Hiking posts in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

Costa Rica is literally a tropical paradise. Home to around 5 percent of the entire planet's biodiversity, much of the country is covered by lush rainforests and beautiful cloud forests. But what are the differences between the two? [More]

With nearly 27 percent of the land devoted to national reserves and a total of 28 nationals parks, there's no denying that Costa Rica has some truly remarkable standouts of nature. Volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls and a vast diversity of flora and fauna fill these parks - many of my relatives reside in these areas as well! While it was hard to narrow down a list, here are the top 5 national parks of Costa Rica:...[More]

While Costa Rica’s total land mass may not be impressive, the amount of different species that occupy that small area is certainly impressive. Those species, including wild cats, monkeys and birds, live in the many different types of forests in Costa Rica; many of which are part of a National Park, reserve or refuge... [More]

The path can actually take as many forms as you like, the traverse consists of mostly rolling, untouched wildnerness. However, there are few ways to achieve access across its totality, which spans from South Africa to Lesotho, without climbing one of these wrought-iron bear traps turned death ladders...[More]

I understand that itch to explore, that pull to travel to new places and the excitement of seeing some of nature's most amazing landscapes...[More]

Known as one of the wettest parks in Costa Rica, Tapanti-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte National Park spans about 360 square miles along the northern slopes of Cordillera de Talamanca, which sits along the border of Panama and Costa Rica. As a tree frog, this is a great place to hop along because the scenery is so diverse. Hundreds of rivers, including the Orosi River, flow through this park, leading to stunning waterfalls. For me, the thick vegetation and mossy land is perfect, but there is plenty for humans to enjoy here as well...[More]

I may say this all the time, but Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! Although I travel all around the country, my froggy heart is in the rainforest and Santa Elena is a unique area because it is actually a cloud forest. This means that the clouds settle into the forest, providing moisture for the plants and animals that live here. I know some humans think fog is creepy, but it's so serene here! If you are walking along the trails of this reserve, you'll notice dangling roots, lush forested areas and - of course - plenty of animals...[More]

No matter where you travel in Costa Rica, it seems as though you´ll always find toucans living high in the trees. Although that's a bit of an exaggeration, toucans can be found in many national parks throughout the country. There are six different species (Channel Bill Toucan, Red Bill Toucan, Chestnut-Mandible Toucan, Toco Toucan, Bright-billed Toucans) that I´ve seen soaring through the trees and playing games with one another - you can see them flinging berries to each other! From the Pacific Slope to the Caribbean lowlands, you can spot one of these colorful birds...[More]

When it comes to exploring the rugged countryside of Costa Rica, nothing beats a long hike through the rainforest. If you're up for a challenge, and want to enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Costa Rica, why not go hiking through Chirripo National Park?...[More]

One of my favorite places to visit in Costa Rica is Drake Bay, or Bahia Drake as natives call it. It's a small bay on the north side of Osa Peninsula, and I love going there because I have so many friends that live in Corcovado National Park! This wildlife preserve is about as wild as "wilderness" can get and takes up about the third of the peninsula. The weather in Costa Rica is always perfect, so no matter what time of year you visit you'll be able to experience all this area has to offer, no matter what your preferred mode of travel is...[More]

When you're planning what to do in Costa Rica, you should add the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge on the Caribbean coast to your list! I might be a little biased, but this is truly one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. All of my brothers and sisters and I grew up in this area, and we have so many tree frog friends here - and many other animal species, too! The park is tucked along the Caribbean coast south of Limon and bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east. Located just a few kilometers north of the Panama border, this wildlife refuge protects several rare and stunning habitats that are home to an abundant array of flora and fauna. The borders of this refuge are not completely defined, but it covers about 50 square kilometers of land and about the same amount of protected sea. This park was actually established so that a few of the country's last coral reefs were saved! Although I've never been to the coral reefs - it's hard for frogs to swim that far - I've heard so many amazing things about these and many people go snorkeling here to view them. Costa Rica all inclusive resorts are pretty sparse in this area so you may want to stay in nearby Puerto Viejo or just spend the afternoon in this region...[More]

The Central Volcanic Cordillera run across central Costa Rica. These towering peaks are part of a volcanic mountain range that was formed millions of years ago, and contain four of the Pacific Ring of Fire's most active volcanoes: Barva, Irazú, Poas and Turrialba. If you want to see Costa Rica from a different perspective, this impressive mountain range offers breathtaking views of the country's Central Valley. Come with me to explore the Central Volcanic Cordillera! ...[More]

Costa Rica is home to some of the most active and ancient volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire. These mighty mountains tower over the country's rainforests, offering breathtaking views and an opportunity to see this tropical paradise from an entirely new perspective. If you're looking for an active way to see the real Costa Rica, come with me and let's go hiking up some of the country's volcanic peaks! ...[More]

Costa Rica is literally a tropical paradise. Home to approximately 5 percent of the world's biodiversity, this stunning natural variety is what makes national parks such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve such a magical place. Home to an incredible array of exotic birds, animals and plants - including tree frogs! - no trip to Costa Rica is complete without a tour of this remarkable cloud forest...[More]

When it comes to seeing everything that Costa Rica has to offer, there's no better way than on foot. With thousands of trails winding through lush jungles and along the country's twin shorelines, Costa Rica offers hikers the opportunity to see the breathtaking scenery for which this Central American nation is famous. For some of the best hiking anywhere in the world, head to Guanacaste![More]

For tourists visiting Costa Rica, the capital of San Jose often serves as an ideal base of operations. With so many of the country's national parks within reach, San Jose is the perfect place to stay if you're planning a hiking vacation in southern inland Costa Rica. Come with me to learn more about the best hikes in this beautiful region![More]

Many tourists visiting Costa Rica decide to stay in the capital of San Jose. Not only does this thriving urban center have a wealth of things to see and do, its central location makes it an ideal starting point for hiking expeditions in Costa Rica's northern inland region. Follow me and let's explore the best hiking trails in this beautiful part of the country! ...[More]

When I'm out and about, traveling through Costa Rica's rainforests with my brothers and sisters, there are few areas we like to explore as much as the Caribbean Coast, and we often see tourists making their way through the jungle on their own adventures. This area is one of the most biologically diverse in the whole country, thanks to its miles of sandy beaches, tropical forests and mangrove swamps. Come with me to discover the best places to go hiking on the Caribbean Coast! [More]

It's no secret that Costa Rica has some of the best hiking trails in the world. With unparalleled natural beauty and a stunning variety of exotic plants and animals, a hiking tour in Costa Rica is a real adventure. If you're planning a hiking vacation in Costa Rica, you'll definitely want to check out the trails of the Nicoya Peninsula.[More]