Jacó

Jacó isn’t Costa Rica’s prettiest beach, but its location is unbeatable: under two hours from SJO on the best highway in the country. It works well as a first night to shake off jet lag, or a last night before your flight.

Driving

Route 27 and the Costanera are paved and easy. In town, the main street runs parallel to the beach with plenty of parking — but always use guarded or hotel parking overnight.

Why people stop in Jacó

Jacó is the closest real beach town to San José, about 1.5–2 hours on paved roads. That makes it a popular first or last night of a trip. It’s a busy town with surf schools, bars and restaurants, rather than a quiet nature escape. Playa Hermosa, just south, is for experienced surfers, and quieter beaches like Playa Herradura are a few minutes north.

Where to stay

Most hotels and condos sit within a few blocks of the beach along the main avenue (Avenida Pastor Díaz). Choose a place with private, gated parking: street parking near the beach is where most break-ins happen. Mid-range rooms are roughly US$70–150 a night.

Things to do

• Surf lessons on the gentler main beach.
• Crocodiles from the Tárcoles River bridge on the drive in. Park in the lots by the bridge, not on the shoulder.
• Waterfall hikes and canopy tours in the hills behind town.
• Carara National Park, 20 minutes north, for scarlet macaws.

Practical tips

• Route 27 to Jacó has toll booths; carry colones in small bills or a card.
• Rip currents are strong; swim near lifeguards or other swimmers.
• Sunday-evening traffic back to San José can double the drive time.

Top things to do in Jacó

• SurfingBeginner-friendly waves in Jacó, bigger ones at Playa Hermosa next door.
• Tárcoles crocodile bridge20 minutes north.
• Carara National ParkScarlet macaws and easy trails, 25 minutes north.

Driving, parking & safety notes

• Sunday afternoon traffic back to San José can be heavy.
• Use guarded parking at night.