About Jaco
Jaco is the most developed beach town in Costa Rica, but it still remains a very small surfing community. While most beaches in Costa Rica are more like villages which can be very secluded and difficult to access, Jaco has many restaurants, conveniences, amenities and services that are important to having a great vacation. Many people say Jaco reminds them of old California surf towns from the 70s. Jaco provides a great vibe of rustic Costa Rica that remains authentic. Its important to note that Jaco is also referred to when speaking of the entire Central Pacific region, which includes nearby towns like Hermosa, Esterillos, Punta Leona and Herradura, home to the Los Suenos resort & marina. So depending on your style and taste the area offers something for everyone to explore all within a 30 mile radius.
TRIPADVISOR AND THE TRAVEL CHANNEL LOVES JACO, YOU WILL TOO
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On the Map
Jaco
80 minutes from San Jose Airport
10 minutes from Los Suenos Marina
60 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park
80 minutes from San Jose Airport
10 minutes from Los Suenos Marina
60 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park
Closer Look at Jaco
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It's a very small beach town that you can walk from one end to another in 30 minutes or so. All the locals seem to know each other. It was an extremly laid back, reggae vibe about it, that I personally loved. |
I should have said up front the residents of Jaco were wonderful to meet and work with. We do not know Spanish but it always worked out. |
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The Central Pacific
It is important to realize that Jaco is often generalized to referencing the entire Central Pacific region. The Central Pacific remains one of the most popular destinations for vacations in Costa Rica. Jaco, Herradura, Esterillos, Punta Leona, Hermosa all offer something for everyone. While Jaco is central to it all the entire Central Pacific area features worldclass sportsfishing surfing, golfing, beautiful beaches, and countless tours and activities. Here is a short summary of the Jaco and Central Pacific region.
Jaco Beach is truly the hub of the Central Pacific. Located just over one hour from San Jose, it offers plenty of services for everyday living. Banks, grocery stores, clinics, pharmacies, restaurants, even a cinema and performing arts theater. Jaco features the regions largest selection to choose from for both hotels and vacation rentals, including a number of direct beachfront options. Because of Jaco’s infrastructure, amenities and central location its common for vacationers to make Jaco their home base as they explore and tour the rest of the Central Pacific.
Jaco is ideal for...
Those who don't want a car. Jaco is very easy accessible by bike and foot.
Groups and families. Accommodations, conveniences and access make it perfect for groups and families.
Rookies. Not sure which area to choose? Jaco is a good spot to start and explore the rest of Costa Rica.
BUT I HEARD JACO....
...is this crazy party town. Hardly! Yes there is a night life scene, but that doesn't get started till after 10pm and is primarily on the weekends. And even then its actually tame. Compare a Friday night in Jaco to some place like South Beach, Cancun, New Orleans and you'd wonder how Jaco was capable of earning such a reputation.
---has prostitutes. You are not in Kansas anymore. In Costa Rica prostitution is legal, and naturally tends to be popular in many tourist destinations. But Jaco is not rampant with prostitutes all over town, they typically just go to 2-3 popular bars. Unless you are looking for it, it won't be in your face, you'll have no problems bringing the whole family down, don't be scared, even bring down grandma.
...is dangerous. Throughout Costa Rica it's important you take caution and use good judgement. Petty theft is a problem throughout the country, and again a popular tourist destination like Jaco is no exception, but dangerous is where you are completely isolated and 30-40 miles from any police force. Jaco is very safe, it also has the most number of police (state, city and tourism officers) of any beach town. Don't go looking for trouble, pay attention, and you'll have no problems.
---has an ugly beach. Some beach snobs might turn their heads at Jaco because it is not white sand, but many love our cinnamon colored sand. The water is warm, the sunsets are breathtaking, surf is consistent, so is the color of the sand that big of a deal? Besides one of the great parts of the Central Pacific are the many different beaches to choose from, make a quick trip to some our other beaches in the area. Punta Leona is gorgeous, just 15 minutes away!
Jaco Beach is truly the hub of the Central Pacific. Located just over one hour from San Jose, it offers plenty of services for everyday living. Banks, grocery stores, clinics, pharmacies, restaurants, even a cinema and performing arts theater. Jaco features the regions largest selection to choose from for both hotels and vacation rentals, including a number of direct beachfront options. Because of Jaco’s infrastructure, amenities and central location its common for vacationers to make Jaco their home base as they explore and tour the rest of the Central Pacific.
Jaco is ideal for...
Those who don't want a car. Jaco is very easy accessible by bike and foot.
Groups and families. Accommodations, conveniences and access make it perfect for groups and families.
Rookies. Not sure which area to choose? Jaco is a good spot to start and explore the rest of Costa Rica.
BUT I HEARD JACO....
...is this crazy party town. Hardly! Yes there is a night life scene, but that doesn't get started till after 10pm and is primarily on the weekends. And even then its actually tame. Compare a Friday night in Jaco to some place like South Beach, Cancun, New Orleans and you'd wonder how Jaco was capable of earning such a reputation.
---has prostitutes. You are not in Kansas anymore. In Costa Rica prostitution is legal, and naturally tends to be popular in many tourist destinations. But Jaco is not rampant with prostitutes all over town, they typically just go to 2-3 popular bars. Unless you are looking for it, it won't be in your face, you'll have no problems bringing the whole family down, don't be scared, even bring down grandma.
...is dangerous. Throughout Costa Rica it's important you take caution and use good judgement. Petty theft is a problem throughout the country, and again a popular tourist destination like Jaco is no exception, but dangerous is where you are completely isolated and 30-40 miles from any police force. Jaco is very safe, it also has the most number of police (state, city and tourism officers) of any beach town. Don't go looking for trouble, pay attention, and you'll have no problems.
---has an ugly beach. Some beach snobs might turn their heads at Jaco because it is not white sand, but many love our cinnamon colored sand. The water is warm, the sunsets are breathtaking, surf is consistent, so is the color of the sand that big of a deal? Besides one of the great parts of the Central Pacific are the many different beaches to choose from, make a quick trip to some our other beaches in the area. Punta Leona is gorgeous, just 15 minutes away!
Check out Other POPULAR DESTINATIONS NEAR JACO
Hermosa is located just a couple miles south of Jaco Beach. Hermosa Beach has a more rustic charm and is a favorite for the serious surfer, as the year round waves are considered some of the best in Central America. The serious pros surf Hermosa, these waves are not for beginners.
Esterillos is just a 20-30 minute drive south of Jaco. A bit more secluded but you’ll still find a few botique hotels and restaurants in the area. The Esterillos area also has excellent surfing, and some of the area’s most beautiful beaches.
Herradura located just a few miles north of Jaco, is home to the Los Suenos Resort. The draw to this region is naturally Los Suenos, but others also like the proximity to both Jaco and the golf course and marina.
Esterillos is just a 20-30 minute drive south of Jaco. A bit more secluded but you’ll still find a few botique hotels and restaurants in the area. The Esterillos area also has excellent surfing, and some of the area’s most beautiful beaches.
Herradura located just a few miles north of Jaco, is home to the Los Suenos Resort. The draw to this region is naturally Los Suenos, but others also like the proximity to both Jaco and the golf course and marina.
