what to do in jaco, costa rica

But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Another fun spot isOrange Pub its a large club that is a popular spot if youre touring the nightclubs around Jaco. And also, it is near to Costa Rica Capital San Jose.We all know that Costa Rica is located in a special location with both coastlines of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.. Well, Jaco offers you the chance to experience the Central Pacific coast with its stunning mountainous shorelines. Regardless of which you choose, youll need to drive yourself to one of the parking lots at Manuel Antonio National Park. A motorbike will cost you about $75 per day, but keep in mind, you must have a motorbike license to rent it. Manuel Antonio has long been celebrated has long been celebrated as Costa Ricas favorite little national park. Costa Rican natives, ticos, live for holidays at the beach. It includes 14 different cables that will have you soaring high above the treetops. Getting into the ocean for a surf has to be the most popular activity in Jaco. Cheers for joining us on our adventures! Situated on the Playa Herradura is the Los Suenos Marriott, one of the most popular resorts in the area. Bars will start to get busy around 8 to 9 pm, but the most popular clubs typically start filling up after that, and then the party goes until dawn! Explore the park with a professional naturalist guide as they point out monkeys, sloths, iguanas, Morpho butterflies, and more. I, for one, love Jaco, but I spend my time surfing, exploring, and eating my way around the city as opposed to staying up late. Once at the river, walk along the bridge down the pedestrian path and be sure to check out both sides. Button. Destinations 8 Incredible Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica - When You Wander A short drive north of Jaco will eventually bring you to one of the best free activities in Costa Rica. Jaco is a bustling beach town on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Meet the crocodiles of Carara National Park 9. Note, that both these beaches are in front of the Punta Leona Resort. I must warn you though, a side of fries costs extra, and in all honesty, the burgers are so big that you probably wont be able to eat them anyways. The tour starts only 10 minutes from Jaco Beach and includes a trail ride through the rainforest. Bring your bathing suit because theres a 15-foot jump from a rock platform into a natural pool at the Pura Vida Waterfall you have to try. You can also book a tour of the facility to see the malting, brewing, and packaging processes. We've actually been traveling non-stop for the last few years now, so we really are living a "destinationless" lifestyle! Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park (entry fee is $15 per person) Explore the vibrant capital city, San . We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! The abandoned road, not suited to vehicles anymore, is located on the southern end of town, just off the main highway. I mean, I get it. No food is allowed in the park, and they search bags before you enter. This particular touris one of the best options out there and is a half day, 3 to 5-hour long tour that includes your entrance fee and transport. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the local wildlife, or try your hand at a new water sport, we've got you covered. Around 1 hour south of Jaco is one of Costa Ricas best national parks. If your backpacking days are over and you can spend a little more,Apartotel Flamboyantis a top choice in the medium budget range. Imagine stunning beaches, palm trees, luxury hotels, and, of course, mountains covered in lush rainforest. The best cheap things to do in Costa Rica are: Enjoy the sunset on the Nicoya Peninsula. Youll be high enough to be soaring with the birds and see the tropical forests underneath you. Home A location as good as this paired with high-quality food and cocktails is rare to find. I went out at the crack of dawn on a 3-hour tour and managed to leave with 12 tuna between our boat and plenty of fillets for the next few days. The best tour to experience it all isthis 10 Hidden Waterfalls experience. Ride in a tram up above the trees and take in the views as you spot plenty of wildlife (especially monkeys and birds.) Although the city does have its drawbacks, such as its overly touristic atmosphere, Jaco has all the amenities you could want for a comfortable stay. With over 35 years of experience, we make the difference between a good trip and a lifetime memory. This top-rated restaurant is located right on the beach, and they even have tables on the sand. Its known as a local spot because the drinks and food are cheap! On top of that, El Point was the best place I ate during my trip in Jaco. The truth is most dont know what canyoning is, so they tend to shy away from booking tours. Tours to Tortuga Island are very popular from Jaco but do require a decent amount of travel. