To get there, head north along the Costanera highway, then take a left onto the road shortly before the Punta Leona Resort. Menu . We'll take a look at the activities, nearby towns, amenities, and atmosphere in Jaco to find out. Good on-site restaurant that offers local cuisine. The section of the beach where we were had some stones/pebbles but it still was very pleasant and soothing. Never flash your valuables on the street; keep your larger sums of cash, passports, or jewelry at your hotel. Feb 24, 2022 If you're looking for a fantastic vacation spot in Costa Rica that offers plenty of relaxation and an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, Jaco is worth checking out. 11 years ago Save August is the only time I have to go on Vacation, ,.not sure if it's the best month to travel to Costa Rica .is this the rainy season??? In fact, it's the best "party" destination on the coast of Costa Rica. We stayed in a very nice condo on the beach on the north side of beach. From there, you can walk out onto Playa Mantas, a picturesque cove with gray sand. This is an all-inclusive hotel, so all food and beverages are included. The beach in Jaco is several kilometers long, and it's not ideal only for walking but also for jogging or exercising. Also, the nightlife might be a bit quieter, which might be the opposite of what you are looking for. $160-400/night. Hi, Im going to jaco in October and I would like to know what beaches are not so rough. Gets very hot in March. More advanced surfers should head to nearby Playa Hermosa for bigger swell. Jaco is a year-round destination, but it's good to know that the town has two distinct seasons. 3 min walk from the main restaurant and hotel area, sandy no big rocks, waves good for beginner surfers, hard to swim , ok to walk/float in shallows. Each unit has a full kitchen and living area, making it a good option for families. Also, any suggestions on any resorts that allow you to use their loungers and order from their staff?? LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. $50-130/night. Starting at $200/night. Visit Jaco Costa Rica. Jaco offers a beautiful beach, adrenaline adventures, vibrant nightlife, and great restaurants. Check Availability and Prices Here. If you have a rental car and don't want to base yourself in Jaco for a few days, you might want to visit either Manuel Antonio National Park or Carara National Park on the way in or out. It's probably not the most welcoming destination in the world, and you will find far better places for families in Costa Rica, but it's perfectly fine to visit it. Or, for something a little more peaceful, take a gondola trip through the rainforest and view it from the height of the treetops. Along any of the trails, you can see wildlife like monkeys, leaf-cutter ants, and lots of birds. If the latter sounds like you, then Jaco may be the perfect fit. Unassuming from the outside, but the food is excellent and the view over the Tarcoles River and the sea is truly spectacular. Surfing in Jaco is a year-round activity, but expect bigger waves in the wet season and smaller waves in the dry season. The best time for surfing in Jaco depends on your skills and preferences. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The water at Tortuga Island is a gorgeous shade of blue, perfect for swimming. Watching the sun come up over the beautiful green end of this pristine beach is priceless. Starting at $200/night. We advised our teens to stay together in a group - not use buddy system which we tend to follow - based on our Airbnb host strong recommendation. As this is a quick stop, you can visit the place while traveling to your next destination or combine it with a trip to Carara National Park. This white-sand island is only a 45-minute boat ride from the nearby Los Suenos Marina. But it wasn't long before Jaco Beach's amazing waves began to draw foreign surfers in exponential numbers. If you are looking for budget accommodation in Jaco that offers excellent value for your money, then you've found it. Nearby, youll find plenty of shops and restaurants, and after sundown, Jacos beach bars come alive with music and dancing. Starting at $200/night. In our opinion, Playa Blanca is the most beautiful beach in the area with clear water, fluffy sand, and lots of trees for shade. My niece had surfed before so we had separate lessons that we both loved. Stay safe, and don't get involved in anything illegal. Stronger wave sets came in about every 10 to 15 minute intervals. Go a little more off the beaten path in Costa Rica if you want to be surrounded by locals and immersed in the culture. The best most intmate small but classy place we found was Lemon Zest! We would walk the beach and find great places to eat and drink more than walking through the town as some of these places are not easily seen from the road. If you are looking for some quiet off-the-beaten-path beach town in Costa Rica, Jaco is not the type you are looking for, that's for sure. Journeying The Globe. If youre staying in town for a while, you might want to consider hitting up the weekly farmers market. This simple soda (typical Costa Rican restaurant) serves up tasty plates of rice, beans, meats, and sides in a casual buffet style. Piko held true to the excellent service they provide with