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Alajuela

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About Alajuela

A province lying in the northwest of Costa Rica, Alajuela makes for the perfect summer getaway. A laid-back, friendly and enchantingly beautiful region centred around the fascinating and otherworldly landscape of the Poas Volcano National Park. It teems with pre-colonial indigenous sites, carnivals, gorgeous churches and exotic wildlife. From the vibrant and compact small capital city - Alajuela - to the charming town of Fontana, there is plenty to see in this wonderful region. Our collection of the best places to stay in Alajuela features a varied list of rural getaways, from eco-lodges and tropical farms to chic boutiques looking out over the spellbinding landscape.

Where to stay

  • Alajuela is a relaxed and friendly city, and the hometown of Costa Rica's national hero - Juan Santamaria - a drummer boy who sacrificed his life during the Battle of Santa Rosa, in 1856, against the forces of William Walker. Boasting a central park lined with mango trees and royal palms, a central market where you can buy anything from shoes to cheeses, fascinating museums, and a marvellous marmoreal 19th century cathedral, it is a great stepping stone to seeing some great sights.
  • Fontana is a charming small town that's known as the gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park. A great place for a hiking holiday, it has few of the amenities and none of the animated street life that Alajuela boasts, but it's ideal for people who want to explore the beautiful landscape. Nearby are waterfalls and miles and miles of ancient exotic forestry, the steaming Arenal Volcano and the Chato Volcano - a forested peak with a green lake-filled crater.

A beautiful landscape, full of volcanos, jungle, markets and museums. Great for intrepid travellers and hikers alike, browse through our list of the best places to stay in Alajuela to start planning your trip.

The best places to stay in Alajuela

For Fontana

  • Nayara Springs is a boutique adult-only luxury hotel hidden in the lush Costa Rican rainforest. Secluded villas are completely spoiling with private plunge pools, enormous outdoor bathrooms and secluded terraces. A choice selection of five restaurants with cuisine from the world-over. A honeymooners haven.

For Alajuela City

  • Xandari Resort & Spa is a tranquil retreat set amidst tropical gardens. Bright rooms feature splashes of vibrant hues, plenty of light and stunning views. Feast on Costa Rican specialities in the candlelit restaurant and unwind over a massage in the spoiling spa. A rejuvenating stay.

Rural getaway

  • Luna Nueva Lodge is an eco lodge and homely hideaway in the depths of the rain forest. With the property's emphasis strongly lying on conservation be assured of a learned stay; from organic farming to rain forest protection. Dining is a particular highlight with almost all of the produce coming from the property. Superb.
  • Nayara is absolute luxury nestled amidst the lush rainforest. Elegant rooms feature polished wooden floors, conical shaped ceilings and dark antique furniture. Unwind over a massage in the outdoor spa bungalows. Feast on anything from sushi to tapas in the four superb restaurants. Romantic and relaxing.
  • Peace Lodge is a magical property set amidst the cloud forest. Cosy lodges feature open fireplaces, exposed stonework, beamed ceilings and large terraces to enjoy the spectacular views. Dine on traditional Costa Rican delicacies and spend evenings sipping cocktails in the atmospheric bar. A gorgeous rural escape.

For an apartment or hacienda

  • Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of self-catering properties in the area.

Travel information

  • There's never a bad time to go. The climate remains temperate throughout the year, though to enjoy the colourful and animated Juan Santamaria Day parade, go during April. This carnival is not to be missed!
  • Fly to San Jose International Airport - it is only a few minutes outside of Alajuela City.
  • If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

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Monthly Weather in Alajuela

Best Hotels in Alajuela

  • Finca Luna Nueva Lodge Alajuela 14 rooms from AU$157

    Foodies  -  Sample a piece of the forest with 90% of the ingredients coming from the property which grows organic and biodynamic produce.
    Eco break  -  A hotel with a cause. Luna Nueva protects large areas of primary rainforest and boasts an enormous medicinal garden.
    Great walks  -  Take an educational walk of the forest with one of the hotel's guides.
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    An eco lodge and homely hide-away in the depths of the rain forest. With the property's emphasis strongly lying on conservation be assured of a learned stay; from organic farming to rain forest protection. Dining is a particular highlight with almost all of the produce coming from property. Superb. See More

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  • Xandari Resort & Spa Alajuela,, Alajuela 24 rooms from AU$220

    Hideaway  -  A colourful haven in the heart of the rainforest.
    Birdwatching  -  Spot birds right from the property including squirrel cuckoos, motmot, tropical kingbirds and various hummingbirds.
    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to the active Poás volcano; a stunning sight.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    Be awoken to joyful colour in this tranquil retreat set amidst tropical gardens. Bright rooms feature splashes of vibrant hues, plenty of light and stunning views. Feast on Costa Rican specialities in the candle lit restaurant and unwind over a massage in the spoiling spa. A rejuvenating stay. See More

