So here we are in the dead of winter: doesn’t look too bad to me if you can handle brilliant sunshine every morning, same old boring warm temperatures and bananas, oranges and anones literally dropping off the trees! True, there’s more rain, but only after a daily Vitamin D dose that makes hiking and visiting still pleasurable.

October – Cerro Chirripó is closed for maintenance so the tourists here need to find something g else to do. Here’s my favourite list to help you decide to visit San Gerardo:

1. Cloudbridge Reserve – is open all year round and requires no reservations but likewise offers incredible vistas and trails including spectacular waterfalls and the chance to see monkeys, quetzals, motmots and peccaries if you are up early and have keen eyes. The Reserve was created to preserve the cloud forest and protect the flora and fauna as well as offer opportunities for scientists to study rare species, including I just learned the quinine tree! To reach Cloudbridge hike about 2 km up the hill from the centre of San Gerardo (the Chuma), past the Uran Hotel and Casa Mariposa. Alternatively you can leave your vehicle c lose to the Uran Hotel and just hike the last part to the entrance.
Cost: Entrance is free but please leave a donation to assist with upkeep.
Time needed: allow minimum of 2 hours to enjoy your hike.
Difficulty: easier than Chirripó but realize that there are lots of inclines!

2. Aguas Termales – the hot springs are located on the other side of San Gerardo, on the road to Herradura. What a great way to relax after your Cloudbridge hike! There are 2 pools open from 7am – 5:30p.m. daily at a cost of $5.00 per person ($3.00 for nationals) The resort also provides a restaurant, snacks, and cabins should you wish to sleep over. To reach the hot springs park your car (unless it’s 4-wheel drive) at the Parqueo de Rosas on the left hand side of the road to Herradura, just 200m before the road up to the hot springs. Hike up the new road to the hot springs is about 10 – 15 minutes depending on fitness – but you will sure love those springs when you get there!

3. Horseback Riding – one of the very best ways to explore this mountainous terrain is on horseback. Even if you don’t really know how to ride the local ponies are docile enough for anyone and you can arrange for a guide to take you to view Cloudbridge, the coffee plantations or circle the neighboring villages. Various locals rent out ponies but you can try Don Luis at the Roca Dura, or the Chavez family. For more information drop me a line via the Contact Form.

4. Jardines Secretos – on the corner of the road to Herradura and beside the bridge over the Rio Blanco these gardens have become famous to plant experts and plant lovers alike. Don Klaus planted the garden and when he is in town his knowledge and obvious love for his garden is worth the walk around the garden alone. At other times Don Blanco can walk you around, or you can do the self-guided tour. There are waterways and small lagoons with fish and water birds, a mirador to look out over the garden and the valley and virtually thousands of tropical species.
Open: Mon to Sat, 8am–4pm
Cost: $3 per person
Difficulty: low

5. Bird watching – no cost, just bring your glasses and bird book. San Gerardo is famed for bird lovers and at anytime you can be sure to spot some of the most exotic: scarlet tanagers, siete colores, mot mots, emerald toucan and the red breasted aracaris, the occasional hawk and woodpeckers. October is a great month to bird watch since the fruit trees in everyone’s gardens attract them feeding so a wander around the village is often enough! For other good viewing points try the Talamanca Reserve, along the Rio Blanco and the Hotel Pelicano.

6. And if it’s wet…
…there’s always the Swiss Cheese Factory in Canaan (just 2 km back down the road from San Gerardo) where mature cheeses like Emmental and Gruyere are lovingly made from local sweet milk.
… savour a beer at the Pelicano Hotel and take in the odd but fascinating wood carvings in the dining room or check your email on Wi-Fi
…organic coffee for sale just west of Chimirrol on the main road to San Isidro. Ask to take a tour and find out exactly what it takes to claim your coffee is organically grown.

That’s it! Of course on weekends the library is open and football matches playing on most Sundays, or try your hand at trout fishing set amongst a wonderful orchid collection at Los Cocolisos (on the road to the Chespa) Saturdays and Sundays. Or play pool at the pulperia with local youth.

Chirripó closed? No problem! There’s so much to do!