Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

24 hours in... Monteverde

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Beautiful river & mountains near Monteverde

Cows on a pasture near Monteverde

The Endangered Blue-sided Leaf Frog

There are some pockets of Costa Rica that don't have a pinch of modern living and that's the best reason to visit! The small town of Monteverde sits off a long dirt road branching from the Pan American Highway in the Central Highlands region of the country. You probably want to visit Monteverde because of the stunning cloud forest, but there are several other attractions that you can pack into a 24-hour visit at this mountaintop haven. Won't you join me in all of my favorite adventures of this region?

Bat Museum

Bats are a misunderstood creature, but you can learn all about these nocturnal animals at the Bat Museum! Throughout a simulated jungle atmosphere, 90 live bats that encompass eight different species fly, eat and could even give birth during your guided tour. Once you're done in the unique bat world, you can head upstairs to grab a bite to eat at the Cafe Cabure Restaurant Chocolate Shop. Owners Bob Carlson and Susana Salas have created a one-stop attraction where you could spend virtually your entire day. The restaurant serves traditional Argentinian cuisine, which you can top off with some sweet chocolate at the shop. A chocolate tour is even available for those with the sweetest of a sweet-tooth, and you get to learn about the entire process from cacao pod to delicious truffle.[Ad]

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Now, the crown jewel of Monteverde may just be one of the most beautiful places you'll ever visit. Located along the continental divide at 4,662 feet above sea level, the Monteverde Cloud Forest spans more than 35,000 acres and encompasses eight life zones. At almost all times, there is a thick layer of clouds or fog that blankets the canopy and turns into rain droplets to water the plants below. With more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles occupying the land, there's no doubt you won't see some amazing wildlife here. This is one of the last remaining spots in my homeland that supports life for all six species of the cat family that reside in Costa Rica: Jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays and jaguarundis. It is also one of the only places in the world where the endangered three-wattled bellbird and resplendent quetzal call home.

Tucked away in the heart of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Selvatura Park offers you the chance to go zip-lining, bird-watching, hiking, or walk across suspension bridges that offer unparalleled views of the forest. There is a 13-kilometer network of trails that spans the forest, several of which lead up to viewing points like the La Ventana overlook where you can peer across the continental divide! Doesn't get much better than this!

Santa Elena

This small neighboring town is a great place to grab a bite to eat, as there are several yummy restaurants and cute shops where you can pick up handcrafted and artisan goods to remember your stay. Although this town doesn't have much in terms of modern conveniences, it was founded in 1950 by Quaker families who were seeking a new life away from the United States and any wars. Costa Rica was an obvious choice because of the lack of a military presence. Here, you will find a bank, lodging options and a Monteverde Cheese Factory.

Now that I've shared with you some of the places I hold near and dear to my froggy heart in Monteverde, I hope that you can have just as wonderful as an experience visiting here! In just 24 hours, you can enjoy all the magnificent scenery and wildlife of the area, but I will warn you, you will probably want to stay much longer than just a day.

Waterfall at Monteverde Reserve

Canopy Tour / Zip Line in Monteverde

Toddler wondering whats on the other side, at SelvaTura Park

Navigate through Costa Rica with a car rental

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Driving to Playa Hermosa

Costa Rica Bus Company - Coach

Traffic jam on way to Monteverde

One of the easiest ways to get around the country is with a Costa Rica car rental. Since everything is fairly spread out, public transportation can take nearly twice as long to get to a destination. Having access to a rental car simply makes it easier to explore all the natural splendors scattered throughout Costa Rica at your own pace. I may not actually be able to drive a car, but I've had plenty of experience getting across the country on a vehicle so I've got plenty of advice driving in Costa Rica is quite different than driving in many other places! Here are a few tricks of the trade and helpful tips that will make your drive smooth and serene - after all, the roadways in my homeland boast some of the most magnificent views!

What kind of car should I get?

There are several very developed highways that will take you all across Costa Rica, but when you get into smaller, remote areas like Monteverde, the roads can be a little rough. Because Monteverde is a mountain town, the dirt roads can get slick. If you're planning to travel to smaller towns such as this one, you'll probably want to make sure that you have a four-wheel drive car to have proper traction. If you are traveling to Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Jaco or Tamarindo, a standard vehicle is generally not sufficient enough. This is especially important during the rainy season, which is from about May to November.

