reserve lasted about 4 hours, included fruit and snacks (empanadas) and was hosted by tour company owner Marlon, who proved to be a knowledgable and pleasant guide. Lucky us, we saw 3 tapirs up close, including a 5 month old baby! Highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Onca Tours (169 reviews)
- Excellent activity for the young and young at heart.
River Rafting & Tubing • Sightseeing Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

I honestly thought $50 USD per person was too much but decided to take the opportunity to see more of Rio Celeste. It was worth every penny. The river is beautiful and full of small rapids. My brother and I were in a group with kids roughly 10-16 years old. The two guides did an incredible job keep the group safe and moving. I wasn’t feeling well and the staff offered me local remedies to help settle my stomach and prepared me a different lunch to be safe. I highly recommend this activity to families or veteran tubers like my brother and I. See more..
5.0 Tapir Valley Nature Reserve (118 reviews)
- Unique opportunity to (possibly) view Tapir
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Tapir Valley is a private ecological reserve located in rural northern Costa Rica. A group of concerned citizens purchased the land over ten years ago with the vision of protecting valuable rainforest habitat for many animals including the endangered Baird's Tapir. The reserve covers over 220 hectares of primary and secondary rainforest and adjoins the Volcano Tenorio National Park. No walk-ins permitted. Entry by reservation only. See more..
5.0 Parque Aventura San Luis (118 reviews)
- "Walk in the Clouds" Azamara Cruise line excursion.
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

We took a bus from Punta Arenas as part of an Azamara excursion which went through San Ramon and up to the Parque Aventura. The walking tour included the 6 swinging bridges (not that scary) over some really cool rapids. Because of the crowd, we took the tour in reverse starting with the Butterflies and ending with the Humming Birds. Tour also included a nice buffet lunch with choice of Pork, Beef, Chicken or Tilapia. Had to try the Agua Dulce which was next to the coffee and is a typical Costa Rican hot beverage. The zip lines and bungee weren't included on my tour, but we did see several bungee jumps from one of the higher swinging bridges. See more..
5.0 Spring Paradise Bijagua Tours (95 reviews)
- Highly Recommended
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas

We are a private property with a primary and secondary forest at 400 mtrs. from Route 4 taking the road to the Tenorio Volcano National Park, we have clean and safe trails where we can appreciate a great biodiversity of animals, plants and insects. Come and have a good time knowing with our guides the life of the sloths (Sloths), the natural habitat of the Danta (Tapir), see the rising of crystalline water emerging from the mountain, let's not forget the frogs we sometimes have the great luck of seeing them jumping down the road, in short with us they will have a great time where we will have a pleasant talk and loaded with valuable information so that when you return home you can share your experience with friends and family; in advance thank you very much for choosing Spring Paradise Bijagua a place where nature comes first. And economic prices between 20-50 us dólar p/p. See more..
4.5 La Fortuna Waterfall (9.559 reviews) from $18.00
- I was expecting more…
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls

The Fortuna River Waterfall is a natural area managed sustainably by Integral Development Association of La Fortuna (ADIFORT), a non-profit organization, having as its main objective to ensure the well-being and growth of La Fortuna community; projects that are possible to run thanks to funds raised by the visit of each tourist to this natural space. La Fortuna Waterfall is located in a biological reserve with an area of 210 acres of transition premontane tropical wet forest, part of the Arenal Volcano National Park and is located at 520 meters over the sea level, where there are sources of our mountains and the waters of La Fortuna River. To observe this splendid 70 meters high waterfall, visitors must pass a path of approximately 530 steps, which offers greater security to its passage and comfortable areas for rest and hydration through a forest with native trees of the area. See more..
4.5 Poas Volcano (3.478 reviews)
- Great experience, especially those who love National Parks.
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 1:15 PM National Parks • Volcanos

We arrived at Poas Volcano on our 1st day. Our flight arrived at SJO at 630am, so we had plenty of time to get to Poas Volcano National Park. We had a private driver booked in advance (for 10 day - check out my review on the driver, Danny Jimenez). You must book the entrance fee in advance because the parking attendant will ask for the barcode before you are allowed to enter. Because we got there early in the morning (around 830a) before the clouds roll over, we were blessed with a great view of the crater. You must be able to walk up to the crater for about 1/4 mile and some stairs to get to the lookout. See more..
4.5 Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz (3.014 reviews) from $49.24
- Lovely Day in Costa Rica
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls

