On the way down, you can see the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Others are looking to do a lot of activities, get out on the town, and of course take in the country's famous beaches and lush jungle. Jaco Beach: Not worth it - See 1,645 traveler reviews, 1,088 candid photos, and great deals for Jaco, Costa Rica, at Tripadvisor. A major draw is the Costa Rica beach's proximity to San Jose, which is less than two hours away. Thoughts of anyone who's been there in August.. Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 11 replies Sorted by 1 2 xelas Ljubljana, Slovenia Once you start planning your Jaco trip, you might start wondering how many days you need for Jaco. More people came to sit in the sand around sunset. Not to worry, their innovative apps and selection of signature martinis (the cucumber and basil is great) will help tide you over. From the bustling atmosphere of Jaco Beach to the serene and secluded Playa Hermosa, each beach offers its own unique charm. 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. North of Jaco on a tall ridge overlooking the scenic Gulf of Nicoya and Pacific Ocean is an amazing spot to take in the sunset over a tropical drink. Some hotels have thin walls, which is not ideal either. This beach fills up fast with people sunbathing, strolling, people watching, or simply hanging out. We visit this town often because it is only about 1.5 hours from our home in San Jose. One of the most popular activities in Jaco is to head to the beach in the evenings to watch the stunning sunset. 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. $160-400/night. Similarly, you can pay top dollar for activities or choose to do the free ones; take a fully guided tour of the national parks or hike around them on your own. The menu is a little pricey, but the food is well done and they have nice touches like complimentary bread. Jaco often gets mixed opinions and sometimes has a bad reputation, which is one of the reasons we've created this travel guide so you can make a well-informed decision yourself. Our rental company suggested it and it could not have been better! Kevin and Mariana were great guides as I mentioned in another review. We took the canyoning tour in Jaco, and we had such a great time there. Pura Vida. In the province of Guanacaste near Liberia, you will find the more famous Playa Hermosa; moreover, there is at least another couple of beaches in Costa Rica with the same name. 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. Look for weekly events with live music like paella night on Saturdays and BBQ Sundays. Two king suites was the best part, having to adult couples each get a king bed and an ensuite were right up our alley. Costa Rican tropical waters are usually warm enough, so you might think that you don't need a wetsuit. Visitors to Costa Rica love the easy, hour-and-a-half drive from San Jos International Airport (SJO) to the small, stunning city located on Central America's breathtaking Pacific Coast. But youll find some less traditional budget eateries on the main strip. A small hint here, they are very similar. Good for foodies, adventure seekers, surfers, shopping enthusiasts, and those who just want to sit on the beach and relax, Jaco is a place where you can easily spend a week or more. If you want swim beaches, Jaco is not the place. Check out their websitefor the menu. Depending on the time of your return, you might still have enough time to visit Playa Hermosa or hike to Miro Mountain. Mid-range | Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort - The hotel is located on Jaco beach and has air-conditioned rooms, outdoor pools, or volleyball courts. Drive north of Jaco, and once you reach Barrio Las Parcelas, turn left, and this road will take you directly to the beach. Be aware that the gratuity and 13% tax is always included in all meals and purchases. If Jaco appeals to you, you might also like Tamarindo on the northern Pacific coast. So, whether youre planning another trip to Costa Rica or are visiting for the first time, consider heading to Jaco, a place that is definitely worth visiting. Sri Lanka or Costa Rica: Where is Better to Visit. Here the sand is dark, having an almost dirty look to it. And that is . Over the years Ive been to Jaco, there is a kind of party flow every night. Youll still get plenty of sunshine, generally in the mornings, with dramatic, tropical showers happening later in the day. With so many amazing places to see you may be wondering - is Jaco Beach Costa Rica worth visiting? Are you wondering what to do in Jaco, Costa Rica? 