this tour! While traveling north along the Costanera Sur, don't forget to stop at Carara National Park. On Ave. Pastor Diaz, just south of Jaco Walk. Heres a selection of what we have enjoyed to get you started. Needless to say, the surf is not exactly beginners friendly, and if you don't have much experience, it's better to polish your skills in Jaco. They specialize in slow food, meaning that they use only local ingredients and their dishes take a little extra time to prepare. Jaco ATV Tours are also very popular among visitors. The rule of thumb is to know what Jaco offers. Not only is this bustling coastal city only 90 minutes from Costa Rica's capital and largest international airport in San Jose, but it's also absolutely stunning. On the northern end of Ave. Pastor Diaz, a block up from the small yellow bridge. Thank you. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park. If youre planning a full beach day, head to Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca. We used the coffee maker, the ice make in the fridge and stored cold beverages in the fridge and those all worked well. In about an hour, you can be on the beautiful beaches of. And youll meet plenty of other surfers willing to trade tips and stories over an after-surf beer. See all 21 Jaco Beach tours on Tripadvisor, See all Jaco Beach experiences on Tripadvisor, This condominium is a 2 bedroom(s), 2 bathrooms, located in Jac Beach, View all hotels near Jaco Beach on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Jaco Beach on Tripadvisor, Costa Rica adventure tours & transportation, View all attractions near Jaco Beach 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, Cheat Mountain Salamander Train Excursion in West Virginia, Ro Secreto Nature Reserve from Playa del Carmen, Lost City Trek -Ciudad Perdida 5 days from Santa Marta or Taganga, Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting, Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson, Greek Cooking Class in Athens Including Rooftop Dinner with Acropolis View, Sam Roi Yod National Park & Praya Nakhon Cave Private Tour from Hua Hin. For those looking to get out on the water, one of our favorite day trips in the Jaco area is to Tortuga Island. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The sunsets were incredible and the beach was busier at sunset with everyone on the beach watching the sun go down. Whatever your budget, you can find a way to stick to it in Jaco. It all started about 10 years ago with an amazing two-week vacation . For more information, read our post A Rainforest Tram Ride in Jaco. SPECIAL OFFER. As with everything, you will find most of the stores in Jaco along the main strip. Its location, only 1.5 hours from San Jose airport, makes it a favorite with everyone from first-timers to Costa Rica to locals wanting to escape the city for a beachside break. 8 Days Costa Rica Unica Family & Friends Trip, Professional Surfing Lessons in Jaco Beach, Rainforest Horseback+Waterfall Rappelling+1.3 Miles in Zip Line Combo+Lunch, 3 Hour Long Distance Trike Flight in Jaco, 3.000 ft Private Paragliding Experience in Costa Rica, Guided Street Art Bike Tour in Jaco Costa Rica, Guided Walking Street Art Tour in Jaco Costa Rica, WOW! The trail that actually goes to the bottom of the waterfall is about a mile west of pura Vida . Its got something for couples, lone travelers, families, and anyone looking to experience a little of the Costa RicanPura Vida. CURRENCY. Budget | Selina Jaco - This hostel has a great location just by the sea, a shared kitchen, a nice pool, and free wifi. So sorry, I was only there for the day, afternoon, it poured for the most of the afternoon, maybe one of the hotels can answer that question, good luck. If you are into surfing this might be a good beach, but otherwise I would not recommend it at all. Located an hour south of Jaco, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Costa Rica. As you walk through the forest with a knowledgeable guide, you will have the chance to learn more about fauna and flora. Everything at. The trailhead to Miro Mountain is on the corner of Calle Madrigal and Costanera Sur. more, Less than two hours away from the hustle and bustle of San Jose, Jaco is a vibrant beach town well-loved by locals. Credit cards are widely accepted here. But with so much going on in Jaco, we doubt you will strayfar. The majority of Playa Hermosa is empty with no development, but there is a small community with some restaurants, surf shops, and hotels on the northern end. We use this as a point of reference because like most towns in Costa Rica, Jacodoesnt use standard addresses. Not true at all, our beaches here are smooth sand all along the beach area but the north beach does collect some egg sized pebbles at the high tide line (maybe 5 feet of pebbles) then sand to the waves at low tide and there is 100 feet or more of solid sand with no rocks to be seen! Canyoning is a thing in Jaco, and the tours usually include rappelling, ziplining, hiking, pool jumping, and more. Its perfect for surfers, partiers, adventurers, animal lovers, and foodies. He sent the youngest two in towards shore and stayed with my 18-year old son to pull our friends son back to safety. We didn't see extra pillows but we had two pillows per king size bed. Beautiful