The People posts in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

Many first-time visitors are nervous to go to an unfamiliar place, and have a lot of questions. This is totally normal! Costa Rica is very tourist-friendly, so there is nothing to worry about. It is smart to do some research though still, which is why you are here!... [More]

One of the places that I have found most haunting in my travels is Sanatorio Durán. I must admit, I’ve been too scared to take a full tour of the structure; I’ve only hopped around the general premises. I have, however, researched the history of the building, and I have spoken to many travelers and locals that have braved a tour. Here’s what I think you should know about Sanatorio Durán, often referred to as one of the most haunted places in Costa Rica, to help you decide if you want to visit or not... [More]

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]

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]

The Caribbean province of Limón is a place that I love because it offers so much. Limón borders Nicaragua and Panama, and calls out to travelers with its exotic side as well as with its peaceful side... [More]

The stadium is located in San José, in La Sabana Metropolitan Park, and it replaced an older stadium that was built in the early 1920's and used to seat about 25,000 football fans during matches.... [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]

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]

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]

“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]

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]

International travel can be an exciting adventure and an opportunity for a person to have new experiences. But it is also a time for individuals and loved ones to grow, teach and learn. Consider these 10 practical, often overlooked, ways that travel can change your life.... [More]

Traveling to a foreign country can be overwhelming, even for a seasoned traveler. It’s easy to get caught up in all the saving, budgeting, planning and packing – and to be stressed out and frazzled before you even touch down.... [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]

Whether you met "your new best friend" during a night out in Vegas or "the coolest surfer" on the beach in Coast Rica , your vacation buddies are in danger of being put into something worse than the friend zone…[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]

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