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Some were as big as 15 feet too. Thanks There are also amazing bagels and baked goods and freshly squeezed orange juice and coconut water. The rainforest trails are just so cool to explore, and on some tours, youll splash across rivers and even spot monkeys in the trees above. Jaco is particularly great for ziplining as youll be treated to views of the rainforest, mountains, and the beautiful coast. Its a half-day adventure that includes taking in the views of a 300 foot (91 meters) waterfall! So, lace up your shoes and enjoy the walk. While Jaco does have that party atmosphere, I found it to still be a safe place to visit in Costa Rica. This beach in Puntarenas is a Blue Flag award holder because of its clean and serene beachfront. Those with a rental car can either choose to do a self-guided tour of the park orbook a guided tour that leaves from the park entrance(the city on the border of Manuel Antonio.). If you dont want to surf yourself, watch a local surf competition to see the pros in action. The benefits to this are having transport organized as well as an experienced tour guide by your side in the park. In fact, Ive done this in more places in Costa Rica than I can remember. Swimming in Jaco Beach is fun and safe especially at low tide when the waves are small. It costs 1,000 Colones per hour to park at the beach, and on weekends its very hard to get a spot if youre not early. Sportfishing in this area is a popular pastime, and the Marriott Marina is a launching point for a number of charter fishing boats. The snorkeling here is some of the best I have seen in Costa Rica even better than Cao Island! The best surfing here is from mid to high tide, and surfing during the week will always be less busy than weekends. I really enjoyed the softer waves and huge beach, which meant I could practice without large crowds. Youll be taught safety in the water, paddling, and how to stand up and ride the waves. Plus they are so much fun! Awesome Things to Do in Jaco: Adventure, Nature, Nightlife - MytanFeet There are two hiking trails in the park: the 2.7-mile Laguna Meandrica Trail and 0.6-mile Araceas Nature Trail. These days the road up to the hotel is closed so cars cannot make it to the top. I think I ordered their seared tuna with mango chutney three times! This is typically a busier spot, with people taking turns to grab photos with the sign. You can see many different bird species, monkeys, and sloths. Expect to pay around $120 USD for a half-day tour. The best tour inJaco is this canyoning tour. Try stand-up paddle boarding 5. Luxury travelers have tons of great options depending on what youre looking for. While we were there, there was a happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm with some great cocktails. Now, Jaco is Costa Rica's wildest . The seafood here is exceptional, with a menu filled with choices from mahi-mahi to tuna to shrimp and even octopus. They had around six beers on tap during our visit, including a mango pale ale and strong IPA (my two favorite beers.) The walking trails are accessible for kids and travelers with disabilities. And thats by adding the ziplining! Beach chairs and umbrellas are also included for the day, so you can relax after riding the waves. Next, our tour took us to Tortuga Island to enjoy the pearly white sand, snorkeling, and a delicious lunch. Believe me, after reading this; youll also understand that there is more to Jaco than what first meets the eye! In my opinion, riding in an ATV is one of the must-do activities in Costa Rica! If you want an instructor, expect to pay $50 USD for a group lesson which usually lasts 2 hours and includes your board rental. Instead, get a taxi or you can also drive and park along the side of the road. Of course, if youre visiting the town of Manuel Antonio, then its best to explore the park from there. Things to Do in Jaco with Kids. Once youre on the beach, dig your toes into the soft sand and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on this coast! Its a great introduction to ziplining and costs only $65 USD. 1. Afterward, we boarded our boat, where the best part of the tour began. However, there is a beautiful Greek-themed amphitheater at the hotel restaurant where you can enjoy a drink while you watch the sunset. Monte Carlo Luxury Condominiumswould be my go-to for those who need to be close to the city. The hike up takes around 25 minutes, not including getting to thebase of the trail. The entrance to the viewpoint is on your left after you turn a really steep left-hand turn. Travelers exploring the west coast can find one of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica here. You can choose tostay right at the hotelfor easy access to sunset-watching and enjoy the hotels beach and infinity pool. It has a Las Vegas pool party type of atmosphere and typically has great music. Its really popular to hit the beach during the day and then party at night once the sun goes down. Well, Im happy to reportPuddleFish Breweryis the best place to visit in Jaco for craft beer lovers. If youre worried, its recommended to go at sunrise or during the day. If youre not a fan of hostels or traveling with the family, dont worry, I have a few really great places for that too. We visit this town often because it is only about 1.5 hours from our home in San Jose. La Iguana Golf Courseis located only 10 minutes away from Jaco. Jaco, Costa Rica is one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica for relaxation, adventure and excellent food. Nauyaca Waterfalls is made up of two huge waterfalls. Overall, its really an enjoyable tour and although a long day, its one of the best day trips from Jaco! There are a few different hiking trails within the park that all link up. Located only a short 30-minute drive from Jaco is the stunning Carara National Park. ADVENTURE TOURS IN COSTA RICA. They specialize in apartments with full kitchens and multiple rooms, so its also great for families. Tee times are available daily from 6:20 am until 3:50 pm or theres a driving range available as well. In this blog, Ill share the 22 best things to see and do in Jaco. If you are driving, dont worry about driving after dark, the road here is paved and well maintained. Ride the waves! One of the best free activities in Jaco is the hike up to El Miro. With that said, you can still get a good nights sleep and enjoy the onsite surf school and board rentals. There is also a public bus that operates to select areas in and around Jaco, however, the schedule isnt widely known and can change frequently. Expect hot and humid weather in Jaco along with the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to December. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. If youre looking for a longer adventure,this tourcombines ziplining and off-roading on an ATV! If you can, pop down around an hour before sunset to get a table and enjoy the views. Another cool place is Jaco Blu,which is an open-air club that sits right on the beach with pools in the middle. Bailey and I prefer the early parties that start just before sunset and finish early. On top of that, the water is shallow, and even standing out in the water 50 meters only produces water up to your waste at low tide. CR Beach Barn is only steps away from the beach. This parking lot does fill up on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan to arrive early if you want to come on a weekend. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. Tours can be arranged upon request. 1. To begin your night, head down to one of the party hostels such as Selina and Room2Board. For an experience combining horseback riding and a swim in a private waterfall,this touris a great option! Jaco Beach is a beautiful strip of sand perfect for walking, sunset watching, or lazing around on quiet mornings or afternoons. Food & Drink Jaco boasts a variety of restaurants, from local flavors to American fare and other international foods. Many visitors come for the vibrant nightlife that stretches from north to south along the entire beach. Jaco is easily one of the most popular holiday destinations in Costa Rica, both among locals and international visitors. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Dont get me wrong, I love Jaco Beach. Places such asBest in Jaco Condos at Diamante del Solrent apartments right on the beach at great prices. 7 Best Things to Do in Jaco & the Central Pacific Coast, Top 4 Costa Rica Cloud Forest Destinations. Entry to the falls is $12 USD (although it says $10 USD online, so book it there to save $2 USD), and tickets are purchasedfrom the office on the main highway(not the parking lot) or online. Its around 1,000 colones ($1.50 USD) an hour to park here, and youll have to pay in cash. It has the iconic JACO sign in large letters with the beach backdrop that makes for a very Instagram-worthy photo. Both a scooter and ATV only require a normal drivers license. Just park your car at one of the ends of the bridge and walk over to see the crocs in the wild. The best part is that there are great parties for everyone. The ticket office is open from 7 am, with the last people allowed to begin the hike at 2 pm. Just look for the groups with their eyes in the canopy. This blog may contain affiliate links. Jaco is well known as a party place, but as you can see, there are plenty of other things to do in Jaco which make this destination one of the best in Costa Rica. This experience includes the tram ride mentioned above before you get geared up to tackle 10 fun ziplines. Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! Even I, an avid waterfall finder, decided to join a tour in Jaco. You also might spot a Scarlet Macaw flying at the beach or in the nearby hills! If not, youll need to know how to get around this city to explore all of the fun activities and attractions. Unfortunately, to enjoy Playa Mantas, you need to drive 25 minutes north from Jacoto this parking lot. While there are lots of waterfalls around, they can be hard to find on your own (or on private land) and get to especially in Jaco! The answer is no! Read our disclosure policy for more info. In Bijagual, a mountain town near Jaco, Bijagual Waterfall is the main attraction. Related Article: Costa Rica Waterfalls You Must Visit. Most surf rental shops rent boards for 24 hours, and this usually costs $10 USD so long as youre not after a high-performance board. Explore Tortuga Island 8. Pop into the mountains to zipline or chase waterfalls, then retreat to the beach for sunset. Things to Do in Jaco, Costa Rica - The Tourist Checklist Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Related read: A similar experience is one of the best things to do in Monteverde. This upper waterfall is 40 meters tall (131 feet), and the lower waterfall is 20 meters tall (65 feet.) You can visit both the top and bottom waterfall, but its only safe to swim in the lower falls. 16 Fun & Best Things to Do in Jac, Costa Rica - ViaTravelers Things to Do in Jaco, Costa Rica - Jaco Attractions Things to Do in Jaco Popular things to do 4WD Tours Half-day Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Ziplining Horseback Riding Climbing Hiking Tours Sporting Events Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Walking & Biking Tours Hot tip:The beach is actually not far from the crocodile bridge, so you can join these two activities together. This epic full-day tour combines ziplining, rappelling, horseback riding, and an ATV ride in one massive day of adventure. Tour guides are experts when it comes to spotting wildlife, and they offer a wealth of knowledge. Jaco Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know about Jaco - Traveladvo

The Welcome Center El Paso Tx, West Funeral Home Obituary, Articles W

what to do in jaco, costa rica