beach for surfing, walking or relaxing all year. The wet season is from April to November, and the dry season is from December to March. Preferably a well renowned steakhouse or seafood restaurant. The Jaco ATV Tours are popular with both first-timers or experienced drivers and usually cost between 70 to 120 USD per person. A major draw is the Costa Rica beach's proximity to San Jose, which is less than two hours away. Close to the Carara is Villa Lapas Jungle Village, which is surrounded by the rainforest, and if you want to stay closer to nature when in the Jaco area, this might be an interesting option. From our experience, the local guides can point out the animals camouflaging in the bushes, hiding in the treetops, or crawling on the ground. There are plenty of tourist restaurants along the main strip, and you can try a new one every night. If you are looking for the best club in Jaco, then know that every night is different, and some places can be great one day, but not so much the next one. We found the locals to be very friendly and helpful. Also, keep in mind that some hostels (or hotels) are popular with party people who can be loud upon their late return from the bar. One day in Jaco might be enough for the town, but you won't get much time for exploring its surroundings. Jan 09, 2023 Is Jaco Costa Rica Worth Visiting? No lifeguards so be vigilant and safe. The Top 9 Reasons To Visit Uvita, Costa Rica | TravelPulse Both Quepos and Puntarenas are roughly about an hour's drive from Jaco. Ave. Pastor Diaz, a few doors south of POPS. Carara National Park has a small network of trails that lead through primary and secondary forest. Best Times to Visit Costa Rica - Jaco Royale Here the sand is dark, having an almost dirty look to it. Remember that there is more than one beach in Costa Rica carrying the same name. For more information about visiting, read our post, Tortuga Island Catamaran: Beach & Snorkel Tour from Jaco. Check Availability and Prices Here. The cove protects the beach, so the waters are usually calm, and waves are gentle. Simply put, the laidback surfing vibes are strong in Jaco, and the activity is accessible to everyone. Jaco Beach, located right in front of the town, has waves perfect for beginners and intermediates. $110-400/night, depending on the unit size and amenities. It can be wonderful traveling during the rains, they are the reason that Costa Rica is so lush and green, they replenish the rivers and waterfalls and bring out much of the wildlife. With everything you need on-site, theres really no reason to leave the immaculate grounds. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Jaco - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Tourist nightlife in Central America might be a bit different from what you expect, though, and things can often get wild in Jaco. Peak season brings not only positives but also higher prices for accommodation and bigger crowds. Theyre brilliant, sociable places, perfect for solo or first-time travelers or anyone who loves making travel friends. Ask questions, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us! Located just outside the main area of town, Hotel Perico Azul offers simple, clean rooms for an affordable price. It even has a loop that is handicap accessible. I visited with my niece and we did a surf lesson with surf dreams by Gilbert Brown that was definitely the highlight of our stay. Located on the southern end of town, about a block from Mas X Menos grocery store. When Is The Best Time To Visit Jaco Getting Around Jaco Where To Stay In Jaco Is Jaco Safe Is Jaco In Costa Rica Expensive? After you fly into the capital city of San Jose, this town is only a convenient 1.5 drive away. Taxis are expensive but quick; you can lower the price by traveling in a group. If you are traveling to Costa Rica anytime soon, I highly recommend using Pikotravel to assist you in planning your tours! 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. Many people come to Costa Rica to turn everything off and just relax. He was not able to make it back to shore alone. is made fresh, from scratch and a lot of love. And dont be put off from traveling during the wet season. dark course sand, not the best beach in CR, but good walking and surfing. Needless to say, this is a rule you should follow on most beaches in Costa Rica. It took two of them to do so. Located on the northern end of town, across the street from Best Brands shoes. Located just a couple of blocks from the souvenir shops and restaurants lining the main strip is the gray sand Playa Jaco. $5-10. Some suites have their own plunge pools and access to a private beach is also available. If you are wondering whether it's worth it to visit Jaco, keep on reading. Binoculars come in handy for wildlife spotting in entire Costa Rica. Definitely worth a visit. They know the rainforest by heart, and you will learn a lot about the Costa Rican fauna and flora. 