Description:

The village of Alajuela was established between the rivers Alajuela (Maravilla) and Ciruelas, as the population center (then called La Lajuela). It is considered the best location in the Barva valley. There is a popular story that claims that the river Itiquís was also called the river of the grandmother (abuela) and that would have given the name of today?s Alajuela.

Alajuela participated in several different historical events. In 1823 it battled under the command of Gregorio José Ramírez to defeat the Republic against the Imperialist that occupied the cartel of Cartago; San José joined forces with Alajuela and both troops marched to the battle of Ochomogo the 5th of April 1823. That was the first time that Costa Ricans battled against Costa Ricans. As a consequence of this battle, this was won by the joined forces, San José became the capital city of Costa Rica. Alajuela contributed with its National Hero Juan Santamaría, who burned the house of Rivas in 1856 during that campaign.

Alajuela is famous for its healthy and good climate. Just like in the rest of the Central Valley, but since it is a little further to the west, it is protected from some of the Atlantic rains and a bit warmer than San José. This climate may have influenced the characters of their people, which is very friendly and lively. The central part to the canton is plain and almost totally cultivated. The volcanic soils are excellent for agriculture. Rivers like the Titiquís and the Brasil bring irrigation water to the area. In the area called Sarapiquí, you'll find the river with the same name, which is one of the principal rivers there. Alajuela is a province with beautiful countryside and perfect weather.