Country Guide » Destinations
San Ramon is located in the lush green Central Valley of Costa Rica, in the province of Alajuela, just about one hour away from San Jose. This small town is set in a stunning mountainous landscape and enjoys a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. It is known as the City of Presidents and Poets because many great political and literary figures were born, or lived there. The town has a nice selection of hotels and lodges, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.
San Ramon may be tiny but it is still the largest coffee town of the Central Valley. This is a coffee producing area, and the city also has a few cigar factories. For being set in the mountains, it enjoys a wonderful climate, clean air, and picturesque surroundings.
There is an impressive church standing in the main square of the city, and a museum just north of the square with displays of a re-creation of a typical local “campesino” or local farmer’s home. While the majority of the citizens of San Ramon are into farming and agriculture, more and more young people commute for work.
To experience San Ramon at its best you need to be there on a Saturday morning for the farmers’ market, or feria del agricultor as they call it in Costa Rica. People come from the surrounding villages to sell their fruit and vegetables, and even their cattle. The whole town however really comes to life for the San Ramon day, in August, with music, parades, dance, food and drinks.
San Ramon’s landscape is perfect for a relaxing holiday in the countryside. It seems to bring all the best that Costa Rica has to offer, with its typical stunning setting and local culture. There is plenty to do for tourists and nature lovers, with a good selection of hiking trails and some interesting canopy tours. It is also excellent for cycling. You will see a variety of wild animals and tropical birds, like monkeys, deer, coatis, sloths, humming birds and more in the tropical forest nearby.
San Ramon is easily reached by road; pass by the Juan Santamaria International airport in Alajuela, and just follow the indications for Puntarenas, and take the turn off to San Ramon. It takes less than one hour to get there and you will be treated to splendid scenic views.
Activities in San Ramon
- Hiking
- Mountain Bike
- Canopy tours
- Bird Watching
