Visitors Guide to Jaco, Costa Rica + MAP

Jacó, CostaRica, is a coastal town just a 2-hour drive from the capital city of San José. Thanks to its varied accommodations, proximity to the ocean, and lively atmosphere, it’s a popular home base from which to explore the surrounding areas.

Naturally, owing to Tromso`s remote location, the optimum method to explore the district involves a car rental in Tromso. Accordingly, abundant flexibility exists to experience the finestactivities in Tromso, as well as the finest activities surrounding Tromso, such as visiting the Lofoten Islands.

However, Jacó Beach owes its great popularity to its perfect waves that allow you to surf throughout the year. It’s one of the most famous spots to take classes, both for newcomers and experienced surfers, so, if you want to immerse yourself in the Pura Vida culture, this is one of the top destinations to visit in Costa Rica.

We enjoyed our time in this place, not only because of its picturesque scenery but also because of its welcoming residents. Furthermore, it offers lodging and eateries with reasonable costs, so it’s suitable if you’re traveling on a confined budget.

This guide provides comprehensive information about Jacó in Costa Rica. I`ll outline top attractions, recommend accommodation, and share other beneficial tips to maximize your time in the area.

Best things to do in Jacó, Costa Rica

Below, you’ll find the best activities and attractions in and around Jacó, Costa Rica that should not be missed.

1. Go surfing in Jacó, Costa Rica

Surfing in Jacó is the primary attraction drawing visitors year-round. Here, classes are available for all skill levels and ages, through over 30 schools where you can learn new techniques and hone your abilities.

For those new to surfing, I propose these lessons in Playa Jacó, which offer the use of a surfboard as part of the experience. You can pick a morning or afternoon session to make the most of your day. More experienced surfers may find bigger, more powerful swells toward the northern end of the beach. Now, if you’re an advanced surfer, I recommend a 10 minute drive to Playa Hermosa, another beach I`ll discuss later.

Jaco is an officially designated World Surfing Reserve, where you can enjoy powerful and consistent waves reaching heights of up to 4 meters (13 ft). The peak time is from March through November, but you can surf all year round. The most famous spots areTerraza,Backyard, and Tulin, where surfing competitions take place weekly along with the annual Quiksilver Championship.

Even if you aren’t competing among professional surfers, I still advise attending these competitions as a viewer. This unique event is one of the best activities to do in Jacó, where you can experience the surfing spirit that symbolizes Costa Rican culture.

2. Miro Ruins, an essential place to see in Jacó, Costa Rica

The Miro Ruins hold a privileged position overlooking Jacó Beach from above. If magnificent panoramic perspectives of the shoreline appeal to you, this site furnishes the optimum place to go in Jacó. Be sure to bring your camera to preserve these dreamlike vistas!

This site is home to the remains of an antiquated structure that local artists have decorated over time with murals and paintings. Some say this structure was formerly a restaurant, but others believe it was the home of a wealthy man who wished to appreciate the beautiful beach views from the comfort of his residence. Beyond that, there is no uncertainty that this site maintains a unique mystique, and the graffiti is truly astounding.

Of course, in order to reach the summit, you will need to ascend a demanding incline along a natural route. It will take approximately one hour, so be certain to bring adequate hydration.

The beginning of the route is located next to the road leading to Quepos, on the left side just after the gas station. It’s clearly marked, and along the way one can find different sculptures as well as some native Costa Rican animal species such as monkeys, sloths, toucans and other types of birds.

3. Jacó Beach and other beautiful beaches in Jacó

This beach destination in Costa Rica is considered one of the nation’s top spots for surfing. Not only will you find lessons along the entire coastline, but it also provides an assortment of hotels and eateries catering to all tastes. If you’re seeking a place to spend a relaxed day at the beach with every comfort, this is an excellent selection. Additionally, you can watch a scenic sunset at one of the beachside bars and enjoy a lively nightlife scene.

Playa Hermosa, located 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Jacó, is a significantly more tranquil option. It`s one of the most popular surfing destinations for experienced riders, but the town is quite small, so you`ll only find a handful of hotels and eateries. If shopping or partying is what you seek, I recommend lodging in Jacó.

Another noteworthy beach located in Jacó is Playa Herradura, situated north of Jacó Beach. It has crystal clear waters and black sand, so the difference in color is very prominent. Additionally, it`s surrounded by abundant greenery and beautiful palm trees, so if you enjoy nature, you`ll find it fascinating.

Finally, if ample time permits, the Guacalillo Beach is located approximately one hour`s drive from the center of Jacó and is home to volcanic stone cliffs exhibiting diverse hues. Numerous locals visit the Peñón de Guacalillo to admire the breathtaking sunset vista and panoramic landscape of the bay, however swimming is not advised here. The exceedingly contaminated Tárcoles River empties into this area, rendering it one of the most polluted waterways in the country. Moreover, the presence of crocodiles cannot be discounted.

