Jaco

Jaco is the closest beach town to San Joseon, the Central Pacific Coast, and a popular destination for both locals and expats. With dark sand and a crowded town, although Jaco Beach is relatively unattractive, its proximity to San Jose has kept Tico surfers and hobbyists stuck in the water. The city turns this into a surfing day trip or weekend destination. You'll notice that the town fills up as Friday approaches.

Although the waters of Jaco have dangerous waves, the waves here, especially towards the southern end of the beach, are more controllable for amateur surfers than in Playa Hermosa vicinity. There are plenty of surf schools and board rentals to choose from in town and right on the beach. Because there's no shortage of restaurants in town, you should branch out and try something new every day. In recent years Jaco has gained a reputation as the Sin City on the coast of Costa Rica, and it is likely that during your stay you will notice that both prostitutes and drugs are available here. However, if you come here for surfing or healthy play, you won't be directly affected.

What to Know About Visiting Jaco

• Jaco is known for nightlife that caters to bachelor parties and yes, that does include drugs and prostitution. The town has cleaned up a lot lately so it is more family friendly but do note that that type of tourism is very present in Jaco.
• Jaco is one of the few beach towns with painted parking lines and police wll give parking tickets
• It’s a big beach town, you don’t necessarily need a car to get around though.
• If you’re looking for long term rentals, check out Condomonios Costa Linda, Las Palmas or Best in Jaco Condos.

By bus

• From San Jose: There are direct routes from San Jose downtown, leaving from the 7-10 bus station to Jaco. (You need to get a taxi or Uber there from San Jose Airport). It takes 2 hours and costs around $5 USD. You can read this guide on taking the bus from San Jose to Jaco here.
• From Liberia: You need to go from Liberia –> Puntarenas –> Jaco. The bus from Liberia to Puntarenas departs daily at 5, 7:45, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 and 15:30 and takes 3 hours. Puntarenas to Jaco departs at 4:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:30, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:30 and takes 1.5 hours.

By shuttle

• From San Jose: A shared shuttle costs $47 USD per person with Interbus. A private shuttle is around $145 USD one way for1-8 people.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0

Location: Puntarenas, Costa Rica