Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog - Page 2

Costa Rica is literally a tropical paradise. Home to around 5 percent of the entire planet's biodiversity, much of the country is covered by lush rainforests and beautiful cloud forests. But what are the differences between the two? [More]

With nearly 27 percent of the land devoted to national reserves and a total of 28 nationals parks, there's no denying that Costa Rica has some truly remarkable standouts of nature. Volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls and a vast diversity of flora and fauna fill these parks - many of my relatives reside in these areas as well! While it was hard to narrow down a list, here are the top 5 national parks of Costa Rica:...[More]

Topping the list of my favorite holidays, Semana Santa is a celebration during the last week of Lent leading up to Easter. Parades, processions, the best food and mini-festivals fill the streets, and for Costa Ricans, Catholic traditions run deep. Without a doubt, Semana Santa, literally meaning "Holy Week," is one of the most important holidays of the year. Ticos embrace a week off of work, spending downtime with family and friends...[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]

Costa Rica is a place with dense wildlife, and that wildlife includes four species of monkeys that I’m going to highlight today: the howler monkey, the spider monkey, the tiny squirrel monkey, and the Capuchin (or white-faced) monkey. I travel through the country constantly, and you can bet that when I look up, I am likely to see some monkeys swinging in the trees above me... [More]

There are many things in Costa Rica that you might not be able to do since your travel time is limited – but the tropical fruits are plentiful, so you have no excuses. I recommend that the following fresh fruits become a part of your visit to Costa Rica... [More]

While most people fall in love with Costa Rica itself while visiting, I have heard tales of romance between humans too! I’ve long been in love with my home, and having traveled all over it for years, I can say that I know of a romantic spot or two that will get everyone feeling butterflies in their tummy... [More]

Did you know that Costa Rica is home to a massive population of butterflies? These colorful creatures float delicately through the canopies they are truly a sight to see! I've made friends with some butterflies throughout my travels, because I am so intrigued by their patterns and life cycle. You know what else is really cool? The species in Costa Rica make up about 90 percent of all Central American butterflies and 18 percent of the world's species! You can learn so much about these interesting creatures at one of the many butterfly farms and conservatories throughout the country. I'll share some of my favorite places to visit with you maybe you'll love them just as much...[More]

There are so many ways to travel the lands of Costa Rica. For me, I like hopping because I can splash in puddles and jump up to high branches! During my travels, I explore different forms of transportation and one of my favorites is horseback riding. From atop a majestic horse, you can see much more clearly - that is, unless you are very tall! It's a whole new way to experience nature, because humans can feel as though they are a part of it. You can trek through the lush forests, alongside a volcano or on the white-sand beaches...[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]

One of the best things about living in Costa Rica is the number of national parks and wildlife refuges there are to explore in the country. Sometimes, it can be tricky choosing which one to visit first! Ballena National Marine Park, located on the shores of South Puntarenas, is definitely one of my favorites. Boasting some of the most spectacular scenery in the country and a wide range of exotic wildlife - including some of my brothers and sisters! - Ballena National Marine Park is an essential stop for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Costa Rica. Come with me to learn more about this amazing wildlife sanctuary! ....[More]

There is nothing I love more than a holiday, especially a holiday that brings the people of my home together in celebration. Not many celebrations in Costa Rica are bigger than the national holiday on August 2nd, which celebrates my country’s patron saint, Virgen de los Angeles... [More]

If you’ve ever thought about taking a Costa Rica backpacking vacation, don’t wait another year to make it happen. Start planning your Costa Rica vacation now to enjoy pura vida while you’re young. If you’ve never backpacked, now’s a great time to start working out to be at your best when you finally touch down in Central America... [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]

No matter what kind of natural adventure you want to have, be sure to check out some of our Costa Rica hot springs along the way. Not only will you be treating yourself to a relaxing and rejuvenating experience courtesy of Mother Earth’s naturally warm waters, you will get to do so in one of the most spectacular places on the planet!... [More]

During your trip to Costa Rica, you may never feel like leaving. Unfortunately, that time will need to come, but you can take a little bit of this country home with you. No, you cannot take me, Javi the Frog, home with you, but there are plenty of Costa Rica souvenirs available... [More]

When you plan on dedicating six days to your Costa Rica vacation, you have a lot of ways you can spend the time. You should naturally plan it out for when the Costa Rica weather is going to be pristine, so that you can enjoy it to the fullest... [More]

Living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world means that you don’t have to travel very far to enjoy paradise. November mark the transition between Rainy and Dry season and December is when many Ticos travel domestically... [More]

What kind of surfer are you? Have you been riding the waves for years? Are your looking for a new challenge? Maybe you’ve developed a little skill on the beaches near your home... [More]