Quick Facts

Jacó is a Costa Rican coastal city in the province of Puntarenas. Jaco Beach has become the most popular tourist destination in all of Costa Rica especially when it comes to surfing, parties, and nightlife. Located on the Pacific coast, Jaco Beach has warm water, year-round consistent surf, world-class fishing and a relaxed beach atmosphere. The natural beauty of Jacó and its close proximity to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), make it an ideal holiday destination. In addition, Jacó hosts large selections of hotels, over 75 restaurants, many beach bars, nightclubs, discos, and three casinos.

Getting There & Other Transportation

There are many ways to get from the Juan Santamaria International Airport to your hotel as well as numerous ways to get around Jacó and its surrounding beaches. First, you can rent a car at the airport or at various locations around town. An alternative is to rent a bicycle, motorcycle or scooter (rented from town only).  Remember, for motorized vehicles and scooters, valid driver’s licenses are mandatory.

There are also buses that run between beaches and to San Jose from 5:00am – 10:00pm. These are a very inexpensive way to get around in Jacó. When taking a taxi, you are better to negotiate a fare before you begin your ride. The official taxis are red and come equipped with a meter.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Though Jacó Beach is known for great surfing and nightlife, it is definitely not just a budget travel destination. For great places to stay on Jacó Beach for budget travelers, check out:

Best Western Jaco Beach Resort

El Paso De Las Lapas Hotel Jaco

Hotel Mar de Luz Jaco

If you are seeking more luxury, check out:

Villa Caletas Hotel Jaco

Playa Jaco Hotel DoceLunas

ApartHotel Vista Pacifico

Hotel Poseidon

Dining & Nightlife

Many of Jacó Beach’s restaurants cater to surfers and budget travelers. If you are looking for fresh sea food, try:

El Barco De Mariscos

El Recreo

Restaurante Wahoo

If more of a café style restaurant suits your fancy, try:

Sunrise

Pachi’s Pan

Café Del Mar

As far as nightlife goes, Jacó Beach comes alive when the sun goes down. Filled with locals, surfers and other tourists, the bars in Jacó Beach are the best places to be when the sun sets. Here is a list of Jacó Beach bars worth checking out:

The Beatle Bar (Restaurant/Bar)

The Monkey Bar (Bar)

Disco Central (Dance Club)

Pancho Villa’s Bar (Restaurant/Bar)

Nacho Daddy’s (Dance Club)

Attractions

Rated among the top Costa Rican Beaches, Playa Jaco Beach offers a perfect beach for relaxation as well as a great place to catch some great waves while surfing. If you want to spend a day or two off the beach, the Carara Biological Reserve is one of Costa Rica’s most biologically-diverse National Parks. It is home to an enormous variety of plants, birds and animals. Another National Park worth visiting is the Manuel Antonio National Park. Named after the Conquistador Manual Antonio, this park is located 160 feet above sea level and allows you to explore several kilometers of well-maintained trails. The Park is also attached to two great beaches: Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur.

Currency, Culture and Language

The official language in Costa Rica is Spanish.

The official currency in Costa Rica is the colón (or colones, plural).