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North AmericaCosta RicaAlajuela Province

San Rafael

Alajuela Province, Costa Rica · North America

About San Rafael

San Rafael is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Esquipulas, 30km from Poás Volcano.

San Rafael is a town located in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica. With a population of 3,624, it is an important destination in North America.

On a road trip, San Rafael sits in Costa Rica. It's in the America/Costa Rica time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add San Rafael to your route.

About San Rafael

San Ramón is a district in the canton of San Ramón in Alajuela Province in Costa Rica. The central municipality (distrito) of San Ramón covers an area of 1.29 km2 (0.50 sq mi) and has a population of 10,710. Together with adjoining distritos, it forms what is colloquially known as Ciudad de San Ramón (San Ramón City).

Read more However, cities are no longer a valid administrative division in Costa Rica, by municipal codex law 7794 of April 30, 1998. The district lies at an elevation of 1,057 m (3,468 ft) above sea level in the Cordillera de Tilarán.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in San Rafael

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in San Rafael?

San Rafael offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to San Rafael?

Plan your road trip to San Rafael with Plan Your Road Trips! Add San Rafael as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is San Rafael located?

San Rafael is located in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, North America. The coordinates are 10.0644 latitude, -84.4736 longitude.

What is the population of San Rafael?

San Rafael has a population of approximately 3,624 people, making it a town in Costa Rica.

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Quick Information

Population
3,624
Continent
North America
Country
Costa Rica
Region
Alajuela Province
Timezone
America/Costa_Rica
Coordinates
10.0644, -84.4736

Tags

North AmericaCosta RicaAlajuela ProvinceTown

Worth the detour from San Rafael

4 notable places within an hour's drive.

natural wonder

Poás Volcano

An active volcano with one of the world's largest crater lakes, an acidic turquoise pool measuring nearly 300 meters wide.

30 km · about 35 min drive

national park

Monteverde Cloud Forest

A misty cloud forest reserve harboring incredible biodiversity including the resplendent quetzal, explored via hanging bridges and ziplines.

46 km · about 55 min drive

waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall

A powerful 70-meter waterfall plunging into an emerald pool at the base of Arenal Volcano, reached by descending 500 steps.

47 km · about 55 min drive

natural wonder

Arenal Volcano

A near-perfect cone-shaped active volcano surrounded by hot springs, hanging bridges, and lush rainforest in northern Costa Rica.

51 km · about 60 min drive

When to drive here

Year-round

Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near San Rafael.

San Ramón

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

3 km awayPop. 10,765

Esquipulas

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

6 km awayPop. 1,512

Santiago

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

6 km awayPop. 2,107

Naranjo

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

11 km awayPop. 11,853

Barrio Jesús

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

12 km away

Desamparados

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

14 km awayPop. 14,448

Sarchí

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

14 km away

Atenas

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

14 km awayPop. 7,014

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence