Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog - Page 7

And you thought cruises were all the same. All these strange examples of commercial cruise ships continue to ask the long-pondered question, "Why simply be weird when you can be weird on a boat?...[More]

When it comes to vacation, kids want something remarkable, active and fun. Here are some fantastic ideas to make your family have the traveling experience that everyone will enjoy and treasure forever...[More]

If you are looking for adventures with more of an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of those available in La Fortuna too! During your visit, you could plan a day trip that involves some traditional operator tours in Costa Rica, like horseback riding, zip lining, whitewater rafting, and even waterfall repelling...[More]

Thing metal detecting only finds you boring treasure and uninteresting memories? Wrong. These people found the treasure hauls of their lives...[More]

Camping is a great option for visitors that are looking to extend their budgets and get the most out of their stay in Central America..[More]

There are some drinks that just scream summer, and sand, and a laid-back lifestyle. These are the drinks of the beach that I love, and that seaside trip would never be complete without them... [More]

We know two things for sure about the rainforest; that it is mysterious, and that it has a lot of plants. The combination of these two makes for some pretty weird, okay, incredibly weird stuff...[More]

My homeland of Costa Rica offers visitors more than just breathtaking landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime outdoor activities and a rich local experience. It is also a place that features an abundance of animal life....[More]

The Elephant Ear Tree became the national tree of Costa Rica on August 31, 1959. It was chosen in part because of its greenery and beauty, but also because the shade that it provides is symbolic of the protection ...[More]

When they say "World's Best Cup of Coffee", these guys may actually have a point. Check out these spots around the world that may just hold a candle to the name...[More]

When you want to be involved in a pure cultural experience, there is nothing like witnessing an authentic cultural festival. They can make your vacations remarkable, beautiful, and unique in ways that a cookie-cutter resort stay cannot. Here are a few that are guaranteed fun and welcoming to foreign visitors. As always, when involved in any of these festivals, be respectful of cultural traditions...[More]

Santa Rosa National Park was created not only to protect the natural, flourishing environment, but also to protect this area as a cultural and historical site where the legend of Juan Santamaría started...[More]

I understand that itch to explore, that pull to travel to new places and the excitement of seeing some of nature's most amazing landscapes...[More]

Imagine your river exploration trip suddenly went awry when an unexpected current sent you into some rapids. You go under and get separated from the group...[More]

With its unmistakable tune and people-friendly character, the clay-colored thrush is the national bird of Costa Rica. If only we had national amphibian! The melodious thrush, known locally as the Yigüirro, is one of the country's most common birds. While the species ranges from South Texas to northern Colombia, it holds a special place in the heart of Ticos...[More]

Once I get tired of sleeping in the tree branches around the nation's capital of San Jose, I hop my way toward the comforts of Garden Court Express Hotel. Convenience is this modern hotel's forte! Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Garden Court Express lies within walking distance to several hot spots including theaters, local museums, restaurants and National Parks. To sweeten the deal, San Jose Tobias Bolaños International Airport in Pavas sits 6.5 kilometers away.

At check in, you'll be greeted with a complimentary cocktail to start off your stay in style. I'm not much of a drinker, so I gave mine to friend named Paco who opened the door for me when I leapt in the hotel...[More]

If I had to pick my favorite two-winged wonder in Costa Rica, it would have to be the resplendent quetzal bird. Famous for its majestic coloring and long feathered tails, quetzals are considered the most beautiful bird in the world. They can be found in the mountain forests of this Costa Rica, where they call home. They are currently a "near threatened" species, making them fairly challenging to spot. But rest assured, with my frog instincts, we'll be sure to cast our eyes on this resplendent sky-bound creature...[More]

Situated less than 5 kilometers from the heart of San Jose, Best Western Irazu Hotel & Casino merges the bustle of the city life with the laid-back feel of the countryside. What I love about it is that it's just far enough from the noise where it doesn't keep you up at night, yet still close to all of the action. Last time I stayed at the Best Western Irazu Hotel, I soaked in the local attractions such as Braulio Carrillo National Park and Costa Rican Art Museum. It may not tout the exotic appeal of jungle hotels, but the Best Western Irazu offers convenience, comfort and great customer service! Over the last several months, I've noticed that the hotel has been undergoing renovations, which are expected to be finished by around January 2014. I can't wait to see the new improvements for the new year...[More]

In a splendid tradition, Costa Rica celebrates bull fighting as "Toros a la Tica". To be honest, I'm scared of bulls. I can match up against bull frogs, but the giant beasts with horns could crush me like a bug - or an amphibian! However, humans find great fascination in everything in and around the arena. Lucky for them, Costa Rica packs a awe-inspiring bullfighting - a tradition that few visitors realize this country has...[More]