San Ramon Travel Guide

Discover the natural beauty and rich culture of San Ramon in Costa Rica with our comprehensive tour guide. Plan your trip with our guide on the best things to see, do, and experience in San Ramon.


San Ramon, located in the heart of the Central Valley in Costa Rica, is a picturesque destination popular for its green rolling hills, coffee plantations, and its hospitable locals. It is an ideal location for tourists who appreciate natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere. With plenty of places to visit, activities to do, and food to try, San Ramon is an excellent destination for family vacations, adventure trips, and romantic getaways. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best of what San Ramon has to offer.

Introduction to San Ramon

San Ramon is a charming little town that is surrounded by beautiful valleys and picturesque mountain views. It is also known as the city of presidents, as two of Costa Rica’s presidents have come from San Ramon. The locals here are famously friendly and are always ready to help visitors explore the town. This is a place where one can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and bird watching. San Ramon is also very close to the capital city of San Jose and the Juan Santamaria International Airport, making it a convenient destination to explore.

List of Places to Visit in San Ramon

San Ramon has many places to visit, and here are some of the must-see sites.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo de San Ramon: This museum showcases the history of San Ramon and exhibits the work of local artists.
  • Hacienda Real de Coope San Ramon: This historical site provides a glimpse into Costa Rica’s coffee plantation history.
  • Iglesia de San Ramon: This stunning colonial-style church is an excellent example of Costa Rica’s rich architectural heritage.

Natural Attractions of San Ramon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Catarata del Toro Waterfall: One of the most breathtaking sites in San Ramon, visitors can trek to the waterfall and enjoy the turquoise water and lush plant life along the way.
  • Arenal Volcano Park: A scenic volcano located near San Ramon with beautiful views, hiking trails, and hot springs.
  • Aguas Zarcas: A favorite spot of the locals, this natural pool has crystal-clear water and is a great place to cool off on hot days.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Ramon

San Ramon has a plethora of hiking and biking trails that provide a unique perspective of its green valleys, hills, and coffee plantations. Here are a few routes that you can explore:

  • El Parque de San Ramon: This park has well-maintained walking trails through tropical forest, with a variety of flora and fauna.
  • Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve: This reserve has well-marked trails that offer a glimpse into Costa Rica’s cloud forest.
  • Cerro de Buenavista: This hiking trail offers an outstanding view of the surrounding landscape and the chance to observe some of Costa Rica’s unique birds.

Best Things to Do in San Ramon: Activities and Tours

San Ramon has an abundance of activities that are great for couples, families, and friends. Here are a few of the best things to do:

  • Visit a Coffee Plantation: San Ramon is known for its coffee, and there are several coffee plantations, where you can experience the process of making coffee from picking to roasting.
  • Zip-lining and Canopy Tours: Adrenaline seekers will enjoy exploring the lush forest and appreciate the spectacular scenery from above.
  • Horseback Riding: For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, a scenic horseback ride through the hills of San Ramon is an experience not to be missed.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Ramon

If you’re planning to explore San Ramon for a week, here is an ideal itinerary to help you maximize your stay:

Day Itinerary
1 Arrival in San Ramon and settle in at your chosen accommodation.
2 Visit the Hacienda Real de Coope San Ramon and learn about the town’s rich coffee history.
3 Explore the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve and go bird watching.
4 Trek to the Catarata del Toro Waterfalls and enjoy the picturesque views.
5 Participate in a canopy tour or horseback riding experience through the forests and coffee plantations of San Ramon.
6 Visit the Iglesia de San Ramon and other cultural landmarks in the city.
7 Depart from San Ramon and head to your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of San Ramon

No trip is complete without indulging in some local cuisine. San Ramon has several local dishes and beverages, which are a must-try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gallo Pinto: A traditional dish that consists of rice and beans and is served with eggs, meat, or vegetables.
  • Casado: A hearty meal consisting of rice, beans, meat (usually chicken or beef), fried plantains, salad, and sometimes tortillas.
  • Tamales: A delicious Costa Rican dish made from Masa (corn dough) and stuffed with meat and vegetables, wrapped in leaves, and then boiled.

