A Complete Guide to Jaco, Costa Rica
Are you wondering what to do in Jaco, Costa Rica? Our Jaco travel guide includes tips on top activities, fun things to do, best day trips, and accommodation.
Jaco is one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica and a perfect place for first-timers to kick off their journey around this Central American country.
This lively town located on the Pacific coast is prepared for tourists, and you can expect to have some serious fun there. If you are looking for some quiet off-the-beaten-path beach town in Costa Rica, Jaco is not the type you are looking for, that's for sure.
This well-developed town is located only two hours' drive from San Jose, and it's popular with both locals and international travelers. Jaco offers a beautiful beach, adrenaline adventures, vibrant nightlife, and great restaurants.
The area is popular with a younger generation, and the town can be busy and loud.
Jaco often gets mixed opinions and sometimes has a bad reputation, which is one of the reasons we've created this travel guide so you can make a well-informed decision yourself.
Some travelers say that Jaco is the best town in Costa Rica, while others leave rather quickly without knowing why this place is so popular. If you are wondering whether it's worth it to visit Jaco, keep on reading.
Here is everything you need to know about Jaco before you go.
WHAT TO DO IN JACO
Despite its popularity, Jaco is a quite small town which is easily covered on foot, at least the main tourist area. The principal two hotspots in Jaco are the beach and the main tourist strip (Pastor Diaz Avenue). And that's about it.
You can easily spend in Jaco a day or two without getting bored, especially if you take one of the adventure tours, explore a few beaches, visit some restaurants, or hit the bars later.
Jaco is one of those towns where you should be prepared to spend some money on food, drinks, or tours to get the most of the town's perks; otherwise, this place might not be exactly for you as you can find it a bit obnoxious.
We believe that Jaco is still worth a visit even if you are not into partying or surfing, as the nature around the city is beautiful, and you can find some serene places outside this craziness.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN JACO
Jaco offers a perfect combination of the developed world and beautiful nature, of course, if you are willing to explore beyond the town's borders.
We were actually quite surprised as we enjoyed our time there more than we had expected, which is always a good sign.
The rule of thumb is to know what Jaco offers. It is not a place set in the middle of nowhere - for this experience, search elsewhere.
But if you prefer staying in a place with great tourist infrastructure, chill on the beach, and take a few day trips outside the town, Jaco might be perfect for you, and you should include it in your Costa Rica itinerary.
Here's our list of the best things to do in Jaco.
JACO BEACH
Travelers exploring the west coast can find one of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica here. Jaco Beach is a beautiful strip of sand perfect for walking, sunset watching, or lazing around on quiet mornings or afternoons.
If you are looking for a family-friendly activity to do in Jaco, you should definitely go to this beach and spend some time there.
The beach in Jaco is several kilometers long, and it's not ideal only for walking but also for jogging or exercising.
The sunsets on Jaco beach are breathtaking, and we never missed the opportunity to walk there during this time of the day.
Jaco beach is not safe for swimming, and at night you can meet there some shady-looking people.
And here is our final tip, it's still a town beach at the end of the day, and you can indeed find better places in Costa Rica, but they are not located in the town.
Some travelers arrive there with unrealistic expectations and often leave disappointed.
RESTAURANTS
There are plenty of tourist restaurants along the main strip, and you can try a new one every night. Jaco has plenty of typical tourist restaurants you would expect to find in a town such as this, but you can notice there are some fine-dining options as well.
Trying local cuisine is one of the best parts of traveling, and you can find some affordable 'sodas' on the main strip.
The small and cheap local family-owned eateries are quite hard to find, and you have to leave the main road and search in one of the side streets.
You will find on the main strip also symbols of Jaco's development, KFC and Pizza Hut.
You can always go there as a last resort, or if you are curious what fast-food chains look like outside your country. A small hint here, they are very similar.
NIGHTLIFE
There is a reason why Jaco is popular with singles and solo travelers. Jaco has plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs, and even casinos, so if nightlife is what you are looking for in Costa Rica, then you have come to the right place.
When it comes to nightlife in Jaco, the chief action takes place along the main street or at the beach.
