what to do in jaco, costa rica

Jaco is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. Thankfully, on Discover Cars its easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that dont. For some of the highest crests in Jaco, head to nearby Playa Hermosa. Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park (entry fee is $15 per person) Explore the vibrant capital city, San . This is one of thebest activities in Jaco, and its completely free! Afterward, the boat drops you on Tortuga Island for a delicious lunch and plenty of drinks (beers, juice, and pop.) Tarcoles River is a large river filled with massive crocodiles, and from the bridge above, you can see them everywhere! On a clear evening, this is a must-do! Then its off to catch your speed boat to Tortuga Island. On top of that, the water is shallow, and even standing out in the water 50 meters only produces water up to your waste at low tide. You can see many different bird species, monkeys, and sloths. Not only are they some of the most biodiverse parks on Earth, but their resident creatures are also a sight to behold. However, its important to book a tour with a speedboat to cut the travel time down thats whywe booked this specific tour. Not only does this awesome hostel have such a fun atmosphere where travelers can meet and hang out, but its also right on the beach. Ive been to many national parks in Costa Rica, and although Ive enjoyed them all, a few stand out from the rest. My first recommendation isApartotel Flamboyantif youre looking for one of the cheaper hotels right on the beach. No food is allowed in the park, and they search bags before you enter. In fact, its much cheaper than places such as Nosara or even Santa Teresa. Sailfish are a favorite and anglers seldom disappoint! Along the way, you can spot monkeys in the trees above you, and there is also a lower viewpoint around halfway up. Located just over 1 hour from Jaco, Manuel Antonio National Park is a coastal park home to spectacular views, sprawling jungle, and tons of wildlife. Just look for the groups with their eyes in the canopy. One of the best free activities in Jaco is the hike up to El Miro. 5 BEST Sloth Tours in La Fortuna (Sloth Watching Trails), 5 BEST Night Tours in Monteverde (Monteverde Night Walks), 7 BEST Coffee Tours in Costa Rica (Local Coffee Plantations You Should Visit! Bird watchers will love Jaco! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! We traveled across the Gulf of Nicoya on a speedboat to Negritos Island wildlife Reserve, where we had the chance of spotting dolphins and monkeys. Its such a fun experience that makes you feel rejuvenated and in touch with nature. If you have a rental car, you can drive for 30 minutes out to the bridge from Jaco and park on the far side of the bridge. Jaco is particularly great for ziplining as youll be treated to views of the rainforest, mountains, and the beautiful coast. However, this is not what Playa Hermosa is known for. Thistwo-hour ATV tourstarts in Jaco, where youll get instructions from your guide on how to operate an ATV. One of the most relaxing tours I have done in Costa Rica was to the beautiful Tortuga Island. If you forget, there is a cafe a kilometer before the waterfall that also sells tickets. way to see Jaco. Visit the top waterfall first to see the view and then walk down to the lower falls for a swim. The best part is you get to eat everything you make as well, so lunch is completely taken care of! PuddleFish Breweryis a local microbrewery offering a selection of craft beers and cocktails. Luxury travelers have tons of great options depending on what youre looking for. For an even better expereince, visit an hour before dusk and relax at the top to watch the sunset. It includes a gorgeous ride through the rainforest to a 35-foot waterfall which is perfect for cooling off after a hot ride. Some were as big as 15 feet too. This is a more luxurious option as rooms typically range from $200-$500 USD per night. Youll also get the chance to swim in natural pools and jump from the top of a waterfall. They also have all types of rooms available from hotel-quality private rooms with ensuite bathrooms to dorm beds something for all budgets! Just off the road up to Miro Mountain is theMirador de Jaco Viewpointthat you have to stop by. The fact that Jaco is known as a party place is a deterrent for many travelers. I will be traveling to Jaco in a few weeks and this was so helpful! It costs 1,000 Colones per hour to park at the beach, and on weekends its very hard to get a spot if youre not early. Without a doubt, the best view of Jaco is from El Miro Viewpoint on the outskirts of the city. Yes, Jaco beach is a family-friendly place to visit. So if youve already traveled a lot here before, you may be thinking, really, another waterfall., I get it, but Nauyaca Waterfalls is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular in Costa Rica. However. Playa Herradura is a beautiful beach to escape to, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming. However, sometimes you just want to relax at the beach and swim in calm water especially if youre traveling as a family. Its true what they say, sometimes too many choices arent a good thing. Jaco, Costa Rica +506 4001-6890 Customer Support Everyday: 8:00 - 8:00 CST Online forms always open Accommodations; Excursions; Groups . If youre looking for a more in-depth ziplining expereince, I highly recommend thisAmazing Mega Zipline Tour over 11 Waterfalls. Ridiculous Burger is open every day from 11 am until 11 pm. If you want to get a closer look at the crocodiles, there are really good tours along the river that you can do. But big waves can be intimidating for beginners this is why Jaco is excellent for those learning how to surf. To pair with our beers, our group ordered a few appetizers and some chicken wings which we also really enjoyed. If youre an experienced surfer looking for larger waves, take an Uber or taxi to Playa Hermosa. The tour finishes with a Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant and an ATV ride with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Nicoya Peninsula. I really enjoyed our time in Jaco and found while it can be a fun party destination, thats not all thats here. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! Located on the southern end of Jaco, El Miro is actually an abandoned hotel that was never finished. For those who dont know, canyoning involves repelling, swimming, jumping, and climbing your way through a canyon and down waterfalls. As a beginner myself, I really liked the soft waves and huge beach in the area so I could practice without a big crowd. Dry Season- December to April, Green Season- May to November, Wettest- September & October, Average high 92 Fahrenheit, tropical weather with afternoon showers typical May to November. The longer tour also includes a stop at the Cascada del Zorro waterfall as well as mountain and ocean views. Jaco Beach is a surfer's beach; its breaks never disappoint avid surfers! To get a bit higher,this paragliding experiencewill take you up to at least 1,500 feet and possibly higher, depending on the day. Swimming in Jaco Beach is fun and safe especially at low tide when the waves are small. To the north of Manuel Antonio National Parklies the small seaside town ofJac, known for its hidden beaches, sportfishing, excellent surfing spots, and its uniqueposition between the dry northern regions of the country and the tropical southern zone. The Aerial Nature Walk in Jaco was one of my highlights during my last trip. The tour includes 25 zip lines, and the views are breathtaking. This epic full-day tour combines ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding, and an ATV ride in one massive day of adventure. Visit Playa Blanca 7. When visiting this beautiful Central American country, it can be pretty challenging to narrow down your perfect Costa Rica itinerary to get the most of your time.. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. This bridge crosses the river and is a popular gathering spot. I mean, I get it. If you loved this blog, be sure to read more of our Costa Rica blogs such as: Complete guide to visiting Cahuita National Park, 12 BEST Stops on the Drive from Whistler to Revelstoke, 21 BEST Stops on the Drive from Whistler to Banff. Scooter rental in Jaco costs $25 USD for 4 hours or $45 USD for 8 hours, and you only need a valid drivers license and a $500 USD deposit charged to a credit card. Believe me, after reading this; youll also understand that there is more to Jaco than what first meets the eye! You can findits starting location on Google Maps, but the abandoned road is not shown. This is Jacos most famous surf beach, but its only suited to those who can surf well. Things to do in Costa Rica Things to do in Central Pacific Things to do in Jaco Jaco Tours Tortuga Island (Isla Tortuga) Are you interested in? If you dont want to rent any vehicle, you can easily take taxis and Ubers around Jaco. Carara National Parks is a great day trip for travelers staying on the Central Pacific Coast and in the San Jose area. Together with Alcatraz Island, the area makes up theIslas Negritos Biological Reserve. Youll then walk along the hotels old balcony to the main building, where you can see the entire city and ocean. Looking forward to the adventures. Button. Voted the #1 Costa Rica Best Burger spot,Ridiculous Burgersis a tasty stop to grab a meal in Jaco. Manuel Antonio is small compared to others, which means less walking and densely populated wildlife. Regardless of which you choose, youll need to drive yourself to one of the parking lots at Manuel Antonio National Park. Depending on your budget and fear of heights, you can do a few different tours in Jaco. If youre planning on visiting Santa Teresa or Montezuma, its best to just do you can also do a Tortuga Island tour from there. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Button. Canyoning is one of the most underated tours you can do in Costa Rica. These drop you right at the waterfall and take you back to the parking lot. If youre up for it, rent a scooter, motorbike, or ATV. Le Loft is one of the favorite clubs here and fills up quickly. ADVENTURE TOURS IN COSTA RICA. So it can get busy! I really enjoyed the softer waves and huge beach, which meant I could practice without large crowds. Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls represent the natural beauty of Costa Rica, with four gorgeous waterfalls and great views of the Pacific Ocean. The best part is the prices are very reasonable, with the average main costing $12 USD. We got the see around 15 crocodiles during our visit some as big as 15 feet or 5 meters. Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions youll make when planning your holiday here! The hostel we stayed at,Room2Board, is another cool party place, especially for the pre-party. Imagine stunning beaches, palm trees, luxury hotels, and, of course, mountains covered in lush rainforest. Situated on the Playa Herradura is the Los Suenos Marriott, one of the most popular resorts in the area. The best part is the park is rather small, so exploring some of the best areas doesnt take a lot of time. Try stand-up paddle boarding 5. But that means lots of options for activities and things to do. A motorbike will cost you about $75 per day, but keep in mind, you must have a motorbike license to rent it. The hike up takes around 25 minutes, not including getting to thebase of the trail. You can visit both the top and bottom waterfall, but its only safe to swim in the lower falls. If youre looking for a longer adventure,this tourcombines ziplining