Javi the Frog's Costa Rica Travel Blog - Page 9

In most parts of the country, September and October are considered the heaviest rain season - which is perfect for me! However, if you're a human who's planning your trip during this time and you'd rather stay dry, there are still some places to go to avoid getting drenched. From Puerto Viejo de Talamanco to Monteverde, you'll find world-class surfing, zip-lines and turtle-watching on this Costa Rica vacation, all while leaving your umbrella at home.[More]

Are you looking for an escape from reality? From city-made smog, traffic congestion, cell phones and jam-packed schedules? I've been to a lot of hotels in Costa Rica, but one of my absolute favorites is the Punta Islita Hotel, which sits along the stunning Pacific coast in the mountainside. Overlooking the shoreline, this pool offers a stunning infinity pool, sustainable par-3, 9-hole golf course; two on-site restaurants and luxurious accommodations. Trust me: You'll never want to leave this hotel!...[More]

If you know anything about Costa Rica, it's probably that we have stunning beaches and spectacular coffee! Because of the ideal climate of several regions here and the volcanic soil, Costa Rica is able to produce rich, smooth coffee that is sure to get your morning started off on the right foot. In Costa Rica, coffee is more than just a drink to get you going when you're sleepy, it's a way of life. In fact, there is a deep-rooted history in Costa Rica's coffee beans here, so just by drinking a cup of joe, you are adding to the story...[More]

Guanacaste is the most visited region in Costa Rica, and for good reason! While I spend a lot of my time traveling the country, I always find myself coming back to the province for its warm coastal waters and tranquil beaches. Lush tropical forests hang along the sandy shoreline here, making it the perfect place for both families and couples. If you want to visit Playa Potrero, there's no better Costa Rica hotel to stay in than Bahia del Sol. Located on the second safest beach of Costa Rica, this hotel features everything a traveler may want in a resort. I recently stayed here and loved it so much that I want to share my experience with you!...[More]

Living in Costa Rica, I am lucky enough to have access to some of the world's most beautiful volcanoes, including the Poas. As such a unique geological formation that attracts a wide array of wildlife, volcanoes are vibrant and simply beautiful. That is why one of my favorite places to visit is the Colinas Del Poas, which offers travelers exciting options for adventure! This center is one of the best in the area, and is the perfect place for those who want to have a taste of everything. Here you can go zip lining, explore the lake, dine on the extraordinary cuisine at the on-site restaurant and much more. Hop along with me, and I'll tell you all about my time spent here![More]

When you're visiting Costa Rica, you should take advantage of the beautiful weather every chance you get. One of the most magnificent times to head outdoors is right when the sun is about to set, turning the sky beautiful hues of orange, red and yellow. Whether you are staying inland or along the coastline, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the rainbow of colors painted across the sky. But, there are a few spots around Costa Rica that stand out from the rest. These are my favorite places to hop along the shoreline at dusk.[More]

As a frog, I can appreciate this half land, half water ecosystem - it's almost like they are the amphibians of the plant world! Home to monkeys, crabs and local bats, mangroves in Costa Rica are also the preferred habitat of giant palm, vibrant hibiscus and alluring legumes. They are at once an extremely tranquil, yet exciting environment - whenever a tour is headed into a mangrove, I'm always apt to jump in a kayak and enjoy the ride...[More]

Did you know that Costa Rica is on its way toward being 100 percent sustainable? With all of our rainforests, lush flowers and gorgeous scenery, it's no surprise! In Costa Rica, we love and care about our landscape so we do our best to preserve it. That's why you'll find a lot of eco-friendly hotels across the country. On your next Costa Rica vacation, you can be rest assured that you aren't leaving your carbon footprint behind. Here are some of the best gems in the lowlands of Costa Rica...[More]

Going to the rainforest is one of the best parts of visiting Costa Rica, so why not sleep in one? No, you don't have to climb up into the canopy and cuddle with the sloths (although, that'd be fun, wouldn't it?). There are plenty of beautiful, trendy and chic tree house hotels that will give you a whole new outlook of the beautiful Costa Rican landscape. Come hop along with me and I'll share some of my favorite Costa Rica hotels that are just above ground!...[More]

Some people may shy away from winged creatures that only come out at night, but bats are actually very interesting! Costa Rica offers the Monteverde Bat Jungle, a place where you'll get to learn about all of the little details of a bat's life, such as the creature's diet, wings, roosting habits and the diversity of the animals within the bat family. While I must say I am terrified of bats, (they find frogs to be quite delicious, eek!) the exhibits at the Monteverde Bat Jungle are very fun to look through, and luckily, I was protected from the bats by a glass window!...[More]