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. Luckily, I had my husband in the water with the kids. The volcanic activity is responsible for the coloration of the beach, and it is in sharp contrast with the sky-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and lush green palm trees. My family and I have visited Costa Rica on several occasions. They specialize in slow food, meaning that they use only local ingredients and their dishes take a little extra time to prepare. $8-30. You cant miss it. Explore different ways to experience this place. Just where do you travelers come from and leave these inaccurate reviews of Jaco Beach? Taxis are expensive but quick; you can lower the price by traveling in a group. Youll find plenty of surf schools and rental shops to help you get kitted out and onto the water. The best way to get there is by rental car, though you can catch a local bus heading to Quepos and ask the driver to drop you off at Playa Hermosa. The stunning landscape surrounding the town is basically an immense adventure playground. Go to Manuel Antonio if you want to swim. Starting at $200/night. The choice of bars and clubs is quite wide for such a small town, though the quality varies. $139.00. If you are looking for free things to do in Jaco, then the famous bridge over River Tarcoles, which is home to American Crocodiles, should be on your radar. Starting at $200/night. For the more advanced, theres Playa Hermosa just to the south. 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. When we have been for sunset cocktails, hotel guests looked quite pleased with the infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! The Green Room focuses on local and organic ingredients and has delicious locally made craft beer. It is not a place set in the middle of nowhere - for this experience, search elsewhere. It is very noisy beach with people playing loud music and smoking and limited parking. Rooms range from traditional hotel rooms to more spacious condos, and all have A/C. You can see howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, frogs, raccoons, birds, and much more. Everything at Zona K is made fresh, from scratch and a lot of love. In conclusion, visiting the beaches near Jaco, Costa Rica provides an incredible coastal getaway. We found the locals to be very friendly and helpful. Can anyone recommend beaches in jaco that are more swim friendly? This mid-size hotel in the center of Jaco will get you steps away from the beach and nearby restaurants. As far as black sand goes just where did you spot this 'Black' sand? we were therelast month! If you have a rental car, that's even better, and you can save plenty of travel time and plan your itinerary better. As you can see, Jaco, Costa Rica is a booming destination with tons of things to see and do. When it comes to nightlife in Jaco, the chief action takes place along the main street or at the beach. Many clubs claim a different night of the week for their own, so do a little research before heading out to make sure you hit the right bar on the right night. We'll take a look at the activities, nearby towns, amenities, and atmosphere in Jaco to find out. There are some parks, childrens play and activity centers, and lots of restaurants with kid-friendly menus. 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??? 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. If you book a hotel using one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Most beaches around Jaco don't have official parking lots, which means no guards or fenced parking. Give it a go! This area is not very developed but has a well-stocked mini-supermarket and a few great restaurants a short walk from the sand. Jan 09, 2023 Is Jaco Costa Rica Worth Visiting? If you are a beginner looking for gentle waves and less powerful swells, then go in the dry season. Do you need to book in advance to visit Jaco Beach? This simple soda (typical Costa Rican restaurant) serves up tasty plates of rice, beans, meats, and sides in a casual buffet style. The trail that actually goes to the bottom of the waterfall is about a mile west of pura Vida . The beach is several kilometers long, and if you are looking for a place that has no bars and other tourists, you've just found it. A Canyoning Tour in Jaco costs around 100 USD per person. 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. 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. Located in Jaco Walk, on the southern end of town past Mas X Menos grocery store. The number one reason people visit Jaco is the surfing. Jaco beach is beautiful! If the latter sounds like you, then Jaco may be the perfect fit. Credit cards are widely accepted here. The name sounds ominous, but it doesnt mean constant rain. The principal two hotspots in Jaco are the beach and the main tourist strip (Pastor Diaz Avenue). Stronger wave sets came in about every 10 to 15 minute intervals. The best time for surfing in Jaco depends on your skills and preferences. Found the Southern part of bay much more sandy and easy on the feet. Jaco is located on the triangle between Quepos, Puntarenas, and San Jose, which means that it's easily accessible from other popular places. 