The choice of bars and clubs is quite wide for such a small town, though the quality varies. If you are looking for the best club in Jaco, then know that every night is different, and some places can be great one day, but not so much the next one.
Tourist nightlife in Central America might be a bit different from what you expect, though, and things can often get wild in Jaco.
Some clubs are notorious for prostitution, and some look really sketchy. Stay safe, and don't get involved in anything illegal.
SHOPPING
On the brighter side, Jaco is a perfect place to buy some custom-made products that you can take back home as souvenirs for your relatives, friends, or yourself.
As with everything, you will find most of the stores in Jaco along the main strip.
There are plenty of small stores and galleries selling locally made souvenirs ranging from canvases, indigenous masks, Costa Rican coffee, chocolate, jewelry, folk art to wood carvings from local artists and artisans.
If you visit Jaco at the end of your trip around Costa Rica, it's a perfect place to stock up on souvenirs.
SURFING
Surfing in Jaco is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica, and you won't find much better places in the country to try this water activity.
Jaco beach is famous for its perfect surfing conditions, and it's suitable even for complete novices or inexperienced beginners. Simply put, the laidback surfing vibes are strong in Jaco, and the activity is accessible to everyone.
Surfing in Jaco is a year-round activity, but expect bigger waves in the wet season and smaller waves in the dry season.
Also, some surf camps are run in Jaco that include surfing packages for everyone.
PLAYA HERMOSA
The blackish sandy beach less than ten kilometers south of Jaco is a perfect place to get away from crowds. Playa Hermosa is a tranquil place compared to busy Jaco Beach.
The beach is several kilometers long, and if you are looking for a place that has no bars and other tourists, you've just found it. The word Hermosa means gorgeous or beautiful in Spanish, and the description is quite fitting in this case.
The volcanic activity is responsible for the coloration of the beach, and it is in sharp contrast with the sky-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and lush green palm trees.
Even though Playa Hermosa is not safe for swimming, it has superb conditions for surfing. Needless to say, the surf is not exactly beginners friendly, and if you don't have much experience, it's better to polish your skills in Jaco.
Remember that there is more than one beach in Costa Rica carrying the same name. In the province of Guanacaste near Liberia, you will find the more famous Playa Hermosa; moreover, there is at least another couple of beaches in Costa Rica with the same name.
Keep that in mind when setting your destination on GPS.
The best way to get there is by rental car, though you can catch a local bus heading to Quepos and ask the driver to drop you off at Playa Hermosa.
If this lovely beach sounds like your cup of tea, consider staying in one of the hotels at Playa Hermosa.
ADVENTURE TOURS IN JACO
Surfing is not the only fun activity to do in Jaco. Arranging tours in Jaco is easy, and there should always be some tours available.
When you arrive in Jaco, everyone is focused on the beach, partying, and surfing, but Jaco offers some great nearby inland areas perfect for exploring as well.
We can say that if you are wondering where to try one of the adventure activities, then Jaco should be high on your list.
WATERFALL TOURS
Waterfall Tours in Jaco are great family-friendly adventures that will take you into a beautiful rainforest, where you can see plenty of waterfalls and have some good swimming opportunities in the refreshing natural pools.
As you walk through the forest with a knowledgeable guide, you will have the chance to learn more about fauna and flora.
CANYONING TOURS
Canyoning is a thing in Jaco, and the tours usually include rappelling, ziplining, hiking, pool jumping, and more. Canyoning tours are quite similar to waterfall tours, except they offer more adventurous activities for thrill-seekers.
We took the canyoning tour in Jaco, and we had such a great time there. We also spotted some wildlife, and it was a fun way to spend the day in Jaco.
A Canyoning Tour in Jaco costs around 100 USD per person.
ATV TOURS
Jaco ATV Tours are also very popular among visitors. The tours usually vary from 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour options and allow you to explore the rainforest and the coastal area in a different way.
The Jaco ATV Tours are popular with both first-timers or experienced drivers and usually cost between 70 to 120 USD per person.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
MIRO MOUNTAIN VIEWPOINT
If you travel on a budget and find the prices for tours too steep, you can hike to Miro Mountain for free.
