El Camino del Cielo y Colibríes is in Canton of San Ramon in the Aguacate Mountains (Montes de Aguacate) in the Aguacate Mountains Biological Corridor
Understand
[edit]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 birdwatching.
Prepare
[edit]This route starts at over 6,000 ft (1,800 m) elevation and descends down the ridge line to below 2,000 ft (610 m). So bring a wind breaker. 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.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]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.
By car
[edit]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. The 713 from this point forward is not a good road and is NOT recommended for tourists.
Do
[edit]- 1 Birdwatching, [email protected]. Guided birdwatching can be arranged through Vista Mundo Retreat Center. $50 per hour for a local guide.
- 2 Cerro Tinajita Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural Cerro Tinajita).
- 3 Hiking (3 km south of the town of Berlin de San Ramon; trailhead is near the HelvaTico gate, the trailhead is to the right of the driveway). Over 20 km of trails, and a waterfall. Primarily for Mea Culpa patrons. If you do not stay or eat at this establishment, please stop and make a donation at Mea Culpa Restaurant for the family that sponsors maintaining this large network of trails.
- 4 Butterfly Gate Hiking Trail. This is a scenic hike along a farm track. Take the exit for Calle Zamora. The first minute of this road is drivable. Beyond that it is best to park and get out and walk. This track passes through some high elevation vista, picturesque farmlands and natural areas.
Eat
[edit]Mea Culpa Restaurant, 3 km south of Berlin de San Ramon.
Sleep
[edit]- Vista Mundo Retreat Center (600 m South of Berlin School), [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM.
- Helvetico Chalets and Reserve (3 km south of Berlin de San Ramon), ☏ +506-8924-5334.
Stay safe
[edit]This is a narrow driving route; drive at a slow speeds for safety. If you are walking the route, exercise caution and do so at low traffic times.