Our Story · Bijagua, Costa Rica
Meet the frogs of our forest
Red-eyed tree frogs, blue jeans frogs and more now live in the forest our family restored. Join us after dark on the jungle night tour to find them.
Why the frogs are here
Water, trees and time
When our family received this land in 1992, we set out to bring the forest back. Over the years Miguel and the family have planted many species of trees and plants across our 5.5 hectares in Bijagua, and protected the three springs and the small wetland on the property.
Frogs need clean water to lay their eggs and raise tadpoles, and shady, damp forest to live in as adults. The springs and the half-hectare wetland give them both, so the frogs came back, and they keep returning every season to breed.
Why we look for them at night
Most of our tree frogs rest during the day and come out after dark to call, feed and find a mate. On the Jungle Night Tour, about two hours on our trails, a bilingual naturalist guide (English or French) helps you spot them on leaves, branches and flowers, and explains what you are seeing.
The blue jeans frog is the exception: it is active by day, so you may also meet it on our Rainforest Nature Walk. Read more about how the reserve began in Our Story.
Who you may meet
Seven frogs of Frog's Paradise
These are the frogs our guests may find on the reserve. Every night is different, and sightings depend on the season and the weather, which is part of the fun.
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Red-eyed Tree Frog
Bright green with big red eyes, orange feet and blue-and-yellow sides. The frog everyone hopes to see, and a favorite with photographers.
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Splendid Tree Frog
A large, striking green tree frog with colorful flanks. It is shy and hard to find, so a sighting is a special night.
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Hourglass Tree Frog
A small yellowish frog named for the brown hourglass shape on its back. Listen for it calling near the water.
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Mexican Tree Frog
A brown or gray frog with a loud voice. After rain, its calls can fill the forest around the wetland.
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Masked Tree Frog
Look for the dark band across its eyes, like a little mask. It blends in well, so our guides help you find it.
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Vine Tree Frog
Slim and long-legged, it hides easily among vines and thin branches. Spotting one takes sharp eyes.
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Blue Jeans Frog
A tiny red poison dart frog with blue legs, as if wearing jeans. Active by day, often seen on mossy branches and the forest floor.
Photographed on the reserve
A few of the frogs found on our trails. Bring your camera and your guide will help you find them.
Jungle Night Tour
Come find our frogs with us
Send our family a WhatsApp message to book the jungle night tour. Tours are for a minimum of 2 people, with a bilingual naturalist guide in English or French.