Walk towards the southern end of Jaco beach, and then turn left onto Calle Madrigal until you reach a gas station.
The trailhead to Miro Mountain is on the corner of Calle Madrigal and Costanera Sur.
The hike is relatively short (it's less than one kilometer long, and it takes about 20 minutes to get there), and the climb is not strenuous, but you should bring some water to stay hydrated. Also, walking shoes will work better here than flip-flops.
When you reach the viewpoint, you can admire the Jaco beach from above, together with some graffiti on the concrete ruins (the artwork is also on some walls along the trail).
Miro Mountain viewpoint is a great place to watch the sunset, and if you are lucky, you can spot some wildlife along the way.
HERRADURA
Playa Herradura is a lovely horseshoe-shaped beach only ten kilometers northwest of Jaco (therefore, the name; Herradura means horseshoe in Spanish). The cove protects the beach, so the waters are usually calm, and waves are gentle.
Although Playa Herradura is not ideal for surfing, it's a very laidback place perfect for walking and families with kids.
The darker sand makes the beach look so different from those white sanded beaches in the Caribbean, but that's not a bad thing. There are lots of pebbles on the beach during the low tide, so you might want to wear at least water shoes to cover longer distances.
Herradura is also home to a big hotel complex Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort, where you can stay if that's your cup of tea. This is one of those resorts that offer all services you will ever need.
The north tips of the beach end with a big marina, so we recommend you to walk in the opposite direction to enjoy some serenity (unless you want to see some nice yachts). The further south you get, the fewer people you will meet.
Getting to Playa Herradura couldn't be easier if you have a rental car. Drive north of Jaco, and once you reach Barrio Las Parcelas, turn left, and this road will take you directly to the beach.
If you travel around Costa Rica by public transport, then you can take a bus from Jaco to Playa Herradura (buses run hourly during the day).
CARARA NATIONAL PARK
While traveling north along the Costanera Sur, don't forget to stop at Carara National Park.
Carara National Park is Jaco's hidden gem, and if you arrive there early, you can observe the morning life in the rainforest. Carara is known mostly among birders (a group of scarlet macaws in flight welcomed us right when we got to the entrance), but we also saw monkeys, frogs, insects, and other species.
One of the trails is parallel to the highway, and you can hear the traffic noises, but once you get deeper into the park, you will have the chance to soak in the magical atmosphere of the Costa Rican rainforest fully.
It's recommended to visit the park with a local guide to increase your chance of spotting the wildlife.
From our experience, the local guides can point out the animals camouflaging in the bushes, hiding in the treetops, or crawling on the ground. They know the rainforest by heart, and you will learn a lot about the Costa Rican fauna and flora.
Needless to say, you can hike in Carara National Park without a guide, so the choice is only up to you (and your budget).
Bring a bug repellent, and watch your steps on the unpaved trails.
Binoculars come in handy for wildlife spotting in entire Costa Rica. If you are an enthusiast photographer, bring your favorite telephoto lens to capture the various species living in the park.
Getting to Carara National Park by car is easy and straightforward. You can combine your trip with the Crocodile Bridge and the town of Herradura to save travel time.
Also, local buses run frequently along this highway, and you can get off the bus directly at the entrance to the park (ask the driver first, though).
Close to the Carara is Villa Lapas Jungle Village, which is surrounded by the rainforest, and if you want to stay closer to nature when in the Jaco area, this might be an interesting option.
CROCODILE BRIDGE
If you are looking for free things to do in Jaco, then the famous bridge over River Tarcoles, which is home to American Crocodiles, should be on your radar. In order to get there, you need to head north of Jaco, and the ride shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.
As this is a quick stop, you can visit the place while traveling to your next destination or combine it with a trip to Carara National Park.
Seeing the crocodiles from the bridge won't cost you a single cent, though you need to get there first. As you already guessed, a rental car will make the trip easy, though you can reach the Crocodile Bridge from Jaco by bus.
Local buses are cheap in Costa Rica, and they frequently run along this road, so you shouldn't have a problem catching a returning bus later.
