Jaco is a vibrant beach town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica where you can truly embrace the “pura vida” lifestyle. While the town is famous for its surfing and nightlife, Jaco also offers authentic restaurants, stunning beaches, lush jungles, and abundant wildlife.
Whether you’re chasing waves, seeking adventure in nature, or simply relaxing in the sun, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. Keep reading to discover the top 10 activities that make Jaco an unforgettable destination.
1. Enjoy the Beaches
One of the best things to do in Jaco is to relax at the beach. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm tropical water that provides a relief from the heat. If you visit in the evening, you can also catch a spectacular sunset over the water.
Jaco Beach
Jaco Beach is the town’s centrepiece, famous for its soft black sand and having some of the best surfing waves in Costa Rica. It’s popular with surfers of all skill levels and a fantastic spot for beachgoers looking to relax or swim. The central part of the beach is the busiest, with easy access to shops and restaurants while the southern end of the beach is much quieter especially during the off-season when the crowds thin out.
Hermosa Beach
Just a 10-minute drive from Jaco, Playa Hermosa (“beautiful beach”) really lives up to its name. Its powerful waves make it a haven for advanced surfers and host to international surfing competitions. While Playa Hermosa not safe for swimming, it’s perfect for a serene walk. The beach is much less developed than Jaco Beach, with only a handful of restaurants and hotels near its northern end, while the southern end remains blissfully untouched.
2. Take a Surfing Lesson
Jaco is a surfer’s paradise catering to all skill levels. It’s an ideal place to catch your first wave or improve your skills. The southern end of Jaco Beach offers gentle waves for beginners, while the northern is perfect for more experienced surfers. Surf schools are abundant and reasonably priced. I booked a private lesson with Jaco Surf Camp for just $50 USD during the off-season. For experienced surfers, board rentals are as low as $10 USD per day.
3. Hike to the Ruins of El Miro
One of Jaco’s most unique attractions is El Miro, an abandoned mansion nestled in the mountains overlooking the town. The mansion’s half-finished structures are adorned with vibrant graffiti art, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding jungle.
The trail to El Miro is about 2 km (1.2 miles) uphill and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the main building. The hike is moderately challenging but rewarding as the ruins offer panoramic views of Jaco and the coastline.
Visit at sunset for breathtaking views but remember to start your descent before dark, as the trail can be steep and uneven in places and wear insect repellent as the mosquitoes are abundant in the evening.
4. Explore Carara National Park
Just a 20-minute drive from Jaco, Carara National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Located in the transition zone between the drier northern region and the humid south, the park boasts incredible biodiversity.
Carara is home to over 400 species of birds, including toucans, hummingbirds, and Costa Rica’s iconic scarlet macaws. While mammals like monkeys and sloths also inhabit the park, they can be harder to spot amidst the dense canopy.
The park features well-maintained trails, including an accessible boardwalk for visitors with disabilities.
Entrance Fee: $10 USD per person
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (May – November), 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (December – April)
5. Swim in a Waterfall in the Jungle
Costa Rica’s jungles are full of hidden waterfalls, and taking a guided hike to swim one is a truly unforgettable experience.
We booked a tour with The Best of Jaco Tours, which included a challenging 2-hour hike through the jungle. The trail was demanding, with sections requiring wading through streams and using ropes to climb steep inclines but the effort was worth it. Our swim in the stunning multi-tiered waterfall was absolutely exhilarating.
Remember that you should never enter the jungle without an experienced guide. Our guide ensured our safety throughout the hike and pointed out fascinating wildlife along the way, from transparent glass butterflies to colourful poison dart frogs and the beautiful but deadly fer-de-lance viper.
6. Zipline or Ride an ATV Through the Jungle
For an adrenaline rush, head to Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park, just a 10-minute drive from Jaco. The park offers ziplining, ATV tours, horse-riding, white-water rafting, and more.
I opted for the ATV tour which included a thrilling drive through the jungle and a refreshing swim in a waterfall. First-time riders are welcome, and the guides are skilled at accommodating different experience levels.
7. Dine at a Local Soda
No trip to Costa Rica is complete without trying the local cuisine at a soda. These a small, family-run restaurants serve traditional dishes and offer an authentic taste of Costa Rican culture.
Most sodas serve casado, a hearty buffet of rice, beans, meat, fish, fried plantains, salad, and vegetables along with fresh homemade juices. Sodas are very affordable with a typical meal costing around $5 USD.
