The beach in Jaco is several kilometers long, and it's not ideal only for walking but also for jogging or exercising. By formal I mean a place that enforces proper attire as well. The water at Tortuga Island is a gorgeous shade of blue, perfect for swimming. Hi! At the end of our day, one of the younger teens fell slightly behind the breaking wave line and started getting pulled out. There is no mad holiday rush: Thus making it the best time to visit Costa Rica. Now, Jaco is Costa Rica's wildest . plenty of seats, couches, chairs, tables, more than we needed. Jaco Tourism Jaco Hotels . 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. If you are a beginner looking for gentle waves and less powerful swells, then go in the dry season. It has hotel-like amenities, including a movie-theater room and rooftop bar with hammocks, and is less than a 5 minute walk to the main area of town and right on the beach. We took the canyoning tour in Jaco, and we had such a great time there. Manta rays in surf and small fish in water a plus. There are multiple entrances off the main highway, but the one for, Heres a selection of what we have enjoyed to get you started. Were Matt & Jenn, a couple who left Boston to pursue a dream of traveling, living, and starting a family in Costa Rica. 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. Clear instructions, patient, positive and great to chat with. Open-air beach clubs with swimming pools in the middle and dance floors in the sand. Our rental company suggested it and it could not have been better! Homemade items like sausage, ricotta, and a balsamic reduction are just a few of the choices. The wet season is from April to November, and the dry season is from December to March. Best Times to Visit Costa Rica - Jaco Royale Read our Privacy Policy for more information. Service and food incredible!! $160-400/night. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. With its family-friendly resorts, romantic getaways, and super social hostels, we think its the perfect spot for all kinds of travelers. This lively town located on the Pacific coast is prepared for tourists, and you can expect to have some serious fun there. While traveling north along the Costanera Sur, don't forget to stop at Carara National Park. It also does a good job of incorporating some local art and wood throughout. This hip spot has live music every night; check out their. Bring a bug repellent, and watch your steps on the unpaved trails. Some have A/C and a kitchenette; there is also a well-equipped common kitchen. Although the situation is not like in Ecuador in South America (where the U.S. dollar is an official currency), you can use U.S. dollars in many places around the country.. Its dark pebbled beach is fringed with palm trees, with warm rolling waves that attract surfers from all over Costa Rica. Its dark pebbled beach is fringed with palm trees, with warm rolling waves that attract surfers from all over Costa Rica. The main drive for its popularity is its location near San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. Some of our favorite dishes are the Cajun Tuna with Sesame and Breakfast Skillet for brunch. Ask questions, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us! Visit Jaco Costa Rica - Rentals Tours & More! All You Need! 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Its not uncommon to see surfing professionals practicing or even competing in one of the many tournaments held at Hermosa. Jaco: I had a PHENOMENAL time in Jaco - See 72,819 traveler reviews, 16,775 candid photos, and great deals for Jaco, Costa Rica, at Tripadvisor. People visit from far and wide to enjoy the slow beach life during the day and the exciting nightlife when it gets dark. The road is in good condition, and you don't need 4WD to get there. What is the current bar scene and what are the Ladies nights. Crispy thin crust and a well-balanced sauce are the highlight, but the toppings are what knock it out of the park. For ideal beach weather, its best to visit between December and April. With rolling green hills of jungle and farm pasture in the distance, Jaco sits in a wide cove with rocky points on each end. If the latter sounds like you, then Jaco may be the perfect fit. Plus, during the wet season, Jaco is quieter, accommodation is cheaper, and the surfers rejoice because the waves are bigger! Also, any suggestions on any resorts that allow you to use their loungers and order from their staff?? If youre staying in town for a while, you might want to consider hitting up the weekly farmers market. 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. Not worth it - Review of Jaco Beach, Jaco, Costa Rica - Tripadvisor Jaco to Manuel Antonio. We stayed with a local host in a room without AC, and the fan in the room was not enough. If you like beef, definitely try their Carne en Salsa. So this all leads to an inevitable question of whether you should pay in U.S. dollars or colones. Located north of Playa Herradura, these beaches are well known to locals but not to tourists as theyre not clearly marked. Had a good time in Jaco with friends for a relaxing, adventurous and party filled weekend. Costa Rica is a beautiful country full of rich culture and stunning scenery. 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. 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. And one of Jacos biggest draws is the almost endless array of activities, trips, and tours on offer to explore it. Despite being located just 7km from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, a small town of just over 22,000 residents, has managed to . I mean, I get it. Jaco, Costa Rica: A Destination Worth Visiting You will find on the main strip also symbols of Jaco's development, KFC and Pizza Hut. 