Imagine stunning beaches, palm trees, luxury hotels, and, of course, mountains covered in lush rainforest. Use common sense always and dont venture to isolated areas at night or leave valuables in your car or on the beach unattended. The best part is that there are great parties for everyone. 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! Related Article: BestCosta Rica National Parks. However, the most popular and top reviewed isthis 3 hour ATV adventure. Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls. One of their claims to fame is the amazing sunsets you can watch here! Related Article:Top Places for Fishing in Costa Rica. You can either walk, drive, or get a taxi to the beginning of the trail from town. So, we stopped in for a beer to try it out! 10 Best Tamarindo Tours and Excursions You NEED to Check Out! The most popular way to experience the 590-foot waterfall is on a guided horseback riding tour. Take the little ones along and enjoy these popular family friendly experiences together: Tour of Cocoa, Coffee, Vanilla, recreational areas and family enjoyment. The best part is the prices are very reasonable, with the average main costing $12 USD. Costa Rica truly is the land of waterfalls! 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. One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, eating as much food as we possibly can, or just drinking beer at a hostel. Jaco is known as a beautiful beach destination with fun nightlife. Its no secret that Jaco is a party town. The nearby port town ofPuntarenas serves as the embarkation point for picnic cruises to the idyllic islands in the Gulf of Nicoya. A full day of parking costs around 3,000 Colones, depending on how close you are to the entrance. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. This is your best opportunity for walking pristine trails through the jungle. El Pointis right on the beach, with tables even on the sand. There are also private shuttles, or you can rent a car and drive as the road is completely paved and an easy drive. PuddleFish Breweryis a local microbrewery offering a selection of craft beers and cocktails. There are lots of amazing, rare birds in Jaco, so doing some birdwatching is a great activity while youre here. For an experience combining horseback riding and a swim in a private waterfall,this touris a great option! Tours to the Island from Jacoleave every day and begin with a short drive to Punta Arenas. If you forget, there is a cafe a kilometer before the waterfall that also sells tickets. Others are looking to do a lot of activities, get out on the town, and of course take in the country's famous beaches and lush jungle. Make sure to spend some time taking in the atmosphere and culture of this magical place. 1. There are so many great things to do in Jaco or the surrounding area with lots of fun day trip options. The price for this one is around $179 USD, but considering all it offers, this is still a good deal. 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. Tours can be arranged upon request. Dont stop here, though. Even if you're not the most experienced surfer in town, there are waves for everyone. Visit the top waterfall first to see the view and then walk down to the lower falls for a swim. You also will likely spot monkeys and a variety of birds while youre on the course. There are dozens of burgers to choose from, with everything from a traditional cheeseburger to a lobster burger, salmon burger, or even rabbit burger. Their parties kick off at around 7 pm with a happy hour and sometimes DJs on weekends. Once you get up in the air, its so peaceful up there, and you definitely feel like youre flying. If renting a car isnt in your budget, you dont feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just dont like driving, shuttles are the next best option. Whether you're in Jaco for 2 days or 1 week, here are our favorite things to do in Jaco. Our travel Experts plan private vacation packagesto include accommodations, transportation, and tours to make your vacation hassle-free. We enjoyed the waterfall to ourselves for the first 30 minutes. Jaco is a popular surfing competition destination with multiple events throughout the year. We caught a few yellowfin tuna as well as black tuna and mackerel. 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. Places such asBest in Jaco Condos at Diamante del Solrent apartments right on the beach at great prices. Voted the #1 Costa Rica Best Burger spot,Ridiculous Burgersis a tasty stop to grab a meal in Jaco. Next, our tour took us to Tortuga Island to enjoy the pearly white sand, snorkeling, and a delicious lunch. Dont stop here though, keep walking another 10 minutes until you turn a sharp corner to the left. Go on a hiking or zip-lining adventure 6. Thank you!!! Related Read: Love surfing? While Jaco does have that party atmosphere, I found it to still be a safe place to visit in Costa Rica. For a horseback riding adventure with a gorgeous beach backdrop, trythis tour along the Beach of Esterillos. CR Beach Barn is only steps