Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog - Page 4

Costa Rica is a place of pure beauty, and a country with a lot of places to explore. There is something exciting to do, no matter which province you visit. Here is an overview of each province, and the most highly­-rated activity to do while visiting each... [More]

As with any place though, there are other things to do than what you see in the travel brochures. I would know, I’ve looked at all the brochures, and I’ve hopped all over the country! While adventure is calling in Costa Rica, there are some activities that are just as awesome, even if they are underrated. Here are a few of the most underrated Costa Rica activities, as collected by me over the years... [More]

I’m one spoiled Costa Rican frog; my job requires me to hop to the most luxurious hotels in the country so that I can give you my reviews. Most recently, I was able to check in to the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa in Hacienda Pinilla...[More]

If you’ve never been to Costa Rica, good for you. I mean, the place is just SO GREEN. You shouldn’t bother going. The government has been so focused on protecting the natural land and environment, that there are just trees and animals everywhere. Seriously, everywhere. Would it kill them to have a couple more Starbucks or a mall for tourists to shop at? Where do they expect us to get our coffee – at the local coffee stands and restaurants run by the locals? I’m pretty sure they grew the coffee themselves, and I just don’t know how to feel about that. At least with Starbucks, I know the coffee beans go through a whole corporate process before they get to me, and I’m sure they are just as fresh as locally­-grown beans... [More]

As a big city, San Jose can seem a bit overwhelming - there is so much to do and to see that you might not know where to start; especially if the city is just kind of a layover in your travel plans. Whether planned or not, your stay in San Jose can be rich with amazing, educational experiences. One activity that is perfect for singles, families, groups, and any other traveler, is a trip to one of the city's many museums... [More]

The thing about Costa Rica is that, as a country, we believe in preserving the natural land, and allowing the animals to live in their natural environment. Because of this, it isn’t guaranteed that every tourist is going to be able to see every animal that they want to see. Sometimes, if the timing is just all wrong, there may not be lots of wildlife around. I’m always sad to meet a tourist that seems disappointed because they didn’t get to see a lot of animals or wildlife – mostly because there are so many other things to appreciate in my homeland! However, if seeing as many animals as you can is your ultimate Costa Rica bucket list, then keep reading to find my picks of the wildest spots in Costa Rica, where you are most likely to see Costa Rica’s animals... [More]

As I travel around Costa Rica, I meet so many interesting foreign people, and I learn all about their homelands and their customs. Each culture is different, as I eat, drink and travel with these visitors, there is one topic that I see come up pretty often: when and where to tip, and how much. Tipping is a fairly new idea in Costa Rica; it has really only been a few decades that it has been part of our culture...[More]

When you visit Costa Rica, you are visiting a country that is so devoted to preserving its own natural environment that 25% of its land is designated as a protected, national park or reserve. That means that the land will never be torn up or torn down for development. That there won’t be deforestation or logging that leaves the land bare. That there won’t be commercial real estate, parking lots, or apartment buildings replacing the lush green forests and displacing the wildlife species that call those areas home... [More]

I’m so lucky to get to travel around Costa Rica and stay at some of the best hotels that the country has to offer. Recently, I got to stay on location at Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa, a beach resort in the Central Pacific region, along Playa Esterillos Este...[More]

El Niño is a weather event that is associated with severe climate changes – causing either extreme drought or heavy rainfall, depending on which ocean side you are on. El Niño can trigger droughts and heat waves in parts of Costa Rica, as the ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean can become unusually warm... [More]

My job is NOT terrible. Not in any way. I get to hop around Costa Rica, trying out all of the food, drinks, dances, and adventures that my country has to offer so that I can report the good, bad, and ugly back to my loyal readers. It’s the sweet life, for sure. I was so excited when I heard that my next assignment was to stay at Palma Real Hotel & Casino for a few days...[More]

Whether you are traveling to Costa Rica for the first time ever (congrats!) or heading back, or maybe even just researching your first trip, it helps to know when the local vacation times are for the country... [More]

Your trip to Costa Rica is going to be wonderful and beautiful, but it will require some planning. I know that when I travel through my home country, I try to avoid high traffic times so that I don’t get stuck in traffic jams. While you are on vacation, you may not find yourself in much of a hurry, but you will be trying to see as much of Costa Rica as you can. You might have a short trip, so every minute will count. Getting stuck in traffic jams, or visiting a place at a high traffic time, might mean the difference between you checking something off your bucket list, or saving it for your next trip. I want you to be able to do as much as your heart desires during your trip, so I’m going to share my tips with you for how to avoid traffic jams in Costa Rica...[More]

“Are you traveling alone?” Well yes, yes I am! “Seating for a party of...one?” Yes, it’s just me! Good for you! You are very excited or very scared but either way you’re feeling all the feelings and you’re doing research about your solo trip to help yourself get ready. Don’t worry; you’re going to be great! Or...you might fail a lot, but you’ll probably learn a lot in those situations. Probably... [More]

During my travels, I do sometimes see unfortunate tourists that have gotten sick during their visit to Costa Rica. While this is a total bummer, it doesn't have to ruin your trip, and it isn't dangerous for travelers to be sick in Costa Rica....[More]

“I wish I had traveled less,” said no one ever. If you’re wondering what you should do to make your deathbed more bearable, the answer is travel. There are so many reasons that people can make for deciding to stay at home, in their comfort zone. They will say that it is too expensive; it isn’t safe; they don’t have time... [More]

Sure, you travel a lot. But, are you a great traveler? Are you traveling just so that you can say you did, or are you actually traveling for the experience? No one wants to hear you brag about your trips all the time – unless you have done something incredible with your travel. Give your travel some purpose by making some goals for your traveling alter ego... [More]

There is one place, though, that easily tops my list of favorite places. This piece of paradise is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. Like the name suggests, this amazing structure is in the middle of the forest! Talk about a frog feeling right at home! The unique location of this hotel is only one of the things that make it special; rest assured that a stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge will be private and breathtaking... [More]

There are many beautiful things in Costa Rica, and the orchid flowers are no exception. Costa Rica’s amazing rainforests are the perfect environment for these colorful flowers, and they are a big draw for tourists. There are over 1,300 discovered species of orchids growing in Costa Rica, and they range in size and color. Many of the species are show-offs, with astonishing scents and color variations... [More]