Local Beverages

  • Café con Leche: The famous coffee of San Ramon, mixed with milk for the perfect morning potation.
  • Imperial Beer: Costa Rica’s famous beer that pairs well with the local cuisine.
  • Agua Dulce: A traditional drink made from sugarcane juice boiled and mixed with lemon and ginger juice.

Where to Stay in San Ramon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Ramon has several options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • La Condesa Hotel: A luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, and excellent customer service.
  • Hostel Casa Araya: An affordable and comfortable hostel with excellent amenities and close to many attractions.
  • Hotel Valle Verde: A cozy hotel with a rustic ambiance located in a peaceful location.

What to Buy in San Ramon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

San Ramon has several souvenirs and local products, which are great gifts for your friends and family back home. Here are some recommendations:

  • Coffee beans: Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, and you can take some of the best beans home with you for your morning brew.
  • Hand-made crafts: From handmade pottery to woven baskets and embroidered dresses, San Ramon has many locally produced crafts to choose from.
  • Ron Centenario Rum: Costa Rica’s famous rum is a great souvenir to take home to share with friends.

Local Culture and Customs of San Ramon

The locals of San Ramon are friendly and hospitable, and they will make you feel welcome in their town. They are very proud of their cultural traditions and are more than happy to share them with visitors. Some of their customs include:

  • Respect for elders
  • Dressing modestly
  • Demonstrating good manners and politeness
  • Being punctual for appointments

Best Time to Visit San Ramon

The best time to visit San Ramon is during the dry seasons, which are from December to April and July to August. During these periods, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and there are fewer chances of weather disruptions. The wet season is from May to November, and torrential rainfall can disrupt your travel plans.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Ramon

Here are a few dos and don’ts to help you have an enjoyable experience in San Ramon.

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Try speaking some Spanish: Although some locals speak English, it’s nice to try speaking Spanish, even a few words to make them feel welcome.
  • Carry cash: Many places in San Ramon do not accept credit cards, so it’s advisable to carry cash with you.

Don’t:

  • Display jewelry and valuables in public
  • Take illegal drugs or participate in illegal activities
  • Be disrespectful to locals or their customs.

Safety and Health

As with many travel destinations, San Ramon has its safety issues and health concerns. Here’s what you need to know before traveling to San Ramon.

Safety in San Ramon

San Ramon is generally a safe place to visit, with petty theft being the only significant concern. Here are a few precautions you can take to keep safe during your visit:

  • Avoid carrying a lot of cash or valuables
  • Be mindful of your surroundings
  • Avoid walking alone at night

Health in San Ramon

San Ramon has clean water and good sanitation facilities, so you should be able to drink and use tap water without issue. However, visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, especially during the wet season.

Getting to San Ramon: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Ramon is easily accessible from San Jose and has many transportation options to get you there.

Airports Near San Ramon

The closest international airport to San Ramon is the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, which is about 45 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near San Ramon

From San Jose, there are several bus companies that service San Ramon. The trip usually takes around two hours, and be sure to ask for “San Ramon centro.”

Other Options

Taxis are another option, but they can be expensive, especially for longer journeys.

How to Get Around in San Ramon

San Ramon is a small town that is easy to explore on foot. However, if you wish to travel further afield, you can rent a car or take a taxi. Buses also run frequently through the town center and are a cheap method of transportation.

Where to Go Next from San Ramon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Ramon is a fantastic base to explore other destinations within Costa Rica, such as:

  • Monteverde: Famous for its cloud forest and diverse flora and fauna, Monteverde is only a few hours’ drive away from San Ramon.
  • Arenal Volcano: This scenic volcano is located near San Ramon and has several scenic walking trails and hot springs to explore.

Conclusion

San Ramon is an idyllic destination for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, a relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to explore small towns and municipalities. From cultural landmarks to scenic hiking trails, there are plenty of places to visit and activities to enjoy. With all the tips and recommendations above, you can start planning your trip to San Ramon and experience the best of what it has to offer.