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An abundance of enchanting cities and towns are encountered while driving throughout Costa Rica. One of the most picturesque, is the small city of San Ramon, which lies just 50 miles from San Jose’s international airport.
Located in the province of Alajuela, San Ramon is known as the “city of presidents and poets” since five different presidents in the history of Costa Rica were born in this agriculturally devoted province.
Since I knew none of this, it was only through my particular navigational skills that we ended up passing through San Ramon. With its scenic Parque Central, Museum and Catholic Church dominating the center of town, it was hard not to want to take some time out of our journey back to San Jose and explore a bit of the city.
The most dominating feature, the impressive San Ramon Nonato Parish Church (Temple Parroquial de San Ramon) immediately grabbed my attention. Cruising around the block, scouting safe parking options, I finally secured a safe spot next to the church.
Taking a walk around to the front of the church, I first crossed the street in order to wholly appreciate the imperious facade. The Gothic structure’s metal frame was fabricated in Germany by Engineer Hernan Gutierrez Braun and construction was begun in 1928 with its completion almost 26 years later. The twin towers dominate the skyline and the small clock under the crucifix advises visitors to the adjacent park of the time.
The church’s interior offers three aisles, vaulted ceilings, vibrant stained glass windows and an assemblage of emblematic statuary. Be sure to visit the moneybox to make an offering to one of thirty-six saints and take a walk up the center aisle to admire the intricately carved altar.
During the weekday afternoon, there were a handful of congregants, but during the weekend, especially Sunday afternoons, the church is filled to capacity.
After your tour of the church is complete, be sure to take a look at The Rancho Tipico, located immediately north of the Church. Constructed in August 2006 for Fiesta Patronales de San Ramon, an annual local celebration, it is quite the impressive sculpture.
Though my time was limited in San Ramon, I have tucked away the memory of its simplistic beauty and affable locals for another time. With its quaint museum, beautiful park, restaurants, shopping and natural nearby attractions, San Ramon is definitely on my list for a future visit.
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- Hours: 0800-1800
- Admission: free
This thrilling experience is like no other and one of the many things to do in the Arenal area. Daredevils can reserve their ride on the Mistico website, however, if you find yourself outside of Costa Rica, never fear! Zorbing is offered in ten other action-loving countries!
Leaving the gardens, we made our way on to the main trail, winding our way steadily up the mountainside, crossing a few fixed bridges along the way. A short time later, we found our way to the first hanging bridge. A bit of a back log had us waiting a while to pass over…workers monitor the bridge and allow a limited number to cross the bridge at one time. Unfortunately, there are those who are not as considerate of other’s time and paused one to many times to take selfies and pictures of the surrounding area.
Finally, we made our way as steadily as possible across the shaky span, marveling at the clouds swirling around the treetops. From the bridges and the higher parts of the trails, epiphyte plants, birds, mammals and butterflies can be observed up close. Some of the high altitude birds include the bell bird and the Emerald Toucanette, while at lower elevations, toucans and turkey hens can be spied along with migratory birds of prey during the months from November to February. High altitude trees include Yema Huevo, Cirri and Pilon trees and in the lower regions, Caobilla, Fruta Dorada and Maquenque trees. Keep an eye out for frogs, snakes, lizards and mammels such as kinkajous, raccoons, margays, ocelots, pumas, jaguars and tapirs.
The trail spans almost two miles and can be covered in about two hours. Six more hanging bridges are spaced out on the trail, along with a waterfall and viewing area and a tunnel. Each of the bridges vary in length and believe it or not, after the first bridge, the crowds thin. Maybe visitors decide that one is enough. Maybe they think they are too shaky or they run out of time, but at the end of the trail, the last few bridges have no one on them, allowing ample time to enjoy the views from the center of the bridge.
Paying the admission, I joined my tour guide, Jason, as we made our way to the front of the property where all of the people were standing and pointing. High in the treetops, was a mother sloth holding her baby against her. Jason explained that this mother usually remains in that area, however, a couple of days before, she had made her way, with her baby, to the front of the property near the hut, to urinate and defecate (the only reason they leave the trees, once a week). Needless to say everyone present was quite excited!
Using the spotting scope that Jason had brought along, we watched the mother as she moved languidly, eating the leaves in her proximity.
Though the area was quite limited, I learned that there were many other things to discover within that small thicket. I really enjoyed finding both blue jeans poison dart frogs and a red-eyed tree frog, however, we were especially careful as fer de lance vipers are constantly spotted in the area. My favorite thing though, was a plant that appears to die when you touch it…the Mimosa Pudica is also known as the Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, Tickle Me Plant, Shame Plant or Humble Plant. A creeping annual or perennial flowering plant of the pea/legume family, it usually grows in shady areas under trees or shrubs. Found in Central and South America, in some Asian countries, and in the southern part of the United States, its compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched or shaken, defending itself from harm. Its leaves open a few minutes later.