and off-roading on an ATV! Theyll spend just about every day surfing the long beach in search of the perfect wave or to practice and learn. All Rights Reserved. Villa Caletasis a hotel built on a mountain right on the coast about 15 minutes from Jaco. Playa Mantasis a beautiful sheltered bay with some of the calmest water I have ever seen in the ocean. This costs around 5,000 to 7,000 Colones each way. By far, my favorite place to enjoy seaside drinks and food in Jaco wasEl Point. If you are driving, dont worry about driving after dark, the road here is paved and well maintained. Jump on a rainforest waterfall tour 3. But it wasn't long before Jaco Beach's amazing waves began to draw foreign surfers in exponential numbers. Jaco itself is an established beach town, so youll find everything you need here from restaurants, shopping, car rentals, pharmacies, and many places to stay. It is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm from May to November, and then from 7 am to 4 pm from December to April. Its breathtaking! There are two hiking trails in the park: the 2.7-mile Laguna Meandrica Trail and 0.6-mile Araceas Nature Trail. If you want an instructor, expect to pay $50 USD for a group lesson which usually lasts 2 hours and includes your board rental. We rented fromAXRwhen we were in Jaco and they were a good company, professional with good quality scooters and ATVs. Once youre done relaxing at Playa Mantas, you can walk over to Playa Blanco. Playa Mantas is only a short walk from the parking lot, and this stunning beach is a hidden gem. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. With over 35 years of experience, we make the difference between a good trip and a lifetime memory. Jaco, a small city located on Costa Ricas Pacific Coast, is known for good surfing and even better parties. Although I am not condoning breaking the rules, there are underground parties that are well known. If you dont have a car, there is a local bus that passes the bridge. Check out the best things to do in Nosara Costa Rica. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. Jaco Costa Rica is a beautiful city located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. So, make sure to try out surfing while youre here. The rainforest trails are just so cool to explore, and on some tours, youll splash across rivers and even spot monkeys in the trees above. A scooter is a good budget-friendly option as you can get them for as little as $45 USD per day cheaper than taking multiple taxis. Spot the rare scarlet macaws, hummingbirds, toucans, motmots, and more. Although the city does have its drawbacks, such as its overly touristic atmosphere, Jaco has all the amenities you could want for a comfortable stay. On an aerial nature walk of course! Related read: Visiting Tortuga Island is also one of the best things to do in Montezuma as well as Santa Teresa. Plus, with the surfing gem of Playa . 993 Adventure Tours from $159.37 per adult Manuel Antonio rain forest park and beach 12 Bus Tours from $105.00 per adult Its a relatively easy walk, but you certainly earn that swim at the end. Thefamous crocodile bridge, as its known, is arguably the best place to see crocodiles in Costa Rica for free. These bad boys provide a great way to explore the hidden gems of the Jaco area, well off the beaten track. Manuel Antonio has long been celebrated has long been celebrated as Costa Ricas favorite little national park. Another fun spot isOrange Pub its a large club that is a popular spot if youre touring the nightclubs around Jaco. The road is a mixture of paved and dirt before youll find the beach parking lot. In this blog, Ill share the 15best things to do in Jacoto help plan your upcoming trip! There are also amazing bagels and baked goods and freshly squeezed orange juice and coconut water. Its the type of beach families love because you can let your kids explore and play in the water without worrying about big waves and currents. 23 Best Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica By Costa Rica Travel Life Last updated: June 27, 2023 4 Comments This blog may contain affiliate links. Shell teach you multiple Costa Rican recipes for appetizers and entrees, including classic dishes like ceviche. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable. You can book Room2Board on HostelWorld or Booking.com. These two spectacular waterfalls are the most beautiful waterfalls Ive ever seen in Costa Rica! Thisparagliding flight tourguarantees youll make it up to 900 feet so you can glide over the rainforest and Jaco Beach area. This is my favorite spot for craft beer in Jaco! However, the experience isnt best suited to those who have done extreme ziplining, and Id recommend this more for families. Thrill-seekers can book theAerial Tram ride and zipline comboas I did for something a little more exciting. 7 Best Things to Do in Jaco & the Central Pacific Coast. Whether you're in Jaco for 2 days or 1 week, here are our favorite things to do in Jaco. Travelers exploring the west coast can find one of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica here. I have a couple of favorites, depending on what youre looking for. Tee times are available daily from 6:20 am until 3:50 pm or theres a driving range available as well. I tried the passionfruit margarita and Pina Colada, and both were really tasty. The lookout has views of the entire Jaco Beach coastline and is particularly nice at sunset. On top of that, the area is surrounded by coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling. It comes super highly rated and we wish we wouldve done it (next time I guess!). About 1 hour and a15-minute drive from Jaco, Manuel Antonio National Park is an accessible day trip to just about anywhere in the Central Pacific region.
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