Discover Hacienda Tres Amigos

In the wider regional area around Isla Tres Amigos, Maquenque Lodge offers a choice of two river experiences. On a boat tour on the San Carlos River, visitors may spot crocodiles, turtles, bats, herons, kingfishers, and other wildlife. The lodge also offers kayaking on the Tres Amigos River, surrounded by lush flora and wildlife that includes crocodiles, turtles, iguanas, monkeys, and waterbirds. The boat tour and kayak trip therefore differ in how you travel, which river you visit, and the animals mentioned for each. The provider promotes both experiences; times and availability may change. Check dates and availability before planning your trip.

More Activities in San Carlos Canton

In San Carlos Canton, Maquenque Lodge offers a horseback ride through lagoons and trails in the rainforest. Hotel Pedacito de Cielo offers a hike along trails in its private reserve, as well as a boat tour that starts at the hotel and heads north to Boca San Carlos. In the wider area around Isla Tres Amigos, Bocatapada Lodge in the Pital area offers a boat tour to explore the Río San Carlos and the waters of the Río Tres Amigos. The tour focuses on birds, iguanas, monkeys, green macaws, and crocodiles. The activities differ in their landscapes and types of excursion, ranging from rainforest trails and a private reserve to tours on the rivers mentioned above.

Nature Destinations in Alajuela

The Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Caño Negro offers a different perspective on aquatic landscapes: its network of lagoons and canals can be explored by boat and canoe. As a Ramsar site, it is of global importance for wetland conservation. The wetland habitat is home to jabirus, caimans, turtles, and other species.

In Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio, the 3-kilometer linear Misterios del Tenorio nature trail passes a waterfall cascade, a viewpoint, the blue lagoon, bubbling springs, and El Teñidero. The park extends across the Alajuela cantons of Upala and Guatuso, as well as Cañas and Tilarán in Guanacaste. Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal also has named trails: Heliconias, Coladas, Tucanes, and Los Miradores. Along them, visitors can see much of the park’s flora and fauna, as well as remnants of lava flows. Check trail conditions before your visit.

Crafts and Architecture in Alajuela

Sarchí is known as the birthplace of Costa Rican crafts. A striking cultural landmark in the town is the monumental ox cart decorated in vivid colors: it is four meters high and six meters long. In Grecia, Templo Metálico Las Mercedes stands at the center. Built in 1897, the church is considered an architectural gem that symbolizes a period of great prosperity and the ironwork of the early years of Tomás Guardia’s liberal regime.

Discover more destinations: San Mateo, Caño Negro, Monterrey, Florencia, Río Cuarto, Upala, Quebrada Azul, Coyolar

For the main travel overview: Alajuela.