Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog - Page 12

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]

Here in Costa Rica, we are one with nature. You may be thinking - "You're a tree frog, of course you're one with nature!" - but even humans are well connected to the scenic beauty of the beaches and forests here. It's not hard. The abundant greenery and peaceful atmosphere of Costa Rica helps melt away the struggles of modern living: doesn't it seem like the perfect place to say "Ohm"? No matter where you're at in Costa Rica, there is likely a studio where you can take your downward dog to the shoreline. Whether you're a novice or a pro yogi, a Costa Rica yoga retreat or class can take your practice - and your vacation - to a whole new level...[More]

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]

When you're planning what to do in Costa Rica, you should add the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge on the Caribbean coast to your list! I might be a little biased, but this is truly one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. All of my brothers and sisters and I grew up in this area, and we have so many tree frog friends here - and many other animal species, too! The park is tucked along the Caribbean coast south of Limon and bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east. Located just a few kilometers north of the Panama border, this wildlife refuge protects several rare and stunning habitats that are home to an abundant array of flora and fauna. The borders of this refuge are not completely defined, but it covers about 50 square kilometers of land and about the same amount of protected sea. This park was actually established so that a few of the country's last coral reefs were saved! Although I've never been to the coral reefs - it's hard for frogs to swim that far - I've heard so many amazing things about these and many people go snorkeling here to view them. Costa Rica all inclusive resorts are pretty sparse in this area so you may want to stay in nearby Puerto Viejo or just spend the afternoon in this region...[More]

Have you always wanted to learn how to sail? I don't think I could ever hold the ropes, but I've hopped aboard a few yachts in my day. I might be biased, but is there a better place to experience life at sea than along the stunning coastline of Costa Rica? One of the greatest things about my homeland is the pristine waters that surround and weave through it! Some of Costa Rica's top sights are accessible only by boat, and sailing skills can sure come in handy if you decide to explore coral reefs, deserted beaches and so much more...[More]

Nested along the crystal waters of the Caribbean, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Limon is notably a large tourist destination in Costa Rica. It's not surprising either. The laid-back, tropical lifestyle and diverse residents of this area make any trip one to remember. Even as a frog, I enjoy watching humans frolic along the shorelines - everyone just seems to let their worries fly away here! A lot of people seem to enjoy lying on the beach all afternoon, but when I visit I'm usually up in the trees or near small ponds where I see humans enjoying the plethora of flora and fauna of the area. Just like most areas in Costa Rica, there is almost too much to do, with local activities including horseback riding, jungle adventures, canyoning or zip lining, but most people come here just to kick back and let loose...[More]

You know you're going somewhere special when the only means of transportation is by plane or boat! Although I can travel to Tortuguero much easier than humans, this tiny town in Limon has no roads leading to it. I've heard that getting there is an experience in itself. A boat ride will take you along the Canal de Tortuguero through towering rainforests and vast wetlands. You'll want to keep all eyes and ears open on this journey because Tortuguero is primarily populated by wildlife! When you're planning what to do in Costa Rica, make sure a visit to Tortuguero, Limon, is on the list...[More]

The Central Volcanic Cordillera run across central Costa Rica. These towering peaks are part of a volcanic mountain range that was formed millions of years ago, and contain four of the Pacific Ring of Fire's most active volcanoes: Barva, Irazú, Poas and Turrialba. If you want to see Costa Rica from a different perspective, this impressive mountain range offers breathtaking views of the country's Central Valley. Come with me to explore the Central Volcanic Cordillera! ...[More]