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Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog

Welcome to my Costa Rica travel blog, my name is Javi the Frog and I might be famous for my bright hues, but my experiences traveling around Costa Rica have been even more colorful.

While I was growing up, my parents told me lots of stories about all the great things people see when they visit Costa Rica. I knew I had to see it for myself, so I jumped out of my favorite tree and hopped off to see the country.

I've crawled up Arenal Volcano to see its fiery eruptions, and I've trekked to Salsa Brava to tackle the country's toughest waves.

Thanks to my many experiences, I have become an expert on travel in Costa Rica, find out the inside scoop on the best that my country has to offer in my Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Blog.

This Is How I Find Cheap Flights to Costa Rica

The flight planning stage of any trip can be stressful, especially if you’re vacationing on a budget. But getting a good deal on a flight doesn’t have to mean constantly monitoring prices on a dozen different airline sites… [More]

Guiding plane at Juan Santamaria International Airport

Is Travel Insurance a Must for Your Costa Rica Adventure?

Your Costa Rican vacation should be as relaxing as possible. Why let worries about your health and safety get in the way? With travel insurance, you’re prepared even when things go wrong, and you can enjoy your Costa Rica trip worry-free… [More]

Pool at night at the CC Beachfront Papagayo All-Inclusive

My Unforgettable Getaway at Casa Conde Beach Front Papagayo Hotel

Casa Conde, sometimes shortened to CC Beach Front Papagayo, takes advantage of its location along Panama Beach to serve its guests a beautiful view of the ocean from just about anywhere on the property… [More]

Fruit Stand on the way to Jaco from San José

The 17 Most Popular Foods in Costa Rica

Trying authentic local cuisine is one of the best parts of traveling. Find your new favorites with our guide to 17 of the most well-known Costa Rican foods.... [More]

Osprey Day Packs on my Costa Rica Packing List

The Ultimate Guide to Your Costa Rica Packing List

Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of travel, but it doesn’t have to be! Use my packing list guide to keep your Costa Rica vacation Pura Vida. [More]

Erika on the patio of our Premium Jr. Suite

Paradise Found: My Unforgettable Experience at the Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa in Costa

Follow an insider’s experience at one of Playa Conchal Costa Rica’s best hotels with my review of The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Resort & Spa. [More]

The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

The most important thing to know about vacationing in Costa Rica is that there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit. The country is a popular vacation destination year-round for good reason, with a temperate climate and plenty of things to do no matter the season... [More]

Amazing Rio Celeste Waterfall through Trees

10 Reasons to Choose Costa Rica over Hawaii

Choosing whether to visit Costa Rica or Hawaii can still be a major decision. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably trying to make that decision right now... [More]

Fer-de-Lance Snake in Corcovado National Park

Top 10 Deadliest Animals in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is beautiful and serene, but there is a dark side. With all the great power of nature comes the great responsibility of being home to some of nature’s most deadly and feared animals and predators. Here are a few to look out for avoid during your visit... [More]

Amazing sunset over Alajuela airport (Photo by Carlos Chaves)

Choosing Where to Fly into Costa Rica

The most convenient way to visit my country, or course, is to fly into one of the main airports in Costa Rica, servicing international flights. There is definitely no shortage of airlines that fly into Costa Rica, and it’s also easy to catch a domestic flight once you arrive... [More]

Hoffman two-toed Sloth looking up in the tree

Sloths Call Costa Rica Rainforests Home

I have always been fond of my slow-moving friends, who call the trees of Costa Rica home, but I didn’t know that they were becoming royalty on the Internet! Luckily for the Costa Rica visitors that want to catch a glimpse of my cute friends, about five species of sloths live among the canopies of Costa Rica’s rainforests!..[More]

Costa Rica Open for Tourism

Costa Rica is opening up to more Tourists! Since mid March, 2020 Costa Rica closed its borders to tourism due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. However, on August 1, 2020 the Costa Rican government announced that it will officially open its borders. This information has been updated on September 25, 2020.[More]

Enjoy the stunning waterfalls of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to an abundance of natural wonders that mingle together to create some of the most beautiful scenery around! On my journeys, I have been along streams, mountain springs and through forests to find hundreds of waterfalls that are truly majestic....[More]

Where To Go for Spring Break 2020 in Costa Rica

Looking for gorgeous sun, smooth sand and lots of fun? You must visit Costa Rica during Spring Break 2020. Whether you want to experience a beachside party in the twilight or enjoy a more adventurous experience – like ziplining through the forest – I’ll be happy to show you around... [More]

Foothills of Monteverde overlooking the Pacific Ocean on a clear day

Monteverde & the Quakers: The Past that Preserved the Future

Monteverde in Costa Rica, is one of those places that you visit expecting to see beauty, but still have your breath taken away when you get there. The beauty in this area is natural, thanks to conservation efforts that date back to the early settlement years of Monteverde... [More]

Hotel Punta Islita pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean

9 Steps for Planning your Visit to Costa Rica

Visiting Costa Rica can be a life-changing trip and expose you to many wonders of nature that can’t be seen anywhere else. Use these 9 steps to help you combat stress and keep it from ruining a perfectly good trip. It’s best to follow these steps in order to have the best experience with your planning and the final trip... [More]

8 Questions All First-Time Costa Rica Visitors Have

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]