Jacó sits on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast in Puntarenas Province, about 1.5–2 hours from San José International Airport (SJO). That proximity is its superpower—and its curse.
Once a sleepy surf village, Jacó has evolved into a full-service beach town with:
- Consistent surf
- Solid infrastructure
- A real food scene
- Year-round access
- Easy excursions to rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife
It’s not a remote barefoot escape like Santa Teresa, and it’s not a manicured luxury enclave like Papagayo. Jacó is convenient, energetic, and versatile, which is why families, solo travelers, digital nomads, and weekend Ticos all collide here.
Nearby areas worth knowing:
- Playa Hermosa (world-class surf, quieter vibe)
- Herradura (home to Los Sueños Resort & Marina)
- Carara National Park (scarlet macaws, biodiversity)
- Esterillos & Bejuco (laid-back beach towns to the south)
The Basics of Jacó: What You Need to Know
Grocery Stores & Essentials
Jacó is not rustic. You’ll find:
- Auto Mercado (high-end, imported goods)
- Mas x Menos (local supermarket chain)
- MegaSuper (budget-friendly)
- Local produce stands and bakeries
Pharmacies are everywhere, including Fischel and independent pharmacies with pharmacists who actually talk to you (refreshing, right?).
Neighborhoods & Areas
- Downtown Jacó – Walkable, lively, close to restaurants and nightlife
- South Jacó – Quieter, more residential, good for longer stays
- North Jacó – Close to surf breaks and Playa Hermosa road
- Herradura – Upscale, gated communities, marina living
Nightlife Reality Check
Yes, Jacó has a nightlife reputation. No, it’s not all sketchy chaos.
You’ll find:
- Chill beach bars
- Live music
- Sports pubs
- Dance clubs (optional, not mandatory)
Families and couples can easily avoid the rowdier spots and never feel out of place.
How to Get to Jacó, Costa Rica
International Flights
Fly into:
- San José International Airport (SJO) – Best option (closest)
- Liberia International Airport (LIR) – Possible, but longer drive.
Direct flights to Costa Rica are widely available from:
- United States (Miami, Houston, LA, NYC, Atlanta)
- Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal)
- Europe (Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt, London – mostly seasonal)
Getting to Jacó from San José Airport
- Rental Car: 1.5–2 hours via Route 27 (easiest, flexible)
- Shared Shuttle: 2–2.5 hours, door-to-door
- Private Shuttle: Best for families or groups
- Public Bus: Cheapest option, reliable but slower
- Domestic Flight: Rarely practical for Jacó
👉 Internal link opportunity: Drive from San Jose to Jaco and Vice Versa
👉 Internal link opportunity: How to Take the Bus From Jaco to San Jose
From Liberia Airport
Expect 4–5 hours by car or shuttle. Jacó is doable, but Guanacaste beaches make more sense from LIR.
Where to Stay in Jacó
Jacó’s accommodation range is wide—choose based on how you travel.
Hostels & Budget Stays
- Social, surf-focused, great for solo travelers
- Central locations
- Surprisingly clean and well-run
Boutique Hotels in Jacó
- Smaller, design-forward
- Personalized service
- Ideal for couples and wellness travelers
Resorts & Condos
- Beachfront towers with pools and security
- Great for families
- Easy access to tours and restaurants
👉 Internal link opportunity: Jaco Resorts
Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs
- Best for longer stays
- Full kitchens
- Popular in South Jacó and Herradura
Where to Eat in Jacó (Yes, It’s Better Than You Think)
Quick Breakfast & Coffee
- Local bakeries
- Specialty coffee shops
- Smoothie and acai spots
Brunch & Casual Lunch
- Farm-to-table cafés
- Healthy bowls and wraps
- Beachfront lunch spots
Shakes & Smoothies
- Vegan-friendly juice bars
- Protein smoothies for surfers and yogis
Casual Dinner
- Seafood grills
- Tacos, burgers, pizza (done right)
Fancy Dinner
- Chef-driven restaurants
- Sushi, Mediterranean, steak
- Wine lists that don’t feel like an afterthought
Jacó punches above its weight food-wise—especially compared to smaller beach towns.
What to Do in Jacó
Surf
- Beginner-friendly beach breaks
- Board rentals and lessons everywhere
- Advanced surf at Playa Hermosa
Yoga & Wellness
- Daily yoga classes
- Wellness retreats
- Massage and bodywork studios
Tours & Adventures
- Ziplining
- ATV tours
- Waterfall hikes
- Crocodile river tours
- Sportfishing
👉 Internal link opportunity: Best Things to Do in Jaco and Jaco Tours
👉 Internal link opportunity: Things to Do in Jaco with Kids
When to Visit Jacó
Dry Season (December–April)
- Sunny, hot, busy
- Peak surf
- Best for families and first-time visitors
Green Season (May–November)
- Lush landscapes
- Fewer crowds
- Afternoon rain, mornings are usually clear.
- Excellent deals on hotels and rentals
Rainy season bonus: waterfalls are at their best, yoga retreats are quieter, and the jungle explodes with life.
Pace & Lifestyle in Jacó
Jacó moves faster than most Costa Rican beach towns—but slower than anywhere back home.
Expect:
- Surf at sunrise
- Coffee meetings mid-morning
- Beach walks at sunset.
- Early dinners or late nights, depending on your scene
It’s flexible. You can make Jacó as chill or as social as you want.
Nearby Beaches Worth Exploring
- Playa Hermosa – Powerful waves, dramatic scenery
- Esterillos Oeste – Long, quiet beach
- Bejuco – Family-friendly, relaxed
- Playa Blanca – Calm waters near Punta Leona
Things to Be Cautious Of in Jacó
Let’s be real:
- Lock your stuff
- Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach.
- Avoid poorly lit areas late at night.
- Use common sense (the universal travel skill)
Jacó isn’t dangerous—it’s just popular.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Los Sueños Marina – Luxury resort, golf, world-class fishing
- Carara National Park – Scarlet macaws, jungle trails
- Rainforest Spas – Wellness retreats in the hills
- Sportfishing – Some of the best on the Pacific coast
Jacó vs Other Costa Rica Beach Towns
Jacó often gets compared to:
- Tamarindo
- Santa Teresa
👉 Internal link opportunity: Differences Between Jaco and Tamarindo
👉 Internal link opportunity: Differences Between Jaco and Santa Teresa
Each serves a different traveler. Jacó wins on access, convenience, and variety—full stop.
Final Take: Who Jacó Is Actually For
Jacó is ideal if you want:
- Easy logistics
- Reliable surf
- Good food
- Solid infrastructure
- Day trips without moving hotels
It’s not for people chasing total isolation. It is for travelers who want Costa Rica without the friction.
Used right, Jacó is a cheat code.
