Vacation Express Airfare - These are Vacation Express fares which allow you
to book your trip while paying a minimal deposit at time of booking.
Instant Purchase/Published Airfare - These are fares that airlines
have published which require payment in full at time of purchase. In some cases,
these fares may be displayed as Vacation Express Airfare with Instant Purchase Requirement.
To find the lowest available airfare, select "All Fares" and you will get results for
both kinds of airfare.
Each of these fare types has its own set of restrictions which cover changes, cancellations,
fuel surcharges, etc.
Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details.
Connections
Connections
Best Value - A maximum of ONE connection with a lay-over of no more than a 4.5 hours in either direction.
Best Price - A maximum of THREE connections, with each lay-over of no more than 6 hours in either direction.
Non-Stop - A single flight in each direction with NO connecting flights and NO lay overs.
The city of Alajuela is fondly known as Costa Rica’s second city. Alajuela is conveniently located on the way to Costa Rica's Pacific coast and only a few minutes from San Jose, so be sure to make it a point to stop and discover its charm. The province of Alajuela is welcoming and charming with quaint little towns conveniently laid out along the main highway so you can visit them all on a one-day-tour while getting in touch with Costa Rican culture. But Alajuela's true gifts are the natural attractions tucked away in its mountains.
Cradled by the gentle undulations of coffee plantations and tamed jungle parks, the provincial capital of Alajuela lies about 11miles northwest of San Jose and only 5 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. In addition to having a rich colonial history, Alajuela is an attractive place resonating with a warm and welcoming vibe. Alajuela is laid back and well organized. In the center of the city sits an impressive park with lots of tall, ancient trees that are a tribute to the city’s splendor. The park is surrounded by several 19th-century buildings and during the afternoon the mango-tree-lined square is the ideal spot to sit, relax and socialize with the many ticos drawn by the shade and the cool breeze.
Located two blocks west of the park is the town’s central market. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and all kinds of arts and crafts can be found in this large eclectic mix of locals displaying their wares. Try one of the sodas (tiny restaurants) in the market for an inexpensive taste of the local fare.
The city is hometown to Costa Rica’s only national war hero, Juan Santamaria, and the museum of the same name is located just a block north of the town center. The museum houses the story of the drummer boy hero who gave his life to protect the country from foreign invaders in 1856. Juan Santamaria day is every year on April 11 when the town celebrates with a parade through town and a public carnival.
Alajuela is not a tourist destination, per se. However, it is a nice alternative to the big city hustle and bustle of San Jose, and offers a convenient base if you’re flying into or out of the nearby San Jose airport, or if you plan on spending a few days exploring the north of the valley.