Getting Around

Did you know that most Costa Rican roads don't have names? I know, it's crazy!! If you ask a local for directions, they will generally use landmarks instead of road names. Most rental car agencies will let you rent a GPS with your car for a small fee or you can grab Costa Rica maps, and many people find this very helpful. Ticos are all such friendly people and if you lose your way, someone will be there to help guide you to the correct roadway or turnoff. There are very few signs along the highways, except for big tourist towns like Jaco. If you're heading to an off-the-beaten-path town, having a GPS on your side is a good idea, as these towns aren't as prominently marked.

Traffic

You might not think that Costa Rica has traffic, but driving through San Jose during peak hours can be quite treacherous! Take note that there are several one-way streets and that rush hour driving requires a bit of patience and tenacity. Once you're outside of this urban core, it'll be smooth sailing!

Safety

Costa Rica's roads are notorious for potholes and uneven surfaces, so driving at night is usually not recommended. Winding roads can get dangerous at night, especially because there are many tight turns and hilly drives. Plus, you won't get to experience the unbelievable scenery during the day! Unless you absolutely have to, try to avoid driving after the sun has set altogether.

[Ad]

If you're driving through towns, especially at night, be wary of animals that may stray onto the roads. This is the most common in rural areas of the country.

A small pile of sticks in the middle of the road is the Tico version of safety cones, so slow down and proceed with caution if you notice this.

Rules of the road

Just as it is important in any other country, take note of the rules of the road to help you to avoid getting stuck with a high fine. There are several areas where police will be sitting with radar guns, and can pull you over for speeding or driving without a seatbelt. The speed limit on the highways is 100 kilometers-per-hour and 60 kilometers-per-hour on the secondary roads. Some rental car agencies will pay your speeding ticket for an additional fee.

A few last tips

Depending on the location you are driving through, road conditions are going to vary. For example, one time I was driving through Guanacaste and ran into farm traffic yep, there could be cows on the highway! In cases like this, just slowly follow behind until the herding cowboys venture off the road.

Like I said before, potholes can be vicious, and they can cause damage to your car! Areas around Lake Arenal in Nuevo Arenal can be quite bad. You will also want to take note of your destination if it is close to the shoreline. During high tide, roads can get flooded, making it nearly impossible to pass through. Also, be cautious of winding roads and steep drops. Most of Costa Rica's highways are single-lane roads with no shoulders to pull off onto.

I hope my driving guide helps you find your way safely to your destination. There's no better way to explore the landscapes of
Driving to Monteverde with Eurpocar

The infamous road to Monteverde

Plan a post-retirement trip to Costa Rica

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Keel Billed Toucan preparing to fly on forest

Main Church in Cartago

Chestnut bellied Heron in Cano Negro

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!

Bird-watching

Did you know that Costa Rica is home to nearly 840 species of birds?! It's no wonder this is one of the best places to pick up a pair of binoculars and look to the sky. Whether you want to take a walk through forested trails or venture down a river on a leisurely boat ride, bird-watching is unparalleled here! One of the best places to visit if you love aviary species is the Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve. Depending on the season of your travels, you'll see various kinds of birds, with the largest and most diverse population during the dry season between December and April. Other great places include Monteverde and Guapiles.

[Ad]

Culture

With roots dating back prior to pre-Columbian times, culture and history is ripe throughout Costa Rica. Cartago is one of the best places for history buffs to visit for history buffs, and you'll see plenty of beautiful architecture, including the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles. Although this building has changed several times since it was originally constructed in 1635, it remains one of the most revered religious sites in the country. San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is also a wonderful place to explore my homeland's history.

Sportfishing

Costa Rica is home to some of the best sportfishing in Central America, and there are handfuls of opportunities to take to the sea! One of my favorite spots is off the coast of the Los Sueños Resort and Marina, which is home to a famous tournament so you know the fishing here is top-notch. Take note that fishing is different depending on the coast you are visiting, and seasons vary in each location as well.

I hope I've convinced you to plan a post-retirement vacation at Costa Rica hotels to explore all the wonderful things this country has to offer!

Beautiful view of Playa Herradura with Los Sueños Marriott

Sailfish in Southern Costa Rica

Pacific Sailfish on line off of Los Sueños Marina

My visit to the Arenal Volcano Inn

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Arenal Volcano Inn, la Fortuna, San Carlos

Amazing Arenal Volcano view from room at Arenal Volcano Inn

View of Villas at Arenal Volcano Inn, La Fortuna

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.

