San Ramón is home to more than 540 bird species, including endemic, migratory, and endangered ones in Costa Rica. This rich biodiversity is a valuable resource for ecotourism and environmental education, highlighting emblematic species such as the quetzal, the bellbird, and the coppery-headed emerald. The conservation and promotion of these habitats are essential. 

San Ramón-Arenal Caribbean Foothills 

San Ramón, a canton in the western and north zone of Costa Rica's, is divided by the continental divide, creating diverse landscapes and habitats. In the Caribbean foothills, just a 2-hour drive from San José, you'll discover a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. This route features sites ranging from 200 to 800 meters above sea level, in addition to being near the Arenal Volcano. Explore trails within private properties or venture onto secondary roads, both offering ample opportunities for birdwatching. The region is characterized by vast forests with trails and roads along their edges, providing ideal conditions for bird observation.

San Ramón-Arenal Caribbean Foothills Birding Hotspots:

Luna Nueva Lodge: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1873352/bird-list

Chachagua Rainforest Lodge: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6700199/bird-list

Hotel Heliconias Nature Inn & Hot springs: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5889205/bird-list

La Tigra Rainforest Lodge: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6347553/bird-list

Children´s Eternal Rainforest - Pocosol: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L442612/bird-list   

Arenal-El Castillo: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1156977/bird-list

Recommended places to stay in San Ramón-Arenal Caribbean Foothills :

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge

Chachagua Rainforest Lodge

La Tigra Rainforest Lodge

Cecropia Lodge

Heliconias Nature Inn and Hot Springs

Bosque Eterno de los Niños - Pocosol

El Castillo-Arenal

San Ramón Cloud Forest

 From 800 to 1500 meters above sea level, you'll find the highest areas of the San Ramón canton, home to the canton's marvelous Cloud Forest. This area is one of the other important routes for birdwatching, where you can observe a variety of spectacular species such as the Resplendent Quetzal, the Bare-necked Umbrellabird, Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo, the Three-wattled Bellbird, Blue-and-gold Tanager, among others.

Cloud Forest Birdwathching hotspots 

Bosque Nuboso El Cocora: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2732500/bird-list
Parque San Luis: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6435808/bird-list
Hotel Villa Blanca: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L520288/bird-list
Canto del Río: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L8549223/bird-list
Valle de Los Quetzales: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L8698030/bird-list

Recommended places to stay in the Cloud Forest

Posada y Senderos don Diego

Canto del Río

Hotel Ribera La Paz

El Refugio Ecoglamping

Hotel Villa Blanca & Nature Reserve

San Ramón- Pacific Midlands

The canton, on its Pacific-influenced side, presents rural and agricultural areas with forest patches and spectacular scenic beauty, allowing tourists to visit sites from 300 to 1500 meters above sea level. This provides birdwatchers the opportunity to see species such as Fiery-billed Aracari, Cabani´s Sparrow, White-eared Ground Sparrow, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Gray-headed Tanager, Ruddy Woodcreeper among others.

San Ramón-Pacific Midlands Birdwathching Hotspots

Finca San Gerardo:  https://ebird.org/hotspot/L38758433 

Ecomusas: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L10321818/bird-list 

Recommended places to stay in the San Ramón-Pacific Midlands

Hotel La Posada

Casa Amanecer

Hotel San Ramón

Cabañas de Chango

Vida Mountain Resort & Spa
Hostel Bouganvilia
Hotel Amaranto

Here’s what makes San Ramón an unforgettable destination for birdwatchers:

• A Birder's Paradise: With over 540 recorded bird species, San Ramón is a world-class birdwatching destination. Spot everything from vibrant regional endemics to migratory wonders and iconic endangered species like the Resplendent Quetzal, the Three-wattled Bellbird, and the Coppery-headed Emerald.

• A Sanctuary of Protected Areas: While many associate the famous Arenal-Monteverde corridor with other towns, the reality is that the largest part of the Children's Eternal Rainforest—the country's most extensive private reserve—is located right here in San Ramón. The canton is also home to other vital conservation areas, including the Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve and a large portion of the Peñas Blancas Wildlife Refuge. San Ramón is a true hub for these critical conservation efforts.

• Where Two Worlds Meet: Experience the unique magic of the Continental Divide. San Ramón's position gives it a distinct climate and incredible biodiversity, influenced by both the dry Pacific and the lush Caribbean. This means you can discover a spectacular variety of ecosystems, from cloud forests to rainforests, all in one place.

San Ramón featured species