The best way to do this? La Iguana Golf Courseis located only 10 minutes away from Jaco. As you can imagine, Jaco is a tourist city filled with beautiful hotels, holiday apartments, and even backpacker hostels. You also will likely spot monkeys and a variety of birds while youre on the course. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. 16 Fun & Best Things to Do in Jac, Costa Rica - ViaTravelers You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Travelers exploring the west coast can find one of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica here. We stop in here every time Im craving a huge burger. If you have a bit more time,this three-hour ATV tourincludes stops at two different waterfalls so you can cool down under the Jaco sun! About 35 kilometers north of Jac, lies the Carara National Park, recognized for its exuberant wildlife and dense . 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. The viewpoint is actually an abandoned hotel that was never finished, and visitors can walk or take a horse to the top to admire the spectacular views. After the initial 15 minute hike, expect to see a new waterfall every 150-300 feet! This is a nice, leisurely ride with beautiful coastal scenery thats great for kids or those who dont have a lot of experience with horses. Yes, Jaco beach is a family-friendly place to visit. Youll then walk along the hotels old balcony to the main building, where you can see the entire city and ocean. This tour even offers a yummy lunch and some fishing fun at a small pond with tilapia fish. If your backpacking days are over and you can spend a little more,Apartotel Flamboyantis a top choice in the medium budget range. Playa Mantas is also THE BEST place to SUP in Costa Rica Ive never seen a bay this clam on the Pacific Coast before! Seriously, if you love craft beer, you have to visit PuddleFish Brewery in Jaco! Le Loft is one of the favorite clubs here and fills up quickly. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It's where many of the locals come to spend long weekends because there are always new things to do in Jac, Costa Rica. Looking forward to the adventures. Read our disclosure policy for more info. JACO BEACH - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor 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. Thefamous crocodile bridge, as its known, is arguably the best place to see crocodiles in Costa Rica for free. The Best Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica - ASocialNomad Its breathtaking! Jaco, Costa Rica : r/gude_adventures - Reddit In fact, the hardest part about finding a great place to stay in Jaco is choosing from all the options trust me, Ive been there before! The viewpoint is actually an abandoned hotel that was never finished, and visitors can walk or take a horse to the top to admire the spectacular views. Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more. ). Hopefully, you have lots of ideas for your trip here now. The city itself has a population of over 10,000 people, but that number more than doubles during holidays and the summer season (late December to early April). Another option is to check out some of the apartments for rent, especially for larger groups. The temperature is typically around 75F to 90F (24C to 32C) during the day no matter when you come. Afterward, we boarded our boat, where the best part of the tour began. 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. For those who dont know, canyoning involves repelling, swimming, jumping, and climbing your way through a canyon and down waterfalls. Jac, Costa Rica - Wikipedia Its one of the most northern rainforest destinations in the country with incredible raw and picturesque beaches. Well, Im happy to reportPuddleFish Breweryis the best place to visit in Jaco for craft beer lovers. However, the experience isnt best suited to those who have done extreme ziplining, and Id recommend this more for families. This is one of thebest activities in Jaco, and its completely free! Plus, youll get fresh tropical fruit at the end of the journey and can buy professional photos taken throughout the trip. One Day Tour To Corcovado From Sierpe; One Day Tour To Archaeological Site Finca 6-11 I just love Costa Rica so much and hope you will too! Things to do in Jaco Welcome to Jaco On Costa Rica's Pacific coast, the small town of Jaco draws visitors with its opportunities for rainforest adventure, relaxed social climate, and surfing, all just a 1.5-hour drive from the capital, San Jose. 7 Best Things to Do in Jaco & the Central Pacific Coast. It has turquoise water with gentle waves perfect for swimming, nice sand, and a jungle backdrop where youll see white-faced monkeys (who come onto the beach and try to steal food!) Others enjoyed kayaking in the calm waters or playing volleyball on the beach. Regardless, its incredible! People typically start arriving around 4:30 pm to enjoy a couple of drinks and see the sunset so make sure to get here early. Manuel Antonio has long been