Beaches Posts - Page 3 in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

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]

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]

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]

"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]

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! If you want to explore Costa Rica with a twist, ATV's are an exhilarating way to see the country off the beaten path, plunging across rivers and up mountainsides. If you've never ridden one before, it's all right because there are instructions at the beginning of each course of the 4 x 4 experience. They can go a whole lot faster than I can leap! For all the places, drivers must be at least 16 years old. Here are the five best places to cruise on ATVs in the country:...[More]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the world, so why wouldn't you want to tie the knot here?! Whether you are having a small, private wedding, or large and luxurious gathering with friends and family, Costa Rica is the place to be. From white-sand beaches and lush forests to towering volcanoes and mountain ranges, you'll have virtually every backdrop to pick from here...[More]

Tucked along the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is a small town with a big personality. Luscious greenery leads to crisp, clear blue waters and in an instant you're in paradise! Tamarindo is the ultimate tropical getaway, and I've enjoyed my time hopping through the area and zipping through the canopy. But if you're in a time crunch, there are a few spots that you simply cannot miss during your short stay here. Come along with me; I'll be your tour guide through the best places to visit in 24 hours in Tamarindo!...[More]

I can tell you that one of the greatest places to view Costa Rica is from high up in the sky! While you can't sit up in the canopy with me, you can go high up into the air with a gyrocopter. Have you ever heard of a gyrocopter? Also known as a gyroplane or autogryo, these open-air planes are small helicopters that fly high above some of Costa Rica's most beautiful attractions, like Manual Antonio National Park and the Arenal Volcano. What's really neat is that you can also fly just above these places for a view that no one else can experience. Only two people can fit in a gyroplane (and maybe a frog), making for an intimate and unforgettable ride...[More]