Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Parque Central
PARK
The shady Parque Central is a pleasant place to relax beneath the mango trees, or people-
watch in the evenings.
Museo Juan Santamaría
MUSEUM
Situated in a century-old structure that has served as both a jail and an armory, this mu-
seum chronicles Costa Rican history from early European settlement through the 19th cen-
tury, with special emphasis on the life and history of Juan Santamaría and the pivotal
mid-1850s battles of Santa Rosa, Sardinal and Rivas. Exhibits include videos, vintage
maps, paintings and historical artifacts related to the conflict that ultimately safeguarded
Costa Rica's independence.
Cathedral
CHURCH
To the east of Parque Central is the 19th-century cathedral, which suffered severe damage
in the 1991 earthquake. The hemispherical cupola is unusually constructed of sheets of red
corrugated metal. Two presidents are buried here.
Parque Juan Santamaría
PLAZA
Two blocks south of Parque Central, this plaza features a statue of the hero in action,
flanked by cannons. Across the way, the
Parque de los Niños
has a more parklike scene
going, complete with playground equipment, chattering toddlers and canoodling teenagers.
Ojo de Agua Springs
SWIMMING
( 2441-0655;
www.incop.go.cr
;
San Antonio de Belén; admission US$3, under 6yr free;
7:30am-4:30pm; )
About 6km south of Alajuela, this picturesque working-class water park gets packed with
local families on weekends. Approximately 20,000L of water gushes from the spring each