The best tour inJaco is this canyoning tour. The entrance to this viewpoint is across from the southern most road off the highway to Jaco. Delicious cocktails can be found at Green Room, Ser, Casa Jorge, and Mono Verde. 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. Go surfing at Playa Hermosa You will enjoy spending time at Playa Hermosa. Some suites have their own plunge pools and access to a private beach is also available. Complete City Guide: Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica See more nightlife in Jaco on Tripadvisor, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Jaco, Hotels near Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, Hotels near Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO), Motels near Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO), Jaco Walk Open Air Shopping Center: Tickets & Tours, Parque Recreativo Johannes Dankers: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Xploratura Tours & Transporation, Things to do near Costa Rica Airport Shuttle, Beach Day Pass at Honeymoon Beach in St John, Private Taxi Overland Transfer From Siem Reap - Sihanoukville, Small Group Waterfall and Rainforest Hiking Adventure on Maui, From Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui: Molokini Snorkeling Adventure Aboard Calypso, 23 Attractions: Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour. If youre worried, its recommended to go at sunrise or during the day. The Marriott Los Sueos is located in the beach community of Playa Herradura, just north of Jaco. Unlike many beaches in Costa Rica, the sand is white. Button. This place is popular with locals and hungry surfers so dont be surprised if you see a line. With its pristine beaches, tropical wildlife, and vibrant culture, it's no wonder that Jaco is one of the most popular destinations in Central America. Rooms have ocean, pool, or jungle views, and the property is spread out so be sure to inquire when booking. Either way, the club is a very vibrant establishment known for great drinks and cool music. This bar is small but has nice things, like pool table which is fun, and music kept me active all night. Looking for adventure? I contacted the business and they said they would refund the charges but never did so I had to file a dispute and get a new card since idk if the last also stole my info as well.. be careful ordering drinks with a credit card. Your best bets to find the late party on Tuesday night is at Le Loft. For more experienced surfers, head to the middle and more norther section of the beach. Nightlife in Jaco - Just As Much Fun As The Day - Costa Rica Herradura is one of the best places to go fishing in Costa Rica. The Best Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica - ASocialNomad Blackened Mahi Mahi with coconut rice and pineapple chutney at Graffiti, This small bistro owned by a Costa Rican chef serves up innovative fare with a Latin and Asian influence. Its a relatively easy walk, but you certainly earn that swim at the end. A city tour of San Jose is hands down the best way to get to know the city, find your bearings, and get settled into the city overall. Chalkboard dinner specials include lots of choices for surf and turf, and the standard menu has burgers and lighter options like tapas, fish tacos, and a poke bowl. Check out what I thought about living in Jaco as a foreigner. We left pretty disappointed, but laughing at ourselves too. Take a Tour of Tortuga Island from Jaco. Since Jaco is right where the tropical rainforest starts, the wildlife and nature greatly increases. Awesome Things to Do in Jaco: Adventure, Nature, Nightlife - MytanFeet Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! The bartender was quick and attentive to everyone coming up to the bar. A tour is highly recommended for Carara since there is no direct bus and the wildlife is harder to see there. Address: Jaco, Costa Rica, Calle Jaco Sol, Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa Rica. Good on-site restaurant that offers local cuisine. 18 Best Things to Do in Jaco Aerial Nature Walk Visit the Carara National Park Surfing Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP) Waterfall Tours ATV Tours Herradura Beach Blanca Beach Birdwatching Visit the Tortuga Island Ziplining Hiking to the Nauyaca Waterfalls Crocodile Tours Nightlife in Jaco Visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park Surfing Surfing has to be on this list as it's the top thing to do in Jaco. On top of that, El Point was the best place I ate during my trip in Jaco. Go for an exciting canopy tour with an aerial tram and appreciate the full beauty of the Costa Rican jungles. Though not as big as Costa Rica's capital city of San Jos, there are still plenty of things to do in Jac, Costa Rica. The property has an outdoor pool and spa. One of the oldest buildings in San Jose. Right now in rainy season, their Jac special offers start at $112 per night for 2 persons. All the cocktails I tried, including the passionfruit margarita and Pina Colada, were delicious. 1. Address: Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa Rica, Jac, Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica. This upper waterfall is 40 meters tall (131 feet), and the lower waterfall is 20 meters tall (65 feet.) The Green Room focuses on local and organic ingredients and has delicious locally made craft beer. With that said, you can still get a good nights sleep and enjoy the onsite surf school and board rentals. Irrespective of your preferences, Jaco will always be fun if you love tropical destinations. This beach is closest to the capital, San Jose, and has its share of crowds. $8-30. The best part about the park is its size. The answer is no! If Jaco appeals to you, you might also like Tamarindo on the northern Pacific coast. The best spot for this wasMahi Mahi Chill Out Restaurant by Los Papos. Everything at Zona K is made fresh, from scratch and a lot of love. 20 Things to do in Arenal & La Fortuna, Costa Rica [Complete Guide 2021] The parking lot is very small so try to go early to avoid the crowds as it gets popular, especially during sunset and weekends. You will also get very close to wildlife when you pass by the snake exhibit, as you get a detailed explanation of everything you will be seeing. You will find a healthy population of various species, and also get to learn more about their life cycles, food, and threats to their existence. Ave. Pastor Diaz, a few doors south of POPS. It has a reputation of being the surfing Mecca of Costa Rica, but also, it is a great destination for adventurous folks in need of the perfect tropical getaway in this small central Pacific coastal town. There are multiple entrances off the main highway, but the one for Esterillos Oeste is a good place to find some peace and quiet, nice waves if youre into surfing, and cool tidepools. Surf lessons can be easily arranged as the owners also run Tortuga Surfing. Thefamous crocodile bridge, as its known, is arguably the best place to see crocodiles in Costa Rica for free. Our pick for a nice dinner out, Graffiti has a cool, contemporary atmosphere that will make you forget that youre in Costa Rica. The tour will take you to the heart of a mixed rainforest on a tram. Even if you arent a surfer, its worth a visit to this 7 km (4 mile) long stretch of dark gray sand. Fishermen can fulfill their dream of catching a marlin, roosterfish, sailfish or tuna. There is a lifeguard on duty and toilets but no other facilities. Catch some fish with Jaco Tours Sport Fishing. No monkeys that day, but great hospitality, good food and amazing drinks. JACO BEACH - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) There is a big pool area, spa, and Tiki bar overlooking the ocean where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset. This is an abandoned hotel that's overlooking the city of Jaco in Costa Rica. At night, there are plenty of options for partying. If you are driving, dont worry about driving after dark, the road here is paved and well maintained. See Tripadvisor's 72,934 traveler reviews and photos of Jaco free attractions . With a lot more than just pastries, this artisanal bakery makes fresh bagels, breads, and of course lots of yummy desserts. Apart from surfing, the best beach walks, snorkeling, diving, fishing, cruising, visiting jungles, mountains, and a partying climate are the things that made Jaco so popular in Costa Rica. Jaco is considered to be one of Costa Rica's most developed beach towns, and the main strip, which runs adjacent to the sand, is bustling, both day and night. Note: Many of the directions below mention the POPS building. Once you reach the top, you will fall in love with the views down below, and you will most certainly love the views of the Pacific from the top. Here, you can get the freshest fruits and vegetables as well as artisanal breads, cheeses, and other goodies. Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica. Canyoning is one of the most underated tours you can do in Costa Rica. It is common to buy unique products as souvenirs from the places you travel to, and when in Jaco, Tico Pod Art House & Gifts shop is where you will find a variety of items made in Jaco and the surrounding areas. I did this and really loved the view. Unsubscribe in one click. Call ahead for reservations. Today, tourists from around the world visit Jaco year-round, though December to May are considered "high season" (the most people, the highest accommodation costs). Without a rental car, youll need to visit Villa Caleta via taxi or Uber. If youre staying in town for a while, you might want to consider hitting up the weekly farmers market. Oops, this activity is currently unavailable. Top 15 Things To Do In Jaco, Costa Rica - Updated 2023 Thats such a shame! Places such asBest in Jaco Condos at Diamante del Solrent apartments right on the beach at great prices. The hostel we stayed at,Room2Board, is another cool party place, especially for the pre-party. It features a thrilling ride on safe, high-level performance off-road units which were initially designed for use by the Israeli military. 