Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog - Page 5

Sure, you travel a lot. But, are you a great traveler? Are you traveling just so that you can say you did, or are you actually traveling for the experience? No one wants to hear you brag about your trips all the time – unless you have done something incredible with your travel. Give your travel some purpose by making some goals for your traveling alter ego... [More]

There is one place, though, that easily tops my list of favorite places. This piece of paradise is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. Like the name suggests, this amazing structure is in the middle of the forest! Talk about a frog feeling right at home! The unique location of this hotel is only one of the things that make it special; rest assured that a stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge will be private and breathtaking... [More]

There are many beautiful things in Costa Rica, and the orchid flowers are no exception. Costa Rica’s amazing rainforests are the perfect environment for these colorful flowers, and they are a big draw for tourists. There are over 1,300 discovered species of orchids growing in Costa Rica, and they range in size and color. Many of the species are show-offs, with astonishing scents and color variations... [More]

On a global scale, calling Costa Rica a green country references my homeland’s commitment to conservation, preservation, and being eco­friendly. But if you look around, you can see that Costa Rica is also literally green – from the mountains to the forests to the animals – like me... [More]

There is nothing like walking along a beautiful beach with the sand between your toes, and Costa Rica has many beaches that will accommodate this fun task. But not all sand is the same! Depending on where you are from, or where you have traveled, you might be used to a specific type of sand, but in Costa Rica you will find both black sand and white sand beaches throughout the country. While all the beaches in the country are beautiful, the differences in the type of sand reinforce that all beaches are not the same... [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]

It’s true that most of your time in Costa Rica should be spent outdoors, exploring my beautiful home country, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun indoors too!... [More]

Is the Turrialba yawning and stretching and waking up? What does it mean for Costa Rica if it does? Are local residents in danger? Well, the volcanic eruptions have slowed, but there has been enough activity lately that residents have been concerned. Local law enforcement has recently had to evacuate tourists from the area around the volcano, and geologists have confirmed tremors as a result of eruptions... [More]

It is official: there is a beer revolution happening in Costa Rica. Craft brewing has arrived in my country in a big way, and I’m excited to taste all the new flavors. There are so many options available, and in Costa Rica we’re celebrating the creativity of this phenomena and the sense of community that it is building. The U.S. and the U.K. are largely responsible for this movement, as craft brewing has been popular in those countries for some time now... [More]

Have you ever been on a guided tour while you were on vacation? Whether it is a bus tour, a sport fishing tour, a hiking tour or something else, did you ever wonder what the tour guide is really thinking? They meet and interact with several groups of people every day, so they must have some great stories. Here are 10 things that your tour guide might be thinking:... [More]

As I travel around Costa Rica, I have the privilege of staying at some amazing hotels, and recently I was treated to a stay with a view that had me hopping up and down with joy. The Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa, in La Fortuna, San Carlos, is a hotel filled with accommodations that make each guest feel comfortable. It is also a place of awe, wonder and adventure. Let me tell you a little bit more about this hotel and my stay... [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]

Final boarding call for...a table of two! One of my favorite things to talk about is Costa Rica cuisine. I love a good meal, and even more than that, I love having a unique dining experience...[More]

I have to say that Tortuguero, in Limon, really gets me excited. Tortuguero has it all and its mix of water and land attractions really makes it the place to go for the perfect Costa Rica vacation... [More]

While Costa Rica might be known for some of its more romantic spots and scenery – like beach sunsets and waterfalls – there are definitely a ton of kid-friendly places that will keep the young ones entertained (and in awe!) and will keep the old ones sane. In fact, Costa Rica is probably the most kid-friendly destination in Central America...[More]

Often, when I meet first-time visitors, they always want to tell me where they are going to see if they have left anything out. That is an impossible question! Costa Rica has so much to explore; with beaches, on both coasts, numbering in the hundreds, over 150 wildlife parks, reserves and refuges and many volcanoes... [More]

One of my favorite things to do during nesting season is to head to the beach and look for mother and baby turtles. If you aren’t familiar with this phenomenon, you are surely missing out! [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]