away from the beach. In fact, after a few days of exploring the more remote towns of Costa Rica such as Puerto Jimenez or Uvita, Jaco was a welcomed break for us with all the fantastic things to do in Jaco. For starters, the fish love to bite off the coast of Jaco, and although no one can guarantee youll catch a fish, your chances are really good. Ride in a tram up above the trees and take in the views as you spot plenty of wildlife (especially monkeys and birds.) ATV tours in Costa Rica are so much fun! Thank you so much for the kind words! Thats why its super important tobook a tour that offers a speed boat such as this one. Inside the park, there is a small concession stand, so bring money in case you get hungry to eat there. Expect hot and humid weather in Jaco along with the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to December. Its a food truck-style kitchen with pub food, and the appetizers and chicken wings we ate here were delicious. Tarcoles River is a large river filled with massive crocodiles, and from the bridge above, you can see them everywhere! The lookout has views of the entire Jaco Beach coastline and is particularly nice at sunset. For shorter trips in town and nearby, they are a good option. Hermosa hosts a yearly surfing convention. Yes! A motorbike will cost you about $75 per day, but keep in mind, you must have a motorbike license to rent it. Jaco is a bustling beach town on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Although I mentioned the national park above, those specifically wanting to see birds require the right equipment and thats what this tour provides. 23 Epic Things to Do in Costa Rica | U.S. News Travel Try stand-up paddle boarding 5. See all things to do Jaco Beach 4 1,646 reviews #4 of 21 things to do in Jaco Beaches Open now 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Write a review About Less than two hours away from the hustle and bustle of San Jose, Jaco is a vibrant beach town well-loved by locals. 10 BEST Restaurants in Montezuma, Costa Rica that youll love! During the pandemic, theyve even gone as far as to pay for our last-minute flights back to Canada before the border closed! Also, by combining the two activities, youll save money (the tour is only $85 USD) and enjoy two of the best things to do in Jaco at once! Not only are they some of the most biodiverse parks on Earth, but their resident creatures are also a sight to behold. Jaco, Costa Rica +506 4001-6890 Customer Support Everyday: 8:00 - 8:00 CST Online forms always open Accommodations; Excursions; Groups . Go surfing 2. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Surfing in Jaco Costa Rica: Your Ultimate Guide! The best part is you get to eat everything you make as well, so lunch is completely taken care of! I hope youve found what youre looking for. Originally created as a biological reserve, Carara upgraded to a national park in 1998. Jaco Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know about Jaco - Traveladvo Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, 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? The temperature is typically around 75F to 90F (24C to 32C) during the day no matter when you come. We rented scooters for the day for $45 USD for eight hours. But the great thing is that its still surrounded by lush jungle, just waiting to be explored. If you can, start the trail at 7 am. The boat also serves Costa Rican coffee and refreshments. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Jaco - UPDATED 2023 - Tripadvisor There are also amazing bagels and baked goods and freshly squeezed orange juice and coconut water. About 35 kilometers north of Jac, lies the Carara National Park, recognized for its exuberant wildlife and dense . Jaco is well known as a party place, but as you can see, there are plenty of other things to do in Jaco which make this destination one of the best in Costa Rica. Jac is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, southwest of San Jos, about an hour's drive from the capital. Destinations Its known as a local spot because the drinks and food are cheap! Another cool place is Jaco Blu,which is an open-air club that sits right on the beach with pools in the middle. We stop in here every time Im craving a huge burger. 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. 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. Carara National Parks is a great day trip for travelers staying on the Central Pacific Coast and in the San Jose area. If you really dont want to walk, there are options to take a horse ($80 USD) or tour in a 4wd ($32 USD) that can be booked at the gate or online on their website. 