Fodor's Expert Review Parque Juan Santamaría

Alajuela Plaza/Square

Alajuela was the birthplace of Juan Santamaría, the national hero who lost his life in a battle against the mercenary army of U.S. adventurer William Walker when the latter invaded Costa Rica in 1856. The Parque Juan Santamaría, more a small plaza than a park, has a statue of the young hero. It's worth a detour only if you're a student of Costa Rican history. The park gets a little dodgy as the sun goes down; confine your visits to daylight hours.

Plaza/Square

Quick Facts

C. Ctl., Avda. 2
Alajuela, Alajuela  20101, Costa Rica

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