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. Stay safe, and don't get involved in anything illegal. The fact that Jaco is known as a party place is a deterrent for many travelers. . Away from the beaches, head to Carara National Park to hike through the tropical fauna and spot armadillos, howler monkeys, poison dart frogs, and over 400 species of birds. 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! When making the reservation, you can ask specifically for a quieter room. If you don't have one, you can always take a guided Manuel Antonio National Park Tour that includes a local guide and transportation from Jaco. Also has a nice assortment of pastries and desserts. Between May to October, as the rain gathers force, the flow of tourists dries to a trickle, relieving the congestion in its famous hotspots. . When you hail a taxi on the street, agree on the price first, especially when you want to go a bit farther. Never flash your valuables on the street; keep your larger sums of cash, passports, or jewelry at your hotel. 09, 2023 Costa Rica is a beautiful country full of rich culture and stunning scenery. The road is in good condition, and you don't need 4WD to get there. Hi, Im going to jaco in October and I would like to know what beaches are not so rough. At Playa Jaco, the smaller waves are perfect for learning or shaking off the rust if you havent been out in a while. Dinner only. from. Beautiful beach for surfing, walking or relaxing all year. Hi any good deals appartment to rent for a month in jaco near the beach? Awesome few days here. You can choose from sushi, tacos, and pizza, alongside artisanal bakeries, contemporary fusion food, and traditional Costa Rican menus. Our Jaco travel itinerary would be something like this. Surf and SUP packages available. As you already guessed, a rental car will make the trip easy, though you can reach the Crocodile Bridge from Jaco by bus. Share your stories, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us. Its a wonderful mixture of laid-back, beachy charm and thriving social hub, renowned for awesome surfing, wild nightlife, stunning natural scenery, great restaurants, and an almost endless list of adventurous activities. 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. Also, walking shoes will work better here than flip-flops. Currency is called the Colon. instead. Jacos Beach is 2.5 miles long. 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. The water at Tortuga Island is a gorgeous shade of blue, perfect for swimming. 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. Some travelers say that Jaco is the best town in Costa Rica, while others leave rather quickly without knowing why this place is so popular. Located just outside the main area of town, Hotel Perico Azul offers simple, clean rooms for an affordable price. It's not surprising to expect some rain in the wet season, but it mostly rains in the afternoon, so it's not that bad. Need to leave town and drive around the back way to get to this part of beach (or walk a ways down beach from Jaco main strip). It also does a good job of incorporating some local art and wood throughout. Preferably a well renowned steakhouse or seafood restaurant. Some of our favorite dishes are the Cajun Tuna with Sesame and Breakfast Skillet for brunch. Some have A/C and a kitchenette; there is also a well-equipped common kitchen. Its free. For ideal beach weather, its best to visit between December and April. If you haven't been to Manuel Antonio National Park yet, that's what you will do on your third day. But even in Costa Ricas coldest month, you wont find temperatures dropping much below 24C (75F), making Jaco worth visiting at any time of year. We didn't visit any other beaches in Costa Rica, so it's hard to compare how this ranks with those, bit we had a great time here. This world-class surfing beach is known for having the most consistent waves in the country. 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. 39 reviews 111 helpful votes Costa Rica in August? We also spotted some wildlife, and it was a fun way to spend the day in Jaco. We cant wait to go back! Weekends are busier, and prices for accommodation higher. Jaco has plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs, and even casinos, so if nightlife is what you are looking for in Costa Rica, then you have come to the right place. The wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park is everywhere, and unlike other places such as Arenal or Monteverde, you can often spot many animals by yourself. Surf Costa Rica is known for its surf and yoga schools, and Uvita is no exception. We created a guide to the six best beaches in Jaco Costa Rica area to give you more ideas of spots to visit. plenty of seats, couches, chairs, tables, more than we needed. You can eat in high-end restaurants or budget eateries, drink in the backpacker bars, or get bottle service in the VIP booths. It all started about 10 years ago with an amazing two-week vacation . What would you recommend? Jaco is considered reasonably safe during the day, but you should exercise caution after dark. Check Availability and Prices Here. 