Even though I had done a short rafting trip (5 km) in Thailand in the Phang Nga province a few years ago, I felt a different dynamic here and was a bit nervous, especially when we were instructed on what to do within the raft…besides paddle. There was so much to remember, depending on what the conditions were in the river. If there were many rocks…“Get Down”…and we had to slide down to the floor of the raft and hold our paddles upright. “Paddle Forward” and “Paddle Back” were the easiest. Then, the scariest of the instructions…What To Do If You Fall Out of the Raft! Surely that wasn’t going to happen?
Finally, with mid-afternoon approaching, we decided to head toward our hotel, which would be our base of operations for the next couple of days, the Arenal Lodge.
The Arenal Lodge is located on 2,000 acres and is known for its stunning views of the Arenal volcano and Lake Arenal. The rainforest surrounding it is home to exotic birds, butterflies, frogs, small animals, tropical flowers and native trees which can be viewed from the walking trails leading from the lodge or from horseback rides led on the trails throughout the day.
If braving the steep, jagged road back to town in the dark isn’t appealing, especially after a few drinks, the lodge offers a full service bar and restaurant, serving international and casual Costa Rican cuisine with views of the volcano and a large outdoor seating area on the deck. An extensive complimentary breakfast is also offered and rooms contain microwaves and refrigerators.
Life is good.
As we ventured into the well-manicured, but jungle-like landscape, we first encountered the aviary which contains some of the most exciting and colorful birds of Costa Rica. The birds that reside here have been illegally captured by hunters and confiscated by the government or donated by their owners. Unfortunately, they all lack the basic skills to survive in the wild on their own, but are well cared for by the staff of the park. Inside the aviary, we entered the toucan enclosure where we were assisted with feeding the toucans by holding food in our mouths. Once we moved our hands and exposed the food, the friendly birds took the food straight from our lips!
One of the knowledgeable guides continued to walk with my son and I through the aviary, pointing our different species, including macaws, tanagers, parrots and finches. Leading us to a caged enclosure, we discovered two sloths hanging from their wooden perches. This amazing guide not only took my camera into the enclosure to take some pictures for me, he then invited us into the cage after a group of onlookers had departed. What a treat! We were able to stand just below the sloths for great photo opportunities…one even reached down in an attempt to comb my hair with his long claws!
Thanking the guide, we continued on into the insect exhibit and the butterfly observatory where many of the 25 species of butterfly continually landed on our arms, heads and even my face. My favorite part of the observatory was the laboratory area where we could observe the butterflies emerging from their chrysalis or in larva stages of their growth.
Exiting the observatory, we walked through Monkey Pass inspecting the spider and white-faced monkeys climbing and swinging through their exhibit. These monkeys 
Walking through the hummingbird garden, we then watched the diminutive feathered creatures flitting around amongst the trees and bushes while making our way to the serpentarium which showcases 30 of the most beautiful, yet deadly snakes of Costa Rica. Here, we were able to view, up close and personal, boa constrictors, bushmasters, vipers and even the colorful yet venomous sea snake found off the Pacific Coast of the country.
The next exhibit displayed most of the six species of endangered Central American cats, including jaguars, pumas and ocelots which were placed in the care of the park after the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment lost funding and the animals were unable to be released into the wild. These animals reside in glass enclosures and can be viewed at close range. Though beautiful to see at such a close distance, both my son and I were dismayed to see the jaguars pacing the cage continually…very sad to be in such close range to an area where they should be able to live free.
After departing the cat enclosures, we made our way to the orchid and frog exhibits. The orchids were quite beautiful, but the frogs definitely stole the show. In the humid ranarium, there are many species of native frogs that are allowed to roam (or hop) freely. Here, you can find the Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog, Caribbean Striped Poison Dart Frog, the Bullfrog and everyone’s favorite, the Red-Eyed Leaf Frog which looks very different while at rest. When sleeping, the frog looks like a fat, green lump. When awake, it is one of the most intriguing amphibians with its bright red, bulging eyes and red palms and soles.
Before moving on, make sure to visit Casita de la Paz, a farmhouse reproduction built using tools available to the average farmer a century ago. See how water was collected and heated within the home, how the farmer would have lived within the home and two oxcarts, colorful vehicles used to transport coffee beans from Costa Rica’s central valley over the mountains to the Pacific coast. Keep an eye out for the friendly mapaches, Costa Rica’s raccoon, that run around, and sometimes through, the cabin.