One standout was Rancho Shadday, located in the mountains outside Jaco. This soda boasts incredible views of the valley and coast and serves delicious homemade food under a canopy of chayote vines.
Check out this post for more information about Costa Rican food.
8. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
A visit to Manuel Antonio National Park is a must when staying in Jaco. The national park is located just 90 minutes away from Jaco and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and beautiful beaches.
Manuel Antonio is one the best places in Costa Rica to see sloths. We were able to spot a couple while we were there along with capuchin and howler monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and white-tailed deer.
Guides bring the experience to life, pointing out hidden wildlife and helping you get a closer look with their telescopes. The park’s well-maintained paths make it accessible for most visitors including families with children.
Remember to protect the wildlife by following the park’s rules: don’t feed or touch the animals and bring a reusable water bottle since plastic is prohibited. You’re also not allowed to bring food into the national park but there’s a small café along the main path.
Entrance Fee: $20 USD per person
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
Manuel Antonio Beaches
In addition to its wildlife, Manuel Antonio National Park is home to some beautiful beaches including Manuel Antonio Beach and Espadilla South Beach which can both be reached from the main trail.
We spent some time at Manuel Antonio Beach, where the warm, turquoise water and soft sand make it an ideal spot for relaxing or taking a swim. The bay’s calm waters are perfect for families with children or anyone looking for a peaceful dip. Espadilla South Beach, just a short walk away is slightly more rugged and secluded with fewer crowds.
While enjoying the beaches, keep an eye on your belongings. The clever capuchin monkeys have been known to snatch unattended bags.
9. Visit Poás Volcano National Park
Poás Volcano National Park is a fantastic day trip from Jaco. The highlight is Laguna Caliente, a hydrothermal lake in the crater of Poás Volcano which is one of the largest active craters in the world.
On clear days, you can admire this impressive sight from a designated lookout, just a 700m (0.4 miles) paved and accessible walk from the carpark. The nearby Laguna Botos is a tranquil turquoise lake in an inactive crater which can be reached via a scenic 1.6km (1.0 miles) loop through the cloud forest.
Unfortunately, clouds often obscure the view, as they did during my visit. Early mornings in the dry season offer the best chance of a clear view and you can check the weather here.
Located about 2.5 hours from Jaco, Poás is also close to Juan Santamaría International Airport, making it a perfect stop before heading to Jaco. We spent two nights at the colourful Xandari Resort and visited the volcano in the morning before continuing our journey.
Entrance Fee: $15 USD per person
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
10. Do Surfing, Yoga, or BJJ Retreat
One of the best ways to experience Jaco is by joining an all-inclusive retreat. Whether you’re looking for laid-back luxury or action-packed adventure, there’s an option to match your style. These retreats eliminate the stress of planning, allowing you to focus on personal growth or skill-building while enjoying a seamless holiday.
Surf Synergy offers an immersive surfing and yoga retreat with massages, luxury accommodation, and gourmet meals. For a more adventurous experience, I chose a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu camp, which included authentic local food and accommodation, as well as many of the thrilling activities Jaco has to offer. Whether you’re into surfing, yoga, BJJ, or a mix of these, a retreat in Jaco is the perfect way to enjoy a stress-free, all-inclusive vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get to Jaco?
The closest airport to Jaco is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, near San Jose. The drive to Jaco takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
You have several options: rent a car, take a bus, or book a shuttle or taxi. The bus is the cheapest but least convenient, as you’ll need to transfer in San Jose city centre, adding 1–1.5 hours to your trip.
To reduce stress, I recommend booking a shuttle directly from the airport. Private shuttles are great for groups, while shared shuttles are a budget-friendly option for solo travellers.
When is the best time to visit Jaco?
Jaco has a tropical climate and is hot and humid year-round. The wet season (May – November) is ideal for lush jungles, full waterfalls, and fewer crowds. The days are usually hot and sunny in the morning and then rainy in the afternoon or evening. Dry season (December – April) is consistently sunny day but being peak tourist season, is crowded and more expensive.
Is Jaco expensive?
While Jaco is pricier than other parts of Costa Rica due to its popularity, dining at local sodas and exploring free activities like beaches and hiking can help you stay on budget.
Conclusion
Jaco is a beautiful town that offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Costa Rican culture. Whether you’re surfing its famous waves, hiking to hidden gems, or enjoying a plate of casado at a local soda, Jaco promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, embrace the “pura vida” lifestyle, and get ready to fall in love with Costa Rica!
