The 15 best things to do in Alajuela (September 2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

   Outty Ranking94

   Explore several attractions and sites on this full-day Arenal Volcano Combo Tour from San Jose. Enjoy views of waterfalls, volcanoes, rainforests, plantations, and wildlife on the way to Arenal. Learn about Costa Rican C. 90+ Club at 94/100, 4.9/5 from 3,728 traveler reviews, 14h from $185, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

   Outty Ranking93

   See more of the Arenal Volcano region with the convenience of a full-day tour from San Jose. Take a scenic route to Arenal with views of farms, rain forests, and small towns. Stop at a coffee plantation and sample coffee. 90+ Club at 93/100, 4.9/5 from 1,664 traveler reviews, 14h from $165, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

   Outty Ranking90

   Explore the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park on this full day tour from San Jose. Enjoy some of the most beautiful white sand beaches of Costa Rica and discover the abundant wildlife at the rainforest trails of. Exceptional at 90/100, 4.9/5 from 837 traveler reviews, 12h from $169, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience

   Outty Ranking90

   For this full day tour, we will visit three incredible places that are completely unique to this area. As well as learning more about Costa Rican coffee, we will visit Poás Volcano, one of only seven active volcanoes in. Exceptional at 90/100, 4.9/5 from 815 traveler reviews, 10h from $185, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Monteverde Tree Tram & Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest from San Jose

   Outty Ranking84

   Explore the lush Cloud Forests of Monteverde on this Full-Day trip from San Jose. Take a ride on the Tree Tram Gondola and get the best views of the Monteverde Mountains and jungles. Hike on the Sky Walk Suspension Bridg. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 271 traveler reviews, 13h from $249, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour

   Outty Ranking84

   Hacienda Alsacia is our first and only coffee farm. We came here to work the soil, learn from the land and channel our passion into positive change. Now we invite you to rediscover coffee through the human experience. O. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 3,275 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $31.

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7. 

   7. La Fortuna Night Walk at Arenal Volcano: Rainforest Wildlife Tour

   Outty Ranking82

   Live an unforgettable night hike in La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano, and discover the wildlife that comes alive after dark. Explore the nature trails of Mirador El Silencio accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.8/5 from 361 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $60, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Chocolate and Coffee Tour Farm Don Jorge

   Outty Ranking82

   If you are looking for a pleasant place connected with nature where you can enjoy with your family or friends and spend an unforgettable experience, Agroecoturística Don Jorge specializes in Chocolate and Coffee, which i. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 144 traveler reviews, 2h from $50, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket

   Outty Ranking81

   Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center offers visitors beautiful natural landscape, with tropical gardens. During the visit you will see and learn about a number of animal species that have been rescued and for diverse reasons c. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.8/5 from 226 traveler reviews, 2h from $35, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose

    Outty Ranking80

    Explore the lush Cloud Forest of Costa Rica on this Monteverde Day Trip from San Jose. Hike on the best hanging bridges of the country and observe the Cloud Forest up-close. Learn about the interesting jungle’s eco-syste. Strongly Recommended at 80/100, 4.8/5 from 211 traveler reviews, 13h from $229, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San José

    Outty Ranking79

    Get ready for a full day of adventure as you paddle through the heart of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest on the world-renowned Pacuare River. This exhilarating journey features 18 miles of Class III and IV rapids, perfect f. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.7/5 from 250 traveler reviews, 10h from $125, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Volcano, Waterfalls, Zipline, Hot Springs Full Day Tour

    Outty Ranking79

    Discover many beautiful attractions of Costa Rica on this Combo Tour from San Jose. Fly over the Rainforest Canopy on a zip lining course and rappel down 50 meters (150 feet). Visit 2 beautiful waterfalls in the Rainfore. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.8/5 from 151 traveler reviews, 14h from $185, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. San Jose Airport (SJO) to La Fortuna Arenal Private VIP Transfer

    Outty Ranking78

    Experience Costa Rica without the stress. This is not just a ride; it is a premium door-to-door experience designed to maximize your comfort and vacation time. 100% Flexible & Customizable: Your schedule dictates the jo. Strongly Recommended at 78/100, 5.0/5 from 76 traveler reviews, 3h from $95, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. La Fortuna: Native stingless bees tour and healing honey tasting

    Outty Ranking76

    This is the only activity in La Fortuna that offers an experience with stingless bees. It is an activity suitable for the whole family, both children and older adults can enjoy it. It is also an educational activity that. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 5.0/5 from 55 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $32, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. White Water Rafting II and III Maquique Costa Rica La Fortuna

    Outty Ranking76

    This activity is the best combination of emotions especially for people who want to try something new with a lot of adrenaline, you will enjoy class 2 and 3 rapids and beautiful nature and share this adrenaline adventure. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 5.0/5 from 46 traveler reviews, 5h from $75, free cancellation.

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