celebrated has long been celebrated as Costa Ricas favorite little national park. If the latter sounds like you, then Jaco may be the perfect fit. These bad boys provide a great way to explore the hidden gems of the Jaco area, well off the beaten track. This was my absolute favorite place in Jaco for drinks and food with a view that cant be beaten. It is a bit of work to get here with a 2.5 mile (4 km) hike along a dirt road, but the view is absolutely worth it. For an experience combining horseback riding and a swim in a private waterfall,this touris a great option! Don't Miss: A sunset cocktail at the spectacular Villas Caletas amphitheater. The boat also serves Costa Rican coffee and refreshments. Lastly, take a dip in another waterfall and jump off a 15-foot platform into the water below. Ziplining is one of the most fun and popular things to do while youre in Costa Rica! The walking trails are accessible for kids and travelers with disabilities. Just look for the groups with their eyes in the canopy. Its an adrenaline-filled activity thats tons of fun! The best time to come is just before sunset so you can watch the sun go down while enjoying a great meal. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Take a short 25-minute drive north of Jaco to thefamous crocodile bridge over the Tarcoles River. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also included for the day, so you can relax after riding the waves. Related Article: Costa Rica Waterfalls You Must Visit. Cheers for joining us on our adventures! Youll find lots of smaller stores and galleries with locally made items, including jewelry, art, coffee, and clothes. Many visitors come for the vibrant nightlife that stretches from north to south along the entire beach. Is a trip to Costa Rica complete without going ziplining? A lush, mountainous shoreline with strips of sandy beaches overlooking a sparkling expanse of blue are characteristic of the Central Pacific coast. Make an afternoon out of wandering around the shops on the main street in Jaco. This blog may contain affiliate links. However, its important to book a tour with a speedboat to cut the travel time down thats whywe booked this specific tour. The hotel is also spotless, and the gardens are perfectly manicured. Playa Herradura is a beautiful beach to escape to, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming. Jaco is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. expensive than other destinations in Costa Rica, Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for surfing, take a class likethis two-hour surfing lesson, Costa Rica truly is the land of waterfalls, thebest activities in Jaco, and its completely free, this tourcombines ziplining and off-roading on an ATV, the beaches which are some of the best in all of Costa Rica, 10 BEST Tours and Places to go Kayaking in Costa Rica. If you forget, there is a cafe a kilometer before the waterfall that also sells tickets. I must have ordered the seared tuna with mango chutney three times it was that good! Youll get matched up with one of their horses along with some instructions on how to ride if you need them, and then youre off! We really enjoy basing ourselves here for a while to soak up the sun and culture of Costa Rica. Although Jaco is a party place, the beach is a safe environment for families during the day. Overall, its really an enjoyable tour and although a long day, its one of the best day trips from Jaco! You also might spot a Scarlet Macaw flying at the beach or in the nearby hills! This beach in Puntarenas is a Blue Flag award holder because of its clean and serene beachfront. On an aerial nature walk of course! It has the iconic JACO sign in large letters with the beach backdrop that makes for a very Instagram-worthy photo. Theyll spend just about every day surfing the long beach in search of the perfect wave or to practice and learn. Its a half-day adventure that includes taking in the views of a 300 foot (91 meters) waterfall! However, having a car means you can explore nearby areas so renting a car/ motorbike in Jaco for a few days is a great idea if you love to explore without tours. Thrill-seekers can book theAerial Tram ride and zipline comboas I did for something a little more exciting. Thankfully, on Discover Cars its easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that dont. Related Article: Best Beaches of Costa Rica, Scarlet Macaw at Carara Biological Reserve. However, this is not what Playa Hermosa is known for. Barrio La California, Around 1 hour south of Jaco is one of Costa Ricas best national parks. If you can, start the trail at 7 am. No food is allowed in the park, and they search bags before you enter. Overall, Tortuga Island is a highlight of my travels through Costa Rica. Youll be high enough to be soaring with the birds and see the tropical forests underneath you. Costa Rica truly is the land of waterfalls! If youre completely new to surfing, take a class likethis two-hour surfing lessonto learn the ropes. The longer tour also includes a stop at the Cascada del Zorro waterfall as well as mountain and ocean views. Destinations Playa Mantas is only a short walk from the parking lot, and this stunning beach is a hidden gem. How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions youll make when planning your holiday here! The most popular way to experience the 590-foot waterfall is on a guided horseback riding tour. JACO BEACH. The choice is yours, but dont let the natural beauty of Jaco go to waste! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is an incredible resource. The sunsets are spectacular here, so make sure to catch a few of these from the beach. Between the natural beauty and the luxury accommodations, its no surprise Jaco is swiftly developing into a major tourist attraction. In fact, swimming at Playa Hermosa is banned due to the large swells and strong currents. 23 Epic Things to Do in Costa Rica | U.S. News Travel Then its off to catch your speed boat to Tortuga Island. On top of that, El Point was the best place I ate during my trip in Jaco. This particular touris one of the best options out there and is a half day, 3 to 5-hour long tour that includes your entrance fee and transport. This affordable travel and medical insurance is perfect for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and remote workers. Ride the waves! The park does have an entrance fee of $10 USD for foreigners (a discounted rate is available for Costa Ricans.) Their parties kick off at around 7 pm with a happy hour and sometimes DJs on weekends. For more info, check out ourwhere to stay in Jaco guide. Expect to pay around $120 USD for a half-day tour. The tour includes transport from Jaco to Punta Arenas with a stop at the Tarcoles River to see the crocodiles (you can read about this below.) You can choose to drive or take a tour, but no matter what you choose, youll need to walk 4 kilometers (1 hour) from the parking lot to the waterfalls via a poorly maintained road. Another option combines riding an ATV with seeing waterfalls inthis action-packed half-day tour. However, I met our skipper in town and organized a pick-up at our hotel the next day. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past. On top of that, the area is surrounded by coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book. 23 Best Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica After the tram ride, you will be guided on the ground through the jungle as your guide tells you all about the plants around you. In this blog, Ill share the 15best things to do in Jacoto help plan your upcoming trip! Explore Tortuga Island 8. Safety Note: It is important to leave before it gets dark and travel in groups as petty thefts have happened on the trail. Some say Jaco really has it all, and I agree. The Ocean Ranch Park is an 850-acre paradise located near Jaco in a private river valley in the Central Pacific, Costa Rica. 26 Fun Things to Do in Jaco Costa Rica for All Interests So glad to hear you loved the blog! Bird watchers will love Jaco! The 10 Best Things to Do In Jaco, Costa Rica - Selina Our travel Experts plan private vacation packagesto include accommodations, transportation, and tours to make your vacation hassle-free. A motorbike will cost you about $75 per day, but keep in mind, you must have a motorbike license to rent it. One of the most relaxing tours I have done in Costa Rica was to the beautiful Tortuga Island. Taking an ATV through the Costa Rican rainforest is such a great way to cover a lot of ground while enjoying a fun ride. Jac is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, southwest of San Jos, about an hour's drive from the capital. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. Its a good indication theres something to see and most of the time, they are more than happy to share the experience. The tour starts only 10 minutes from Jaco Beach and includes a trail ride through the rainforest. Carara National Parks is a great day trip for travelers staying on the Central Pacific Coast and in the San Jose area. 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. In Bijagual, a mountain town near Jaco, Bijagual Waterfall is the main attraction. Imagine stunning beaches, palm trees, luxury hotels, and, of course, mountains covered in lush rainforest. Canyoning is one of the most underated tours you can do in Costa Rica. Or, you can do what we did and rent a scooter for the day. Its a great introduction to ziplining and costs only $65 USD. ATV tours in Costa Rica are so much fun! Voted the #1 Costa Rica Best Burger spot,Ridiculous Burgersis a tasty stop to grab a meal in Jaco. Jaco Costa Rica - Beach full of Surf, Nightlife & More Even if you're not the most experienced surfer in town, there are waves for everyone. If you arent already making a trip to Quepos or Manuel Antonio town, then a trip to the national park is one of the best things to do from Jaco. The best cheap things to do in Costa Rica are: Enjoy the sunset on the Nicoya Peninsula. While I was there, they had a happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm, which included delicious cocktails. Things to Do in Jaco with Kids. It starts in the mountains behind Jaco, and youll see everything from waterfalls, rivers, and rainforest to the countryside and small villages. Most surf rental shops rent boards for 24 hours, and this usually costs $10 USD so long as youre not after a high-performance board. It can be a little tricky to find at first so just keep an eye out. In fact, its the best party destination on the coast of Costa Rica. 