Alajuela is the second largest city in Costa Rica, and is famous for being the birthplace and home of the famous Costa Rican drummer Juan Santamaria, the person who sacrificed himself and put an end to the campaign to turn Central America into slavery in 1856 AD. Alajuela is known as Mango City, and it is considered one of the safe Costa Rican cities, and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute seeks to promote tourism in the city, because it contains national parks, picturesque tropical nature reserves, zoos, hot springs and stunning lakes, and is home to Juan Santamaría International Airport and the active Poas Volcano, as well as It abounds with restaurants, cafes, and various commercial and entertainment centers.