You may think that my life as a traveling frog is pretty leisurely, but it can get hectic bouncing from town to town. That's why when I stayed with Stay In Costa Rica, I took full advantage of the luxury accommodations! There is virtually no reason for leaving this massive complex because everything you could want in a Costa Rica vacation can be found on the grounds. I will warn you, you're not going to want to leave this paradise! There's a reason why the complex was rated as one of the world's best by Travel + Leisure magazine...[More]

If you've never been to a cloud forest before, there's something in store for you! The misty air that surrounds lush greenery is a sight to see (and one worth seeing with your own eyes), and the region of Monteverde is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, restaurants, cafes, cultural establishments and more. One of my absolute favorite places to stay here is El Establo Mountain Hotel, a luxurious hotel with unparalleled scenery, two on-site restaurants and enough amenities that you can explore the entire landscape even from up in the trees! My friends at this hotel love Costa Rica, the local culture and wildlife, and it's apparent at their mountain hotel.[More]

Finding the perfect place to stay on your Costa Rican vacation may be one of the top things on your list! After all, this is where you will be sleeping and the region is where you're going to be exploring. On my last trip, I stayed at the Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa in Guanacaste. The beautifully modern d'cor and comfortable environment make this a great spot for both laid-back travelers and those who enjoy the finer things in life. I had a great time at this eco-friendly resort, and the folks here are incredibly welcoming! I'll share with you just a few of my favorite parts about staying here...[More]

Have you ever heard of Africa's Big Five? While I must admit I don't do a lot of traveling outside of my home country, I do know that these five creatures are Africa's most sought after for wildlife lovers. If you haven't been to Costa Rica yet, you may not know that the diversity of flora and fauna here is some of the best in the entire world! Hey I might be biased, but why don't you come to Costa Rica and find out for yourself?. No matter where you go here, you'll find animals that are truly amazing, but there are some that are much more sought-after than others. This is what has been called Costa Rica's Little Five...[More]

Turtle nesting season is an important one here in Costa Rica, as the green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs between July and September. At the Grupo Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero, you can go on a turtle tour to view the nests and explore this truly unique natural occurrence. But don't get too close! Turtles here are very sensitive to light and smell, and it could disrupt the natural nesting process. This location is one of my favorites to visit for a number of reasons, and I think you'll enjoy it too![More]

Are you in the mood for some international travel, but aren't sure where to go? Costa Rica is home to a plethora of kid-friendly amenities and attractions, and you won't have to break the bank to spend a week here. From endlessly stunning beaches to hiking to thrilling canopy adventures, Costa Rica is like a kid's playground! And the animals it's like going to a massive zoo, safari and aquatic park all in one place! The best part about it? Kids don't have to see animals behind bars or in small cages! Sure, I may be biased, but let me fill you in on a few secrets to my homeland that might steer you toward booking your next family Costa Rica vacation!...[More]

Wildlife in Costa Rica is just about as vibrant as the color of my skin! Wherever you look, there is a beautiful creature soaring high in the air, swinging from the tree branches or crawling around the forest floor. With nearly 840 different aviary species in Costa Rica, these animals are the most diverse and interesting to watch! Bird tours are located across the country, and they can give you front row access to view colorful birds like hummingbirds, toucans and more. There is just so many birds to look out for, I'll share with you some of the best spots around my home country to view them...[More]

There are plenty of ways to explore the landscape in Costa Rica, but one of the most fun is on two wheels! I like to hop in a bicycle basket and enjoy the breeze in my face along the mountainside. Costa Rica is actually home to several very prominent regional and international races annually, so you know the terrain is top-notch here. While you won't want to venture on major roads, because they are very narrow and don't give cyclists much room to maneuver, there are plenty of options for you to traverse the landscape and take in the scenery! Since a bike allows you to venture through some hard-to-reach areas at a much quicker pace, there is no better way to get around...[More]

Hopping on a plane and jetting to Costa Rica can actually be a breeze! More than 15 airlines offer non-stop routes from the United States and Canada, so you'll have no trouble planning a vacation to my homeland. But I know travel can get hectic, even if you have a lot of options! I should know I spend most of my time traversing the Costa Rican landscape. Costa Rica airports are convenient to fly into and they can connect you to all of the natural amenities, outdoor activities and unique culture you are looking forward to experiencing on your trip...[More]