National Parks and Reserves Posts - Page 2 in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

Starting in the fall of 2014, Turrialba has been an active area. So active, in fact, that the area has been closed to tourists. The question that everyone is asking is if this is just a tantrum, or if the volcano will throw a full­on, real, dangerous fit. Are these small eruptions as bad as it will get, or is a scary eruption in the near future?... [More]

I’ve spent years traveling through Costa Rica, and plenty of that time has been spent exploring the incredible Osa Peninsula region. Now, I’m ready to share my secrets with you! Hopefully one day soon you get the chance to explore this area yourself! And when you do, make sure that you bring the best camera that you can get your hands on!... [More]

You might think that it won’t be that easy to plan a las-t­minute adventure to Costa Rica if you are traveling in from the United States. You probably think that it would cost thousands of dollars, and that you wouldn’t have your pick of hotels or adventure tours. The reality is that none of that is true! I’m officially myth-­busting that way of thinking!... [More]

My country is known for being a place of diversity, natural wonders, and mystery. Some of these legends are so shrouded in the unknown that even my family’s frog tales, passed down for generations, don’t provide details. One of the most intriguing mysteries of Costa Rica is the stone spheres that appeared in the Diquis Delta, somewhere around the mid­ 1900's... [More]

Costa Rica is a place of pure beauty, and a country with a lot of places to explore. There is something exciting to do, no matter which province you visit. Here is an overview of each province, and the most highly­-rated activity to do while visiting each... [More]

The thing about Costa Rica is that, as a country, we believe in preserving the natural land, and allowing the animals to live in their natural environment. Because of this, it isn’t guaranteed that every tourist is going to be able to see every animal that they want to see. Sometimes, if the timing is just all wrong, there may not be lots of wildlife around. I’m always sad to meet a tourist that seems disappointed because they didn’t get to see a lot of animals or wildlife – mostly because there are so many other things to appreciate in my homeland! However, if seeing as many animals as you can is your ultimate Costa Rica bucket list, then keep reading to find my picks of the wildest spots in Costa Rica, where you are most likely to see Costa Rica’s animals... [More]

When you visit Costa Rica, you are visiting a country that is so devoted to preserving its own natural environment that 25% of its land is designated as a protected, national park or reserve. That means that the land will never be torn up or torn down for development. That there won’t be deforestation or logging that leaves the land bare. That there won’t be commercial real estate, parking lots, or apartment buildings replacing the lush green forests and displacing the wildlife species that call those areas home... [More]

There is one place, though, that easily tops my list of favorite places. This piece of paradise is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. Like the name suggests, this amazing structure is in the middle of the forest! Talk about a frog feeling right at home! The unique location of this hotel is only one of the things that make it special; rest assured that a stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge will be private and breathtaking... [More]

On a global scale, calling Costa Rica a green country references my homeland’s commitment to conservation, preservation, and being eco­friendly. But if you look around, you can see that Costa Rica is also literally green – from the mountains to the forests to the animals – like me... [More]

There is nothing like walking along a beautiful beach with the sand between your toes, and Costa Rica has many beaches that will accommodate this fun task. But not all sand is the same! Depending on where you are from, or where you have traveled, you might be used to a specific type of sand, but in Costa Rica you will find both black sand and white sand beaches throughout the country. While all the beaches in the country are beautiful, the differences in the type of sand reinforce that all beaches are not the same... [More]

Is the Turrialba yawning and stretching and waking up? What does it mean for Costa Rica if it does? Are local residents in danger? Well, the volcanic eruptions have slowed, but there has been enough activity lately that residents have been concerned. Local law enforcement has recently had to evacuate tourists from the area around the volcano, and geologists have confirmed tremors as a result of eruptions... [More]

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]

I have to say that Tortuguero, in Limon, really gets me excited. Tortuguero has it all and its mix of water and land attractions really makes it the place to go for the perfect Costa Rica vacation... [More]

While Costa Rica might be known for some of its more romantic spots and scenery – like beach sunsets and waterfalls – there are definitely a ton of kid-friendly places that will keep the young ones entertained (and in awe!) and will keep the old ones sane. In fact, Costa Rica is probably the most kid-friendly destination in Central America...[More]

Often, when I meet first-time visitors, they always want to tell me where they are going to see if they have left anything out. That is an impossible question! Costa Rica has so much to explore; with beaches, on both coasts, numbering in the hundreds, over 150 wildlife parks, reserves and refuges and many volcanoes... [More]

One of my favorite things to do during nesting season is to head to the beach and look for mother and baby turtles. If you aren’t familiar with this phenomenon, you are surely missing out! [More]

Latin America offers many beautiful attractions for visitors. Here are five of the hottest adventure spots that you should definitely add to you bucket list... [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]

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]