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. The waves around Jaco Beach are strong and consistent but not too powerful if youre completely new to surfing. Playa Herradura is a beautiful beach to escape to, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming. Thisprivate cooking classis with published cookbook author Melissa Guzman. Jaco was once an archetypal sleepy beach town. Embrace the laid-back, relaxed pace. 19. We rented fromAXRwhen we were in Jaco and they were a good company, professional with good quality scooters and ATVs. Seriously, if you love craft beer, you have to visit PuddleFish Brewery in Jaco! Its also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators dont speak English. TheJaco Farmers Marketis an excellent stop for fresh produce and other local goodies. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Jaco, Costa Rica Things to Do in Jaco Popular things to do 4WD Tours Half-day Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Ziplining Horseback Riding Climbing Hiking Tours Sporting Events Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Walking & Biking Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Water Sports Another option is to check out some of the apartments for rent, especially for larger groups. Youll get to explore the Tarcoles River on a guided boat tour, spotting crocodiles, reptiles, and birds along the way. Expect to stand up and ride your first wave before the end of the lesson! Theres a Greek-themed amphitheater at the hotel restaurant that offers the most spectacular views. Now, Jaco is Costa Rica's wildest . The food here is good too. 993 Adventure Tours from $159.37 per adult Manuel Antonio rain forest park and beach 12 Bus Tours from $105.00 per adult Jaco Costa Rica - Beach full of Surf, Nightlife & More Available on the island are beach chairs as well as coco locos, so be sure to bring some cash along! GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. The best spot for this wasMahi Mahi Chill Out Restaurant by Los Papos. Explore Costa Rica with GuateGo. I tried the passionfruit margarita and Pina Colada, and both were really tasty. The park does have an entrance fee of $10 USD for foreigners (a discounted rate is available for Costa Ricans.) Ive been to many national parks in Costa Rica, and although Ive enjoyed them all, a few stand out from the rest. Then youll drive on your ATV outside the city over rugged mountain terrain, through knee-deep water, past a small waterfall, and then end with a stop to appreciate the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, Nicoya Peninsula, and the Agujitas Mountains. Its a waterfall, and ATV tour, all rolled into one, making it great value. Wildlife here abound. 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. JACO BEACH - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor You have to visit a few while youre here to take some amazing photos and go swimming with the cascading water behind you. If youre an experienced surfer, you can rent a board on the beach or from surf shops in Jaco for around $10 to $15 USD per day. My first recommendation isApartotel Flamboyantif youre looking for one of the cheaper hotels right on the beach. Six Reasons JACO Is An Excellent Vacation Spot - Adventure Tours Costa Rica Or, you can do what we did and rent a scooter for the day. You can evenbook this top-rated surf lessonin advance with Jaco Surf School. Whats on tap changes all the time, but we really enjoyed the mango pale ale and strong IPA when we were here. Jaco is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. While you cant bring a private chef home with you, the next best thing is learning how to make some of the dishes for yourself. Hot tip:The beach is actually not far from the crocodile bridge, so you can join these two activities together. How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions youll make when planning your holiday here! THE TOP 10 Jaco Tours & Excursions in 2023 - Viator 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. 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. 18 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Costa Rica - Atlas Obscura If your backpacking days are over and you can spend a little more,Apartotel Flamboyantis a top choice in the medium budget range. Click here for all available transportation options, schedules and prices. Swimming in Jaco Beach is fun and safe especially at low tide when the waves are small. There are two hiking trails in the park: the 2.7-mile Laguna Meandrica Trail and 0.6-mile Araceas Nature Trail. Ziplining has to be one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica. Entry to the falls is $12 USD (although it says $10 USD online, so book it there to save $2 USD), and tickets are purchasedfrom the office on the main highway(not the parking lot) or online. Avoid this by accessing it from Playa Mantas, and then you can enjoy both beaches! Business, Economics, and Finance. The entrance to the viewpoint is on your left after you turn a really steep left-hand turn. 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. Overall, Tortuga Island is a highlight of my travels through Costa Rica. If you dont have a rental car, you can certainly still visit Manuel Antonio National Park from Jaco. Although I am not condoning breaking the rules, there are underground parties that are well known. 