February 2013 posts from Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

Since 1908, the Vargas family has been growing Costa Rican coffee on the Doka Coffee Plantation in Sabanilla de Alajuela. This estate produces some of the highest quality coffee in the country along the slopes of the Alajuela Poas Volcano. Because of the fertile soil, perfect altitude and ideal climate, the Vargas family is able to produce eight different blends of coffee. This plantation uses a century-old water mill from England that powers the plantation, and the Costa Rican government designated it as a historical and architectural heritage site...[More]

The National Museum of Costa Rica is one of my favorite tourist attractions in San Jose. Even the building itself has a fascinating history, as it used to be military barracks! The museum is home to a variety of permanent and temporary collections, and one of the most interesting is the "Human Remains" exhibition...[More]

When you're planning what to do in Costa Rica, Cartago should be on your list! As the first capital of Costa Rica, Cartago is one of the oldest communities in the country, and as you can imagine, there are some great sites to see. You may not realize it, but I am actually a huge history buff. It may be from my travels throughout Costa Rica, or all the stories that I've heard in the rainforest, but I love visiting historic areas. The ruins in Cartago, which date back to the 16th century, give you a glimpse into the rich history of Costa Rica. In 1723, an eruption of the Irazu Volcano nearly destroyed the entire town, but luckily there are still some ruins that stand today. Since the volcano sits a mere 24 miles away, there have been several eruptions that have damaged some of the ruins...[More]

As any traveler will tell you, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise that boasts a scenic beauty and biodiversity unlike anywhere else in the world. No matter where in the country their adventure may take them, visitors will find plenty to see, do and explore throughout the Central American nation. Guests will get more out of their trip if they plan to visit an entire region rather than spend all of their time in urban centers like San Jose, and a journey across the Caribbean coast is a great place to start....[More]

Costa Rica is a foodie's paradise. With near-perfect growing conditions for crops year-round, our beautiful country offers travelers the opportunity to indulge in a variety of delicious meals any time of the year. Depending on when you visit, there are a number of seasonal foods that are sure to make your mouth water...[More]

Extending from south from Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula is heavily forested and mountainous on the inland, but the shoreline is one of the country's finest. Each village'slong stretchof beachfrontboasts a distinctive character which is one of the most charming aspects of this region. You'll find endless aquatic attractions to suit your the needs, whether you're an adventurous spirit like me or a true novice. I love Nicoya Peninsula because of the diverse ecosystems and extremely different seasons. I've never lived in this region, but I've come here to visit during the dry season - which starts at the end of November and lasts into May - and always found it quite charming...[More]

Sea shells are so tiny - well, not compared to me sometimes - but one of my favorite things about beaches! You can imagine my excitement when I hop to Playa Conchal - its name came from the millions of crushed shells that make up the shoreline. Boasting crystal clear waters where you can see your toes wiggling in the sand and the fishes swimming nearby, Playa Conchal is one of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica! This pristine waters are a highlight along the Caribbean Coast, and because weather in Costa Rica is typically sunny in this region, you can enjoy the beach on almost any day...[More]

Known as one of the wettest parks in Costa Rica, Tapanti-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte National Park spans about 360 square miles along the northern slopes of Cordillera de Talamanca, which sits along the border of Panama and Costa Rica. As a tree frog, this is a great place to hop along because the scenery is so diverse. Hundreds of rivers, including the Orosi River, flow through this park, leading to stunning waterfalls. For me, the thick vegetation and mossy land is perfect, but there is plenty for humans to enjoy here as well...[More]

I may say this all the time, but Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! Although I travel all around the country, my froggy heart is in the rainforest and Santa Elena is a unique area because it is actually a cloud forest. This means that the clouds settle into the forest, providing moisture for the plants and animals that live here. I know some humans think fog is creepy, but it's so serene here! If you are walking along the trails of this reserve, you'll notice dangling roots, lush forested areas and - of course - plenty of animals...[More]