Our friendly advice? Please stay on the bridge; it's not safe to go down to the river, where the kingdom of top predators flourishes.
If you really want to see them up-close, take this guided Crocodile and Bird Watching Tour instead.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Even though that Manuel Antonio National Park is best visited from Quepos or the Manuel Antonio village, it's so close to Jaco that you can easily visit the area from this town on a day trip.
In fact, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, and despite its popularity and crowds, it's definitely worth a visit.
The wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park is everywhere, and unlike other places such as Arenal or Monteverde, you can often spot many animals by yourself. You can see howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, frogs, raccoons, birds, and much more.
The golden sand beaches are often considered the most beautiful ones in Costa Rica, and it would be a shame to skip this wonderful place. Be prepared that the national park receives a lot of visitors each day, and it often appears crammed.
If you have a rental car, you can drive from Jaco to the national park in approximately one hour an half depending on the traffic. The road is in good condition, and you don't need 4WD to get there.
If you don't have one, you can always take a guided Manuel Antonio National Park Tour that includes a local guide and transportation from Jaco.
STAYING SAFE
Due to its reputation, you might be wondering whether Jaco is safe or not. Jaco is considered reasonably safe during the day, but you should exercise caution after dark.
Always use your common sense when traveling in Costa Rica.
Never flash your valuables on the street; keep your larger sums of cash, passports, or jewelry at your hotel. If you don't feel like walking alone after dark, take a taxi instead. There are plenty of taxis in Jaco; the red ones are official and safe.
Some of the poorly lit alleyways between the beach and main strip were a bit sketchy after dark and had some shady characters moving around. For us, these were probably areas where we felt the least safe, so if you travel alone, it might be a good idea to walk with someone there.
The bad reputation of Jaco is mostly hidden behind the walls of bars, casinos, and clubs, and if you don't get directly involved in this sort of stuff, you shouldn't be affected.
As the saying goes, if you go looking for trouble, you'll find it.
If you are wondering whether Jaco is safe for families with kids, then we would say yes, if you use your common sense and follow the typical tourist routine. It's probably not the most welcoming destination in the world, and you will find far better places for families in Costa Rica, but it's perfectly fine to visit it.
When visiting the local beaches, lock your rental car and never left any valuables inside.
Most beaches around Jaco don't have official parking lots, which means no guards or fenced parking. So it's better not to bring any valuables in the first place.
As we mentioned throughout the article several times already, some beaches are not safe for swimming due to strong currents and treacherous riptides, and you should always exercise caution when in the water.
Needless to say, this is a rule you should follow on most beaches in Costa Rica.
HOW TO GET
Jaco is well-connected with the rest of the country, and it's easy to get there. Jaco is located on the triangle between Quepos, Puntarenas, and San Jose, which means that it's easily accessible from other popular places.
You can reach it by car in about an hour and a half from Juan Santamaria International Airport (it depends on the traffic, but it usually takes longer). Both Quepos and Puntarenas are roughly about an hour's drive from Jaco.
Costa Rica is known as one of the best destinations in Central America to rent a car.
Rental cars give you the freedom to visit places from your bucket list at your own pace without worrying about timetables and bus transfers.
Buses frequently run between Jaco and San Jose, Quepos.
Jaco doesn't have an airport, but there is no need to use it since the big international airport is so close.
GET AROUND
Jaco is one of the best places in Costa Rica to get around even without a car. The town itself is best explored on foot, and there is no need to take a taxi during the day. Being said that, if you need to cover a longer distance after dark, you might consider taking one.
When you hail a taxi on the street, agree on the price first, especially when you want to go a bit farther. Taxis are expensive but quick; you can lower the price by traveling in a group.
Furthermore, you can visit most of the places on our list located outside the town by public bus; it's just a bit more time-consuming.
If you have a rental car, that's even better, and you can save plenty of travel time and plan your itinerary better.
The roads in Jaco are in good condition, and you don't need a 4x4 car to visit any of the places we've selected in this article.
WHERE TO STAY
Choosing the right accommodation is always an essential part of your travels. Most of the hotels in Jaco are located along the main strip or on the beach and usually offer good value for the money.