4. Excursion to Tortuga Island from Jacó

Although the shores of Jacó are attractive, they’re far from the typical light sand beaches Costa Rica is known for. However, don’t be discouraged, because you can enroll in this trip to Tortuga Island from Jacó and fulfill your dream of spending a day in paradise.

Before committing to the trip, note that overnight stays are prohibited on the island, so an organized full-day tour must be booked. Also consider that the return to Jaco will be late evening, so make the most of it and come prepared. Happily, one full day is sufficient to experience Isla Tortuga, even for brief trips.

The excursion initiates with a bus trip to the port of Puntarenas, where you’ll take a yacht to Isla Tortuga. Along the journey, you’ll become immersed in the spectacular scenery, the kind that seems too beautiful to be real.

There are numerous activities available on Tortuga Island, and this tour features 5 free hours to unwind on the beach, work on your tan, walk along theSendero de Los Poetas, or enjoy some water sports. You can find jet ski, kayak, banana boat, and paddleboard rentals, so it’s impossible to feel bored here. I recommend doing some snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the rich diversity of the seabed.

The tour also involves lunch on the beach and an open rum bar during the return trip, providing you the perfect blend of nature, fun, and entertainment.

5. Zipline and quad adventure at Los Sueños Adventure Park, another fun thing to do in Jacó

At the end of the day, you can return to your beautiful balcony room or suite. Most of the rooms include a contemporary kitchen, plush bedding, and huge private bathrooms with spa baths, glass-enclosed showers, and backlit vanity mirrors. Without question, this is the finest non-casino hotel in Las Vegas Strip, and it’s close to the Las Vegas airport.

This excursion initiates with a tractor trip up the mountain, where the zip line system starts. Take a deep breath and fly through the tropical rainforest while appreciating its splendor from above. All together, there are 10 cables and 14 platforms, and it will take about 2 hours to finish. Throughout your experience, you’ll get amazing panoramic views of the .

After soaring through the sky, it’s time to explore from solid ground. After zip lining, a joyous 3-hour quad bicycle tour will be enjoyed through different areas of the park’s 300 hectares (740 acres). It’s a breathtaking journey along the muddy paths, allowing full immersion in the abundant greenery.

Finally, you’ll reach a lovely waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim. It’s the perfect conclusion to this energetic day.

6. Rafting on the Savegre River, the best river for rafting near Jacó

Another experience that causes high levels of adrenaline is this rafting tour along the Savegre River. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most thrilling activities available in Jacó.

Initially, you should know the descending rapids are grouped into various levels of strength, ranging from I to V. In this case, the Savegre River is Level III, so it involves some more complex maneuvers with large waves and powerful currents. Of course, there’s nothing to be frightened of since you’ll be rafting with a professional guide.

One needn`t be an expert to enjoy rafting in Costa Rica, despite undergoing an instructional briefing before your adventure to avoid any accidents or mishaps. Additionally, the tour incorporates all necessary safety equipment, such as lifejackets and helmets, and there are kayakers available for rescue support. The adventure lasts just over 2.5 hours and involves lunch so you can recharge your energies.

We went rafting down the Pacuare River, so we decided to spend our days appreciating the beaches in Jacó and the surrounding national parks. However, if you have not tried rafting yet, I must tell you that we had a wonderful time, and any worries we had disappeared as soon as we spoke to our instructors. We went rafting on Level IV rapids, and it was thrilling.

7. See the Tárcoles River crocodiles

The Bridge over the Tárcoles River known for crocodiles is one of the most peculiar spots to explore near Jacó. Just a 30-minute drive from the town center, visitors can see one of Costa Rica`s most iconic wildlife, safely, of course. Plus, this destination has no entrance fee.

The bridge stands along National Highway 34, along the route connecting San José, one of the most significant cities in Costa Rica, with tourist sites likeQuepos and Manuel Antonio. Here, you can park your vehicle on the roadside and walk up to the bridge. From here, you’ll see around a dozen specimens of American crocodiles in their natural environment. To provide a sense of scale, these prehistoric-looking animals range between 3 and 4 meters (10 and 13 ft) in length, although some attain 7 and a half meters (25 ft) long.

Naturally, some debate surrounds this area since crocodiles are reportedly given nourishment with the aim of keeping them near the bridge to attract onlookers. In any case, the experience remains impressive, and one can see the crocodiles everywhere, whether basking in the sunlight along the shore or swimming in the murky waters of the Tárcoles River.

If you prefer an alternative that`s more considerate of the environment and ecosystem, check out this boat trip on the Tárcoles River. This two-hour excursion goes through the Guacalillo estuary, so you`ll be able to observe these impressive creatures in the center of the jungle.

8. Go to Carara National Park, the closest national park to Jacó

Carara National Park epitomizes another location worth exploring near Jacó, and you can even combine it with visiting the Crocodile Bridge as it lies just a 10-minute drive away.

This park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts since it’s the sole transitional forest in the Pacific where species from dry and humid forests coexist. However, the scarlet macaw is the true star of the show, an endangered species that you’ll appreciate seeing thriving in its natural habitat.

