El Camino del Cielo y Colibríes Voyage Tips and guide

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El Camino del Colibrí y Cielo is a scenic drive in the Central Valley of Costa Rica between the towns of Berlin de San Ramon and Llano Brenes Costa Rica. It is known for its spectacular views and is a common site for accessible bird watching.

This route starts at over 6000 ft elevation and descends down the ridge line to below 2000 ft. So bring a wind breaker in case theirs wind. If you're a shutterbug, bring both wide-angel for the views and telephoto or scope for the birds. Because of the elevations differences you'll be seeing a wide array of landscapes and bird species.

The nearest airport is Juan Santa Maria (SJO) which is a hub airport on the west side of San Jose, the capital. Cars can easily be rented near the airport.

The route is best accessed by car. Travel 30 minutes west of the Airport on the Pan American Highway (Route 1) from San Jose to the city of San Ramon. You will have to exit at the first exit to San Ramon and follow you GPS through the edge of town to get onto Route 713. Be advised that the underpass to 713 is a one-lane road. In Costa Rica bridges and underpasses are often one-lane and will always have a "yield sign" in one direction to facilitate traffic flow. Take Route 713 south over the mountain pass. At the top of the pass the Camino begins just north of the town of Berlin de San Ramon.

When you reach the town of Berlin, turn left to stay on route 713. follow that route until your GPS tells you to take a sharp left just before the town of Llano Brenes. Instead stay on C. La Trocha to continue to Llano Brenes. IMPORTANT TO NOTE that the 713 from this point forward is not a good road and is NOT recommended for tourists.

• Bird Watching, Vista Mundo Retreat Center (600 m South of the Berlin School), ([email protected]),
• Hiking trails (and waterfall) - maintained by Mea Culpa Restaurant for their patrons, 3 km south of Berlin de San Ramon, [x].

Mea Culpa Restaurant, 3 km south of Berlin de San Ramon.

• Vista Mundo Retreat Center, (600 m South of Berlin School), ([email protected]), https://thecostaricaretreat.com/birding-experience, checkin: 3 PM; checkout: 11 AM.
• Helvetico Chalets and Reserve, (3 km south of Berlin de San Ramon), +506-8924-5334.

This is a narrow driving route and should be driving at slower speeds for safety. If you are walking the route please exercise caution and do so at low traffic times.

Aguacate Mountains Biological Corridor