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. We also did an ATV tour in Puntarenas province to Bijagual waterfall rainforest and river with ATV Adventure Tours Costa Rica. Do you need to book in advance to visit Jaco Beach? Some clubs are notorious for prostitution, and some look really sketchy. If you don't feel like walking alone after dark, take a taxi instead. 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. Villas Caletas is located north of Playa Herradura and about a 10-minute drive off the highway. If youre coming from the center of town, turn right at the Palacio Municipal, then take another right near the Post Office. We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Check Availability and Prices Here. Jaco Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know about Jaco - Traveladvo Just a short drive towards the mountains outside Jaco is a facility that offers a tram ride through the rainforest. 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. And dont be put off from traveling during the wet season. 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. Can anyone recommend beaches in jaco that are more swim friendly? Do as the locals do and take a blanket and few beers with you to make a night of it. Enjoy an adventure canopy and high ropes course (from USD 65.0) Source: www.getyourguide.com If you are ready for the mountains and would like to experience a real adrenaline rush, this two-hour tour will be a very exciting option for you. We found the locals to be very friendly and helpful. Piko held true to the excellent service they provide with this tour! The 60-room property offers boutique-style modern condos with high-end finishes. Map 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. The menu is a little pricey, but the food is well done and they have nice touches like complimentary bread. 7 Reasons You Should Visit, Costa Ricas premier surfing destinations, The 9 Best Holiday Destinations in Costa Rica You Must See, Is Bournemouth Expensive? If you want to be surrounded by locals and immersed in the culture, you might want to go a little bit more off the beaten path in Costa Rica. As you already guessed, a rental car will make the trip easy, though you can reach the Crocodile Bridge from Jaco by bus. is made fresh, from scratch and a lot of love. The bathroom drawer was full of toiletries; body wash, soaps for face and body, lotions, etcnice to have that there. Jaco Beach: Not worth it - See 1,645 traveler reviews, 1,088 candid photos, and great deals for Jaco, Costa Rica, at Tripadvisor. And that's about it. Playa Hermosa is a tranquil place compared to busy Jaco Beach. Whether you are taking a family trip or traveling solo, this Pacific coast city is worth a visit. There is a big pool area, spa, and Tiki bar overlooking the ocean where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset. Take a trip out to Costa Ricas most popular National Park Manuel Antonio. Eight kilometers (5 miles) south of Jaco is the famous surfing beach, Playa Hermosa. 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. Jaco is a fantastic vacation destination, well worth visiting for anyone heading to Costa Rica. Look for weekly events with live music like paella night on Saturdays and BBQ Sundays. The beach was very quiet and beautiful. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. It's recommended to visit the park with a local guide to increase your chance of spotting the wildlife. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. North of Jaco on a tall ridge overlooking the scenic Gulf of Nicoya and Pacific Ocean is an amazing spot to take in the sunset over a tropical drink. Nearby, youll find plenty of shops and restaurants, and after sundown, Jacos beach bars come alive with music and dancing. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, central america, national park, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, south america, things to know before go, Uvita: Exploring the Ballena National Marine Park, Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort, Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort, 25 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Costa Rica, A Complete Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica. Journeying The Globe. The outdoor patio was perfect for waking up in the morning, having a coffee and just enjoying the view. Is Jaco Costa Rica worth visiting? - 2023 (2023) Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Perfect for birdwatching and monkey watching, the park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 AM to 4 PM. Not only is this bustling coastal city only 90 minutes from Costa Rica's capital and largest international airport in San Jose, but it's also absolutely stunning. Some hotels have thin walls, which is not ideal either. Costa Rican tropical waters are usually warm enough, so you might think that you don't need a wetsuit. Carara National Park is Jaco's hidden gem, and if you arrive there early, you can observe the morning life in the rainforest. There you can seek out the rare squirrel monkey and the iconic sloth as well as raccoons, anteaters, ocelots, snakes, toucans, parakeets, and hummingbirds. We used the coffee maker, the ice make in the fridge and stored cold beverages in the fridge and those all worked well. Over the years Ive been to Jaco, there is a kind of party flow every night. Go a little more off the beaten path in Costa Rica if you want to be surrounded by locals and immersed in the culture. Weekends are busier, and prices for accommodation higher. Six Reasons JACO Is An Excellent Vacation Spot - Adventure Tours Costa Rica To find the traditional sodas, family-run Costa Rican restaurants serving cheap, delicious, authentic food, youll have to head down the smaller side streets. As soon as you walk in the door, you feel comfortable. The town has developed a reputation over the years for its party atmosphere (mostly in the bars) and adult-only nighttime activities, but in recent years has put a lot of effort into making it an attractive place to visit for everyone, including families. 