Occupying a prime stretch of Central Pacific coast real estate in Costa Rica, the booming beach resort of Jaco is all about surfing and sundowners. Hands down, the best thing to do in Jaco is catch some waves, so sign up for a surf class at Jaco Beach, join local surfers at nearby Hermosa Beach, and then party until the morning surf rolls around again. For a break from the party scene, head to nearby Carara National Park (Parque Nacional Carara) or Manuel Antonio National Park for rainforest hikes, horseback riding tours, ziplining, and white-water rafting.
Jaco is at its most pleasant, weather-wise, in Costa Rica’s dry season, which runs from December until April or May. This time of year is hot and dry, and it definitely draws in crowds of domestic and international visitors, with the largest crowds around Christmas and during Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter). If you don’t mind a little rain, the wetter months (May through November) are much less crowded.
Jaco is small and easy to navigate on foot, as most of the shops, restaurants, and hotels are on the main drag—Pastor Diaz Avenue. If you want to explore area beaches, you can easily hire a taxi or grab a local bus. If you’re flying into San Jose and making your way to Jaco, your best bet is to prebook a private or shared transfer service.
If you want to get away from the crowds, head out to El Miro ruins, on the southern edge of town, just past Hotel Club del Mar. Here you’ll find the ruins of the foundation of an old mansion, with grand staircases and elegant columns that have been decorated with colorful art by local graffiti artists. Climb to the top of the ruins for sweeping views over the sea.
