Guidebook for San Ramón

Andrés
Guidebook for San Ramón

Parks & Nature

2 HOURS FROM THE VILLA For most of modern history, Volcán Arenal was just another dormant volcano surrounded by fertile farmland. But for about 42 years – from its destructive explosion in 1968 until its sudden subsiding in 2010 – the volcano was an ever active and awestriking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of glowing molten rock almost daily. The fiery views are gone for now, but Arenal (TEL 2461-8499; adult/child uS$15/5; h8am-4pm) is still a worthy des- tination, thanks to the dense forest cover- ing her lower slopes and foothills, and her picture-perfect conical shape up top (often shrouded in clouds, but still).
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Arenal Volcano
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2 HOURS FROM THE VILLA For most of modern history, Volcán Arenal was just another dormant volcano surrounded by fertile farmland. But for about 42 years – from its destructive explosion in 1968 until its sudden subsiding in 2010 – the volcano was an ever active and awestriking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of glowing molten rock almost daily. The fiery views are gone for now, but Arenal (TEL 2461-8499; adult/child uS$15/5; h8am-4pm) is still a worthy des- tination, thanks to the dense forest cover- ing her lower slopes and foothills, and her picture-perfect conical shape up top (often shrouded in clouds, but still).
1.5 HOURS FROM THE VILLA Just 37km north of Alajuela by a wind- ing and scenic road is Parque Nacional Volcán Poás (TEL 2482-1226; admission US$15; h8am-3:30pm), the most heavily trafficked national park in Costa Rica. It’s ideal for those who want to peer into an active volcano without the hardship of hiking one.
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Pambansang Parke ng Bulkang Poás
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1.5 HOURS FROM THE VILLA Just 37km north of Alajuela by a wind- ing and scenic road is Parque Nacional Volcán Poás (TEL 2482-1226; admission US$15; h8am-3:30pm), the most heavily trafficked national park in Costa Rica. It’s ideal for those who want to peer into an active volcano without the hardship of hiking one.
1.5 HOURS FROM THE VILLA Situated at the mouth of the Río Tárcoles, the 52-sq-km Parque Nacional Carara (ad- mission Us$10; h 7am-3pm Dec-Mar, 8am-4pm Apr-Nov). ACTIVITIES: Wildlife-Watching, Hiking. TARCOLES ARROUD: 1. Catarata Manantial de Agua Viva(2645-1017; admission Us$20; 81m-3pm) This 200m-high waterfall is claimed to be the highest in the country. 2. Pura Vida Gardens & Waterfalls gardens (2645-1001; www.puravidagarden.com; adult/ under 10yr Us$20/10; h 8am-5pm) Just before the village of Bijagual, this private botanical garden offers great vistas of Manantial de Agua Viva cascading down the side of a cliff. 3. Jungle Crocodile Safari(2637-0656; www.junglecrocodilesafari.com.
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Pambansang Parke ng Carara
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1.5 HOURS FROM THE VILLA Situated at the mouth of the Río Tárcoles, the 52-sq-km Parque Nacional Carara (ad- mission Us$10; h 7am-3pm Dec-Mar, 8am-4pm Apr-Nov). ACTIVITIES: Wildlife-Watching, Hiking. TARCOLES ARROUD: 1. Catarata Manantial de Agua Viva(2645-1017; admission Us$20; 81m-3pm) This 200m-high waterfall is claimed to be the highest in the country. 2. Pura Vida Gardens & Waterfalls gardens (2645-1001; www.puravidagarden.com; adult/ under 10yr Us$20/10; h 8am-5pm) Just before the village of Bijagual, this private botanical garden offers great vistas of Manantial de Agua Viva cascading down the side of a cliff. 3. Jungle Crocodile Safari(2637-0656; www.junglecrocodilesafari.com.
San Lorenzo canopy is an experience you should not miss! Located in the middle of a cloud forest with spectacular scenes, lush vegetation, orchids, bromeliads and many types of ornamental plants.
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Canopy San Lorenzo
Alajuela
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San Lorenzo canopy is an experience you should not miss! Located in the middle of a cloud forest with spectacular scenes, lush vegetation, orchids, bromeliads and many types of ornamental plants.
During your visit to Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, you can´t miss the chance to enjoy the perfect combination between nature and adventure that the canopy tour gives you.
Canopy Vista Arenal
During your visit to Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, you can´t miss the chance to enjoy the perfect combination between nature and adventure that the canopy tour gives you.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the #1 Most Visited Privately Owned Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica featuring the best hiking near San José, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica.
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Mga Hardin ng La Paz Waterfall
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the #1 Most Visited Privately Owned Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica featuring the best hiking near San José, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica.
San Luis Adventure Park offers several options to maximize the comfort of our services: We work every day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. Just visit us, you do not need reservation, here you can choose between each of the services we offer and immediately start enjoying the adventure. http://www.parquesanluis.com/#!/pageHome
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Adventure Park San Luis
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San Luis Adventure Park offers several options to maximize the comfort of our services: We work every day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. Just visit us, you do not need reservation, here you can choose between each of the services we offer and immediately start enjoying the adventure. http://www.parquesanluis.com/#!/pageHome