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. The tours usually vary from 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour options and allow you to explore the rainforest and the coastal area in a different way. What is Jaco, Costa Rica Known For? - Adventure Tours Costa Rica Check Availability and Prices Here. Although the situation is not like in Ecuador in South America (where the U.S. dollar is an official currency), you can use U.S. dollars in many places around the country.. If its high-end cuisine youre looking for, check out the public restaurants attached to the upmarket resorts. Costa Rica in August? - Costa Rica Forum - Tripadvisor SJO to Jaco private transportation or vice versa. In the dry season, you can expect endless days of sunshine with temperatures of up to 34C (93F). Private Tour from San Jose, Hiking waterfalls tour in Jaco beach from San Jose with lunch. Rainforest Adventures also has a big butterfly garden filled with many types of butterflies that live in the tropics. 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. Youll find plenty of surf schools and rental shops to help you get kitted out and onto the water. With its family-friendly resorts, romantic getaways, and super social hostels, we think its the perfect spot for all kinds of travelers. As the undertow can get strong, swimming isnt recommended, but you can always take a surf lesson or even ride a horse along the coast. The small and cheap local family-owned eateries are quite hard to find, and you have to leave the main road and search in one of the side streets. The darker sand makes the beach look so different from those white sanded beaches in the Caribbean, but that's not a bad thing. Since San Jose is not very far away, there are also many local tourists who travel there for the weekend. Surfing in Jaco is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica, and you won't find much better places in the country to try this water activity. We took our compact mirrorless camera for our combo tour, but I was worried all the time that I'll drown or drop it along the way and had to put it in my dry bag for some activities. The open-air gondola takes you high above the treetops to enjoy some wonderful jungle views. On your first day, we would get up early, and drive to Carara National Park, hike a bit, see some wildlife, then visit the Crocodile Bridge. Frolicking in waves is loads of fun, however it tires the body. The most developed beach town in Costa Rica, Jaco is packed with all the conveniences you might need but is still small enough to explore on foot. We cant wait to go back! Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. As far as black sand goes just where did you spot this 'Black' sand? Every time we visit Jaco we use Pikotravel to assist us with our activities. Good on-site restaurant that offers local cuisine. Jaco enjoys a tropical climate that includes two seasons, the wet season from April November and the dry season from December to March. Look for weekly events with live music like paella night on Saturdays and BBQ Sundays. I was a little bit leary at first because I heard some stories that spooked me, but it is SO worth visiting Jaco. Surf shops are scattered all around town so it is easy and affordable to rent a board or take a lesson. Costa Rica boasts a network of backpacker-friendly hostels and low-cost hotels, making it simple to get fairly affordable lodging. The word Hermosa means gorgeous or beautiful in Spanish, and the description is quite fitting in this case. Jaco is well-connected with the rest of the country, and it's easy to get there. Being said that, if you need to cover a longer distance after dark, you might consider taking one. Across from Economy Rent a Car. It's recommended to visit the park with a local guide to increase your chance of spotting the wildlife. Playa Herradura is a little rocky but a great spot for families because of its calm waves and playground. Luxury | Oceano Boutique Hotel and Gallery - The location of the hotel is a little bit outside the main strip, so it's very quiet if that's what you are looking for. The further south you get, the fewer people you will meet. Playa Herradura is a lovely horseshoe-shaped beach only ten kilometers northwest of Jaco (therefore, the name; Herradura means horseshoe in Spanish). Be aware that the gratuity and 13% tax is always included in all meals and purchases. You can eat in high-end restaurants or budget eateries, drink in the backpacker bars, or get bottle service in the VIP booths. Check Availability and Prices Here. Buses frequently run between Jaco and San Jose, Quepos. We recommend booking Jaco Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. And this being Costa Rica, you wont walk far without finding an excellent coffee shop. 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. Tours are typically a full day on the island, with snorkeling, lunch, and even banana boat rides. This is one of those resorts that offer all services you will ever need. A Complete Guide to Jaco, Costa Rica LAIDBACK TRIP Whether you are taking a family trip or traveling solo, this Pacific coast city is worth a visit. There are lots of gorgeous, 5-star, beachfront resorts in Jaco, but also loads of surf camps and hostels that cater to the backpackers budget. In this post, well cover everything you need to know about this popular central Pacific coast destination, including our picks for activities, beaches, restaurants, and hotels. This black sand beach is known for the consistency of its waves, and for regularly hosting hosts pro surfers and world-class competitions. Most of the hotels in Jaco