Red Eyed Tree Frog — Photo courtesy of Sophia LaMonica

Don't let an opportunity to see more than 30 species of frogs and toads in one place pass you by; pay a visit to the Ranarium, or frog pond, in Monteverde, Costa Rica for an up close and personal encounter with these exotic, endearing and possibly endangered reptiles.

There is a now legendary species of Golden Toad, which was once spotted often in Monteverde, but disappeared completely in 1989, and there are many theories about what may have happened to it, but it seems likely to be extinct. Apparently, this disappearance or extinction is happening all around the world, and possible culprits include climate change, degenerating air quality, and increasing UV light levels that have been proven deadly to some amphibians. Whatever the case may be, it's undeniable that the frogs are already disappearing at alarming rates, and as the mystery surrounding them thickens, so will the necessity of a place like the Ranarium.

The hours of admission are 9:00 am to 8:30 pm, and one ticket allows you to take a morning tour and return after dark, when different frogs are more active.  A bilingual guide will explain and illuminate the frogs with a flashlight and an enviable wealth of amphibian expertise.