January 2013 posts from Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

It's no secret that there are many different species of animals in Costa Rica - and I've met quite a few of them! One of my favorite animals is the manatee. They are such nice creatures and are incredibly gentle. One time, I hopped on the back of one in Tortuguero National Park and I saw the park like never before! But you don't have to be a small tree frog to swim with the manatees; humans can just as easily go diving or snorkeling alongside these fragile mammals. Even if you're staying in Costa Rica all inclusive resorts, you may want to take a side trip to view these majestic creatures...[More]

What better way to experience the beauty of Costa Rica than from up along the canopies like all the native animals? Zip lining or Canopy Tours as it is often called in Costa Rica is a perfect adventure for humans - but not as easy for frogs like me - because you get to speed through the air high above the treetops! The first time I saw someone on a Superman zip line, I thought it was a large bird flying above! People go whizzing through the sky at high speeds, and get a view of Costa Rica that I'll never get to see...[More]

After landing at the San Jose Costa Rica airport, you may want to quickly take a dip in the crystal clear waters. Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, so you can imagine it is one of the most visited places in Costa Rica. Stretching 2.5 miles, the beach allows visitors to experience one-of-a-kind swimming, boating and of course surfing in Jaco. Most people come here for the sandy retreat, but the town of Jaco is something that's surely worth the experience. Even I enjoy hanging out here once in a while, and I'm not even a beach-loving amphibian!. Considered a party town, Jaco has outstanding nightlife and long stretches of beach side restaurants. Whether you're on a family adventure or you're looking for a Latin-fused experience - Jaco's late night scene has a little something to offer everyone...[More]

No matter where you travel in Costa Rica, it seems as though you´ll always find toucans living high in the trees. Although that's a bit of an exaggeration, toucans can be found in many national parks throughout the country. There are six different species (Channel Bill Toucan, Red Bill Toucan, Chestnut-Mandible Toucan, Toco Toucan, Bright-billed Toucans) that I´ve seen soaring through the trees and playing games with one another - you can see them flinging berries to each other! From the Pacific Slope to the Caribbean lowlands, you can spot one of these colorful birds...[More]

Since the weather in Costa Rica is ideal for growing, it's no surprise that there is some unbelievable coffee here! Some of the best Joe you'll find is grown high in the Talamanca Mountain Range in Tarrazu, Costa Rica. There are many blends of coffee sold in other countries that are grown here as well...[More]

When it comes to exploring the rugged countryside of Costa Rica, nothing beats a long hike through the rainforest. If you're up for a challenge, and want to enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Costa Rica, why not go hiking through Chirripo National Park?...[More]

Costa Rica has a reputation for its natural beauty, its diverse animal population (including yours truly) and its wealth of opportunities for fun and adventure. For many visitors of the Central American paradise, that fun and adventure includes 18 holes of golf. While my homeland has plenty of beautiful courses where old pros can work on their short game, there are also plenty of places for beginners like myself to learn the Gentleman's Game when they visit Costa Rica. Let's get hopping and check out some of the best places to learn golf in the country...[More]

If you've been following my adventures for a while, you'll know how much I love to get out and enjoy the delicious food in Costa Rica. One of the best places to find top-quality restaurants is the capital of San Jose. A world of flavors from across the globe awaits you in this bustling city, so come with me to discover the best restaurants in San Jose!...[More]

One of my favorite places to visit in Costa Rica is Drake Bay, or Bahia Drake as natives call it. It's a small bay on the north side of Osa Peninsula, and I love going there because I have so many friends that live in Corcovado National Park! This wildlife preserve is about as wild as "wilderness" can get and takes up about the third of the peninsula. The weather in Costa Rica is always perfect, so no matter what time of year you visit you'll be able to experience all this area has to offer, no matter what your preferred mode of travel is...[More]

The Costa Rican government takes protecting the environment very seriously. After all, the rainforests that cover much of this small Central American country are home to approximately 5 percent of the world's biodiversity, so it's important that the delicate balance of nature be preserved for future generations. Visitors spending time in Costa Rica can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this tropical paradise on eco-tourism excursions, and there's no better place to go wild in Costa Rica than the Osa Peninsula in Puntarenas...[More]

Scuba diving in around Costa Rica's Isla del Caño is like discovering a secret world. This verdant atoll is located off the coast of Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula, the waters of which are home to a diverse array of marine life including sea turtles, eels, manta rays, dolphins and hundreds of species of fish. For adventurous explorers visiting this tranquil part of Costa Rica, there are endless opportunities to enjoy this stunning underwater world firsthand...[More]