Explore Five Magnificent Waterfalls accessed by paved trails through Rain and Cloud Forest. Our Wildlife refuge features the Largest Aviary and Butterfly Observatory in Costa Rica as well as rescued Jaguars, Ocelots, Pumas, Capuchin and Spider Monkeys. Feed friendly Toucans and our 26 species of tame Hummingbirds and photograph beautiful Leaf Frogs in our Frog Habitat and venomous snakes in our Serpentarium. Located one hour from San Jose Airport near Poas Volcano. See more..
4.5 Ecotermales Fortuna (2.967 reviews) from $64.00
- Exquisite!
Hot Springs & Geysers

The family owned and operated natural hot springs, which allow only a limited number of guests each day, provide a private, relaxing oasis during your vacation.There are five pools, one with a cascading waterfall, which reach up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no better way to unwind after a long day than by visiting the hot springs and treating your body to its naturally replenishing effects. When taking a break from the soothing hot springs, you can dine in the authentic, home-style Costa Rican restaurant. See more..
4.5 Lake Arenal (1.915 reviews)
- Beautiful Lake
Bodies of Water

While touring Costa Rica we had the opportunity to travel around this lake and see it from different viewpoints and our guide gave us great information on it. We were told it was completed in 1979 and created by evacuating and flooding the valley’s three villages and when the lake water level drops enough you can actually see some of the house tops and church top that were in the villages. A larger village was created further up river where these residents were relocated and when the lake is full they have lake front property. The lake is beautiful and you can view it from several directions while traveling through the countryside of Costa Rica. See more..
4.5 Arenal Hanging Bridges (1.821 reviews)
- Fantastic day with a fantastic tour
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 3:45 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bridges

Our day was great, picked up from our hotel via a shuttle. When we arrived we met our tour guide who was very polite and got to know us all straight away. We had a group of 5 on our tour so perfect size as not to many to not be able to ask questions etc. The reserve is clean and so well preserved. Everywhere we went we saw people maintaining the paths yet leaving anything outside to it’s natural way. Our guide showed us so much wildlife and explained everything to us in such a great detail. I would highly advise going here and especially make sure you have a guide. We saw a lot of people walking past and missing such amazing views. I am not one for heights yet this was an experience that is worth doing regardless. Nothing made me feel unsure or unsafe. 5* See more..
4.5 Rio Chollin (1.115 reviews)
- Amazing!
Hot Springs & Geysers

If you talk with the locals they will tell you to go to Scratch River or the Free hot springs. This is perfect if you are travelling on a shoestring budget as it is FREE! To get there go to the yellow gate next to Tabacon Springs. You can park on the road shoulder and you will definitely see it. Walk down the path behind the gate and in a very short walk you will arrive at a bubbling hot creek. You can go 24 hrs a day but keep your items in your site. Leave your valuables at the hotel and just bring a towel and prepare to relax. See more..
4.5 Doka Estate Coffee Tour (986 reviews)
- Great informative tour
Walking Tours

Visited here this past week and it was a very informative and enjoyable tour. All aspects of growing, harvesting and processing of coffee were explained. The guide was very knowledgeable and when he wasn’t completely sure of something was frank in his answers. A wagon with the day’s harvest came in after the tour was finished but the guide called us over to see the process at that point, which would have missed. This is the oldest of the wet mills in existence. See more..
4.5 Paradise Hot Springs (928 reviews) from $28.00
- Great way to spend the day
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Hot Springs & Geysers

Great for relaxing without the crowds, perfect for couples and for friends looking for a special revitalizing experience. Spend a day at Paradise Hot Springs Resort and relax in natural thermal water pools and jacuzzis of different temperatures (35ºC/95ºF to 41ºC/104ºF) with focused hydromassage for back, legs, and feet. The Resort also respects a maximum capacity of visitors to provide a peaceful atmosphere. There is a parking area within the property, changing rooms and toilets, showers, massages and body treatments service, food and drink, as well as reclinable beds, sun umbrellas, and relaxing music along the pool areas. All of the necessary elements for a magnificent and relaxing experience. See more..
4.5 Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (867 reviews) from $30.00
- A must visit if you're close to San Jose or the airport
Saturday: 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos • Educational sites

Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Rescate Animal Zoo Ave) is a non-profit that has been rescuing wildlife for over 30 years. While educating the public about local wildlife, this rescue center and sanctuary also breeds endangered species for release to the wild. They have reintroduced several different species to previously extinct areas of Costa Rica and their current Scarlet Macaw breeding program plans to reintroduce a further 500 of the species by 2030. Every admission fee to the sanctuary goes to supporting their cause. See more..
4.5 Los Lagos Hot Springs (704 reviews)
- Great deal!
Hot Springs & Geysers

What a great deal! My husband and I went here on our first day in la Fortuna when it poured the entire day. It was the ideal weather for hot springs! Rain cools you down and you jump back in the springs. There were so many options to choose from and a pretty cool water slide. It's long enough that you can't see the end from the top. We were always alone in our hot spring pool since there were more than enough pools for each group of people that were there. I think we paid maybe $15 USD for the day pass (no meals included since restaurant was closed). This includes all the pools, hot springs, butterfly enclosure and turtle pond which was a nice little walk. They did have the wet bar open so you could order drinks and food but we brought our own and saw others do the same. They don't close until 10pm so this can be an all day activity. See more..
4.5 Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal (697 reviews)
- Amazing collection of butterflies among other animals
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Butterfly Conservatory is a Nature Regeneration Project dedicated to the preservation, growth, and study of the rainforest; with focus on butterflies and other tropical rainforest species, such as insects, frogs, lizards, fish, and plants of the Arenal region of Costa Rica. The project has now grown to contain the largest exhibition of butterflies in Costa Rica, and is a learning center for understanding the butterfly life-cycle and incredible Metamorphosis Experience. On this tour visitors will learn about the incredible butterfly life-cycle, and see how we raise these beautiful creatures in our butterfly laboratory. We will also discuss the uniqueness of specific butterflies and plants found flying in each of our 4 ecological habitats. And will also learn about exotic frogs, our botanical gardens and medicinal herb areas, along with our reproduction greenhouses, and then take the rainforest River Walk through primary forest. See more..
4.5 Natura Eco Park Costa Rica (692 reviews)
- Great family tour
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Gardens

At Natura Eco Park you will experience the natural world in a whole new way, where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. Natura is a private Biological Station, where we are concerned at the conservation of habitats, as well as reserach and reproduction of amphibians and reptiles, many of these listed as endangered species by CITES. We are located in a section of the tropical rainforest, at the base of the Arenal Volcano, home to a large quantity of species which, with the help of our guides, will give you a new way to view and enjoy these impressive, complex worlds. See more..
4.5 Cerro Chato (Chato Volcano) (679 reviews)
- Tough hike
Volcanos

Ok....so here is the skinny on the Cerro Chato hike.... This hike is no joke! I am 30 years old, in good shape, and have hiking experience. I made it to the top in 1.5hrs and this hike is STEEP! Good news is that you can take your time and take numerous breaks if you wish. I would recommend bringing 2 liters of water and snacks along with you. The views along the way to the forest portion of the hike are breathtaking. Once your are in the forest portion of the hike....the terrain becomes VERY steep with lots of big steps. You literally treck straight through the jungle to the top, AMAZING. Within 30mins, I was COMPLETELY drenched in sweat from head to toe! Once you get to the top, you are not finished. You then have to descend 120 meters to the lagoon in order to visually see the lagoon as the forest obstructs your vision. The 120 meter decent is...yes you guessed it....STEEP! Once you arrive, it is breath-taking and most likely no one else will be there! Feel free to swim out into the teal/emerald lagoon. How many people get the chance to swim in a freaking volcano! And don't worry, there aren't any crocs, alligators, or any other loch-ness type creature in the lagoon, it is completely safe! You also do not need a guide to do this hike. What you should do is take a taxi to the La Fortuna waterfall and then walk north from the waterfall to a building that sells hike tickets. Simply buy a ticket and you can follow the clearly marked hiking signs all the way to the top. There is only one trail and NO WAY to get confused or lost. We had a guide only because we did not know this before hand and we wished we would have known so that we could have saved considerable money! Good luck and enjoy!!! See more..