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. Jaco Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos). SJO to Jaco private transportation or vice versa. If youre keeping costs down on a self-catered holiday, check out the Jaco Farmers Market to stock up on supplies. Due to its reputation, you might be wondering whether Jaco is safe or not. Northern end of Ave. Pastor Diaz in the Palm Plaza. The beach in Jaco is several kilometers long, and it's not ideal only for walking but also for jogging or exercising. If youre staying in town for a while, you might want to consider hitting up the weekly farmers market. Here's our list of the best things to do in Jaco. the lighting was very dim in our bathroom as a lightbulb was missing and a shower bar for towels but there were two hooks on the wall that we used for towels. 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. 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. dark course sand, not the best beach in CR, but good walking and surfing. We stayed in a very nice condo on the beach on the north side of beach. Staying in the dormitory might save you some money, but in return, you might experience a restless night. Even though Playa Hermosa is not safe for swimming, it has superb conditions for surfing. Villas Caletas is a high-end boutique hotel located high on a bluff and built in traditional Victorian style with a tropical spin. If the latter sounds like you, then Jaco may be the perfect fit. Or, for something a little more peaceful, take a gondola trip through the rainforest and view it from the height of the treetops. Take a trip out to Costa Ricas most popular National Park Manuel Antonio. One bedroom studios and standard rooms are available. The Best Things To Do In Jaco What Is Jaco Costa Rica Known For? Surfing is not the only fun activity to do in Jaco. $10-30. Carara National Park is Jaco's hidden gem, and if you arrive there early, you can observe the morning life in the rainforest. Despite being located just 7km from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, a small town of just over 22,000 residents, has managed to . $6-8 for most plates, includes a drink. The best time to visit Jaco is during the dry season, as you will have the best chance for nice weather without rain. All stores we went to took Colones and cash. No lifeguards so be vigilant and safe. Its not uncommon to see surfing professionals practicing or even competing in one of the many tournaments held at Hermosa. While traveling north along the Costanera Sur, don't forget to stop at Carara National Park. Jaco Beach is without a doubt one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica. 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. The beach was very quiet and beautiful. For more information, read our post A Rainforest Tram Ride in Jaco. more, Less than two hours away from the hustle and bustle of San Jose, Jaco is a vibrant beach town well-loved by locals. $110-400/night, depending on the unit size and amenities. That's mostly up to your preferences, but it might make your surfing more comfortable under certain circumstances. 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. The closets had extra bedding, blankets and towels. Its dark pebbled beach is fringed with palm trees, with warm rolling waves that attract surfers from all over Costa Rica. Jaco is one of those towns where you should be prepared to spend some money on food, drinks, or tours to get the most of the town's perks; otherwise, this place might not be exactly for you as you can find it a bit obnoxious. 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! With everything you need on-site, theres really no reason to leave the immaculate grounds. Table of Contents Let's find out if Jaco is worth visiting Or If It's Just A Crowded Beach town. Jaco. Named after Christopher Columbus, Costa Rica's official currency is the colon. If you are wondering whether Jaco is safe for families with kids, then we would say yes, if you use your common sense and follow the typical tourist routine. A Guide to Rio Celeste in Costa RicaUvita: Exploring the Ballena National Marine ParkPanama to Costa Rica Borders Crossing. Visit Jaco Costa Rica because it's a dream vacation destination, because of its unique swimming beaches and natural environment. The nicest hostel in the area is probably Room2Board. In this relatively small town, youll find an astounding array of global cuisines. It even has a loop that is handicap accessible. $8-30. The curtains in the bedrooms blocked out lots of the light which was nice, the patio off the living room and dining area has screens and large sliding doors that open very wide out to the patio and that was amazing. And if youre watching your budget, indulge in the free activities like hiking through the rainforest or up Miro Mountain to enjoy glorious views of Jaco Beach. 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.
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