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. Jaco, Costa Rica is worth visiting for all nature and wildlife lovers. Definitely worth a visit. My family and I have visited Costa Rica on several occasions. The Top 9 Reasons To Visit Uvita, Costa Rica | TravelPulse There are plenty of taxis in Jaco; the red ones are official and safe. Rental cars give you the freedom to visit places from your bucket list at your own pace without worrying about timetables and bus transfers. Credit cards are widely accepted here. Although Playa Herradura is not ideal for surfing, it's a very laidback place perfect for walking and families with kids. Parking is available right off the sand for a small fee and there are also a few local restaurants where you can grab a simple meal. Visit Jaco? You would not expect it so close to a highly developed town like Jaco, but just north and stretching into the mountains is a vast expanse of pristine rainforest. Here, you can get the freshest fruits and vegetables as well as artisanal breads, cheeses, and other goodies. Jaco is hot and humid, and we strongly recommend you to book an air-conditioned room. This boutique hostel and surf camp is at the southern end of the main drag. Anita is from Wales and has been a travel addict since her first trip to Australia ten years ago. The beach is easy to walk on as the sand is compact. Canyoning tours are quite similar to waterfall tours, except they offer more adventurous activities for thrill-seekers. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We were fortunate to have arrived before Costa Rica put in place a 14 day quarantine for anyone coming from another country on 3-18-2020. 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. Beautifully situated bay with active surf for boogie boarding, body surfing or surfing. 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). Jaco offers a beautiful beach, adrenaline adventures, vibrant nightlife, and great restaurants. Official language is Spanish and many indigenous languages are spoken. If I return to Costa Rica I probably will try other locations in this absolutely beautiful country. . Jaco doesn't have an airport, but there is no need to use it since the big international airport is so close. Getting to Carara National Park by car is easy and straightforward. Similarly, you can pay top dollar for activities or choose to do the free ones; take a fully guided tour of the national parks or hike around them on your own. But with so much going on in Jaco, we doubt you will strayfar. As you can see, Jaco, Costa Rica is a booming destination with tons of things to see and do. The Jaco Costa Rica beach is several miles long and is perfect for relaxing, walks, surfing, and some water sports. 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. It can be wonderful traveling during the rains, they are the reason that Costa Rica is so lush and green, they replenish the rivers and waterfalls and bring out much of the wildlife. These beachfront apartment-style units are located on the southern end of Jaco Beach, away from the hustle and bustle. It is not a place set in the middle of nowhere - for this experience, search elsewhere. As with everything, you will find most of the stores in Jaco along the main strip. 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. For more information about visiting, read our post, Tortuga Island Catamaran: Beach & Snorkel Tour from Jaco. No tubs for kids, but we didn't need a tub. Stay safe, and don't get involved in anything illegal. It is a popular vacation destination, primarily because of the various aquatic sports and activities that can be done along its waters. Jaco is packed with local charm, fun and exotic adventures, and a . $8-30. Visit Jaco Costa Rica. For an authentic taste of Costa Rica, head to Rustico. Jaco surfing and surf lessons Jaco is a fantastic vacation destination, well worth visiting for anyone heading to Costa Rica.Its location, only 1.5 hours from San Jose airport, makes it a favorite with everyone from first-timers to Costa Rica to locals wanting. You cant miss it. We didn't visit any other beaches in Costa Rica, so it's hard to compare how this ranks with those, bit we had a great time here. It's not that far from San Jose, so you also get a lot of local tourists coming down from the city for the weekend. We used the ATM accross the street in the MegaSuper to get our local money for a $3 fee. Whatever your budget, you can find a way to stick to it in Jaco. Walk towards the southern end of Jaco beach, and then turn left onto Calle Madrigal until you reach a gas station. 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. 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). 