April 2019 posts from Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

Rainforest hike in Matapalo next to a Strangler Fig Tree

The Differences Between Cloud Forests and Rainforests

Costa Rica is literally a tropical paradise. Home to around 5 percent of the entire planet's biodiversity, much of the country is covered by lush rainforests and beautiful cloud forests. But what are the differences between the two? [More]

Javi the Frog with magestic Arenal Volcano

Top 5 national parks in Costa Rica

With nearly 27 percent of the land devoted to national reserves and a total of 28 nationals parks, there's no denying that Costa Rica has some truly remarkable standouts of nature. Volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls and a vast diversity of flora and fauna fill these parks - many of my relatives reside in these areas as well! While it was hard to narrow down a list, here are the top 5 national parks of Costa Rica:...[More]

Actors in procession in Holy Week, San Jose

Top activities during Semana Santa

Topping the list of my favorite holidays, Semana Santa is a celebration during the last week of Lent leading up to Easter. Parades, processions, the best food and mini-festivals fill the streets, and for Costa Ricans, Catholic traditions run deep. Without a doubt, Semana Santa, literally meaning "Holy Week," is one of the most important holidays of the year. Ticos embrace a week off of work, spending downtime with family and friends...[More]

Costa Rica National Hero Juan Santamaria

Who was Juan Santamaria?

If you happen to be hopping around in Costa Rica on April 11th of any given year, you’ll also notice that the entire country, including this frog, is celebrating Juan Santamaría on that day. But what is it that makes this man a legend in Costa Rica?... [More]

Magnificent Howler Monkey in Puerto Viejo forest

Learn all about the monkeys of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a place with dense wildlife, and that wildlife includes four species of monkeys that I’m going to highlight today: the howler monkey, the spider monkey, the tiny squirrel monkey, and the Capuchin (or white-faced) monkey. I travel through the country constantly, and you can bet that when I look up, I am likely to see some monkeys swinging in the trees above me... [More]

Around Beautiful Costa Rica Tour