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. We're in Costa Rica, and so - this option of a Waterfall Canopy tour includes a 25-cable zipline, considered the longest combo in Costa Rica! Tours to Tortuga Island are very popular from Jaco but do require a decent amount of travel. Officially created on September 16, 1965, the town of Jac, with its two-and-a-half-mile beach, rests between Herradura Bay to the north and Playa Hermosa to the south. Exploring the park is one of the best things to do in Jaco and must, at least once. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. A major draw is the Costa Rica beach's proximity to San Jose, which is less than two hours away. The Marriott is especially popular for its marina and golf course. And thats by adding the ziplining! Lastly, you can use the public bus system. With coastal views and tall mountains covered in rainforest, its arguably one of the most beautiful places to zipline in Costa Rica. It is also close to other famous famous surfing beaches like Playa Hermosa, just 6 miles north of Jaco Beach, renowned for its world-class surfing. Food & Drink Jaco boasts a variety of restaurants, from local flavors to American fare and other international foods. I, for one, love Jaco, but I spend my time surfing, exploring, and eating my way around the city as opposed to staying up late. Crypto You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here. Its such a beautiful spot and a great workout! Click here for all available transportation options, schedules and prices. 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. Related Article: BestCosta Rica National Parks. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Another cool place is Jaco Blu,which is an open-air club that sits right on the beach with pools in the middle. Those with a rental car can either choose to do a self-guided tour of the park orbook a guided tour that leaves from the park entrance(the city on the border of Manuel Antonio.). To pair with our beers, our group ordered a few appetizers and some chicken wings which we also really enjoyed. Although the tour does cost $195 USD, doing all these activities separately would cost a lot more. So it can get busy! Expect to stand up and ride your first wave before the end of the lesson! You have to visit a few while youre here to take some amazing photos and go swimming with the cascading water behind you. There are SO MANY ziplining tour options in Jaco that it can be hard to narrow down a great tour. Its around 1,000 colones ($1.50 USD) an hour to park here, and youll have to pay in cash. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! It features 18 holes on a golf course designed by Ted Robinson. Explore the park with a professional naturalist guide as they point out monkeys, sloths, iguanas, Morpho butterflies, and more. Afterward, the boat drops you on Tortuga Island for a delicious lunch and plenty of drinks (beers, juice, and pop.) Business, Economics, and Finance. All the cocktails I tried, including the passionfruit margarita and Pina Colada, were delicious. The cheapest option is thisZipline Canopy Tour. Only 20 minutes from Jaco are two beautiful beaches you just have to visit! A lush, mountainous shorelinewith strips of sandy beaches overlooking a sparkling expanse of blue are characteristic of theCentral Pacific coast. The beginner waves are perfect to learn to surf but are still enough of a challenge if you have some experience too! The best part is you get to eat everything you make as well, so lunch is completely taken care of! Jaco was once an archetypal sleepy beach town. Related read: A similar experience is one of the best things to do in Monteverde. There are lots of nice boutique shops to explore along Pastor Diaz Avenue not far from the beach. 15 BEST Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica - Destinationless Travel The best spot for this wasMahi Mahi Chill Out Restaurant by Los Papos. Home On top of that, they served really creative cocktails made by a professional bartender. In fact, youll run into a lot of visitors here for just that. Afterward, youll ride to the beautiful mirador with views as far as Manuel Antonio National Park. Villa Caletasis actually a hotellocated a 15-minute drive from Jaco. This upper waterfall is 40 meters tall (131 feet), and the lower waterfall is 20 meters tall (65 feet.) Costa Rica Experts is the leading authority on Costa Rica vacations. Whether youre looking for a secluded hilltop hideaway, a family-friendly ocean resort, or a top surfing destination, the Central Pacific Coast may provide just what youre looking for. However, sometimes you just want to relax at the beach and swim in calm water especially if youre traveling as a family. The vendors here have all kinds of fruits and vegetables. