Alajuela is the ideal region to stay in if you wish to escape city life and enjoy more mellow surroundings. A beautiful part of Costa Rica, this province has many quaint towns and villages, where you can experience the Tico way of life. Lush and green, farms and plantations can be found all over the region of Alajuela, while to the north lies Costa Rica’s most famous landmark, the Arenal Volcano. An active volcano, which regularly spews lava, the Volcan Arenal, is a sight to behold.
Beer and Guaro
In Alajuela, bars can be found almost anywhere. Like the rest of Costa Rica, the Ticos here like to have a nice drink after a long hard day at work. Beer and guaro are the popular choices as they are cheap and affordable. Imperial and Pilsen are two of the most well known beer brands in the country. Imported beers like Heineken are also available in Costa Rica; however, they are quite expensive.
Where to Go
If you want to share a drink with the locals, visit the more traditional towns in Alajuela like Orotina, Palmares and San Ramon. In these towns, many restaurants and sodas also serve drinks as well. Alajuela city has a number of popular bars and nightclubs, where one can hang out as well. The nightlife here is very subdued compared to San Jose but equally good. Head to Spectros Disco, where some of the best DJ’s in Costa Rica rock the house, while Monkey Shot is another popular hangout with an indoor as well as outdoor bar.
Map of Alajuela
Sodas and Bars
As you head up north to the Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal and the Arenal Volcano, you can find a number of sodas and bars along the way, which serve a variety of local alcoholic drinks including guaro. Nuevo Arenal and La Fortuna de San Carlos, which is the gateway to the national park, have plenty of nice bars where you can hangout. La Fortuna is home to one of the biggest discotheques in Costa Rica, the Volcan Look, while in Nuevo Arenal Bar y Restaurant Bambu offers excellent casados and gallos with your beer.
6 Days / 5 Nights
Starting at $878 per person
12 Days / 11 Nights or 10 Days / 9 Nights
Starting at $2,352 per person
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