When planning a trip to Costa Rica, most travelers immediately think of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, and remote eco-lodges. Cities are often treated as places to pass through rather than destinations in their own right. Yet there is one city in Costa Rica that deserves closer consideration, especially if you want to experience everyday Costa Rican life without the intensity and traffic of the capital. That city is Alajuela, affectionately known as “The City of Mangos.”
So, should you include Alajuela in your Costa Rica itinerary? The short answer is yes—especially if you value convenience, culture, history, and an authentic glimpse into Costa Rican daily life. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes Alajuela special and why it might be the perfect addition to your travel plans.
A Strategic and Convenient Location
Alajuela is Costa Rica’s second-largest city, with a population of around 50,000. Its biggest advantage, and perhaps its most practical one for travelers, is its location just two miles from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). This alone makes Alajuela an ideal place to spend your first night after arrival or your last night before departure.
Instead of battling San José traffic after a long international flight or stressing about making it to the airport on time, you can enjoy a relaxed evening in Alajuela. There are many small hotels, guesthouses, and budget-friendly accommodations near the airport and throughout the city. You can easily find them in travel guides, online booking platforms, or simply by asking locals—Alajuela is a small, friendly city where people are always willing to help.
This convenience makes Alajuela especially attractive for travelers arriving late at night or departing early in the morning.
A Very Costa Rican City
Alajuela feels unmistakably Costa Rican. Unlike San José, which can feel chaotic and overwhelming, Alajuela is more relaxed and manageable. The heart of the city is downtown, where most businesses, shops, banks, and restaurants are concentrated.
Expect to see cars honking their horns, buses stopping frequently, vendors selling snacks, and people walking everywhere. This is not a polished tourist city—it’s a living, breathing community. There is only one small mall, located just outside downtown on the main road to the airport, with about 40 stores and a movie theater. Otherwise, life revolves around the streets, the park, the market, and neighborhood sodas (small local restaurants).
If you want to see how Costa Ricans actually live, Alajuela offers an authentic experience without needing a guide or itinerary.
The Home of a National Hero: Juan Santamaría
What truly sets Alajuela apart historically is that it is the birthplace of Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica’s most celebrated national hero. His story is deeply ingrained in Costa Rican identity and patriotism.
Juan Santamaría was a young drummer boy in the Alajuela militia during the mid-19th century. In 1855, Costa Rica faced an invasion led by William Walker, a North American filibuster who intended to conquer Central America and establish English-speaking slave states.
Costa Rica’s militia, largely made up of poor peasants and farmers, marched north to confront Walker’s forces in Nicaragua. During the Battle of Rivas, Walker’s men were barricaded inside a fort. To defeat them, the fort needed to be burned.
Juan Santamaría volunteered for this near-suicidal mission. Carrying a burning torch, he ran toward the fort under heavy gunfire. Though he was shot, he did not stop. He managed to set the fort ablaze, forcing the enemy to flee. Juan Santamaría died from his wounds, but his bravery turned the tide of the battle. Eventually, Walker was defeated and killed.
Today, Juan Santamaría’s statue stands proudly in Alajuela’s central park, serving as a constant reminder of sacrifice, courage, and national unity. The international airport itself bears his name, underscoring his importance to Costa Rican history.
The Central Park and the City of Mangos
One of the most charming features of Alajuela is its central park, which is lined with large mango trees—hence the nickname “The City of Mangos.” During mango season, it’s not uncommon to see fruit dropping to the ground, filling the air with a sweet, tropical scent.
The Alajuela Cathedral, a beautiful historic church, faces the park and adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Sitting on a park bench here is one of the simplest yet most rewarding things you can do in Alajuela. You’ll see children playing, couples strolling, and older men gathered together.
Many locals fondly recall watching elderly men play checkers or dominoes in the park, debating politics, sports, and town gossip. The park is not just a green space—it’s a social hub.
Every Sunday morning at 10 a.m., the municipal orchestra performs in the park, playing a mix of classical music and popular Costa Rican tunes. Families arrive dressed in their Sunday best, children run around laughing, and the entire scene feels timeless.
For many Costa Rican families, these Sunday concerts are cherished traditions passed down through generations.
A Personal Glimpse into Alajuela’s Past
For those with personal ties to Costa Rica, Alajuela often holds deep emotional meaning. Many older residents spent their entire lives here, enjoying a slower pace of life.
It’s easy to imagine elderly couples walking hand in hand to the park, then stopping by a local soda for a simple dessert—perhaps homemade vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry gelatin. Small family-run businesses once dominated the area, run by siblings or couples who dedicated their lives to serving the community.
Like everywhere else in the world, change has arrived. Global chains such as McDonald’s now stand just blocks away from places where small sodas once thrived. While progress brings convenience, it also reminds visitors how quickly traditions can disappear.
Don’t Miss the Central Market
One of the highlights of Alajuela is its central market, located downtown and buzzing with activity. This is where locals shop for daily necessities and where visitors can experience Costa Rican culture up close.
The market is filled with stalls selling:
- Fresh fish
- Meat and poultry
- Fruits and vegetables
- Herbs and spices
- Clothing and shoes
- Handcrafted goods
Food stalls serve traditional Costa Rican dishes, including:
- Gallo pinto (rice and black beans)
- Arroz con pollo (rice and chicken)
- Fried yucca
- Tacos filled with beef or chicken
Desserts are classic and comforting: flan, an egg custard, or tres leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk.
Fresh fruit drinks, known as refrescos naturales, are everywhere—pineapple, mango, papaya, watermelon, orange, and more. You can ask for them to be made with bottled water for peace of mind.
Is it safe to eat here? Generally yes, if you stick to cooked foods and avoid raw salads. The market is clean, lively, and full of local flavor.
Weather, Longevity, and Lifestyle
Locals often claim that Alajuela’s secret lies in its weather and lifestyle. Compared to San José, Alajuela is warmer—some say hot—but many seniors love it. It’s common to meet residents in their nineties or even centenarians.
The reasons often cited include:
- Fresh, natural food
- Easy access to fruits, vegetables, and fish
- Low stress
- Plenty of walking and daily activity
Alajuela is a walking city. Most people don’t rely heavily on cars, and this active lifestyle contributes to overall health and longevity.
Easy to Navigate
Getting around Alajuela is simple. Streets run north-south and east-west, and the city is compact. Interestingly, streets have no names, yet locals know exactly where everything is. Directions are given using landmarks rather than addresses—a very Costa Rican way of navigating.
So, Should You Include Alajuela?
If you have a free morning or afternoon before flying home, or if you want a gentle introduction to Costa Rica after arriving, Alajuela is absolutely worth including. It offers history, culture, convenience, and authenticity—all without overwhelming you.
Alajuela may not have beaches or rainforests, but it offers something just as valuable: a window into Costa Rican life, past and present. Sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences come not from famous attractions, but from sitting on a park bench, listening to music, and watching everyday life unfold under the shade of mango trees.