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. Tuesday: Head to Green Room if you are looking for live music and some craft beer. Villas Caletas is located north of Playa Herradura and about a 10-minute drive off the highway. Some say Jaco really has it all, and I agree. For an authentic taste of Costa Rica, head to Rustico. If youre planning on visiting Santa Teresa or Montezuma, its best to just do you can also do a Tortuga Island tour from there. Bailey and I prefer the early parties that start just before sunset and finish early. Everything was very tasty. As always the restaurant is slammed! Have you been to Jaco? Everything from ATV and zip-line tours to catamaran cruises, surf lessons, and sport fishing can be booked with one of the areas tour operators. Not only is this bustling coastal city only 90 minutes from Costa Ricas capital and largest international airport in San Jose, but its also absolutely stunning. Get a birds view of the jungle on an aerial tram tour (from USD 82.5), 15. They also got a good view on the main street! The hotel offers a great view over the Pacific and a leisurely hike up to the hotel along the road that . Lastly, take a dip in another waterfall and jump off a 15-foot platform into the water below. Well, Im happy to reportPuddleFish Breweryis the best place to visit in Jaco for craft beer lovers. The restaurant has a blackboard menu that changes daily based on what is being prepared for the day. Look for weekly events with live music like paella night on Saturdays and BBQ Sundays. Here is a map of the Jaco excursions and things to do in Jaco. The park features an 850-acre (343-hectare) property with hiking trails, robust flora and fauna, 3 miles (4.8km) of river, and a total of six waterfalls. The truth is most dont know what canyoning is, so they tend to shy away from booking tours. Among the many things to do in Jaco during the day, swing by Republik to take a dip in the pool, have a fancy cocktail and get a bite to eat. Your expert guide will spot animals you would never see on your own and show you the best beaches to swim and enjoy. Anyone who loves fishing as much as I wont want to skip a fishing charter in Jaco. 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. Just after this turn, the entrance to the viewpoint is on your left. For more information, read our post A Rainforest Tram Ride in Jaco. If youre looking for a secluded beach, keep heading south past Playa Hermosa about 15 km (9 miles) and you will come to Esterillos. Villa Caletasis actually a hotellocated a 15-minute drive from Jaco. Without a doubt, the best view of Jaco is from El Miro Viewpoint on the outskirts of the city. My first recommendation isApartotel Flamboyantif youre looking for one of the cheaper hotels right on the beach. Safety was never an issue while we were there. Check out the top things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica Others are looking to do a lot of activities, get out on the town, and of course take in the countrys famous beaches and lush jungle. Many of the families visiting Jaco are locals who live near San Jose and flock to the beach on weekends, vacations, and holidays, injecting a nice mixture of local culture into the otherwise touristy town. 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. Call ahead for reservations. 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. For a more robust list of options, check out our Jaco Restaurant Guide. Nauyaca Waterfalls is made up of two huge waterfalls. You can find everything from shared-room hostels for $20 dollars a night to luxurious suites for upwards of $400. Look for weekly events with live music like paella night on Saturdays and BBQ Sundays. For an amazing happy hour sunset, head to Villa Caletas. My friend and I stopped in on a Fri night. I really enjoyed the softer waves and huge beach, which meant I could practice without large crowds. Thanks so much for reading! Jaco, on the Central Pacific coast, is known for its great waves, nice beaches, and many nearby activities. Expert chefs are moving into town, and craft beer bars, vegan restaurants, and kosher eateries are springing up. The hotel is also spotless, and the gardens are perfectly manicured. Go to Isaga Restaurant just 30 meters up the street instead. We got the see around 15 crocodiles during our visit some as big as 15 feet or 5 meters. Sometimes theyll be live music there which is really nice and a lot of Costa Rican families like to go there with their kids. When you need something to do on a rainy afternoon in Jac Beach, there are plenty of fun things at Hotel Amapola. CCM Cinemas is right within downtown, and if you are tired from all the adventure and the explorations, it would be a nice idea to relax for a movie at the cinemas. The most popular way to experience the 590-foot waterfall is on a guided horseback riding tour. 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. It also does a good job of incorporating some local art and wood throughout. In this area, you can see toucans, birds of prey and one special bird in particular, the Scarlet Macaw. You can see many different bird species, monkeys, and sloths. If you want to go deep-sea fishing on a professional boat and search for big fish, you usually need to book the entire boat, which costs around $700 USD per group for 8 hours. Bradley and Talia were very gracious and attentive. Tours to the Island from Jacoleave every day and begin with a short drive to Punta Arenas. The region is blessed with a plethora of fishing spots, and whether or not you have ever fished before, this is something you have to try not just for the sake of it, but because an exciting experience awaits you, and you will also have access to professional guides and the right equipment to make you feel like a real pro. If you have a car and want to visit another coastal viewpoint, head to Peon de Guacalillo in your 4wd, about a 1 hour drive from Jaco. It even has a loop that is handicap accessible. You will have to park your car and hike up. San Jose City Tour. Located just outside the main area of town, The nicest hostel in the area is probably, If you do want toexplore,another great thing about Jaco is how close it is to other destinations. Chalkboard dinner specials include lots of choices for surf and turf, and the standard menu has burgers and lighter options like tapas, fish tacos, and a poke bowl. And one of the best adventure parks is just ten minutes outside of Jaco: Vista Los Sueos. Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls. This specific tour from Jacopicks you up and takes you out to the river for a cruise youll never forget. 4. The most popular and best spot for beginners is the south end of the beach called Madrigales. Along the way, we visited the Tarcoles River, where we could spot massive crocodiles. All up, it takes around 30 minutes to walk up to the top along the abandoned road. It's the ultimate hideaway for sun seekers and active travelers, with cinnamon-hued volcanic-sand beaches, lush green rain forest and verdant mountains. Was really looking forward to Jaco Blu. Once youre done relaxing at Playa Mantas, you can walk over to Playa Blanco. Here youll find a restaurant as well as more beaches to enjoy. On the northern end of Ave. Pastor Diaz, a block up from the small yellow bridge. Visit Arenal National Park from Jaco. Jaco offers countless adventures for outdoor lovers. Although Jaco itself doesnt have good fishing, all you have to do is head over to Herradura beach and you can go deep sea fishing. Visit Monteverde from Jaco. Perfect for swimming, stand up paddle boarding or a sunset sailing tour with Kayak Jaco. Rooms have ocean, pool, or jungle views, and the property is spread out so be sure to inquire when booking. 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. Also, since it is located just 1.5 hours away from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), you can easily reach it. The rooms arent super modern, but the location and pool are excellent. This tour features a professional naturalist guide who will wow you with some secrets of both the primary and secondary rainforests you will be hovering above. It is the place to be if you need a decent adventure park with a plethora of fun and exciting activities. Its an adrenaline-filled activity thats tons of fun! Safety Note: It is important to leave before it gets dark and travel in groups as petty thefts have happened on the trail. Located on the northern end of town, across the street from Best Brands shoes. This was without a doubt one of my favorite things to do in Jaco! Surf shops are scattered all around town so it is easy and affordable to rent a board or take a lesson. Packed both nights we went. Although Im often skeptical of restaurants with the best location because the food and drinks usually lack, El Point was an exception. The 60-room property offers boutique-style modern condos with high-end finishes. Regardless, its incredible! Well, while in Jaco we did some exploring up the coast and found the perfect beach for that. There is a small stand to rent out the remote control ride on cars for kids so lots of local families were there. The waterfalls are on a private property so you can pay the $8 entrance fee to hike or take the horseback riding tour the local family offers for $78 USD per person which also includes a light breakfast and lunch. Its dark pebbled beach is fringed with palm trees, with warm rolling waves that attract surfers from all over Costa Rica. Its up there with Rio Celeste Waterfall and La Fortuna Waterfall (two of the bestthings to do in La Fortuna.). Expect to pay around $120 USD for a half-day tour. With dreams of visiting nearly (Do a quick search on the following sites). Bars & Clubs From your typical American sports bar to high-end nightclubs, Jaco has it all. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Jaco - UPDATED 2023 - Tripadvisor However, the most popular and top reviewed isthis 3 hour ATV adventure. One bedroom studios and standard rooms are available. The 60-room property offers boutique-style modern condos with high-end finishes. In Jaco, the weather is most often sunny with temperatures around 80-90F (28-32C) during the day, and a few degrees cooler at night. Destinationless Travelis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. 23 Best Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica Its a crazy adventure, and if youve never been canyoning before, this is the perfect chance to fall in love with this underated sport! From there, you can walk out onto Playa Mantas, a picturesque cove with gray sand. the drinks and food are absurdly good Got to watch the PPV UFC fights there, shoot pool, and hangout with Jason the manager of the place. However, the experience isnt best suited to those who have done extreme ziplining, and Id recommend this more for families. Nighttime isn't known to be . There are many waterfalls near Jaco, Costa Rica. the dark . This small bistro owned by a Costa Rican chef serves up innovative fare with a Latin and Asian influence. