National Parks and Reserves Posts - Page 3 in Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

Coupled travelers: should you be leaving on a jet plane, hitting the highway or packing light? While planning a couple’s trip, try to stop saying “my way.” The place that you definitely do not want anything to do with. Wherever it is that you always had to go with your family when you were a kid. The place you used to live. The place that you hate the most. This is probably the sole place that your significant other wants to go... [More]

The three most active volcanoes in Costa Rica right now (in 2014) are the Irazú Volcano, the Poás Volcano and the Turrialba Volcano. Each volcano has a unique history... [More]

If you are looking for adventures with more of an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of those available in La Fortuna too! During your visit, you could plan a day trip that involves some traditional operator tours in Costa Rica, like horseback riding, zip lining, whitewater rafting, and even waterfall repelling...[More]

Camping is a great option for visitors that are looking to extend their budgets and get the most out of their stay in Central America..[More]

My homeland of Costa Rica offers visitors more than just breathtaking landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime outdoor activities and a rich local experience. It is also a place that features an abundance of animal life....[More]

Santa Rosa National Park was created not only to protect the natural, flourishing environment, but also to protect this area as a cultural and historical site where the legend of Juan Santamaría started...[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]

If I had to pick my favorite two-winged wonder in Costa Rica, it would have to be the resplendent quetzal bird. Famous for its majestic coloring and long feathered tails, quetzals are considered the most beautiful bird in the world. They can be found in the mountain forests of this Costa Rica, where they call home. They are currently a "near threatened" species, making them fairly challenging to spot. But rest assured, with my frog instincts, we'll be sure to cast our eyes on this resplendent sky-bound creature...[More]

I can get pretty high simply by hopping from branch to leaf to branch in the rainforest, but I know it isn't as easy to get great views for many humans! Luckily, Costa Rica is filled with great places to hike, many of which pay off with beautiful vistas. Although there are countless seascapes, lush green valleys and volcanic craters to choose from, here are my top three:...[More]

Costa Rica is bursting with more biodiversity than you'll know what to do with. Trust me, I bump into rowdy reptiles and amiable amphibians each day. In fact, as many as 180 species of amphibians are scattered throughout the country. There are a few things you should know to track down red-eyed tree (leaf) frogs like me. First off, you have to be in the right place.[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]

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]

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]

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]

Have you ever wanted to wake up and see a towering volcano out your window? At the Arenal Volcano Inn, that's a reality! During my recent travels across Costa Rica, I was lucky enough to stay here, and I must say it lived up to all the hype! Featuring 25 hotel rooms, this Inn is fairly secluded so you'll be able to relax, but it's within just a few steps or hops in my case to some of the best resources available at in La Fortuna. Not convinced yet? I'll share with you the tales of my adventure and it might just change your mind...[More]

Have you ever imagined going to a place where you can explore 13 different ecosystems, see up to 140 mammal species, 400 bird species, 116 amphibian and reptile species, 40 different types of fish and at least 500 species of trees? Well, this place exists! Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and easily one of my favorite places to visit. Located along the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park features a lowland rainforest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest, mangrove wetlands, coastal and marine habitats. I have many friends that live here, so I've visited Corcovado plenty of times! I'd love to share my experiences along the way...[More]