Frog’s Paradise

Frog’s Paradise is a 5.5-hectare private reserve run by Miguel Soto and his family. The land was granted to them in 1992 by Costa Rica’s agrarian development institute, and they have spent the years since bringing it back to life.

The family replanted native trees and plants, protected three natural springs and cared for a half-hectare wetland. That wetland is the secret: it is where the frogs breed, and on a warm evening after rain the whole reserve seems to sing.

The night tour

The Jungle Night Tour is the reason most people come. It leaves from the reserve entrance daily at 5:30 pm and lasts about two hours on easy, beginner-friendly trails. Bilingual guides use their lights to pick out frogs on leaves and stems, sleeping birds, insects and the occasional sloth moving through the trees.

Prices are plus tax, with a minimum of two people. The night tour includes entrance, a bilingual guide, insurance and drinking water. Tours are offered in English or French. Book by WhatsApp with your date, group size and tour.

Who lives here

Expect red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs with see-through bellies, tiny blue jeans frogs (the red-and-blue strawberry poison frog), brown tree frogs and wetland tadpoles. Three-toed sloths and armadillos turn up at night. By day the reserve is good for hummingbirds, toucans, Montezuma Oropendolas, Red-legged Honeycreepers and monkeys, and the family logs its bird sightings on eBird.

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes, long pants and hiking shoes
• A flashlight or headlamp
• Insect repellent
• A camera with a macro lens or a phone with a good flash, if you want frog portraits

Lodging, meals and transport are not included, but the family can arrange extras on request.