The Inn

There are no better Costa Rica hotels to stay in if you're coming here on a romantic getaway, wedding or honeymoon! The Arenal Volcano is surrounded by an exotic garden where you can go on a stroll through tropical flowers and lush greenery you may even catch a glimpse of wildlife in their native habitat! If this isn't relaxing enough for you to melt away your worries, Arenal Inn also has an on-site spa with massages, manicures, exfoliation and more. From all the hopping I do, my froggy legs get a bit sore, so I got a massage while I was here and I've never felt better! There is also a restaurant here with some of the best food I've ever tasted but, I'll tell you more about that later.

Tours offered

Whether you want to go canyoning, get muddy on an ATV Tour, zoom through the canopy or trek to Arenal on horseback, the Inn has a tour to offer you.[Ad] If you're an ultimate adventure seeker, than the canyoning tour is a perfect match. The Lost Canyon trek has you strapped into a safety harness rappelling down a serious of eight waterfalls. This thrilling experience is one of my favorites because you get to finish by going down a 200-foot waterfall while looking over the entire lush rainforest. It's truly spectacular!

If you love exploring diverse flora and fauna, then the Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve cannot be missed. Bird watching is one of the most popular attractions here because there is a high population of aviary species that differs throughout the year. If you're traveling during the wet season, which is from July to November, Caño Negro serves as a home for migrant American birds. Between December and April, black-bellied whistling duck, green-backed heron, olivaceous cormorant, wood stork and many other species can be seen.

Another great excursion offered by the Inn is a horseback riding trip to the Arenal Volcano. Since I'm so small, I don't get to experience much of a view of anything unless I'm far away but not with horseback riding! Jumping up onto the saddle is one of the greatest ways to venture through the terrain leading up the volcano. You'll go through a private farm next to the national park and then be able to view all the nature of the area, including rivers and rain forest, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to snap a few pictures.

Now, it's time to arrive at the crown jewel: Arenal Volcano. There are plenty of reasons why this is one of the most visited attractions in the region - and you'll understand the moment you see it! Seeing the volcano from your hotel room is beautiful enough, but getting up close to the stunning summit is a whole new experience. Although it used to be one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, it has been stable for a few years now. Don't forget to make a stop at the Arenal Lake Reservoir!

Javi the Frog having a delicious Focaccia Capresse at Arenal Volcano Inn restaurant

Beautiful Lake with white horse at Arenal Volcano Inn, La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano blowing smoke

Arenal Volcano view from terrace at Arenal Volcano Inn

Enjoy the natural and man-made sounds of Costa Rica

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Afro Caribbean Steel Drums in Limon

Traditional Costa Rican Dancing in Guanacaste

Concert at Fiesta de Palmares 2012 (courtesy of www.fiestaspalmares.com)

Living in the rainforest of Costa Rica, I may not have immediate access to music like you imagine, but I get to hear some of the most beautiful natural harmonies in the world. From the birds chirping tunes to monkeys howling in unison, nature is one of the greatest places to find entertainment. Costa Rica has a long tradition of folklore music that is unparalleled, and modern music is similarly as unique. You'll find people dancing the night away to salsa, meringue or cumbia rhythms in discos every weekend. Sometimes you just can't help yourself but join in on the fun! As one of the most vibrant parts of Costa Rica culture, I'd like to share with you the history and background of all the sounds you hear looming across the country.

Traditional Costa Rican music is well-representative of the country's diverse population and culture. Considered to be somewhat of a melting pot, Costa Rica combines the best of Latin American, African, European and native traditions to create unique sounds. On the east side of the country, Afro-Caribbean stylings are quite popular, and it's common to hear Reggae, Rumba and Calypso music coming from the speakers of native Ticos.

Pre-Columbian influences

The traditional folk music of Costa Rica dates back to pre-Columbian times. For example, the Ocarina is an ancient flute-like instrument that dates back 12,000 years. Similar instruments are present in Mayan, Aztec and Chinese culture as well. An instrument called the marimba was also used widely by early Costa Rican people. With a series of wooden keys, this instrument was used by multiple people at once who used mallets to produce sound. If you are able to attend one of the music festivals in Costa Rica during your trip, you may even get a chance to see one of these being played, as they are still used today.[Ad]

Regional music styles

Music is prevalent all across the country, but whenever I want to hear the best of the best, I travel to Guanacaste, Central Valley, Limon or San Isidro del General. Considered to be some of the powerhouses of music culture in Costa Rica, any audiophile should find Costa Rica hotels in one of these regions. Guanacaste is probably the most important of them all, boasting Cuban, Columbian, Nicaraguan, Panamanian and Spanish influences. People here use the marimba and embrace traditional and old-world rhythms.

