Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog - Page 14

Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Many people who choose to visit this tropical paradise do so by crossing the Panamanian border into Sixaola after they visit Bocas del Toro, an island community just off Panama's Caribbean Coast. This region can be a great side-trip for tourists planning to continue to Costa Rica afterward. I hopped out to Bocas del Toro to see what kinds of exciting things there are to do there - it took me a while, but it sure was worth it!...[More]

Ticos love to play sports, and there's no more popular game in Costa Rica than soccer - although the locals call it football! Nothing rivals Ticos' passion for soccer, and the fans here are some of the most devoted in the world. When I'm hopping around the country, I never have to go far before I see people enjoying a spirited game. I wish I could play, but I'm a little on the small side. Come with me to learn more about two of Costa Rica's most popular teams - Liga and Saprissa...[More]

While there is no shortage of amazing sites and landmarks to see in my homeland, there are few that are quite as impressive as Costa Rica's volcanoes. Even though these unique mountains make a tree frog like me feel even smaller, it's hard not to be impressed by these towering heaps. Over the years, these natural wonders have inspired more than awe, however, as many of Costa Rica's most popular volcanoes are the subject of local legend. Let's learn about some of these massive mounds, shall we?[More]

Though there are tons of Volcanoes to be found throughout Costa Rica, most of them have been pretty quiet in the past few years. Yet, recently, I've started noticing a lot of rumbling coming from Turrialba Volcano National Park and Irazu Volcano National Park, which could mean that these two large mountains are ready to blow! Don't worry, though, as the National Seismology Network from the University of Costa Rica, a group we Ticos call the RSN, is keeping a close eye on the situation to keep us safe.[More]

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America, Costa Rica attracts a lot of travelers who like to cut loose and have a good time. While my siblings and I have been known to have some fun ourselves, we're always careful not to overdo things. That's because we know that partygoers who go overboard will have to deal with los cadejos. What's that? You haven't heard of los cadejos? Well sit back and let me tell you why most Ticos know how to have a good time responsibly...[More]

Costa Rica is famed for its stunning natural diversity and exotic wildlife, including tree frogs like me! It is also the setting for many myths. According to local legend, the story of the rualdo bird is tied to Poas Volcano. Let's learn more about this mysterious bird and how it came to be spoken of in tribal folklore...[More]

Well, it took me quite a while to hop out here, but here we are in the town of Orotina, located in the province of Alajuela. Fortunately, it'll only take you about 45 minutes to drive here from San Jose if you take the Ciudad Colón-Orotina highway - so if you happen to see me hopping along the side of the road, you can slow down and give me a ride, if you like. I wouldn't mind resting my eyes - and legs - for a minute.[More]

Thousands of visitors come to Costa Rica every year to enjoy the azure waters off the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica, with professionals and novices taking to the water. But what if you've never surfed before? Riding waves takes patience and practice, but it's well worth the effort and perseverance.[More]

When I'm hopping through the rainforest, I often see groups of tourists boating down the rivers on rafts! No matter how experienced you are, there's a white water rafting adventure waiting for you. Come with me and let's learn about this exciting way to see Costa Rica![More]

Sometimes, when I'm hopping through the rainforest, I see tourists whiz past me on mountain bikes. It sure does look like a lot of fun, but I don't think they make bikes in my size! Follow me to learn more about this exciting sport![More]

If you think of Costa Rican cuisine, chances are you'll imagine local favorites like gallo pinto, casado or arroz con pollo. However, Ticos like variety when it comes to their dining, and traditional Japanese cuisine such as sushi is becoming wildly popular with locals and visitors alike. Let's find out more about sushi restaurants in Costa Rica![More]

When you're hungry after a long day trekking through the rainforest, sometimes it's best to stick to what you know by visiting American chain restaurants. Tourists visiting Costa Rica from the U.S. may be pleasantly surprised to learn that many of their favorite eateries from back home are taking off here in a major way. Let's find out more about these outlets and the delicious food they serve![More]

Known for their laid-back lifestyle and hospitality, Ticos also tend to be a strongly religious people. Spirituality has shaped much of Costa Rica's history and cultural heritage, and remains an important part of many people's lives here. Come with me to learn more about religion in Costa Rica![More]

After a long day luxuriating on Costa Rica's stunning beaches or exploring lush rainforests, nothing beats grabbing a cold brew with the locals. If you're planning on spending time in Cartago, you've got plenty of options when it comes to local watering holes. Come with me and let's find the best places to grab a drink![More]

When visiting Costa Rica, tourists often decide to stay in the capital of San Jose due to its central location. Many of the country's national parks and cultural attractions are within easy reach of the city, making it a perfect base of operations for curious explorers. However, hiking around the rainforest can be thirsty work, and nothing beats chilling out with the locals and enjoying a cold beer. Follow me to find the best bars in the Central Valley![More]

When it comes to dining out, Ticos like to keep their options open. Although the food here is almost as diverse as the landscape, many Costa Ricans love Chinese food. In fact, the country has quite a large Chinese population, meaning that there's always some great chow just around the corner. Come with me and find out the best places to grab Chinese cuisine in Costa Rica![More]

It's no secret that Ticos like to enjoy a cold beer after a long day. Although locally brewed favorites like Imperial and Pilsen are common in Costa Rican bars and restaurants, the number of craft beers produced here has been a little lacking. However, as microbrewing has become popular around the world, Ticos are catching on and a number of small, independent brewers are producing some of the finest craft beers in Central America. Let's learn more about the newest players on the craft beer scene and their delicious products![More]

The Costa Rican people, known colloquially as Ticos, are famed for their laid-back lifestyle. After a long day, many Costa Ricans enjoy relaxing in the tropical weather with an ice-cold brew. If you're a fan of the amber nectar, you might be wondering what Costa Rican beer is like. Come with me to find out![More]

For tourists visiting Costa Rica, the capital of San Jose often serves as an ideal base of operations. With so many of the country's national parks within reach, San Jose is the perfect place to stay if you're planning a hiking vacation in southern inland Costa Rica. Come with me to learn more about the best hikes in this beautiful region![More]