Alajuela, Land of Mountains , Volcanoes and Craftsmen

Alajuela is one of the most extensive provinces of Costa Rica , known as “ Land of Mangoes .” Its territory extends to the North, limiting with Nicaragua . It was founded in 1848 and is cradle of famous historic characters as Juan Santamaría, national hero who in 1856 burned down the War Fortress in Rivas.

This province has enviable natural richness, irregular topography including rain forest and exuberant lowlands in the north.

Visitors will find two active volcanoes, the most impressive of the country: the Arenal, in the city of San Carlos , and the Poás, in the Central Volcanic Range .

Poás is one of the most splendid volcanoes in Costa Rica , because of its panorama. Around it you can appreciate different habitats, from the cloud forest to areas with scarce vegetation; species have adapted to the gas emissions and climatic characteristics of the volcano. You can also hike to the Botos Lagoon, on a trail crossing dwarf forest. This lagoon's water is cold, of pluvial origin. To the east of the volcano you find La Paz Waterfall Gardens , with 5 waterfalls surrounded by beautiful cloud forest. One of the largest butterfly gardens is here, a can't-miss visit.

Arenal volcano, with its beautiful conic shape, is one of the most active in the world, located in La Fortuna de San Carlos . Its charm is undoubtedly enhanced by night, when the colorful eruptions and lava flows can best be appreciated. Many local hotels offer guided visits to the volcano, to contemplate this great nocturnal display. Visiting the thermal waters and caverns such as Venado, discovered by the indigenous Guatusos, you'll find most of them are made up of limestone, stalactites, stalagmites and coral, whimsical rock formations due to the erosive action of the underground river crossing them.

During the last decades, Alajuela has become a mandatory stop for lovers of Costa Rica 's natural riches. O nce you go past the city of Alajuela , the ascent to the mountains and coffee plantations starts. Its high lands, full of green and fertile zones, form a densely populated region of unsurpassable scenic beauty.

The high lands include, the northeast zone: San Ramón, Grecia, Naranjo, Alfaro Ruiz, Orotina and Sarchí.

The beautiful Sarchí is located 29 Km . northwest of Alajuela; it's acknowledged for its intricate astonishing art and its crafts. It's the perfect place to buy some traditional souvenirs. This crafts town is perhaps mostly recognized for the colorful artisan carts, highly ornamented and elegantly hand-painted. The cart is a Costa Rican national symbol, used to transport coffee grains from the region to far away markets.
South of Sarchí is Grecia, an important agricultural center cultivating and collecting sugar cane in large amounts, as well as organic pineapple and coffee. Grecia has fantastic climatic characteristics, conserving its fresh weather almost throughout the year.

If you stay in town you cannot miss visiting the Church of Las Mercedes , a Gothic style church built with metal pieces imported from Belgium in1890. This church is so pretty on the inside as imposing on the outside. At the side of the church is Grecia's Regional Museum also worth visiting. North of the central park is an Insects and Butterflies museum with over 50.000 samples of different species. But the most powerful reasons tourists have to visit Grecia is the serpentarium “World of Snakes” lodging over 50 snake species from around the world. Located one kilometer outside of the city, on the former road leading to Alajuela, this snake habitat is a great place to observe the amazing reptiles in their natural environment.

Orotina , Costa Rica 's fruit city is located on the low lands of the Monte del Aguacate; and is the middle point between Atenas and Quepos. It's a typically agricultural town and a great place to visit any time of the year since prevailing weather is excellent. Located a half-hour drive from the beach, it has become a mandatory stop to buy fruit, fresh and delicious.

We also find the Caño Negro refuge in this province of Alajuela , very near to the border with Nicaragua , in the cantons of Los Chiles and Guatuso. An astounding natural refuge, considered as the one of largest biological diversity of the country; it's also the third most important of the world's wetlands: a paradise for nature lovers. Caño Negro is habitat for many fish, reptiles, plants and migratory birds in danger of extinction. Don't miss visiting it when you are in Costa Rica .