About San Ramon

The beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica is home to the Alajuela province, and this is where you can find the tiny but incredible city of San Ramon.  Even though San Ramon is set in the middle of a dramatic mountain landscape, getting there is highly doable by car.  Once you arrive, you will quickly notice that Costa Rica culture abounds in this small city and that the pace of life is slow, relaxed and focused on strong community ties.  

San Ramon's history begins with the arrival of the European settlers to this part of the Central Valley in the early 1840s.  These primary colonizers established traditional farms in the area, many of which are either still operational or have since been converted to the cultivation of the region's three main export crops, tropical ornamentals, sugar cane, and coffee.  

The name San Ramon was bestowed by two prominent figures in the establishment of the town, Ramon Solis and Ramon Rodriguez, who placed the area under the protection of Saint Raymond Nonnatus.  In 1854 the village of San Ramon was elevated in status to municipality.  Then in 1856 five schools were funded which was the beginning of the municipality of San Ramon's legacy as the main educational and later commercial hub of the canton.

The main square of San Ramon is home to an incredible church, and just north of this famous square is a museum where you can learn more about this city and its history.  Museo de San Ramon also has a traditional campensino home and many of the exhibits showcase how this small city played a role in the overall history and culture of Costa Rica.  If you really want to find out more about Costa Rica and the many smaller cities that contribute to its history, making a trip to the city square and this museum is something that should be on your to do list.

Even though coffee is one of the main agricultural products in this area, the city is home to three cigar factories.  

Saturday mornings are the perfect time to experience the vibrant culture of the city by going to the farmers market.  Many people from around the area come here to sell fruit, vegetables and even cattle.  During the month of August is San Ramon Day.  On this day this quaint city comes alive with dancing, music and parades.  

Throughout the year you can visit one of the area's many wellness spas, go on a wildlife tour, or spend time on some of the area's hiking trails.

San Ramon is known as "The City of  Presidents and Poets" because many of the country's greatest literary and political figures either were born here or have lived here.

Today, many people who live in San Ramon continue to work in agriculture and farming.  However, many people who live here also hold jobs in San Jose and commute there and back every day.  

For tourists, San Ramon offers many accommodations that are luxurious as well as affordable.  Additionally, there are many bars and restaurants that feature local cuisine.

Those who love nature and don't mind the warmer weather can find plenty to do outside since the area is surrounded by hiking trails and beautiful rainforest.  For example, while hiking or taking a canopy tour, you can find many different animals such as hummingbirds, sloths, monkeys, dear, coatis, and many others.  

Just a couple of kilometers outside of city center you can experience the area's natural beauty.  From the misty Los Angeles Cloud Forest to the ocean view sunsets giving way to the sparkling lights of Puntarenas at night, watch the menagerie of exotic birds take flight.  Travel the different altitudes and topography to experience the different micro-climates.  San Ramon has a nice steady year round temperature in the mid 70s.  

Let's not forget San Ramon's true lure, its people, beautiful friendly souls who await your arrival to share their very contagious Pura Vida.