1 HOUR FROM THE VILLA TO THE TAKE THE TOUR OPTION 1. Calypso Cruises BOAT TOUR (+506 2661-0585, +506 22562727 www.calypsocruises.com; Av 3, near Calle 9; day trips adult/student/ child under 7yr Us$145/135/80) This long- established, top-class, gringo-owned catamaran makes day trips to Tortuga’s brilliant white beaches, mostly catering to Puntarenas cruise-ship crowds. Trips come with a picnic lunch, fresh fruit, snacks and booze. OPTION 2. Odyssey Tours ADVENTURE TOUR (8319-1315, 2635-2221, 8994-6245; www.odysseytourscr.com; day trip to Isla tortuga per person Us$150) Diego and Alvaro, a pair of friendly bilingual brothers, host a variety of customizable day tours.
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Tour sa Isla Tortuga
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1 HOUR FROM THE VILLA TO THE TAKE THE TOUR OPTION 1. Calypso Cruises BOAT TOUR (+506 2661-0585, +506 22562727 www.calypsocruises.com; Av 3, near Calle 9; day trips adult/student/ child under 7yr Us$145/135/80) This long- established, top-class, gringo-owned catamaran makes day trips to Tortuga’s brilliant white beaches, mostly catering to Puntarenas cruise-ship crowds. Trips come with a picnic lunch, fresh fruit, snacks and booze. OPTION 2. Odyssey Tours ADVENTURE TOUR (8319-1315, 2635-2221, 8994-6245; www.odysseytourscr.com; day trip to Isla tortuga per person Us$150) Diego and Alvaro, a pair of friendly bilingual brothers, host a variety of customizable day tours.
1 HOUR FROM THE VILLA (entry Us$3, parking Us$2) The pair of beaches known as Playa Doña Ana is relatively unde- veloped and has an isolated and unhurried feel. Surfers can find some decent breaks here, though, like Playa San Isidro, they are more popular for Tico beachcombers on day trips from Puntarenas, especially during weekends in high season. There are snack bars, picnic shelters and changing areas, and supervised swimming areas.
Playas De Doña Ana
1 HOUR FROM THE VILLA (entry Us$3, parking Us$2) The pair of beaches known as Playa Doña Ana is relatively unde- veloped and has an isolated and unhurried feel. Surfers can find some decent breaks here, though, like Playa San Isidro, they are more popular for Tico beachcombers on day trips from Puntarenas, especially during weekends in high season. There are snack bars, picnic shelters and changing areas, and supervised swimming areas.
2 HOURS FROM THE VILLA 1. Kayak Jacó kayaking (2643-1233; www.kayakjaco.com; tours from Us$75) This reliable, responsible company facilitates kayaking and seacanoeing trips that include snorkeling excursions to tropical islands. 2. Tortuga Surf Camp surfing (2463-3348; www.tortugasurfcamp.com; surfing lessons from Us$60; h 9am-5pm) 3. Discovery Horseback Tours Horse riding (8838-7550; www.horseridecostarica.com; rides from US$80) 4. Jacó Canyoning Adventuree sports (2643-1834; www.jacocanyoning.com; tours Us$79-159; h 7am-9pm) 5. Vista Los Sueños Day Tours Adventure Tour (2637-6020, in USA 321-220-9631; www.canopyvistalossuenos.com; tours from Us$90; hourly tours 8am-3pm)
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Jaco Beach Costa Rica
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2 HOURS FROM THE VILLA 1. Kayak Jacó kayaking (2643-1233; www.kayakjaco.com; tours from Us$75) This reliable, responsible company facilitates kayaking and seacanoeing trips that include snorkeling excursions to tropical islands. 2. Tortuga Surf Camp surfing (2463-3348; www.tortugasurfcamp.com; surfing lessons from Us$60; h 9am-5pm) 3. Discovery Horseback Tours Horse riding (8838-7550; www.horseridecostarica.com; rides from US$80) 4. Jacó Canyoning Adventuree sports (2643-1834; www.jacocanyoning.com; tours Us$79-159; h 7am-9pm) 5. Vista Los Sueños Day Tours Adventure Tour (2637-6020, in USA 321-220-9631; www.canopyvistalossuenos.com; tours from Us$90; hourly tours 8am-3pm)
3 HOURS FROM THE VILLA Park & Wildlife Refuge Wildlife reserve (2777-0850; adult/child Us$15/8; h 8am-4pm; c) This private rainforest preserve and butterfly garden breeds about three dozen species of butterfly – a delicate population compared to the menagerie of lizards, rep- tiles and frogs that inspire gleeful squeals from the little ones. A jungle night tour (5:30pm to 7:30pm, US$39/29 per adult/ child) showcases the colorful local frogs and their songs, while day tours (US$15/8 per adult/child) introduce you either to the flut- tering or the slithering denizens (or both; joint tickets US$25).
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Manuel Antonio National Park
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3 HOURS FROM THE VILLA Park & Wildlife Refuge Wildlife reserve (2777-0850; adult/child Us$15/8; h 8am-4pm; c) This private rainforest preserve and butterfly garden breeds about three dozen species of butterfly – a delicate population compared to the menagerie of lizards, rep- tiles and frogs that inspire gleeful squeals from the little ones. A jungle night tour (5:30pm to 7:30pm, US$39/29 per adult/ child) showcases the colorful local frogs and their songs, while day tours (US$15/8 per adult/child) introduce you either to the flut- tering or the slithering denizens (or both; joint tickets US$25).
2 HOURS FROM THE VILLA Spread out on the slopes of the Cordillera de Tílaran, this area is a sprawling chain of villages, farms and nature reserves. The big- gest population center – the village of San- ta Elena – runs almost seamlessly into its next-door neighbor Cerro Plano and its next next-door neighbor, tiny Monteverde (which borders the namesake reserve). The Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde (Monteverde Cloud Forest Re- serve) is the most famous one, but there are public and private properties of all shapes and sizes – from tiny family fincas (farms) to the vast Children’s Eternal Rainforest – that blanket this whole area in luscious green.
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Monteverde
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2 HOURS FROM THE VILLA Spread out on the slopes of the Cordillera de Tílaran, this area is a sprawling chain of villages, farms and nature reserves. The big- gest population center – the village of San- ta Elena – runs almost seamlessly into its next-door neighbor Cerro Plano and its next next-door neighbor, tiny Monteverde (which borders the namesake reserve). The Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde (Monteverde Cloud Forest Re- serve) is the most famous one, but there are public and private properties of all shapes and sizes – from tiny family fincas (farms) to the vast Children’s Eternal Rainforest – that blanket this whole area in luscious green.

