Jaco sits on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, remaining a hot spot for surfing and nightlife. About an hour and a half away from the capital, this little tourist town is a popular destination for travelers in Costa Rica. After staying in Jaco for a week, I composed my top ten recommendations when visiting this busy little town.
1. Surf
Jaco is famously one of the best beginner beaches in the world. The small long waves make this the ideal location to learn how to surf. When I was in Jaco, I stayed at a surf hostel. It was one of the best experiences ever to make sure to check out my articles about School of the World. If you are a more advanced surfer, don’t worry! There are amazing beaches nearby that will provide you with some gnarly swells. Be sure to check out Roca Loca, El Gato, and Playa Hermosa for some advanced waves.
2. Hike El Miro
If you are looking for something unique to do in Jaco then this is it! Legend has it there was once a wealthy man who sought to build the most beautiful mansion overlooking Jaco; unfortunately, he passed away before the construction was completed. The property has now become a favorite hiking destination for locals. It is fairly short and should be completed in under 20 minutes.
3. Boat Tour
Whether it is an excursion on a catamaran or a guided tour, going out to sea on a boat is a perfect way to spend the day in Jaco. There are boat tours from Jaco ranging around $100. These tours guide you on exploring Isla Tortuga or the Gulf of the Nicoya. The catamarans will usually stop by a location as well to allow people to swim. Both of these options usually include snorkeling, paddle boarding, food & booze!
4. Zip-lining
A Costa Rica Trip would not be complete without zip-lining. One of my favorite parts about zip-lining in Jaco is the amazing view of the ocean. The zip-lining tours are perfect for travelers looking for adventure. When I was in Jaco, I went zip-lining at Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park. It was about 15 minutes from Jaco Beach and cost about $70. There are good deals on packages such as adding ATVs or horseback riding.
5. Aerial Nature Walk
The jungle is one of the most beautiful aspects of Costa Rica. Booking a tour in Jaco, you can go with a group on trams and bridges. These fantastic canopy views are hard to beat. There are also nature walks if you are more interested in learning about Costa Rican biodiversity. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a sloth or a monkey!
6. Party!
Jaco is famously known for its nightlife. This town is the perfect combination of calm and wild. Clubbing and bar hopping start around 8 pm and go well into the night. The most popular clubs to check out include the Black Marlin Beach Club, Jaco Blu, Le Loft, Man Cave, Orange Pub, and The Wave. These clubs come to life with top DJs, theme nights, and rad Ticos (local Costa Ricans). Just make sure to take caution when partying it up in a foreign city.
7. Crocodile Tours
There are thousands of Crocodiles swarming this area of Costa Rica. We went to see the crocodiles with School of the World for the videography class, but you can also book a tour for around $35 with Crocodile Man tours (about 20 minutes north of Jaco).
8. Chocolate Experience
Looking for a taste of Costa Rica? A chocolate experience is a perfect way to learn more about the culture while indulging in chocolate. Who doesn’t like chocolate? You will be able to learn about cocoa beans, and how they are grown and harvested in this area. You can check out a Chocolate Tour in Jaco at Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park.
9. Dinner on the Beach
One of the best parts about Jaco is the fact that you can get a nice dinner on the beach for very cheap prices. They have bars and restaurants with a view of the ocean for under $10. We ate at Koko gastro bar, and it was amazing! I ordered the chicken teriyaki bowl and piña colada.
10. Day Trip to Manuel Antonio
Saving my favorite for last was the day trip to Manuel Antonio. If you have several days to spend down there, I definitely recommend it, but if you are like me (Staying in Jaco with little time to spare), then I recommend squeezing this in as a day trip. This national park is a coastal paradise. We saw sloths, monkeys, and toucans, and swam in turquoise blue water.
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