are located along the main strip or on the beach and usually offer good value for the money. The south end is considerably better for walking and sunbathing as there are no rocks less people all year and plenty of room and parking. At the end of our day, one of the younger teens fell slightly behind the breaking wave line and started getting pulled out. Our Jaco travel guide includes tips on top activities, fun things to do, best day trips, and accommodation. Surf Costa Rica is known for its surf and yoga schools, and Uvita is no exception. Lol. Rental cars give you the freedom to visit places from your bucket list at your own pace without worrying about timetables and bus transfers. Everything at Zona K is made fresh, from scratch and a lot of love. Have you been to Jaco? Jaco is located on the triangle between Quepos, Puntarenas, and San Jose, which means that it's easily accessible from other popular places. The town itself is best explored on foot, and there is no need to take a taxi during the day. And where are you seeing all these extremely rocky beaches at? Consider renting a car if you want to explore the area. Private and shared rooms are available as well as less expensive dorm rooms. In conclusion, visiting the beaches near Jaco, Costa Rica provides an incredible coastal getaway. Free private parking is available. If the latter sounds like you, then Jaco may be the perfect fit. Embrace a life without borders! You would not expect it so close to a highly developed town like Jaco, but just north and stretching into the mountains is a vast expanse of pristine rainforest. The bad reputation of Jaco is mostly hidden behind the walls of bars, casinos, and clubs, and if you don't get directly involved in this sort of stuff, you shouldn't be affected. 23 Best Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica Here is our choice of the best hotels in Jaco. Also, walking shoes will work better here than flip-flops. Clear instructions, patient, positive and great to chat with. Since then she's lived and worked in Oz, New Zealand and Canada, worked many ski seasons and travelled widely through South East Asia, Morocco, India and Europe. No, this area is not super hot and humid, I live here and never seen it over 90 degrees at any time of year and the humidity is average, I relocated from the Gulf of Mexico (Mississippi/Louisiana) where 95-107 degrees is common in July and August with humidity so high you can't breath. 15 BEST Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica - Destinationless Travel A small hint here, they are very similar. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. If yo wear shorts and flip flops to this place yo may feel uncomfortable! The closets had extra bedding, blankets and towels. Including the strip clubs, which have put Jaco on the map as a place worth visiting for bachelor parties in Costa Rica. Hostels arent just a cheaper option. Kevin and Mariana were great guides as I mentioned in another review. The Jaco area has over 100 different restaurants serving everything from typical Costa Rican fare and bar basics, to gourmet cuts of beef and other gastronomic delicacies. 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. Tortuga Island Catamaran: Beach & Snorkel Tour from Jaco, Tamarindo: Where Paradise Meets Convenience, Cabo Matapalo: Wild Jungle on the Osa Peninsula, Playas del Coco: Costa Rica with all the Comforts. If you do want toexplore,another great thing about Jaco is how close it is to other destinations. Getting to Carara National Park by car is easy and straightforward. Give it a go! 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. In the evening, it's time to get some filling meal and have a drink later. Its free. Playa Hermosa is a tranquil place compared to busy Jaco Beach. Rooms have ocean, pool, or jungle views, and the property is spread out so be sure to inquire when booking. Depending on the time of your return, you might still have enough time to visit Playa Hermosa or hike to Miro Mountain. Jaco has plenty of typical tourist restaurants you would expect to find in a town such as this, but you can notice there are some fine-dining options as well. This lively town located on the Pacific coast is prepared for tourists, and you can expect to have some serious fun there. Surf lessons can be easily arranged as the owners also run Tortuga Surfing. For the more advanced, theres Playa Hermosa just to the south. Homemade items like sausage, ricotta, and a balsamic reduction are just a few of the choices. 26 Fun Things to Do in Jaco Costa Rica for All Interests Drives on right hand side of the road. Jaco Beach Costa Rica is it Worth Visiting? Be prepared that the national park receives a lot of visitors each day, and it often appears crammed. Bring a bug repellent, and watch your steps on the unpaved trails. Tripadvisor. They also have a ton of fun toppings to add. The sunsets on Jaco beach are breathtaking, and we never missed the opportunity to walk there during this time of the day. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, and you find there an outdoor pool, spa, and wellness center. Open-air beach clubs with swimming pools in the middle and dance floors in the sand.
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is jaco costa rica worth visiting