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! 1. No, you can easily get around the area without a car. Plus they are so much fun! I really enjoyed our time in Jaco and found while it can be a fun party destination, thats not all thats here. Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park (entry fee is $15 per person) Explore the vibrant capital city, San . 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. The tour includes transportation from any hotel, hostel, or Airbnb around Jaco. Things to do in Central Pacific Things to do in Jaco Jaco Tours Questions? Just off the road up to Miro Mountain is theMirador de Jaco Viewpointthat you have to stop by. But big waves can be intimidating for beginners this is why Jaco is excellent for those learning how to surf. Once you get up in the air, its so peaceful up there, and you definitely feel like youre flying. If youre looking for a longer adventure,this tourcombines ziplining and off-roading on an ATV! If youre planning on visiting Santa Teresa or Montezuma, its best to just do you can also do a Tortuga Island tour from there. Avoid this by accessing it from Playa Mantas, and then you can enjoy both beaches! The main attraction here though is the juicy beef so even the simple cheese burger is delicious! Costa Rica Province of Puntarenas Garabito Municipality Jaco District Jaco Jaco Tourism: Best of Jaco About Jaco The tiny hamlet of Jaco is located in the Pacific Coast province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It comes super highly rated and we wish we wouldve done it (next time I guess!). Go on an ATV Adventure Tour ATVs are all-terrain vehicles otherwise known as quad bikes. Yes, Jaco Costa Rica is a safe place to visit, especially during the day. Tours to the Island from Jacoleave every day and begin with a short drive to Punta Arenas. Youll need a valid drivers license for that and a credit card for a deposit. On a clear evening, this is a must-do! Jaco Beach is a surfer's beach; its breaks never disappoint avid surfers! Jaco Beach - Travelers' Guide to Costa Rice - TripSavvy After our sunset hike up to El Miro, we were pleasantly surprised to find a local brewery not far from the beginning of the trail. The cocktails too are worth the visit. 19. Although I said El Miro was the best place to watch the sunset in Jaco, to many, Villa Caletas will be their top choice. Now, Jaco is Costa Rica's wildest . Available on the island are beach chairs as well as coco locos, so be sure to bring some cash along! The rooms are a more typical Costa Rica design, but its one of the best for location and amenities. Of course, if youre visiting the town of Manuel Antonio, then its best to explore the park from there. Unfortunately, we did not get to see any dolphins the day we went, but I really hope you do! Villa Caletasis a hotel built on a mountain right on the coast about 15 minutes from Jaco. 1. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the local wildlife, or try your hand at a new water sport, we've got you covered. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, you will be facing an unexpected difficulty: Costa Rica possesses over five percent of the world's total biodiversity, and you won't know where to jump first . Pura Vida! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! San Jose International Airport is the closest international airport to Jaco, and its about a 1.5-hour drive to get to Jaco from there. | 110 Comments Last Updated: June 14, 2023 Many people come to Costa Rica to turn everything off and just relax. ATVs are obviously more fun, they cost around $180 USD per day. The panoramic sights with nothing to block your view are amazing! Surfing. Hot tip:The beach is actually not far from the crocodile bridge, so you can join these two activities together. You can choose to go right to Melissas home, or shell come to your house or condo for the class. In fact, its much cheaper than places such as Nosara or even Santa Teresa. Ive been to many national parks in Costa Rica, and although Ive enjoyed them all, a few stand out from the rest. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. This parking lot does fill up on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan to arrive early if you want to come on a weekend. Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls represent the natural beauty of Costa Rica, with four gorgeous waterfalls and great views of the Pacific Ocean. Theres a popular sand bar where they like to hang out about halfway across the bridge, but youre basically guaranteed to see some check out both sides of the bridge while youre here!
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