One of the best aspects of living in San Ramon is our enjoyment of a close proximity to so many amazing places. I consider San Ramon to be the “King of the Day Trip” in Costa Rica. In 45 minutes we can be walking on the sand at Playa Dona Ana in Puntarenas, and an hour drive in the opposite direction puts us in the hustle and bustle of San Jose. Volcanoes, cloud forests, thermal springs, zip lines and much more are only one and a half to two hours away, depending on what spot you want to hit. When family and friends visit to share the wonderment of these excursions, SJO airport is only 35-40 minutes away. We have the ability to experience a great deal of what Costa Rica has to offer and then return the same day to one of the most desirable and consistent climates in the world. Thank you, San Ramon!

Anna’s father flew in from Brooklyn, NY to meet his granddaughter for the 1st time in person (he talks to her every morning on Skype) and it was love at first sight!

After spending a couple of days showing him around San Ramon and introducing him to some friends and neighbors, we hopped into our Galloper and sped off to soak in some calming and refreshing thermal springs in San Carlos. Calgon, take me away!

 These thermal springs are the equivalent of a relaxing, steamy bath with benefits. The water is nutrient rich and you emerge feeling mas tranquilo and rejuvenated. Not only that, but you can spend time with loved ones and meet new people while giving yourself some TLC. If you’re craving a tropical drink or a bite to eat, there is a bar/small restaurant and the servers will bring your order right to you in the thermal pools.

On the way home, we savored a delicious Caribbean-style corvina dish at Las Lagos (highly recommended) and then we were back home in San Ramon to sleep in our own beds. The next morning we decided to take a jaunt to Volcan Poas National Park! After a beautiful drive (about an hour and a half) through lovely and lush La Garita and the winding mountain roads that lead to Volcan Poas, we were ready to hike the trails in this very special park. The four of us needed to trade in our bathing suits for warmer clothing in preparation for the higher altitude (max elevation of about 8900 feet above sea level) and then we were ready to ROCK!

While hiking and enjoying the fresh air, we often felt like we were travelling through an enchanted forest. Gorgeous twisting trees that allowed sunlight through in dazzling patterns… Animals and birds who came right up to us without fear… Sensing and feeling the general ancient pulse of the jungle forest that surrounded us… Then there was, of course, the volcano itself. This park has some serious presence. The trail to (and from) Botas Lake can be a challenge depending on your fitness level so be sure to observe the difficulty level of the trail on the sign at the trail entrance before heading up. Volcan Poas National Park proved to be an excellent day trip and a rich experience for the whole family, so check it out when you get the chance!

After our little adventure to the volcano, we made it home in plenty of time to catch one of San Ramon’s famous sunsets in El Empalme…

PURA VIDA!!!