Essentials

Supermarket
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Mas X menos
Avenida 10
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Supermarket

Food Scene

Excellent Coffee
Aroma's Coffee
Calle 4
Excellent Coffee
Stocked Trout Ponds where you can fish for your own dinner and have it prepared while you wait in the rustic cabin and enjoy music and amusements.
Pesca De Truchas Carrucha
calle corrales
Stocked Trout Ponds where you can fish for your own dinner and have it prepared while you wait in the rustic cabin and enjoy music and amusements.
This is the first of the local coffee shops. Delicias is a few blocks East of the University and is hard to miss with its bright orange façade and corner location.
Café Delicias
Avenida 2
This is the first of the local coffee shops. Delicias is a few blocks East of the University and is hard to miss with its bright orange façade and corner location.

Everything Else

Farmacia Fischel
Pharmacy
2 pools, water slide, 100-meter waterfall and bar/restaurant.
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Balneario Las Musas
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2 pools, water slide, 100-meter waterfall and bar/restaurant.

Shopping

San Ramon Farmers Market (Friday Noon to 7PM and Saturday 7AM to Noon) If you are lucky enough to be in San Ramon on a Friday or Saturday, don’t miss the feria/farmers market.
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Feria del Agricultor
Ruta Nacional Treciaria 711
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San Ramon Farmers Market (Friday Noon to 7PM and Saturday 7AM to Noon) If you are lucky enough to be in San Ramon on a Friday or Saturday, don’t miss the feria/farmers market.

