Some of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica are close to the small yet bustling town of Jaco. Two hours away from San Jose, and easily reached by car or comfortable, cheap, ubiquitous buses, Jaco is located on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast in the northern part of Puntarenas province. This is a party town.
Located only two hours from San Jose, Jaco is along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast at the Northern part of Puntarenas province. Though there are plenty of things to do during the day, this is one of the country’s famous “party towns”, well known for the outstanding, eclectic nightlife that you can enjoy on the beach.
It wasn’t too many years ago that Jaco was a sleepy little Pacific beach community. Surfers discovered one great surfing beach after another nearby, a laid-back lifestyle, and cheap places to sleep. But, secrets are hard to keep and as word got out, more tourists started flocking to Jaco, looking for great relaxation, peace, and fun. Within the last half dozen years, Jaco has boomed. Where, not long ago, there was a single, quiet (except at night) little road through town, now there are towering high rises, nearby resorts, and lots and lots of restaurants and bars.
College kids have long traveled to Jaco because of its “party beach” and cheap accommodations. There is great surfing and lots of bars and discos. They are joined by people of every age and background who come here to enjoy the many things to do and see. Today, there are many restaurants, taverns, tourist traps, and nightclubs to choose from. Whatever your budget, from luxury to basic (think hostels without hot water) there’s a place for you—-not to mention a tourist souvenir shop.
Though the beach directly in front of Jaco (Jaco Beach) has been very popular for many years, it is surpassed by nearby beaches (literally just a couple of miles/kilometers away). These beaches have fewer people and are some of the most ecologically pure in all of the world, bearing Blue Flag certifications for cleanliness. In particular, I recommend spectacular Hermosa Beach, just a couple of miles from Jaco. It is pristine and has some of the best surfing on the planet. In fact, in late July professional surfers from more than 35 countries are going to descend upon Hermosa in the days for world surfing championships—and party at night in Jaco.
There are dozens of different things to do and innumerable places to visit close at hand. Costa Rica is tiny but filled with interesting places and activities. Go whitewater rafting or learn to sea kayak. Take a horseback ride along the beach or through the mountains (if you’re into extreme riding, you can literally ride across Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean). Visit volcanoes, sit in volcanic hot springs, try rappelling in tropical mountains, go ballooning. Or just sit back and enjoy the great ocean views and beautiful, romantic sunsets. But, take care when swimming. Some of the beaches, wonderful for surfing, can be dangerous for swimming because of riptides. There are no lifeguards—and no warning signs—so ask if it is safe to swim before jumping in.
Consider chartering a boat for a trip to Costa Ricas world-famous fishing grounds. Huge marlin that can swim 70 miles an hour and leap 10 feet from the water await. Sometimes the schools of tuna or sailfish are thick. Whales travel from Antarctica to breed in the warm waters—as do their cousins from the Arctic. Think you came a long way? Imagine swimming thousands of miles!
First discovered by Christopher Columbus, today Costa Rica is discovered anew by folks from every place on the planet. Though it is only the size of West Virginia, one of every five species of plant and animal is found here. Travel Costa Rica when you visit Jaco. Bring a camera and your sense of adventure.
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