Jaco
Last Updated: May 15, 2012
Fabulous surf and a lively party scene are Jaco's biggest draws. Just 73 miles southwest of San Jose, it is easy to see why this central Pacific beach town is popular with Costa Ricans and travelers alike: accessibility. In addition to great surfing, Jaco offers adventure sports such as scuba diving, sport fishing, sea kayaking and canopy tours.
Quick Facts
Location: 73 miles southwest of San Jose
Average Temperature: 71-90°F
Altitude: Sea level
Photo Gallery
Just over an hour's drive from San Jose, Jaco has experienced a major boom in development within the last decade. Shops, galleries, hotels and restaurants line the well-marked streets in this resort town. Its dark sand beach stretches two miles, offering stellar surf and areas safe for swimming. Travelers seeking exciting nightlife won’t be disappointed as Jaco attracts a young crowd that fills the bars and casinos each night.
With the quieter neighboring beaches of Herradura, Playa Hermosa and Esterillos a short drive away, visitors have plenty of options for sun bathing, surfing and other outdoor pursuits. Much like the cosmopolitan San Jose, Jaco has modern services and amenities, including an upscale Auto Mercado supermarket, high-speed Internet service, pharmacies, banks and a post office. Accommodations are plentiful and varied, from budget hostels to five-star luxury resorts.
Jaco Snapshot
Summary: Beach town known for its nightlife and good surf; perfect for young or solo travelers.
Landscape:
Beaches,
Transitional Forest
Attractions:
Carara National Park,
Nightlife,
Surf
Activities:
Adventure Tours,
Dancing and Nightlife,
Sport Fishing,
Surfing
Caters to:
Budget Travelers,
Couples/Honeymooners,
Independent Travelers,
Surfers
Jaco Travel Guide
Activities
Attractions
Places to Stay
Restaurants & Nightlife
Services & Facilities
Getting Around
Getting There
Jaco Weather
Current Conditions
Mostly cloudy with thunderstorms
| Humidity | 87 % |
| Barometer | 29.88 in/Hg |
| Visibility | 10 mi |
| Wind | 3 mph SSE |
Today's Tides
| Time | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| 02:25 a.m. | 8.13 ft. (2.46 m.) | |
| 08:22 a.m. | 2.52 ft. (0.76 m.) | |
| 02:31 p.m. | 8.79 ft. (2.66 m.) | |
| 08:52 p.m. | 1.8 ft. (0.55 m.) |
Jaco Map
Visit Jaco With Us
- Day 9: Molecular Fusion and a Night on the Town
- Day 8: Canopy, Surfing and the Fresh Food Market
- Day 7: Anteaters & Crocs at Carara National Park
- Day 6: What's SUP?
- Day 5: Paddling to Playa Blanca
Living in Jaco
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