Alajuela Province Embracing nature in the city's surroundings

Alajuela Province: Embracing nature in the city's surroundings.

Costa Rica may be a small country, but that just means we don't have to travel long distances to experience amazing places! Even near the city, we can find some of the best experiences in Alajuela Province. 

Whether we're short on time or just looking to explore new and magical locations, there's always something exciting waiting for us just around the corner.

I will share with you some of our top picks for summertime getaways, ideally between December and May. These destinations offer the perfect blend of nature, hiking opportunities, and the option for a quick day trip or a longer stay. 

Let's escape the hustle and bustle and immerse ourselves in the great outdoors!

Location: Venecia de San Carlos, Alajuela

Río Barroso and Quebrada Gata Waterfall 

Undoubtedly, my favorite spots are the ones where we can feel the most adventurous! I highly recommend taking a tour (personal shoutout to @senderosdeltoro on Instagram) and visiting both waterfalls.

This place is truly enchanting, like something out of a fairytale. Surrounded by towering rock walls and breathtaking scenery, hiking through the canyons and being enveloped by cascading waterfalls makes you feel like you've stepped into a different world. It's like being in a movie or on a whole other planet!

Just a heads up, the environment here is quite damp, so be sure to come prepared.

Location: Bajos del Toro, Alajuela

Catarata del Toro

• No 4x4 required
• Difficulty: Intermediate (1.2 miles or 2 km)
• Closed on Sunday
• Remember to bring a bottle of water (reusable).
• Parking: yes.

We absolutely love Bajos del Toro for being one of the best spots in the country to find a plethora of waterfalls all in one compact area.

The trek may be a bit challenging, but trust us, it's totally worth it. From the moment we set off, we're greeted by the sight of cascading waterfalls, and as we draw nearer, the sound of the water crashing down, the lush greenery enveloping us, and the towering rock formations all combine to create a truly magical atmosphere.

Once we reach the viewpoint, we can kick back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking views that surround us. 

Tesoro Escondido Waterfall

• No 4x4 required but preferred.
• Difficulty: Easy (1.8 miles or 3km)
• Parking: yes.
• Remember to bring a bottle of water (reusable).

We are absolutely smitten with Tesoro Escondido thanks to its stunning blue river adorned with cascading waterfalls and inviting natural pools. Surrounded by vibrant nature, we can't help but feel embraced by the beauty that envelops us. It's truly a hidden gem that never fails to captivate our hearts and minds.

Location: Poás, Alajuela

Poás Volcano National Park

Just a quick 1.5-hour drive from San José or less than an hour from downtown Alajuela, you can embark on an unforgettable day trip to the majestic Poás Volcano. We will have the opportunity to witness two volcano craters from a height of 2000 meters in the cloud forest. Keep in mind that visibility may be affected by weather conditions, but the clouds typically clear up within a few minutes. No need for a 4x4.

The journey to the Poás Volcano is truly a remarkable and breathtaking experience, just as magnificent as the National Park itself. As we drive, we are treated to stunning views of lush valleys and picturesque pastures.

One of the things we absolutely adore about this place is that being at a high altitude, it's the perfect spot for harvesting the most delicious strawberries in the country. Trust me, they're the best! Along the way, you'll come across several local stores where you can purchase these incomparable strawberries and even pick up some souvenirs if you're interested. We highly recommend checking out a store called "Fresas del Volcán."

As always, remember to bring comfortable shoes, jacket, a reusable bottle of water and good attitude!

From the outdoors of the city, welcome to the Pura Vida country!