Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog - Page 8

If I had to pick my favorite two-winged wonder in Costa Rica, it would have to be the resplendent quetzal bird. Famous for its majestic coloring and long feathered tails, quetzals are considered the most beautiful bird in the world. They can be found in the mountain forests of this Costa Rica, where they call home. They are currently a "near threatened" species, making them fairly challenging to spot. But rest assured, with my frog instincts, we'll be sure to cast our eyes on this resplendent sky-bound creature...[More]

Situated less than 5 kilometers from the heart of San Jose, Best Western Irazu Hotel & Casino merges the bustle of the city life with the laid-back feel of the countryside. What I love about it is that it's just far enough from the noise where it doesn't keep you up at night, yet still close to all of the action. Last time I stayed at the Best Western Irazu Hotel, I soaked in the local attractions such as Braulio Carrillo National Park and Costa Rican Art Museum. It may not tout the exotic appeal of jungle hotels, but the Best Western Irazu offers convenience, comfort and great customer service! Over the last several months, I've noticed that the hotel has been undergoing renovations, which are expected to be finished by around January 2014. I can't wait to see the new improvements for the new year...[More]

In a splendid tradition, Costa Rica celebrates bull fighting as "Toros a la Tica". To be honest, I'm scared of bulls. I can match up against bull frogs, but the giant beasts with horns could crush me like a bug - or an amphibian! However, humans find great fascination in everything in and around the arena. Lucky for them, Costa Rica packs a awe-inspiring bullfighting - a tradition that few visitors realize this country has...[More]

I can get pretty high simply by hopping from branch to leaf to branch in the rainforest, but I know it isn't as easy to get great views for many humans! Luckily, Costa Rica is filled with great places to hike, many of which pay off with beautiful vistas. Although there are countless seascapes, lush green valleys and volcanic craters to choose from, here are my top three:...[More]

There are seven species of marine, or sea, turtles, and almost all of them are endangered. These ancient sea creatures voyage between land and sea and swim thousands of miles throughout their lives, leaving them vulnerable to a number of threats... [More]

In my lovely home town of Manzanillo, many humans and frogs flock to experience a unique facet of Tico culture. Here, medicinal plant tours unveil age-old secrets of herbal medicine. After fleeing from predators or if I'm in need of a stress-reliever, I come to soak in the natural beauty of Manzanillo beaches, catch up with old friends and explore the grassroots approach of plant healing. Local herbalists share ancient wisdom that will teach you how they've treated Ticos for centuries. There are several different programs and classes offered through Centro Ashe Costa Rica Grassroots Plant Healers Tour...[More]

Not everyone can bring spinach dip. Somebody has to be the impressive one at the party, and this year, that person is going to be you. Try something new by trying your hand at these classic recipes from a variety of Latin American countries... [More]

As a beachfront resort along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Best Western Jaco Beach is luxury I couldn't pass up! This is one of my favorite places to stretch out my little froggy legs and soak up the gorgeous vistas in a relaxing tropical atmosphere. This eco-friendly hotel has an abundance of outdoor activities and local attractions nearby... [More]

Costa Rica is bursting with more biodiversity than you'll know what to do with. Trust me, I bump into rowdy reptiles and amiable amphibians each day. In fact, as many as 180 species of amphibians are scattered throughout the country. There are a few things you should know to track down red-eyed tree (leaf) frogs like me. First off, you have to be in the right place.[More]

On the lam? Thinking about going somewhere where no one will ever find you? Or just trying to get away from the ordinary hustle and bustle of everyday life by making yourself totally inaccessible to others? Well, it will certainly be a hassle for you to get here in the first place, but other than that, we've got you covered with these eight most remote spots in the world...[More]

For years Costa Rica has been ranked as one of the top 10 cleanest countries in the world. All my frog friends and I couldn't be happier! On top of that, my home has blazed the trail for ecotourists everywhere, boasting a reputation of being "green". It's no surprise, then, that Costa Rica is a stunning place to stargaze...[More]

It was hard for me to come up with this list - my home has so many great things - but I have attempted to create a few must-dos during your Costa Rica escapes! If you are limited on time and need a list that boils the country's attractions down, here are my absolute must-sees and must-dos for tourists seeking to take advance of everything the country has to offer...[More]

With Smart Audio Tours, you can discover the secrets of Costa Rica that only locals and frogs like me know. Smart Audio Tours offers a cool new application that provides visitors with the opportunity to experience main tourist hotspots and cultural attractions through individually guided tours. Pull out your own smartphone (if I had one I would too), or rent one through to museum to listen to insightful descriptions of exhibits and look at photos and videos, all in your language of choice. In Costa Rica, Smart Audio Tours walk or hop you through the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Numismatic Museum, which are both located in downtown San Jose...[More]

The capital city of San Jose has a handful of different parks, but the two main hang-outs are La Sabana Metropolitan Park and Parque de la Paz Metropolitan Park. La Sabana Metropolitan Park is recognized as the "lungs of San Jose" by Costa Ricans, and the second, Parque de la Paz Metropolitan Park, offers a welcoming expanse of green space and city views.[More]

I'll admit it, I'm a little bummed that I didn't get a treehouse to play in as a child. There's just something about them that immediately makes them cooler than any normal house, because, whoa, you're in a tree! Well, now I can have the childhood that I always wanted times a thousand with any of these super swanky, earth-friendly tree palaces that combine the dream paradise of a kid's brain with completely grown-up sophistication. They seem worth checking out...[More]

Do you only feel at home with the Grim Reaper breathing hot air against your neck? Do you believe a vacation should constantly remind you of your own body's fragility? Well, then check out these options for tourists in Central American countries, which may cause the faint of heart to implode upon reading...[More]

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" said Mahatma Ghandi. Even the iconic Indian leader believed that volunteering is among the most rewarding things you can do! And what better place to do it than the tropical climate of Costa Rica? There are a variety of different ways to get involved, such as building schools in rural areas, teaching English in communities and helping save marine turtles, jaguars and tapirs.Let's get started! I'm doing my part by eating bugs that humans find gross...[More]

A few weeks ago, Hotel Cristal Ballena was kind enough to let me rest my tired frog feet at their luxurious resort. I was blown away by everything this 4-star paradise has to offer! Situated in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, Cristal Ballena lies only 30 minutes from Palmar Sur Airport for travel convenience, and within hopping distance from Ballena Marine National Park...[More]

Want to help release olive ridley sea turtles on the shores of Costa Rica? There's no better time than now! Personally, I've always been fond of turtles since I can always beat them in a race....[More]