One of my favorite places to travel for music is San Isidro del General because it is a small town whose history is unique from much of Costa Rica. The music here is very different than the rest of the country, as it combines Creole beats with peasant music. You will see a lot of violins, mandolins, accordions and guitars in this city.

Festivals

Depending on what time of the year you are traveling to Costa Rica, you should plan to attend an annual festival. This is truly the best way to get to know the rich culture of music here! In January, the Santa Cruz Fiestas is a great time to learn about traditional folk music and watch native dancing in the streets. This event is in honor of the Black Christ of Esquipulas. If you come during March, make sure to head to Limon for the Caribbean Music Festival when African and Caribbean styles are celebrated. During the month of October, you'll have your pick from Fiesta del Maiz, the International Guitar Festival and Limon Carnival to attend. But the best month out of the year to travel for music is December. This is Costa Rica's biggest month for music! Fiesta de los Diablitos, Christmas Choir Festival, the Lights Festival, Fiesta de los Negritos, the International Dance Festival and end of the year festivals all take place during this month.

Nature Sounds

Finding inspiration from the sounds of Costa Rican nature, Melanie Edwards is an international musician who blends her knowledge of science into music. Edwards spent the winter writing and recording in Costa Rica on her sixth solo effort that uses experimental and ambient noises from cloud mountains, beaches and rain forests throughout the country.

Edwards studied nuclear science and is a classically trained pianist. Combing her passions, Edwards has been able to break down barriers and contribute to the unique musical landscape that comes from Costa Rica. Her upcoming release, "Las Rosas", chronicles her travels through Costa Rica with sounds of birds, insects and waterfalls in Tortuguero, Guanacaste and Nicoya.

Costa Rica is often overlooked in terms of its vibrant musical culture, but to me it is one of the most important aspects of the culture here. Music is everywhere, and I'd love to hear your story about the music and nature sounds you experienced while vacationing in Costa Rica!

Las Rosas Album, by Melanie Edwards, Costa Rica Sounds

Guitarist Playing Rock Music

Sounds by Nature by Melanie Edwards

My thrilling adventure white water rafting in La Fortuna

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Thu, 02 May 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Javi the Frog on Balsa on the water rafting with Wave Expeditions

Javi the Frog on guide's head having fun

Javi the Frog getting ready to begin its rafting adventure with Wave expeditions

Have you ever been white water rafting? It's one of the most thrilling experiences I've ever had!! The great people at Wave Expeditions in La Fortuna helped me get over my fear of raging down a river for the first time. Man, was I nervous! But I was able to lead the boat down the rapids and my sticky feet pads made it easy for me to grip on tight.

With the Arenal Volcano in the backdrop, La Fortuna is one of the most beautiful places in the country to go roaring down rapids. There are several rivers in the area that feature class IV rapids! The infamous Toro River is a class III/IV river, and Blaso River is class II/III. Whether you want to go cruising underneath towering waterfalls or soar through the tops of the canopy like the monkeys you can do that here. Afterwards you can even relax in the natural thermal waters or hike through the mountain trails to get a peek at some of the flora and fauna of the area.

What is white water rafting?

When I first arrived at Wave Expeditions, I had no idea what to expect. So that you aren't surprised upon your trip down the rapids, I'll give you a little background knowledge I learned. You use a big inflatable raft to navigate down a river of different grades. Although the ratings are only one through four,it's very challenging. You use paddles to maneuver the raft through rough waters, rocks, waves and some hazards depending on the level of the waters.

[Ad]

Whether you're trying to figure out what to do in Costa Rica on a family vacation or a romantic getaway, white water rafting is a great way to spend your time! Don't be fooled, rafting is a workout but it's well worth the time and effort. Once you get into the boat, an even amount of people sit on each side of the raft and one side paddles forward and the other backwards to move around boulders and rocks. It takes a minute to get used to you, but you'll catch on quickly. Otherwise, you just go around in circles!

