Cities Posts - Page 2 in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

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]

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]

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]

For those that are planning to travel to Costa Rica, it is important to know the basics of the country before you arrive. Costa Rica is rich in history, diversity and adventure, so you don’t want the little things you don’t know to bog down your trip. Read our Costa Rica wrap-up, and then start planning your trip – your adventure awaits... [More]

Costa Rica will not disappoint any tourist looking to spend a little time in paradise. Costa Rica is a "must-visit" during any Central America trip, and booking your stay at one of this spectacular resorts will ensure you have all the details covered so you can focus on everything that this travel hotspots has to offer... [More]

Towns sometimes outlive their own usefulness, and when they do, it looks freaking awesome. Here are 8 cities that were left to ruin, but it definitely didn't ruin the interesting view...[More]

Remember this 10 tips to maintain love in the air, specially on vacation! ...[More]

Faith inspires beauty and these beautiful churches and cathedrals of Latin America are the best proof. Check out my list of the arguably top 10 most beautiful churches in Latin America... [More]

With its unmistakable tune and people-friendly character, the clay-colored thrush is the national bird of Costa Rica. If only we had national amphibian! The melodious thrush, known locally as the Yigüirro, is one of the country's most common birds. While the species ranges from South Texas to northern Colombia, it holds a special place in the heart of Ticos...[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]

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]

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]

You may think that Costa Rica is only for thrill-seekers and sun bathers, but it offers plenty of options to people of all ages! Throughout my travels across this great land, I've run into diverse crowds of people, and people in post-retirement - in my froggy opinion - are among the happiest. After your children have left the nest and your career has ended, what better way is there to celebrate than an adventure in the rainforest? Here are some of the most ideal things to do on your post-retirement trip to Costa Rica come and hop along with me!...[More]

You may not know this about tree frogs, but we're very smart! I love learning about history, and since I live in Costa Rica there is plenty to explore. One of my favorite places to learn about the past is Heredia. Both a province and a city, Heredia it steeped in rich culture. The city itself dates back to 1705. Nicknamed the “City of Flowers,” Heredia is home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna, and there are several vibrant gardens throughout town. But the real beauty here lies in the historical monuments and unmatched colonial architecture...[More]

When you're planning what to do in Costa Rica, Cartago should be on your list! As the first capital of Costa Rica, Cartago is one of the oldest communities in the country, and as you can imagine, there are some great sites to see. You may not realize it, but I am actually a huge history buff. It may be from my travels throughout Costa Rica, or all the stories that I've heard in the rainforest, but I love visiting historic areas. The ruins in Cartago, which date back to the 16th century, give you a glimpse into the rich history of Costa Rica. In 1723, an eruption of the Irazu Volcano nearly destroyed the entire town, but luckily there are still some ruins that stand today. Since the volcano sits a mere 24 miles away, there have been several eruptions that have damaged some of the ruins...[More]

Extending from south from Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula is heavily forested and mountainous on the inland, but the shoreline is one of the country's finest. Each village'slong stretchof beachfrontboasts a distinctive character which is one of the most charming aspects of this region. You'll find endless aquatic attractions to suit your the needs, whether you're an adventurous spirit like me or a true novice. I love Nicoya Peninsula because of the diverse ecosystems and extremely different seasons. I've never lived in this region, but I've come here to visit during the dry season - which starts at the end of November and lasts into May - and always found it quite charming...[More]

After landing at the San Jose Costa Rica airport, you may want to quickly take a dip in the crystal clear waters. Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, so you can imagine it is one of the most visited places in Costa Rica. Stretching 2.5 miles, the beach allows visitors to experience one-of-a-kind swimming, boating and of course surfing in Jaco. Most people come here for the sandy retreat, but the town of Jaco is something that's surely worth the experience. Even I enjoy hanging out here once in a while, and I'm not even a beach-loving amphibian!. Considered a party town, Jaco has outstanding nightlife and long stretches of beach side restaurants. Whether you're on a family adventure or you're looking for a Latin-fused experience - Jaco's late night scene has a little something to offer everyone...[More]