Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica
From hiking to thrilling water sports, Jacó offers abundant outdoor fun. Book your adventures on GetYourGuide.
Carara National Park (easy to moderate), El Miro viewpoint (moderate to strenuous uphill), Bijagual Waterfall (moderate to strenuous hike).
Surfing (Jacó Beach for beginners, Playa Hermosa for experienced), Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Kayaking (mangroves or calm ocean areas), Sport Fishing from Los Sueños Marina.
Limited off Jacó Beach. Better on boat tours to nearby islands like Tortuga Island for clearer waters.
Ocean currents can be strong, especially at Playa Hermosa. Always assess conditions before entering the water. Follow local warnings.
While Jacó focuses on beach and adventure, opportunities for cultural immersion exist, often through local interactions and specific activities.
Traditional music and dance may appear during local fiestas or at specific restaurants on occasion. For extensive cultural performances, visit San José.
Less common directly in Jacó; more prevalent in rural areas of Costa Rica to experience local life directly.
"Fiestas Patronales" (local town festivals) celebrate patron saints with parades, music, dancing, and food. Rodeo events (Corrida de Toros a la Tica) also occur.
Take a surf lesson on Jacó Beach to connect with local surf culture.
If timing aligns, experience a local "fiesta patronal" for authentic culture.
Use basic Spanish phrases with locals to show respect and enhance interactions.
Jacó offers several ways to unwind and rejuvenate, from relaxing on the beach to indulging in spa treatments and yoga.
No natural hot springs directly in Jacó. Closest famous hot springs are near La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano.
Traditional healing practices are not widely available as a tourist offering in Jacó.
Many hotels have pools accessible to guests. Some beachfront bars and restaurants offer beach club-like atmospheres with loungers and service.
Consider a beachfront yoga class at sunrise or sunset. The sound of the waves adds to the calming experience.
Enjoy long walks on Jacó Beach, especially during low tide, for a peaceful and reflective experience.
Treat yourself to a massage or wellness treatment at one of Jacó's spas for ultimate relaxation.
Jacó is known for its lively entertainment and nightlife scene, offering options from live music to dancing into the early hours.
Jacó has a reputation for lively nightlife with nightclubs and DJs operating late into the night, especially on weekends.
Avenida Pastor Diaz serves as the main bar district. Pub crawls are often informally organized by hostels or tour groups.
Casinos are present in some hotels. Sports bars show international games. Karaoke bars provide interactive entertainment. Nightclubs operate until early morning.
Experience the club scene with local and international DJs.
Join a karaoke session for a fun, interactive evening with friends.
Try your luck at one of the hotel casinos for an evening of gaming.
Stay aware of your surroundings, drink responsibly, and travel in groups at night.
Shopping in Jacó offers opportunities to find souvenirs, local crafts, and everyday necessities.
Jacó lacks large, traditional "bazaars." Small fruit/vegetable stands. Farmers' markets in nearby towns on specific days.
Limited in Jacó itself. Some surf boutiques. For extensive luxury shopping, visit Los Sueños Resort or San José.
Look for genuine Costa Rican artistry in small local shops. These often offer unique pieces that capture the spirit of the country.