Arts & Culture

The San Ramon Parish Church is a majestic structure and important landmark of the Province of Alajuela. Sunday afternoon the Church is filled to capacity.
San Ramón Nonato parish
Calle 0
The San Ramon Parish Church is a majestic structure and important landmark of the Province of Alajuela. Sunday afternoon the Church is filled to capacity.
The Museum of San Ramon is located on the north side of the Parque Central. Exhibit halls featuring exhibits on Ramonense history and culture surround a serene landscaped central courtyard.
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San Ramon Regional Museum
Avenida 1
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The Museum of San Ramon is located on the north side of the Parque Central. Exhibit halls featuring exhibits on Ramonense history and culture surround a serene landscaped central courtyard.
Cultural events and exhibits supporting the history of Jose (Don Pepe) Figueres Ferrer and the ideals represented by the 1948 Civil War.
Museo Histórico José Figueres Ferrer
Cultural events and exhibits supporting the history of Jose (Don Pepe) Figueres Ferrer and the ideals represented by the 1948 Civil War.

Sightseeing

North of Naranjo, the road winds for 20km until it reaches Zarcero’s 1736m perch at the western end of the Cordillera Central. 1. Parque Francisco Alvarado, in front of the blue Iglesia de San Rafael (built 1895), was just a normal plaza until the 1960s, when a gardener named Evangelisto Blanco suddenly became inspired to shave the ordinary, mild-mannered topiary into a bizarre series of drippy, abstract shapes. DONT MISS Zarcero is a center for Costa Rica’s organic-farming movement. You can find unusual varieties of pesticide-free goodies all over town, and the surrounding mountains are just perfect for an afternoon picnic.
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Alfaro Ruiz
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North of Naranjo, the road winds for 20km until it reaches Zarcero’s 1736m perch at the western end of the Cordillera Central. 1. Parque Francisco Alvarado, in front of the blue Iglesia de San Rafael (built 1895), was just a normal plaza until the 1960s, when a gardener named Evangelisto Blanco suddenly became inspired to shave the ordinary, mild-mannered topiary into a bizarre series of drippy, abstract shapes. DONT MISS Zarcero is a center for Costa Rica’s organic-farming movement. You can find unusual varieties of pesticide-free goodies all over town, and the surrounding mountains are just perfect for an afternoon picnic.
40 MINUTES FROM THE VILLA The village of Grecia – once named the ‘Cleanest Little Town in Latin America’ – is centered on pleasant Parque Central (Central Plaza). 1. Catedral de la Mercedes, the heart of town you’ll find the incred- ibly quaint Catedral de la Mercedes, a red metal structure that was prefabricated in Belgium and shipped to Costa Rica in 1897 – and resembles a gingerbread church. 2. Las Cataratas de Los Chorros Waterfall (7091-2554; admission US$6; h8am-4pm tue- Sun) About 7km southeast of Grecia, toward Flores and Tacares, are two gorgeous water- falls and a swimming hole surrounded by picnic tables.
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Grecia
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40 MINUTES FROM THE VILLA The village of Grecia – once named the ‘Cleanest Little Town in Latin America’ – is centered on pleasant Parque Central (Central Plaza). 1. Catedral de la Mercedes, the heart of town you’ll find the incred- ibly quaint Catedral de la Mercedes, a red metal structure that was prefabricated in Belgium and shipped to Costa Rica in 1897 – and resembles a gingerbread church. 2. Las Cataratas de Los Chorros Waterfall (7091-2554; admission US$6; h8am-4pm tue- Sun) About 7km southeast of Grecia, toward Flores and Tacares, are two gorgeous water- falls and a swimming hole surrounded by picnic tables.
30 MINUTES FROM THE VILLA Welcome to Costa Rica’s most famous crafts center, where artisans produce the ornate- ly painted oxcarts and leather-and-wood furnishings for which the Central Valley is known. 1. 1. Jardín Botánico Else Kientzler GARdeNS (% 2454-2070; www .elsegarden .com; Sarchí Norte; adult/child uS$6/5; h 8am-4pm; c ) This well-tended botanical garden 1.4km north of Sarchí Norte’s soccer field has 2km of trails winding through more than 2000 types of clearly labeled plants, including succulents, fruit trees, palms, heliconias and orchids.
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Sarchi
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30 MINUTES FROM THE VILLA Welcome to Costa Rica’s most famous crafts center, where artisans produce the ornate- ly painted oxcarts and leather-and-wood furnishings for which the Central Valley is known. 1. 1. Jardín Botánico Else Kientzler GARdeNS (% 2454-2070; www .elsegarden .com; Sarchí Norte; adult/child uS$6/5; h 8am-4pm; c ) This well-tended botanical garden 1.4km north of Sarchí Norte’s soccer field has 2km of trails winding through more than 2000 types of clearly labeled plants, including succulents, fruit trees, palms, heliconias and orchids.