Top Things to do in Province of Alajuela
Top Restaurants in Province of Alajuela
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What to do and see in Province of Alajuela, Costa Rica: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Province of Alajuela, Costa Rica including El Toledo Coffee Tour, Proyecto Asis, Butterfly Conservatory, Rio Celeste, Venado Caves, Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Arenal Eco Zoo, Ecotermales Fortuna, Catarata Del Toro Adventures.
Restaurants in Province of Alajuela
1. El Toledo Coffee Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 290 reviews
We are a sustainable organic coffee farm. We have been using sustainably organic practices for over fourteen years. Today we are happy to consider ourselves environmentalists first, and coffee farmers second.
Reviewed By Cosmobobkat - Philippines
This place is great! It’s secluded but can easily find on Waze. Such knowledgeable farmers; I’m so happy they allowed us to see into their ways of farming. Walking around the farm and seeing the biodiversity was so much fun! Highly recommend this tour! Also we signed up for the lunch and I’m so glad we did; it was mucho delicioso!! :)
2. Proyecto Asis
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Previous Reservation is required. Proyecto Asis is a Wildlife Shelter and Environmental Education Center located very close to La Fortuna. Wild animals which have been found wounded, forsaken or are rescued from the black market by the local forest rangers are brought here. Those that cannot be released are used within our educational programs. In order to finance our shelter, we offer daily tours and volunteer activities. Schedules: Monday to Saturday at 8:30 am or at 1:00 pm. Sundays Closed. Easy access facilities and trails for all ages.
Reviewed By Gdax
Proyecto Asis: about 1/2 hour outside La Fortuna, this rescue center is an interesting place. The workers/guides are all passionate about animal conservation in Costa RIca. They are working to take care of these animals and trying to educate the local and national population about the danger of keeping wild animals as pets. I was amazed on how many of the animals were rehabilitated and released into the wild. Only a few of the animals were "lifers" there mostly due to the fact they would not be accepted in the pack. My 8 year old daughter definitely got the message and enjoyed the educational piece. My 6 year old son was a little less attentive and was having a harder time staying focused by the end. Also, during our whole week in Costa Rica, this was the only place we were bothered by mosquitoes despite using picardin.
3. Butterfly Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
The Butterfly Conservatory is a Nature Regeneration Project dedicated to the preservation, growth, and study of the rainforest; with focus on butterflies and other tropical rainforest species, such as insects, frogs, lizards, fish, and plants of the Arenal region of Costa Rica. The project has now grown to contain the largest exhibition of butterflies in Costa Rica, and is a learning center for understanding the butterfly life-cycle and incredible metamorphosis experience.
Reviewed By Valentina B
If you love the butterflies and nature, this is your place. Beautiful landscape, and the people that works in the conservatory very helpful and kind!
4. Rio Celeste
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By AntoniaRobinson - uk
Stayed nearby in Bijagua to have an early start. National park entry $15. Muddy and uneven path up to waterfall and beyond, plus steep steps down to the bottom of the falls. Amazing blue colour today, walk further upstream to the source of the blue where two clear streams meet. No swimming allowed.
Not many animals since the hurricane last year, but plenty of flowers. Allow three hours for the relatively strenuous walk.
5. Venado Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By Legacy4tr
This was a great experience- the guide was wonderful and provided a personalized experience. Our group was only three people including my husband and I! And our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable. Most of this Caving experience is pretty relaxed once you get the hang of walking on the slippery footing (water shoes necessary). But, some spaces where quite small and intimidating, making this a great and exciting experience. Definitely highly recommended!!
6. Arenal Oasis Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Experience Arenal´s only wild frog sanctuary at night, when colorful tree frogs and other rainforest wildlife are most active and most easily observed. At least 28 frog species have made their home the ponds of Arenal Oasis. The Rojas Bonilla family carefully maintains native plants of Arenal, to create needed frog habitat in this private wildlife reserve of fresh spring water fed ponds; within a rainforest refuge connecting the rainforests of the Arenal Volcano and El Rio Burio. The night tour continues past the frog ponds along flat trails immersed in the noisy night rainforest. The guide will point out animals hiding from you. Support, enjoy and learn about the only wild frog sanctuary in the Arenal Volacano Area. Tours led by trained naturalist along flat rainforest trails start at 5:45pm at Arenal Oasis. Flashlights are provided and Reservations are necessary. Included in the Tour: - Flashlights - Transportation Round Trip - Certified Naturalist Guide - Entrance Fee - Drinks What to Bring: - Camera - Closed Shoes - Long Pants - Raincoat - Confortable light Clothing - Big Smile
Reviewed By GillJezz - Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
We came here because we were both too unwell with a virus do a strenuous hike. We had a lovely walk around the woodlands, even spotting yellow manikins doing their wing clapping mating ritual on three occasions. The bird tables set out around their cafe were great for bird spotting too.
7. Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Located in the north central part of the country, this extremely humid park contains the wintering grounds of thousands of migrant birds.
Reviewed By redeco - Warren, Massachusetts
We really didn't know what to expect as we headed toward the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge from our hotel near the Volcano. The ride was pleasant, and took a little under an hour as we passed pineapple plantations, sugar cane farms, and more. We arrived at the river, just a few miles from the Nicaraguan border, and boarded a small pontoon boat with a canopy emblazoned with the words 'Aventuras Arenal' on the side. We had our own guide with us, and we headed upstream.
The water was muddy brown from the recent rains, and the dense foliage hung over the river on both sides. When we started our trip, the sun was shining, and we didn't see too many animals. There were lots of Cormorants, several types of Kingfishers, some stunning water birds, some Egrets and Green Herons, and a marvelous Jesus Christ Lizard. See my photos.
After a while, we came upon some spider monkeys, some Capuchin monkeys, and some howler monkeys. These creatures were very difficult to photograph. We found a sloth, and a caiman. And spotted a pale green snake in one of the trees overhanging the water. We also ogled many iguanas sunning themselves in the trees. Stunning reptiles.
During our river boat ride, the skies opened up and heavy rain came down all around us. The deluge ended as quickly as it started...and the wildlife continued to pass before us. One exciting sight was a flock of large cranes in a marshy area.
I loved this wild and wonderful place, and praise the government of Costa Rica for protecting it and its animals. Enjoy!
8. Arenal Eco Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By Chrs1975 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We decided to go to the Eco Zoo because my daughter loves snakes. Our tour guide Carlos was very knowledgeable,friendly, and enthusiastic. We had a great time holding some of the reptiles. We went there in the afternoon for the tour and they let us come back after 5:30 to see the nocturnal frogs in action. We were amazed at how many frogs there were. We ended up spending a lot of time checking them out.
9. Ecotermales Fortuna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The family owned and operated natural hot Springs, which allow only a limited number of guests each day, provide a private, relaxing oasis during your vacation.There are five pools, one with a cascading waterfall, which reach up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no better way to unwind after a long day than by visiting the hot Springs and treating your body to its naturally replenishing effects. When taking a break from the soothing hot Springs, you can dine in the authentic, home-style Costa Rican restaurant.
Reviewed By Tramath - Toronto
This tranquil hot spring option is Reservations only so it never gets too crowded. Drinks are served pool side and there are multiple pools of varying temperatures. It is generally quiet and people are respectful of the tranquil environment. We opted to do a later day visit that included the buffet dinner. The food was very good and the open air restaurants are just as tranquil as the pool area.
10. Catarata Del Toro Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By GigiandGreg - Peebles, Ohio
We drove to Catarata del Toro from Santiago de Puriscal and chose to stay 2 nights there. The road is sketchy in some places with signs of recent mudslide here and there, and our vehicle seemed to know that we were climbing up to 6050ft. The garden paths are well maintained and it appears that more plans are in the making for expanding the lovely garden area. There are concrete benches in strategic places for just sitting and gazing at the amazing waterfall. It is an incredible sight and seriously, I was pinching myself that we were actually seeing it. The hike down to the falls is pretty much straight down some wonderfully engineered concrete steps that make it easily accessible if you have enough energy and strength to go down as well as up. It is so worth it! We found the hike to the Blue River actually more strenuous because the road was newly cut and very muddy, making the long walk laborious. But here again, the reward is worth it as the cascading. Waterfalls and rapids of the Blue River are the most stunning surprises when you finally reach them. Spectacular! We so appreciate the work and efforts of the owners to make their property and its beauty available to the public. A great sight to see! The overnight in the room was just adequate. I should have brought warmer pj’s as we were quite chilled in the evening. With only one chair in the room and the dining room closed at 4, we felt a little cramped to spend our time, so just read in bed. I feel like a place to sit in the evening or a hammock area would be really helpful.
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