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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 All you need is a plan on how to get the most out of your visit. $8-30. The farmers market, or feria as it is called locally, is held every Thursday afternoon and Friday morning off the south end of the main way, Avenue Pastor Diaz. Carara National Park has the largest breeding area of Scarlet Macaws, whose population was decimated years ago from deforestation and hunting. Consider renting a car if you want to explore the area. Jaco beach is famous for its perfect surfing conditions, and it's suitable even for complete novices or inexperienced beginners. Dance the night away or grab a pool table and bang the balls around. Known for its year-round conditions, practicing your surf skills in Jaco, Costa Rica, is one of the best ways to kickstart the experience at some of the top surf spots in Costa Rica. popular holiday destinations in Costa Rica. The water at Tortuga Island is a gorgeous shade of blue, perfect for swimming. Else, take a 1.5-hour-long road trip to visit Costa Ricas capital and its largest city, San Jose. $20-90/night. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. the staff is unbelieveably friendly and welcoming. Address: Centro Comercial Plaza Coral, local#53 Jaco Puntarenas CR, Provincia de Puntarenas, 61101, Costa Rica. The town of Jaco is about one hours drive from San Jose Costa Ricas capital. Tourists visiting Jaco for the first time should definitely add these top attractions to their itineraries: the ruins of El Miro, the stunning Playa Jaco, and Royal Butterfly Garden, to see some of the most stunning insects in the world up close. There may not be so much to see here, but the experience of going up the hill along the tiny paths while immersed in a complete jungle is worth making the trip. The best cheap things to do in Costa Rica are: Enjoy the sunset on the Nicoya Peninsula. Besides, there is a variety of fish in the Jaco waters, including some seasonal species that you can catch only on certain times of the year. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park. Jaco is a bustling beach town on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Visit the Crocodile Bridge near Jaco. Some of the best places to visit in Jaco, Costa Rica, include the Park at Ocean Ranch, Howling Monkey Adventure, Royal Butterfly Garden, Bob Marley Jaco Surf School, CCM Cinemas, Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, etc. Check Availability and Prices Here. Receive our newest articles by email. Just a short drive towards the mountains outside Jaco is a facility that offers a tram ride through the rainforest. Along any of the trails, you can see wildlife like monkeys, leaf-cutter ants, and lots of birds. For an authentic taste of Costa Rica, head to, Good pizza is surprisingly hard to find in Costa Rica, but the, Crispy thin crust and a well-balanced sauce are the highlight, but the toppings are what knock it out of the park. It includes a gorgeous ride through the rainforest to a 35-foot waterfall which is perfect for cooling off after a hot ride. 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. This sprawling complex has several restaurants and lounges, easy access to the beach, a grand pool, an 18-hole golf course, a marina, a small grocer, and even some shops. If youre in Jaco, you can easily go on a day trip to the famous Carara National Park, which is just 20 minutes away. They specialize in slow food, meaning that they use only local ingredients and their dishes take a little extra time to prepare. You may also find a few collections of handmade jewelry and toys, and you are always free to make your purchase, and the gallery will deliver it to your home address. Carara National Park is best for bird watching and hiking and they also have a universal access trail for the handicapped. Beginer surfers should stick to the southern end of Jaco Beach, whereas intermediate surfers can head to the middle or north end. If you want to get a closer look at the crocodiles, there are really good tours along the river that you can do. Starting at $200/night. Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica | Drink Tea & Travel Hotel Villa Caletas has built a dramatic outdoor amphitheater into the side of the cliff that makes you feel like youre on top of the world. Opening hours: Wed: 9pm - 12:30am; Thu - Sun: 4pm - 12:30am (closed on Mon & Tue). You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, eating as much food as we possibly can, or just drinking beer at a hostel. Nice, cozy spot with a sweet, humble owner. For more information about visiting, read our post, An aerial tram ride through the rainforest near Jaco, For more information about visiting Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca, check out, If youre looking for a secluded beach, keep heading south past Playa Hermosa about 15 km (9 miles) and you will come to Esterillos. Located just outside Monteverde, the park contains over 850 acres (344 hectares) of ecologically diverse forest. Because our tour was only 3-hours, we didnt go very deep, nor did we search for the larger game fish such as marlin. Address: across from Pops, Puntarenas Province, Jaco, Costa Rica, Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10pm - 4am; Sun: 10pm - 12am (closed from Mon - Wed), Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Their food and drinks are top notch too! Surf and SUP packages available. Related read: Ziplining is also one of the best things to do in Monteverde! $5-10. The bartender took my credit card and took forever and started taking other peoples orders and stuff, then she eventually brought back my receipt to sign then took forever to bring my card back, eventually the other bartender had my card so I waved him down to get it back.. when I checked my credit card app I noticed they made 2 extra charges on my card while they had it..
