Where to Stay in Alajuela

Alajuela is a great region to visit in Costa Rica, as it gives you the chance to relax amid some truly breathtaking panoramic views of nature at its finest. Though you might think that a place this beautiful can’t possibly be affordable, this province can accommodate those on a budget and those looking for luxury. Many of the places to stay at in Alajuela will feel like paradise but be totally affordable. Alajuela offers its guests some fantastic resort and spa hotels options, which happen to be in the middle of gorgeous, lush surroundings that make the view unbelievable and supply a lot of options for outdoor adventures.

If you are looking to escape the large tourist crowds that the Arenal Volcano draws, you can head to the towns of Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos) and La Fortuna. Staying in La Fortuna also means that you can get spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano in all its glory. There are also opportunities nearby to check out some wonderful hot springs, and even the larger-than-life La Fortuna waterfall.

Jungle with a City Nearby

Alajuela is the perfect pick for the Costa Rica visitor that is looking for a relaxing and adventurous vacation rental. Concentrated in the more touristic towns of Alajuela City, Atenas, Grecia, Palmares, Sarchi, Zarcero, San Ramon, Cuidad Quesada (San Carlos) and La Fortuna, these accommodations offer more than just a place to stay. They offer a place to explore, a place to get lost, a place to make memories. If you find that you’re in the mood to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in a Costa Rican city, you’ll still be close enough to San Jose that you can make that a part of your trip, too. Staying at a vacation rental in Alajuela gives you both sides of the coin; a serene refuge in some of the most awe-inspiring environments with access to the city life.

Adventure Activities

If you’re staying in La Fortuna there are other things to do besides visit the volcano. Not that watching the volcano is something that you’ll get tired of, but it will be nice to fill your days with other things. You could get lost taking in the view all day, but you would miss out on a lot of other adventures. The area around the volcano is a great place for those seeking adrenaline rushes. If you like water adventures, you can take on an emerging adventure activity called canyoning. For this activity, you get to repel into a waterfall.

If you aren’t quite ready to repel into a waterfall, you can opt to take on a well-known and well-loved adventure, like a canopy tour or a hanging bridge. Not for those with a fear of heights, these tours allow you to experience the forest from above, so that you can take in the views and appreciate the beautiful wildlife.

Alajuela offers so many places to stay, including all-inclusive resorts that offer wonderful hideaways. These places are great for you to create your own adventures or to just find the time to unwind after a few days of adventures. Since these resorts are located in the more remote and secluded parts of the province, you’ll find that they are designed to blend in with their natural surroundings, which ensure that you can experience the very best that Costa Rica has to offer. By taking care of every detail, these all inclusive resorts in Alajuela are well worth it as they allow you to save on unnecessary expenses and provide you with a complete hassle-free holiday.

Map of Alajuela

Click to enlarge map - Alajuela Region Map

Coffee Plantations in Alajuela

For the Costa Rican traveler that is heading west, there are plenty of picturesque settlements along the way, including Atenas, Grecia, Sarchi, Naranjo and Zarcero. Set amidst striking coffee plantations, these places offer a number of hotels, lodges, condos, villas, inns and cabins to stay at. This area is a lovely way to spend a few days away from the city life, and is also known for its unique arts and crafts. From Zarcero, you can also visit the popular Poas Volcano National Park with its dramatic scenery and dwarf cloud forest. And while camping is not allowed in the park, there are plenty of hotels and accommodations in the area.