Alajuela

V!VA User‘s Description

Alajuela province is home to the Arenal Volcano, as well as a wildlife refuge and four national parks, but the Arenal volcano within Arenal National Park is the main destination point for travelers. At 1657 meter (5,436 feet) tall, Arenal attracts visitors both for itself and for it's low-level but colorful and incandescent eruptions, especially as they light up the night, not to mention the occasional brightly orange lava flow.

The gateway to Arenal is the town of La Fortuna, a town nearby, features hot springs warmed by Arenal itself, and is a great place to relax and watch the natural fireworks at night.  It has many other attractions as well. Poás Volcano National Park (featuring a volcano which can be scaled and whose crater can be stared into), Juan Castro Blanco National Park, Guanacaste National Park and Rincón de la Vieja National Park constitute other points of interest in Alajeula, not to mention Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, featuring butterflies and birds.

Hotels, hostels, and other accommodations are easily available and discriminating travelers can avail themselves to local museums and craft shops.