Safety

One of my biggest concerns before heading down the river was the safety of the sport. Although it's a challenging activity, there's no need to be afraid of venturing through the rapids. You wear a vest and helmet for precaution, but the tour guides teach you exactly how to move properly and use equipment. Instructors will also teach you how to control the boat and what to do if you begin to lose control.

Wave Expeditions

Wherever you're staying in Costa Rica hotels, chances are you can go on a white water rafting tour with Wave Expeditions. They help thousands of travelers each year go on the adventure of a lifetime, and every tour is a unique experience. Depending on the region you're heading to, it will be different scenery and class rapids. Plus, Wave Expeditions offers different tours that make it easy for you to experience the entire area during your stay. Have you always wanted to go kayaking or mountain bike riding through the Arenal Volcano area or spelunking? You can personalize your trip to make it a lifelong memory. Trust me, you won't be let down! Even a little frog like me can experience my homeland in a whole new light.

If you've ever been on a white water rafting excursion, you know how exciting it can be! I'd love to hear about your experience taking charge in the waters of Costa Rica.

Guide jumping on boat on white water rapids

Javi the Frog leading the boat in the rapids, La Fortuna

Girl holding Javi the Frog in the wild rapids

One Day In... Jaco

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Beautiful Jaco Beach from the sky

Jaco beach to the north

Wave at Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas

When you're planning what to do in Costa Rica, your to-do list is probably as big as the Arenal Volcano! Although you wish you could spend two weeks exploring my homeland, chances are you only have a few days to pack in the fun. That's why I'm here! Jaco is a must-see beachside gem close to San Jose, but there is a lot going on in this bustling destination. If you only have 24 hours in Jaco, here are some of the activities you simply can't pass up!

Get up close with animals

During the early morning, you may want to head to a wildlife park within the area, as this is the best time to view many animals. Driving just minutes outside of Jaco will offer you the opportunity to explore the Carara National Park in its Reserve, Tortuga Island or the Damas Island Estuary. Carara is less than 10 miles north of the city, and is a great place to catch a glimpse of wildlife in action. This living laboratory is a must-see for any nature or animal lover and who isn't?. This park sits between a tropical moist forest and wet forest in the Pacific lowlands, so it's like visiting two ecosystems in one unique place! A diverse variety of animals live in this park, including ocelots, white-nosed coatis, howler monkeys and sloths. You may even see some of my distant relatives and friends!

Get sandy

Once you've got your fill of flora and fauna in the area, it's time to hit the beach! Jaco is famous for its sandy beaches and great surf - so you need to spend the afternoon soaking up the sun, no matter how long your trip lasts. Located along the Pacific Ocean in the Central Valley, Jaco stretches 2.5 miles and offers some of the best surfing conditions around for novice riders. One of the first things you'll notice at the beach in Jaco is its famous black sand. [Ad]Even if you've never jumped on a surfboard here, there are plenty of surfing lessons available in Jaco, so you can still join in on the fun. Not interested in surfing? You can go on a horseback excursion, ATV tour, bicycle ride through town, swimming or deep sea sport fishing.

Jaco can get fairly crowded, but you can take a quick drive to Playa Hermosa or Herradura for a more tranquil experience if time permits. Herradura is a great spot for swimming because the waters are calm, but experienced surfers may prefer Playa Hermosa, as the waves are big and heavy along this stretch.

Go out!

Jaco is known for its legendary nightlife, so you must spend a night out on the town to cap off your stay here! Once the sun goes down, the high-energy and diverse nightlife kicks into gear along Pastor Diaz, a popular strip in Jaco. Peppered with dozens of bars, clubs and restaurants, this strip offers a little something for every traveler. Do you like gambling? I love coming here to watch people play at the tables at one of the casinos along this stretch. Whether you're a low-key partier or high-class outings, you'll find a bar or club along Pastor Diaz to enjoy.

There may seem like a lot to do in Jaco, but you can pack the best of the best all into 24 hours here! Like some other places in Costa Rica, Jaco is popular because of its outdoor adventures and amenities so you'll want to prepare with a good dose of sunscreen and perhaps bug repellent. If you've been to Jaco, I'd love to hear your stories of the best way to spend 24 hours here!

Parasailing in Jaco Beach

Sand letters on Jaco Beach welcomes you

Jaco Beach

Explore one of the wildest parks in Costa Rica: Corcovado

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Sunset at Corcovado National Park

Puma looking up in Corcovado National Park

Waterfall at Corcovado National Park

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.