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.). The walking trails are accessible for kids and travelers with disabilities. The fact that Jaco is known as a party place is a deterrent for many travelers. 16 Fun & Best Things to Do in Jac, Costa Rica - ViaTravelers A lush, mountainous shorelinewith strips of sandy beaches overlooking a sparkling expanse of blue are characteristic of theCentral Pacific coast. Or, you can just swim if jumping off a cliff isnt your style. Visit Carara National Park Home to some of Costa Rica's primary rainforest, Carara National Park is a major sanctuary for wildlife near the beach. Related Article: Best Beaches of Costa Rica, Scarlet Macaw at Carara Biological Reserve. I did this and really loved the view. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also included for the day, so you can relax after riding the waves. Home Destination Guides Central America Costa Rica 15 BEST Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica. With that said, the best surf breaks do attract a lot of surfers. Saturday night is the best night to party it up here. 11 Things to Do in Jaco: Costa Rica's Liveliest Beach On top of that, the area is surrounded by coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling. Food & Drink Jaco boasts a variety of restaurants, from local flavors to American fare and other international foods. These are speakeasy clubs hidden in plain sight. Youll certainly want to bring your appetite because the burgers are huge. As a beginner myself, I really liked the soft waves and huge beach in the area so I could practice without a big crowd. Villa Caletasis actually a hotellocated a 15-minute drive from Jaco. Things to Do in Jaco with Kids. This parking lot does fill up on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan to arrive early if you want to come on a weekend. The rooms are a more typical Costa Rica design, but its one of the best for location and amenities. 1. However, late at night, you should exercise more caution and travel in groups. Bird watchers will love Jaco! Youll be taught safety in the water, paddling, and how to stand up and ride the waves. If youre not a fan of hostels or traveling with the family, dont worry, I have a few really great places for that too. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Well, Im happy to reportPuddleFish Breweryis the best place to visit in Jaco for craft beer lovers. Theres nothing quite like it. Whats great about Jaco is that its so close to amazing scenery that even if you only have time for a short ATV tour, youll still see some incredible sights. I highly recommendthis birdwatching and photography tourthrough Carara National Park. Jaco Beach - Travelers' Guide to Costa Rice - TripSavvy Sueanne. Jaco is easily one of the most popular holiday destinations in Costa Rica, both among locals and international visitors. The best part is the park is rather small, so exploring some of the best areas doesnt take a lot of time. If youre hungry, stay for dinner and enjoy the views from your table. Its around 1,000 colones ($1.50 USD) an hour to park here, and youll have to pay in cash. Related read: Visiting Tortuga Island is also one of the best things to do in Montezuma as well as Santa Teresa. Its up there with Rio Celeste Waterfall and La Fortuna Waterfall (two of the bestthings to do in La Fortuna.). You can also eat dinner here at one of two restaurants to enjoy a meal and the incredible view. While surfing in Jaco is not quite as clean, rugged, and nicely shaped as other surf towns in Costa Rica, there is certainly an allure to this local surf and party town. On top of that, El Point was the best place I ate during my trip in Jaco. 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! The tour includes 25 zip lines, and the views are breathtaking. Jaco, Costa Rica 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor This tour even offers a yummy lunch and some fishing fun at a small pond with tilapia fish. There are lots of nice boutique shops to explore along Pastor Diaz Avenue not far from the beach. The cheapest option is thisZipline Canopy Tour. 1. 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. If you dont have a car, there is a local bus that passes the bridge. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past. If youre planning a horseback ride anywhere in Costa Rica, remember to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes (runners/sneakers are fine), and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes if you plan to go swimming. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park 10. 7 Best Things to Do in Jaco & Central Pacific Costa Rica Once youre on the beach, dig your toes into the soft sand and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on this coast! This is a more luxurious option as rooms typically range from $200-$500 USD per night. This epic full-day tour combines ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding, and an ATV ride in one massive day of adventure. 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. You canbrowse cars on Discover Cars here. There are SO MANY ziplining tour options in Jaco that it can be hard to narrow down a great tour. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that dont include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To get the best price, use the websiteBookaway. 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! People visit from far and wide to enjoy the slow beach life during the day and the exciting nightlife when it gets dark. Or theres billiards and table football to enjoy with friends. Travelers can see both the three and two-toed sloth within the park as well as the famous Crocodile Bridge overlooking Tarcoles River, where wild crocodiles some as large as 16 feet in length can be observed in their natural setting from the bridge. Blanca Beach Birdwatching Visit the Tortuga Island Ziplining Hiking to the Nauyaca Waterfalls Crocodile Tours Nightlife in Jaco Visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park Horseback River Tour in Jaco Villa Caleta Sunset Tour Surfing Competition at Hermosa Where to Stay in Jaco Is Jaco Worth a Trip? The best surfing here is from mid to high tide, and surfing during the week will always be less busy than weekends. Manuel Antonio National Parkis a gorgeous coastal national park with tons of wildlife and pristine beaches. Jaco is known for the nightlife and party scene. 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. I must have ordered the seared tuna with mango chutney three times it was that good! Jaco Beach is a surfer's beach; its breaks never disappoint avid surfers! This is typically a busier spot, with people taking turns to grab photos with the sign. ATVs are obviously more fun, they cost around $180 USD per day. No food is allowed in the park, and they search bags before you enter. In fact, youll run into a lot of visitors here for just that. 7 Best Things to Do in Jaco & the Central Pacific Coast. Just park your car at one of the ends of the bridge and walk over to see the crocs in the wild. I love the social atmosphere in Jaco, and the best place to stay for that isRoom2Board Hostel. Note, that both these beaches are in front of the Punta Leona Resort. Another fun spot isOrange Pub its a large club that is a popular spot if youre touring the nightclubs around Jaco. Unfortunately, to enjoy Playa Mantas, you need to drive 25 minutes north from Jacoto this parking lot. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. You can see lots of sloths and monkeys as well as enjoy the beaches which are some of the best in all of Costa Rica! If you need a good book, the used book stall here also has a huge selection of titles. 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. These can be a bit more difficult to access, but with a bit of planning, youll want to spend the whole day here once you arrive. Regardless, its incredible! 8 Incredible Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica - When You Wander 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. Just after this turn, the entrance to the viewpoint is on your left. However. Lastly, you can use the public bus system. Beginer surfers should stick to the southern end of Jaco Beach, whereas intermediate surfers can head to the middle or north end. We really enjoy basing ourselves here for a while to soak up the sun and culture of Costa Rica. Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco - Viator This is one of thebest activities in Jaco, and its completely free! Youll need a minimum of four people, so the cost is around $280 USD. So glad to hear you loved the blog! You can visit both the top and bottom waterfall, but its only safe to swim in the lower falls. A visit to the falls is a bit of a mission from Jaco at about a 2.5 hour drive each way. On an aerial nature walk of course! The 30-minute tour also includes beer samples in the Tasting Room so you can figure out what you like. While I was there, they had a happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm, which included delicious cocktails. Jac has an area of 141.11 km and an elevation of 7 metres.. Jac lies between several mountains, and is neighbored by the beaches of Herradura Bay to the North, and Playa Hermosa to the South (not to be confused with another beach by the same name, but located in Guanacaste). 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. When we visited, we saw over 15 crocodiles! To me though, the longer tour is much better value and worth the extra money its the best ATV tour in Jaco! There is a lifeguard on duty and toilets but no other facilities. Check out the best things to do in Nosara Costa Rica. Making a stop by Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, a place considered a work of art, is one of the best things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica. This beach is only accessible from the beach due to a large resort blocking the road. The best time to come is just before sunset so you can watch the sun go down while enjoying a great meal. Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for surfing!
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