3 min walk from the main restaurant and hotel area, sandy no big rocks, waves good for beginner surfers, hard to swim , ok to walk/float in shallows. The fact that Jaco is known as a party place is a deterrent for many travelers. Remember to get out enough local money so you don't have to keep paying the $3 fee. All rights reserved. Costa Rica boasts a network of backpacker-friendly hostels and low-cost hotels, making it simple to get fairly affordable lodging. $$ - $$$ Seafood Mediterranean Healthy, $$ - $$$ Bar Pub Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Mediterranean Middle Eastern Israeli, $ Latin Central American Costa Rican, Points of Interest & Landmarks Lookouts, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Budget | Selina Jaco - This hostel has a great location just by the sea, a shared kitchen, a nice pool, and free wifi. The word Hermosa means gorgeous or beautiful in Spanish, and the description is quite fitting in this case. From the bustling atmosphere of Jaco Beach to the serene and secluded Playa Hermosa, each beach offers its own unique charm. Private and shared rooms are available as well as less expensive dorm rooms. When you hail a taxi on the street, agree on the price first, especially when you want to go a bit farther. 22. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. For more information about visiting Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca, check out our post all about them. Located on the southern end of town, about a block from Mas X Menos grocery store. Also recommended is the Ti-ko Restaurant halfway up the hill. Located on the northern end of town, across the street from Best Brands shoes. Its location, only 1.5 hours from San Jose airport, makes it a favorite with everyone from first-timers to Costa Rica to locals wanting to escape the city for a beachside break. The area is popular with a younger generation, and the town can be busy and loud. As a bonus, this happens to be a particularly good stretch of coastline for families and beginners. We all know that Costa Rica is located in a special location with both coastlines of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. What is Jaco, Costa Rica Known For? - Adventure Tours Costa Rica 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. Check Availability and Prices Here. No lifeguards so be vigilant and safe. This simple soda (typical Costa Rican restaurant) serves up tasty plates of rice, beans, meats, and sides in a casual buffet style. Unfortunately, Jacos popularity means that its more expensive than some other destinations in Costa Rica, but that doesnt mean its not worth visiting. You can eat in high-end restaurants or budget eateries, drink in the backpacker bars, or get bottle service in the VIP booths. Are you wondering what to do in Jaco, Costa Rica? Villas Caletas is located north of Playa Herradura and about a 10-minute drive off the highway. Wet season delivers bigger waves and is considered the best time for surfing by experienced surfers. Homemade items like sausage, ricotta, and a balsamic reduction are just a few of the choices. Glad we did. The name sounds ominous, but it doesnt mean constant rain. Including the strip clubs, which have put Jaco on the map as a place worth visiting for bachelor parties in Costa Rica. Tripadvisor. We didn't see extra pillows but we had two pillows per king size bed. Needless to say, this is a rule you should follow on most beaches in Costa Rica. Rainforest Adventures also has a big butterfly garden filled with many types of butterflies that live in the tropics. Everything at. 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. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the property is secluded and private. Grab a seat outside in the terrace garden if you can. So, whether youre planning another trip to Costa Rica or are visiting for the first time, consider heading to Jaco, a place that is definitely worth visiting. $10-30. Jaco is considered to be one of Costa Ricas most developed beach towns, and the main strip, which runs adjacent to the sand, is bustling, both day and night. Starting at $200/night. The section of the beach where we were had some stones/pebbles but it still was very pleasant and soothing. Seeing the crocodiles from the bridge won't cost you a single cent, though you need to get there first. The blackish sandy beach less than ten kilometers south of Jaco is a perfect place to get away from crowds. The best most intmate small but classy place we found was Lemon Zest! For a more robust list of options, check out our Jaco Restaurant Guide. There are PLENTY of RIP CURRENT signs every where but unfortunately the few guard stations are usually un manned be cause Costa Rica as yet does NOT spend any of the Billions in taxes collected on offering the tourists good safe life guarded swimming areas (A real negative if there is one) I can understand that some traveler that has never seen an ocean or a beach before my have no other beach to make a comparison to but yet that tourist may feel compelled to spout off a lot of UNTRUE opinions such as I have noted above. 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. Super location, great view, large outdoor patio, plenty of space, lots of seating and chairs and tables inside and outside. The best time for surfing in Jaco depends on your skills and preferences. Jaco is a year-round destination, but it's good to know that the town has two distinct seasons. One of the most popular activities in Jaco is to head to the beach in the evenings to watch the stunning sunset. 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.