A bit of background

Corcovado National Park spans much of the Osa Peninsula, and half of the animal and plant species in the country thrive here. Each of the diverse habitats in the region are home to a distinct amount of flora and fauna, so taking a trip through the park is like walking through 13 different parks! As a frog, I like to take advantage of my size and hop through the trees and along the small paths to get an inside look into each ecosystem. On your trip here, make sure to always keep your eyes and ears alert because animals are great hiders! And don't forget to look down as well small creatures like myself may scamper at the ground level of the forests from time to time.

How to explore

Hiking may be one of the most popular activities in Corcovado, but there are plenty of other ways to explore this massive park. Kayaking offers a truly unique perspective of the park because you're able to swiftly move through the mangroves, leaving no trace of disturbance to the wildlife around you. You'll get to go through the rainforests and to the beaches. Kayaking is also a great way to explore the stunning Drake Bay.

[Ad]

Don't forget about the waterfalls! There are a few waterfalls in Corcovado that make for the most perfect place to rinse off from the hot and humid weather. Or just take a walk along the sprawling sandy beaches of this park, which span 23 miles. Although this park is visited frequently by travelers, you can roam along this beach for hours and see very few people it's as relaxing as going to a spa! You can even go in the water for a quick dip - just be aware of your surroundings, including aquatic life. You may find yourself in a small pocket beach depending on how far you walk, or you'll find beautiful cliffs or a marine cave located at the southern point of the beach.

Would you like to stay the night in Corcovado? You're in luck, because camping is allowed here! Not all national parks in Costa Rica allow camping as an option, but for those that do, I'd recommend doing it. At the San Pedrillo, La Leona and Los Patos stations, you're allowed to hitch a tent and sleep underneath the stars. It may just be me, but that is the perfect place to spend the evening. You'll hear noises throughout the night of the many animals living here, and you may just wake up to the sound of howler monkeys in the forest!

There are plenty of places to find all inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, but there's only one place like Corcovado National Park. Tell me about your favorite adventure through this park I'd love to hear all about it!

Beach at San Pedrillo Ranger Station Corcovado

Palm Trees aligned on beach in Corcovado Nat. Park

Learn about the wonders of chocolate at the Bribri Indigenous Reserve

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Cacao (chocolate) growing at a farm in Sarapiqui

Cacao Pod used for making chocolate

Street near BriBri Reserve

Do you love chocolate? Of course you do what kind of question is that?! In Costa Rica, we have some of the most wonderful chocolate that is made by the country's indigenous Bribri tribe. You just have to try it! You can actually spend the entire day learning how food is grown by the Bribri, go on a hike through a cacao plantation and see a demonstration of the cacao paste process using tools that date back to pre-Columbian times. It's a sight to see can you already smell the chocolate in the air? Yum!

Located in the stunning foothills of the Cordillera de Talamanca Limon, the Bribri Indigenous Reserve is one of the most distinct cultural communities in Costa Rica. It is estimated that there are only about 10,000 to 35,000 Bribri descendants still living today! They were actually able to live off the cocoa plant that they still know so much about. I've recommended visiting the Bribri for many reasons, but this may be the most delicious. Have you ever been to a chocolate factory? It's kind of like that, but here, you'll find it's a much more culturally intense experience to watch the women of the Bribri tribe create organic chocolate. Whether you're in the mood to curb your sweet tooth or you're looking for a deeper connection to the people of Costa Rica, this chocolate tour is a perfect way to experience the true Tico lifestyle.

The Bribri tour is an all-day endeavor, so you'll want to carve out about five to six hours of your time to visit here I know it seems like a long time to tour a chocolate factory, but trust me, the time flies! Plus, it's not all about the chocolate. You'll get to venture on a waterfall hike, go on a medicinal plant tour and dine on a scrumptious organic lunch.

The chocolate house

The chocolate house, or cacao house, is where the women of the tribe teach you about how they produce chocolate. The owner, Dona Petronela, actually lives in the home that you'll travel through. She is so nice and welcoming, you'll feel right at home here! The moment you walk in you'll smell sweetness in the air, as the open layout structure boasts several fireplaces that are used to roast cocoa beans. You'll actually get to try things like fresh chestnuts and dried cocoa beans, which are much better than you may even imagine.

