History posts in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

I'm a bit of a history nut, so whenever I have a chance see some of Costa Rica's oldest ruins, I jump on it!

While we don't have anything as famous as Machu Picchu, I believe these ruins are still among the most beautiful in the country....[More]

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]

The first fun fact is that technically, Costa Rica never really had to fight for its independence from Spain. Along with Nicaragua, Costa Rica was declared an autonomous province according to the Spanish Constitution of 1812. This doesn’t stop Costa Rican from celebrating the official Central American independence from Spain, though... [More]

Every traveler loves the beaches in Costa Rica, but there’s so much more to this country than just the tropical climate, sun and eco-tourism. If you ask me, Costa Rica is built on its unique and “spicy” culture, which is influenced by all kinds of people: Spanish explorers and settlers, Mesoamerican and Andean cultures to the north and south of the country and Mexico... [More]

It was the year 1821 and Central America had declared its independence from Spain, leaving several of the colonies in conflict. They weren’t sure how to govern themselves effectively with their newfound independence. Nicoya citizens found themselves identifying more and more with Costa Rica over Guatemala or Nicaragua... [More]

There is so much to do and to see in Costa Rica, that I frequently hop on a tour that is happening. These tours help me see my beautiful home in a whole new light. Most recently, I partnered with VIP City Bus to tour San José, and it was a very fun experience!...[More]

Starting in the fall of 2014, Turrialba has been an active area. So active, in fact, that the area has been closed to tourists. The question that everyone is asking is if this is just a tantrum, or if the volcano will throw a full­on, real, dangerous fit. Are these small eruptions as bad as it will get, or is a scary eruption in the near future?... [More]

My country is known for being a place of diversity, natural wonders, and mystery. Some of these legends are so shrouded in the unknown that even my family’s frog tales, passed down for generations, don’t provide details. One of the most intriguing mysteries of Costa Rica is the stone spheres that appeared in the Diquis Delta, somewhere around the mid­ 1900's... [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]

Most of the population in Costa Rica is Catholic, and the churches throughout the country are known around the world for their beauty and historical significance. I like to hop around the country to visit some of the churches during pilgrimages and festivals. Since I am a frog, I’m able to get to places that others can’t! I’m able to hop all the way up to the top towers of the churches so that I can look around with the best view of my beautiful country... [More]

Of all the types of tours that you can take in Costa Rica – and there are many types – my all-time favorite might be one that is a little less traditional: a chocolate tour! While I’ve been hopping around cacao trees for years, admiring their beauty, actual organized tours have become very popular in Costa Rica lately.. [More]

The ox carts in Costa Rica have a long, deep history in economics and the arts. These carts are not just a means of transportation; they represent the spirit of a country. I love seeing them in parades and at celebrations; I just have to remember to avoid those wheels! There are many things that my friends and neighbors in Costa Rica hold dear, and the ox carts, along with their cultural history, are definitely one of those things...[More]

Costa Rica is most widely known as a tropical paradise that holds its own as one of the most beautiful and diverse locations on the planet. I love to hop around from place to place, exploring the local legends and historical landmarks. Sometimes though, just sometimes, I feel a chill that I can't quite explain. There are places in Costa Rica that have haunting stories that would satisfy any visiting ghost-hunter. In fact, several ghost hunters have visited spots where legend tells of paranormal activity, including investigators from Ghost Hunters International. Though I prefer to be haunted by the beauty of Costa Rica, here are a few stories that are haunting for different reasons... [More]

Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world that doesn't have an army. In fact, the abolition of the Costa Rican military was drafted into the country's constitution in 1949! However, the country does have an interesting military history...[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]

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]

If you know anything about Costa Rica, it's probably that we have stunning beaches and spectacular coffee! Because of the ideal climate of several regions here and the volcanic soil, Costa Rica is able to produce rich, smooth coffee that is sure to get your morning started off on the right foot. In Costa Rica, coffee is more than just a drink to get you going when you're sleepy, it's a way of life. In fact, there is a deep-rooted history in Costa Rica's coffee beans here, so just by drinking a cup of joe, you are adding to the story...[More]

As the capital of the province of Guanacaste, Liberia boasts an interesting history and was home to many important events. While Liberia is a large part of Costa Rican culture today, the city wasn't technically a part of Costa Rica many years ago - it was a part of Nicaragua until 1812. When you're traveling around Liberia, you may hear locals refer to it as "la ciudad blanca" or the white city, due to Liberia's plethora of whitewashed colonial houses and the city roads that were once covered in white gravel. I wish I had some frog-sized sunglasses at times! While Liberia has become more modern, it's still considered a colonial town...[More]

One of my favorite things to do when I'm out and about in Costa Rica is to take tours of the museums in the capital of San Jose. Sure, you could say that a museum is the last place you'd expect to find a tree frog like me, but I love learning more about Costa Rica's history and culture! Although all the museums in San Jose are interesting, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum at the Plaza de la Cultura is one of the best. Come with me on a tour of this fascinating museum...[More]