    Check Availability
  • The Retreat, Alajuela Alajuela 11 rooms from AU$434

    Spa breaks  -  The Retreat offers a range of holistic massage therapies to suit your needs
    Hideaway  -  Escape the hustle and bustle in this idyliic setting and boost your health
    Great walks  -  Explore the stunning surrounds in-between spa treatments
    Restrictions on children  -  This is an adult-only retreat
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsNo pets

    A contemporary wellness centre set in a beautiful and remote hill location in the Alajuela Province. Bright rooms are decorated in whites and turquoise and large glass planes open onto stunning views. Extensive health and yoga programmes are offered alongside superb nutritional food. See More

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  • Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa Fortuna, Alajuela 105 rooms from AU$462

    Spa breaks  -  The fabulous palm-thatched spa centres around the life-giving properties of its natural springs and uses raw natural products
    Eco  -  The property has also been awarded five out of five leaves for its sustainability by the Costa Rican Tourism Board
    Back to Nature  -  Set in more than 900 acres of a verdant rainforest reserve, this is a true escape to nature
    Contemporary  -  Sleek, modern, and luxurious design allows the views to do the talking
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    Set within more than 900 acres of rainforest reserve, this stylish eco-hotel is the place to come and unwind in nature. Luxe rooms are simple yet indulgent with sharp lines, neutral hues, and fabulous jungle views. The renowned spa uses products from the local nature. A unique hideaway. See More

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  • Nayara Gardens Alajuela 44 rooms from AU$572

    Total relaxation  -  A glorious spa, secluded rainforest location and attentive service all lead to total relaxation.
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    Find absolute luxury nestled amidst the lush rainforest. Elegant rooms feature polished wooden floors, conical shaped ceilings and dark antique furniture. Unwind over a massage in the outdoor spa bungalows. Feast on anything from sushi to tapas in the four superb restaurants. Romantic and relaxing. See More

    Check Availability
  • Peace Lodge Vara Blanca, Alajuela from AU$630

    Back to Nature  -  Located high in the cloud forest and surrounded by flora and fauna. A nature lover's paradise.
    Birdwatching  -  View the wide variety of species at the Waterfall Gardens.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A magical property set amidst the cloud forest. Cosy lodges feature open fireplaces, exposed stonework, beamed ceilings and large terraces to enjoy the spectacular views. Dine on traditional Costa Rican delicacies and spend evenings sipping cocktails in the atmospheric bar. A gorgeous rural escape. See More

    Check Availability
  • Nayara Springs Fortuna, Alajuela 16 rooms from AU$716

    Honeymoons  -  An intimate adult only hotel with secluded villas and stunning surrounds. Total indulgence.
    Spa breaks  -  Unwind over a massage in the outdoor spa whilst hearing the noises of the rainforest.
    Restrictions on children  -  An adult only hotel.
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    A boutique adult-only luxury hotel hidden in the lush Costa Rican rainforest. Secluded villas are completely spoiling with private plunge pools, enormous outdoor bathrooms and secluded terraces. A choice selection of five restaurants with cuisine from the world-over. A honeymooners haven. See More

    Check Availability
  • El Silencio resort & spa Alajuela 15 rooms from AU$864

    Spa breaks  -  A fabulous spa and outdoor yoga studio inspired by the surrounding forest.
    Back to Nature  -  Located within the jungle with volcanoes and hot springs to visit.
    Sights nearby  -  Take a day trip to the Arenal volcano and be sure to stop at the Tabacón hot springs too.
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    RestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    A tranquil jungle retreat and spa just an hour outside of San Jose. Luxurious rooms use natural materials; think polished hardwood floors and woven bamboo details whilst bathrooms are wonderfully indulgent. The cuisine is simply exquisite with much of the produce coming from the garden. Fabulous. See More

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  • Nayara Tented Camp Fortuna, Alajuela 21 rooms from AU$1161

    Writing a novel  -  Work-from-rain forest package includes massages, daily yoga classes, happy hour cocktail delivery & in-room French press coffee
    Eco break  -  Tents are built on stilts to minimise environmental impact & let wildlife flourish. Plunge pools are fed by natural springs
    Private Hot Tub  -  Verandas boast covered decking area, couches, relaxing hammock & private plunge pools overlooking Arenal Volcano
    Honeymoons  -  The stuff of honeymoon dreams; hike volcanoes, soak in hot springs & return to cocktails by your private pool
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    Super-luxe tented camp with prime eco-credentials overlooking Arenal National Park. Heavenly tents all come with private plunge pools, jungle-facing terraces & soaking tubs. Chic dining options, an incredible spa & fab activities make this a destination in itself. Out of Africa meets Costa Rica. See More

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