Finally, we were ready to hit the trails and make our way to the five waterfalls located in the park. Well constructed viewing platforms allow for amazing photo opportunities and a cooling, mist shower whether you need it or not! The Trail of Falls allows visitors to see five different cascades via trails and metal staircases following the Rio La Paz as it flows almost 5,000 feet down the slopes of the Poas Volcano. The first waterfall, El Templo, plunges 104 feet into a pool of clear water surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Magia Blanca (White Magic), the tallest of the five, descends 131 feet and you can observe it from above and below the drop-off. Continuing downriver, you can gaze upon Escantada (65 feet) and the much smaller, Escondido Falls. The final deluge can be seen from the park, however, to get the full effect, it is best viewed from the end of the trail, walking along the highway (or drive the short distance upon departure from the park). After all that climbing, if you are not up to returning the way you came (and my shaky legs were not), you can descend 400 steps to the gift shop and bus stop where a free shuttle bus is provided by the Gardens that takes you back to the reception area.
These caba
This part of Costa Rica is very beautiful and offers mountainous views, rolling hillsides and a major tourist attraction, Poas Volcano. Though still closed since its eruption last year, the government is hoping for a re-opening (with some implemented restrictions) later this year.
The church of San Babila was built on its current site in 1095, to house these relics, and extended with additional construction at the front and a new baroque facade. Though much of its original style has been lost during renovations, the church still retains its original medieval feel. During the 19th century, the complex was renovated with the aim of restoring the appearance of the medieval basilica and in the early 20th century the Neo-Romanesque facade by Paolo Cesa-Bianchi was built. The bell tower was eventually added in 1920 to replace the original tower which had fallen in the 16th century.
With the many grand churches throughout Italy, it was quite surprising when I entered, that San Babila was a very simple, mostly unadorned church. The interior has a nave and two aisles with two side chapels that date from the late Renaissance. Pay particular to the right aisle as it has an image of the Madonna, highly esteemed by the Milanese community. Also particular to note are some lovely medieval frescoes, Renaissance windows and beautiful mosaics.
If traveling in this area of Milan and happen to enter or exit at the San Babila metro, take a moment to stop in and relish the quiet beauty.
Established in the 5th century, the basilica was formerly dedicated to both Saints Zechariah and Stephen, though eventually given over to the latter. The original building was constructed around the year 417, destroyed by fire in 1070 and rebuilt in the Romanesque style in 1075. Since 1594, many reconstructions, expansions and restoration have been completed including enlargement of the apse and the main altar, lengthening of the nave and reconstruction of the facade, reconstruction of the bell tower by architect Gerolamo Quadrio and the construction of the sacristy and the modernization of some chapels.
St. Stefano is most famous for the many saints interred within its walls, most notably, San Carlo Borromeo and for two major events that occurred in the church. The Duke of Milan Galeazzo Maria Sforza was assassinated by four conspirators in 1476, under the medieval portico outside the church, as he visited the basilica for the celebration of the patron saint. The remaining pillar of the portico can be viewed in front of the belltower. Also, after years of speculation, the baptismal certificate from 1571, of the painter Michelangelo Merisi, better known as “Caravaggio”, was discovered in 2007 in the archival documents of the basilica, giving a definitive answer to the age-old question of his baptismal and birth place.
Though the basilica is very little known to tourists, it is easily accessible from the Piazza Fontana and quite impressive for its size and historical significance. Though the church is in desperate need of renovations, there are many items worth noting on its interior. Many of the side chapels contain beautiful and original stained glass and paintings and the altar is quite grand with its gold tabernacle. Also, be sure to note the imposing organ, the unique statues and the beautiful vaulted ceiling. Of particular interest is the life-sized bronze statue of Jesus on the cross, flanked by his mother and disciples, at the rear of the structure.
The small square chapel, a breathtaking area, was originally decorated with frescoes by Sebastian Ricci, an Italian artist. Today, you can still see his work…gaze upward at the incredible ceiling which depicts the Triumph of Souls Among Flying Angels and the glory of the four patron saints, Santa Maria Vergine, Santa Ambrogio, Santa Sebastiano and Santa Bernardino de Siena. The rest of the chapel is adorned with an altar and a niche with the statue of Madonna Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) kneeling before the body of Jesus. Skulls and bones, believed to be the deceased from the hospital and corpses from seventeenth century cemeteries, are arranged in niches and on cornices, pillars and doors. Some are stacked “frame-like” appearing as oversized paintings in simple shapes while others are arranged in ornamental patterns, like skull and crossbones. The skulls that you observe in cases above the door are those of executed prisoners.
Remains interred near the altar are those of a young girl, who, according to legend, comes back to life on November 2nd, All Souls Day, and lures other skeletons in a morbid dance.
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