Of course, your best opportunity of seeing the macaw and other species is with the assistance of a trained guide. We were able to maximize our visit thanks to our guide, Ronald, and without him, I don’t think we would have spotted so many birds. I highly advise hiring a guide for your visit!

Should you decide to explore on your own, be aware that the park contains a circular route covering approximately four and a half kilometers, formed by four interconnected trails – the Universal Access Trail, the Las Aráceas Trail, the Ecosystem Meeting Trail, and the Quebrada Bonita Trail. You can additionally include the Laguna Meándrica Trail to your route, allowing you to observe crocodiles. During our visit, we did not have the opportunity to see any crocs, but it was acceptable since we spotted crocodiles at the Tarcoles River Bridge.

9. Visit the Bijagual Waterfall

The Bijagual Waterfall is one of the , so you can’t miss the opportunity to visit it on your way through Jacó. Not only is it 328 meters (1,076 ft) tall, but it’s one of the highest in the entire country.

To arrive there, you’ll need to walk approximately 50 minutes along a trail that crosses through the lush greenery of the surroundings. At a certain point, you will achieve a viewpoint in the center of the waterfall, where you can observe it closely and capture some stunning photos.

Now, if you wish to take a swim, you must continue descending until reaching the river. There, you’ll find pools of cool water where you can take a dip and cool off. If accessing the waterfall without a vehicle, I recommend registering for this tour, which also includes horseback riding along nearby mountain trails.

10. Manuel Antonio National Park, another amazing place to visit near Jacó

Finally, I strongly suggest exploring Manuel Antonio National Park since it’s just an hour’s drive from Jacó. This is one of the most famous attractions in Costa Rica, thanks to its terrific biodiversity. And if you are unable or prefer not to drive, there is this guided tour that can manage everything for you.

Finally, in Chinatown, you will hear talk of the Bloody Angle at Doyers Street, one of the most well-known roads in NYC, where numerous murders happened in the 1920s and 30s. Your guide on the tour will also take you to an old opium hiding place before ending the visit at Columbus Park. This is one of the best tours in NYC, particularly since you can experience three neighborhoods in a single outing.

On the other hand, within the park there are two idyllic beaches where you can relax and take a stroll. Manuel Antonio Beach and La Espadilla South Beach have comparable landscapes, although the latter is much less crowded with visitors.

In addition to exploring the park by land, it’s worth taking part in an experience like this catamaran trip. If you weren’t aware, this is one of the top places to view whales in Costa Rica, so if you`re fortunate, you can also come across these marine giants.

Best hotels in Jacó, Costa Rica

As I mentioned, there are different types of Costa Rican accommodations in the town of Jacó, so here are my recommendations for different budgets:

• Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace – This Morro Jable lodging offers contemporary rooms in differing categories, with the Star Prestige suites providing the most exclusivity. They provide direct access to the pool and a private balcony with sea views, ranking this among the top hotels in Fuerteventura. Furthermore, it is among the best places to stay in Fuerteventura forcouples, thanks to elegant amenities like a spa, lounge, and multiple swimming pools.

• Selina Jacó: This is another extensively suggested hostel in Costa Rica, so consider it if you’re attempting to save money. The property offers communal rooms, private rooms, and household rooms for families with little kids. Community highlights include an outside pool and a sun patio. While the hostel doesn’t feature a dining room, you can consistently head to the shared kitchen and make a meal.

• Jaco Bay 4601: This lodging is excellent for travelers who opt for the flexibility of staying in an apartment. Each of these rentals includes 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, and a well-stocked kitchen, so you can enjoy all the comforts of home. These apartments are extremely near the beach, and there is an outdoor pool for those who favor lounging poolside.

Best restaurants in Jacó

Experimenting with traditional Costa Rican dishes is, no doubt, an essential part of your travel plan. In Jacó, you will find numerous places to eat, but I suggest, at least once, sitting down to appreciate lunch or dinner at a soda.Sodas are small local eateries serving delicious homemade cuisine. They’re generally run by their owners, so they’re tremendously cozy places to enjoy hearty meals at an affordable price.

Here are my top soda recommendations:

• Soda Garabito: Situated along Jacó’s primary roadway, this is among the most suggested restaurants in Costa Rica. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and evening meals, and specializes in fresh fruit drinks and worldwide fare.

• Soda Jacó Rústico: This buffet-style restaurant is just 100 meters (330 ft) from Jacó Beach. For a fixed charge, you can choose from a wide selection of lunch or dinner options, plus unlimited drinks.

Map of Jacó, Costa Rica

Below, you’ll find a map of Jacó, Costa Rica, with all the attractions mentioned previously. Furthermore, I recommend checking our map of Costa Rica to pinpoint other important tourist destinations along the way to Jacó.

I hope this guide providing information about Jacó, Costa Rica, assists you in planning your visit! I`m confident the beaches of Jacó and nearby regions will deliver the getaway you`ve always envisioned. If you have any inquiries or wish to share your experience, please contribute a comment below. I`d appreciate hearing from you.

Pura Vida!