[Ad]

She'll teach you about the traditional uses of cocoa and cinnamon for natural remedies. Did you know that you can use cocoa to break a fever, use it to prevent stretch marks or use cocoa butter for a comforting lip gloss? Cocoa is also used in several sacred rituals, like the Bribri birth ceremony how'd you like to be entered into the world with chocolate? Two days after the baby is born, a solution with water and cocoa seed is used to wash the mother and newborn baby free of dirt and toxins. Although this isn't very common today, it's still very interesting to learn about or is that just the history buff in me? You'll be able to hear many different stories from Dona and others on the reserve throughout the tour, and it's a great way to learn more about the culture of cocoa for the Bribri people and all of Costa Rica.

After spending time learning about why cocoa is so important, you'll finally get to the portion of the tour that includes eating chocolate this is my favorite part! The Chocolate House has so many different offerings to choose from, including options that are infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, hot pepper, black pepper, mint, coffee, vanilla and many more. You can even bring some back with you so you can treasure the goodness of chocolate well after your visit ends maybe not well after, it's so good, you'll probably eat it up quickly.

Traditionally the Bribri people have used cocoa to heal, drink and purify, but today it is most commonly used for its medicinal purposes and deep, rich flavor. Cocoa is actually really healthy for you, but the sugar commonly added makes it bad? Trust me, you don't need the sugar to enjoy this stuff!

Did you know that cacao holds a sacred and spiritual significance to all the people of Costa Rica? Chocolate tours are a great way to get to know that true culture of Costa Rica and the native cultures that still exist here today. What did you learn while on a chocolate tour in my home country that you didn't expect to learn?

Cacao growing on tree at the Bribri Indigenous Reserve

Embrace the rainy season in Costa Rica

JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:00:00 -0900

Monteverde Cloud Forest in the clouds

River on trail from Monteverde to Volcan Arenal

Mist in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

When you're planning a trip, you may think that coming during rainy season will put a damper on your trip, but not in Costa Rica! Our rainy season is different than most other places because it doesn't rain all the time, and even though Costa Rica is tiny, the various micro climates experience different intensities of rain. Did you know that rainy season is the perfect time to travel to Costa Rica for white water rafting? Or that this is one of the most beautiful times of the year because all of the forests are luscious and green?

Generally, the weather in Costa Rica is classified as either "high season" or "green season" but these weather patterns differ in areas with varying elevations.

Get to know the real Costa Rica

A lot of travelers avoid the rainy season, but it's one of my favorite times of the year. I like to bounce around puddles and hop along dripping branches. One of the most distinctive aspects of going to Costa Rica during rainy season is that you'll be able to meet more Ticos and get to experience their true way of life. You'll be able to easily get into bars and restaurants, and you shouldn't have trouble finding a stool next to friendly locals.

Save some money

If you're traveling to Costa Rica on a budget, don't let a little rain get in the way. Rainy season is one of the best times to come here because a lot of hotels lower their rates or offer extended stays for a discounted rate. This may also allow you to get that luxury suite that would normally be way out of your budget!

[Ad]

Embrace the rain

During rainy season, the water levels get high on some of the rivers, making for ideal conditions to go white water rafting! If you've never tried it, now is the best time. Do you want to get in touch with your inner child? Going on an ATV ride during rainy season is so fun, because there's no way around getting muddy so enjoy it! Or what about going on a canopy tour while refreshing rain droplets fall from the sky? It's a refreshing experience!

Know where to go

Throughout the country the rainy season varies, so you'll want to check your destination to see what areas experience the season at what times. Most of the country has rainy season between May and November, but areas like Monteverde experience the season from June to September. The Caribbean coast has two shorter rainy seasons between November to January and April to August.

A few tips

Just because its rainy season doesn't mean you won't see any sun! Here in Costa Rica, the sun shines bright during the morning and sometimes into the early afternoon. But you'll want to trek around town prepared for a downfall. Always have a plastic bag handy for your electronics and valuable items, and wear layers.

Come prepared with durable hiking boots or sandals that will work well in the wet conditions your feet will thank you! When you're traveling to Costa Rica during the rainy season, you want to avoid jeans and nice items of clothing make sure to pack clothes that are quick-drying. You'll end up getting wet and maybe muddy but that's the fun part, isn't it? Leave the blow dryer and makeup at home, or at least plan to save those items for a special night out.

It can be very helpful to have a rental car while you're here, because it will make traveling around the region you're staying much easier.

Thermal steam rising at Rincon de la Vieja National Park