March 2013 posts from Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

As the capital of the province of Guanacaste, Liberia boasts an interesting history and was home to many important events. While Liberia is a large part of Costa Rican culture today, the city wasn't technically a part of Costa Rica many years ago - it was a part of Nicaragua until 1812. When you're traveling around Liberia, you may hear locals refer to it as "la ciudad blanca" or the white city, due to Liberia's plethora of whitewashed colonial houses and the city roads that were once covered in white gravel. I wish I had some frog-sized sunglasses at times! While Liberia has become more modern, it's still considered a colonial town...[More]

Easter week in Costa Rica is one of the most important times for native Ticos, and nearly the entire country shuts down for a week! You know me, I love being in the rainforest, but during Easter Week, or Semana Santa, I always make my way to Cartago. The city has the biggest celebration in the country. It's a unique time in Costa Rica because deep-rooted traditions are alive and well. Until a few years ago, there was no vehicle traffic allowed on the streets, and although that isn't a strict law anymore, public transportation doesn't run and most people take this vacation to relax. If you're visiting Costa Rica during Semana Santa, the beaches will be jam-packed with Ticos. An estimated 1.5 million Costa Ricans visit the coast! I was lucky enough to spend Semana Santa last year with a family, so I've got the inside scoop on all the great traditions, foods and celebrations of this week-long holiday...[More]

One of my favorite things to do when I'm out and about in Costa Rica is to take tours of the museums in the capital of San Jose. Sure, you could say that a museum is the last place you'd expect to find a tree frog like me, but I love learning more about Costa Rica's history and culture! Although all the museums in San Jose are interesting, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum at the Plaza de la Cultura is one of the best. Come with me on a tour of this fascinating museum...[More]

Did you ever think you'd be able to go on an African Safari in Costa Rica? I sure didn't! I've seen a lot through my travels in Costa Rica, but this was one of the most surprising and exciting adventures because it was like nothing I had seen. In the dry grasslands of Guanacaste, Africa Mia is the country's only African safari adventure and one of Liberia's biggest hub for Costa Rica tourism. Don't get me wrong, I love the rainforest because it's my home, but the knee-high grasses and wide-open plains are truly a sight to see...[More]

I know, I know - a frog that loves soccer? You might think I'm crazy, but I do love a good match, and the upcoming game between the U.S. and Costa Rica is sure to be a heated one. The United States soccer team will host its first home game in the final round of World Cup qualifying matches on March 22 against Costa Rica at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. Maybe I can hop a ride on a soccer ball in someone's luggage? This will be the second World Cup qualifier held at the Colorado Rapids stadium, the last of which was a United States win against Guatemala in 2008...[More]

Costa Ricans are renowned as some of the friendliest people in the world. If you're planning to visit Costa Rica, it helps to know a little about how Ticos behave, interact with one another and what you can expect from the people you meet during your travels. Come with me to learn more about cultural and social etiquette in Costa Rica...[More]

The luxurious Los Suenos Resort in Herradura is easily one of the most stunning Cost Rica all-inclusive resorts I've ever seen! This new complex sits on a 1,100-acre rainforest, but believe me, you're far from roughing it here. During my travels through Costa Rica, I heard a lot about this place so I had to check it out. From high above the tree tops, I could see so much! One of the most impressive features of this community-like resort is its marina. It's actually the only government-sanctioned marina in the country. Boasting 200 wet slips, 100 dry slips and a fuel dock, you could spend your entire trip on the water. One time, I hopped aboard a vessel going out to sport fishing, and let me tell you, it was one of the most spectacular (and scary I'm just a little frog) experiences I've ever had...[More]

You may not know this about tree frogs, but we're very smart! I love learning about history, and since I live in Costa Rica there is plenty to explore. One of my favorite places to learn about the past is Heredia. Both a province and a city, Heredia it steeped in rich culture. The city itself dates back to 1705. Nicknamed the “City of Flowers,” Heredia is home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna, and there are several vibrant gardens throughout town. But the real beauty here lies in the historical monuments and unmatched colonial architecture...[More]

Costa Rica is one of the world's leading destinations for eco-tourism and sustainability, which is why I love it so much! A lot of native Ticos use their hands to keep traditional arts alive, and let me tell you, the pottery they create is impressive. You may think that I just travel through the national parks and wildlife reserves in Costa Rica, but I'm a sucker for art as well. At the end of your visit, there's no true way to capture the friendly, vibrant and laid-back lifestyle and bring it home with you (unfortunately), but purchasing handmade souvenirs created by the locals may be the best solution...[More]

Some people come to Costa Rica for the sun-drenched coastlines, but if you're like me, you may be more interested in what's underground! I know what you're thinking - a tree frog that prefers down below to the tree tops? Well, you haven't seen these caves yet! One of my dearest memories of traveling through Costa Rica was when I hopped all the way up the Arenal Volcano and then down into the northern lowlands where the mystical Venado Caves sit. For a little tree frog like me, I can easily hop along the 2,700-meter stretch of limestone to visit some of my friends: crickets, monochrome frogs and spiders! However, humans have to duck through small crevices, repel down waterfalls and squeeze between rock formations trust me, it's like nothing you've ever seen before...[More]

Taking a vacation in Costa Rica with your children can be a wonderful experience for the whole family. The capital of San Jose has much to see and do, but perhaps the most exciting place for the little ones to visit is The Children's Museum, located just north of downtown San Jose. Filled with fun and educational exhibits, a trip to this enchanting museum is sure to be an unforgettable day out for parents and kids alike...[More]

Boasting coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica offers you a world of exciting watersports activities. If you're looking to get away from it all during your vacation in Costa Rica, a sailing trip is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this tropical paradise. With so many ports to choose from, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to embarking on a leisurely sailing trip on the open ocean. Come with me to discover the best places to sail in Costa Rica..[More]