My top 10 picks for Downtown Alajuela, all kid-friendly:
- Poas Volcano National Park: an active volcano with an enormous crater of international fame, one of the tourism highlights of the entire country
- Tesoro Escondido Waterfall: arguably Bajos del Toro’s best waterfall and natural pools
- Rio Agrio Waterfalls: another spectacular waterfall in Bajos del Toro, the major attraction here is DinoLand, which is sure to amaze kids and make the adults feel like they’re in Jurassic Park
- Hacienda Alsacia: while extremely “tourist-y”, the installations are stunning as is the view, and the coffee and food is sure to delight
- Else Kientzler Garden: a large botanic garden perfect for spending a relaxing day exploring the flora of Costa Rica
- Minas del Aguacate: a short hike to a series of natural pools as well as an abandoned mine with bats
- Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center: one of the largest rescue centers in the country with a wide array of local wildlife as well as non-native species rescued from traffickers
- Juan Santamaria Museum: a free and extremely informative museum with a good offering of exhibits about the National Campaign against the filibusters
- Chapulitour: a cultural tour that visits several towns via tractor
- Como Caido del Cielo: one of many places in the region to observe views of the valley, particularly sunsets, but the only one that offers amenities like firepits, tables, and chairs
Honorable mentions:
- Organic Strawberry Tour Costa Rica: this region is known for its strawberries and this is one of the only if not the only strawberry tour in all of Costa Rica
- Capilla Ambar: a beautiful glass chapel that houses a butterfly garden, the property also offers farm animals, bee conservation, and gardens for strolling
- La Arboleda Trails: these trails are perfect for a hike in the city, or if you have a bike, for mountain biking, and if your kids have bikes they will love the set of ramps
Restaurant picks:
- Freddo Fresas: a popular restaurant among locals and tourists that features typical dishes while highlighting the regional strawberries