Jaco is hot and humid, and we strongly recommend you to book an air-conditioned room. We stayed with a local host in a room without AC, and the fan in the room was not enough.
Weekends are busier, and prices for accommodation higher. Also, keep in mind that some hostels (or hotels) are popular with party people who can be loud upon their late return from the bar.
Staying in the dormitory might save you some money, but in return, you might experience a restless night. Some hotels have thin walls, which is not ideal either.
When making the reservation, you can ask specifically for a quieter room.
Here is our choice of the best hotels in Jaco.
Budget | Selina Jaco - This hostel has a great location just by the sea, a shared kitchen, a nice pool, and free wifi. If you are looking for budget accommodation in Jaco that offers excellent value for your money, then you've found it.
Mid-range | Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort - The hotel is located on Jaco beach and has air-conditioned rooms, outdoor pools, or volleyball courts. This is an all-inclusive hotel, so all food and beverages are included.
Luxury | Oceano Boutique Hotel and Gallery - The location of the hotel is a little bit outside the main strip, so it's very quiet if that's what you are looking for. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, and you find there an outdoor pool, spa, and wellness center. Free private parking is available.
BEST TIME TO VISIT JACO
Jaco is a year-round destination, but it's good to know that the town has two distinct seasons. The wet season is from April to November, and the dry season is from December to March.
The best time to visit Jaco is during the dry season, as you will have the best chance for nice weather without rain. Peak season brings not only positives but also higher prices for accommodation and bigger crowds.
It's not surprising to expect some rain in the wet season, but it mostly rains in the afternoon, so it's not that bad.
Worse weather brings some positives, on the other hand. You can expect fewer crowds, lower prices, and a bit more relaxed atmosphere. Also, the nightlife might be a bit quieter, which might be the opposite of what you are looking for.
Locals like to visit Jaco as well, so weekends are busier in Jaco due to the proximity to San Jose; also prices tend to be higher during this time.
The best time for surfing in Jaco depends on your skills and preferences. If you are a beginner looking for gentle waves and less powerful swells, then go in the dry season.
Wet season delivers bigger waves and is considered the best time for surfing by experienced surfers.
WHAT TO PACK
Flip flops are good enough for walking around Jaco, though you should wear proper trail runners for adventure tours and when hiking in the rainforest.
It's often sunny in Jaco, bring sunscreen and use some headwear to protect against the strong sun.
Tap water is drinkable at many places in Costa Rica, but it's never a bad idea to use either SteriPen or a water bottle with a filter for extra precaution.
Jaco is a top surfing destination, and although you can get almost everything from the local rentals, consider bringing a rash guard, water shoes, and swimwear. Costa Rican tropical waters are usually warm enough, so you might think that you don't need a wetsuit. That's mostly up to your preferences, but it might make your surfing more comfortable under certain circumstances.
For adventure tours, consider taking a waterproof camera with you. We took our compact mirrorless camera for our combo tour, but I was worried all the time that I'll drown or drop it along the way and had to put it in my dry bag for some activities.
HOW MANY DAYS IN JACO
Once you start planning your Jaco trip, you might start wondering how many days you need for Jaco. We believe that two to three full days should be enough for Jaco if you don't plan on surfing for a week.
One day in Jaco might be enough for the town, but you won't get much time for exploring its surroundings.
Our Jaco travel itinerary would be something like this.
On your first day, we would get up early, and drive to Carara National Park, hike a bit, see some wildlife, then visit the Crocodile Bridge. Return through Herradura village, and later in the evening, try one of the traditional Costa Rican meals.
On your second day, it's time to take one of the adventure tours. Canyoning, ATV tour, ziplining, Jaco has it all. Depending on the time of your return, you might still have enough time to visit Playa Hermosa or hike to Miro Mountain. In the evening, it's time to get some filling meal and have a drink later.
If you haven't been to Manuel Antonio National Park yet, that's what you will do on your third day. In the afternoon, you can take one of the surfing lessons to say a proper goodbye to this surfing mecca.
If you have a rental car and don't want to base yourself in Jaco for a few days, you might want to visit either Manuel Antonio National Park or Carara National Park on the way in or out.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
