Jacó travel guide
Jacó, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A bustling beach town on the Central Pacific coast, just 1.5 hours from San José, with beginner-friendly surf, lively nightlife and great day trips to Manuel Antonio and Carara.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From San José
About 1.5 hours
Best Airport
SJO
Temperature
75 to 90°F
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Our take
Who Jacó is for
Honestly, Jacó isn’t on our list of must-visit places in Costa Rica. We find it too hectic. But it’s the closest beach town to San José, with good waves for first-time surfers, lots of restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene and great day trips nearby.
It works well for: bachelor and bachelorette parties (big rentals at fair prices, plus good nightlife), and a one- or two-night stopover on the way from San José to the South Pacific.
How long to stay: One or two nights is plenty. The downtown area isn’t really our vibe, but maybe you’ll love it. We just suggest exploring a lot nearby.
Jacó or Playa Hermosa?
Choose Jacó if…
You want nightlife, lots of restaurants, a walkable downtown and gentle waves for learning to surf.
Choose Playa Hermosa if…
You want a more relaxed vibe, or you’re an experienced surfer looking for bigger waves. It’s just south of Jacó.
Can’t decide?
Stay in Playa Hermosa for the calm, and pop into Jacó for dinner and a night out.
Getting there
How to get to Jacó
Driving from San José
It’s about 1.5 hours from San José airport. Take Route 1 toward San Ramón, Route 27 (the Caldera Highway) and then Route 34 to Jacó. Route 27 is a toll road, and you can pay in US dollars if you don’t have colones.
About an hour into the drive, pull over at the Rio Tárcoles bridge and walk back to see the huge crocodiles below. The road is paved the whole way, so you don’t need a 4×4.
For more info:
Rental car
Adobe gives our readers 10% off, a free second driver and 0% deductible on liability protection. They can also deliver your car for free within about 12 miles of Jacó.
Shuttles
For shared shuttles from San José, use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Jacó is on the Central Pacific coast in Puntarenas Province, between Herradura to the north and Playa Hermosa to the south. It’s the closest major beach town to San José.
Good to know: Mas X Menos, a block from the beach, has the best grocery selection. For ATMs, use BCR or BAC, and be aware of your surroundings when taking out money.
Weather
Jacó weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Jacó. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (Dec: Apr)
Sunny with almost no rain, but also the most crowded and expensive time to visit. Book your hotel early.
Rainy season (May: Nov)
Usually sunny mornings with afternoon showers, and everything is green. May through August is usually decent.
Temperature
75 to 90°F (24 to 32°C)
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Rainiest months
Sep to mid-Nov
Our tip
Our tip: Avoid September, October and the first half of November, the rainiest time of year. May to August is a nice, quieter alternative to dry season.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Jacó
Hotel Los Ranchos
Our top pick · Beachside · Breakfast included
Right by the beach, with a pool, air conditioning and breakfast included. The staff are amazing.
Hotel Villa Caletas
Luxury · Incredible views · Infinity pool
Luxury at its finest, with Victorian-style design, incredible views, an infinity pool and two restaurants.
Best Western Jacó
All-inclusive · Beachfront · Family-friendly
An all-inclusive right on the beach, with pools, volleyball and tennis courts and several restaurants. Great for families.
Croc’s Resort
Beachfront · Pools · Restaurants
A big beachfront resort with several pools, restaurants and a bar.
Also worth considering: Vista Guapa Eco Surf Camp (away from the downtown action, with a pool and gym), Pacific Suites Boutique Hotel (downtown, pool and restaurant) and Perlita (budget, a 10-minute walk to the beach).
See our 16 best hotels in Jacó →
Traveling with a group?
Rent a house or villa
Jacó has big vacation rentals at fair prices, which is why it’s popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
A few we like: the 16 Bed Compound Oasis (sleeps 18, pool, hot tub and a movie theater), Villa Montine (beachfront, sleeps 18), the Beachfront Home (sleeps 8, private pool) and, on a budget, La Perlita Studio (full kitchen, 4 minutes to the beach).
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Jacó rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Jacó
Day trip
Manuel Antonio National Park
About 45 minutes away, Costa Rica’s most popular national park has wildlife, beaches, hiking trails and a waterfall. You need to book tickets ahead on the national park website.
Our pick
Tucanes Tours includes transportation, lunch, a guide and admission, so you don’t have to plan a thing.
Wildlife
Rio Tárcoles crocodiles
Huge crocodiles live in the Tárcoles River. You can see them for free from the bridge, or take a boat tour. One of the coolest things you can do near Jacó.
Make a day of it
Full-day crocodile tours often add a butterfly garden, monkeys and lunch.
Surf Playa Jacó
The main beach is several miles long and great for first-time surfers. Experienced surfers head to Playa Hermosa for bigger waves.
Carara National Park
Just 20 minutes away, with flat trails and amazing bird watching. No need to book ahead, but it’s card only. Ask for Maurice if you want a guide.
Isla Tortuga day trip
A beautiful uninhabited island with snorkeling, hiking, kayaking and cocktails on the beach. We recommend Turismo Marítimo del Pacífico.
ATV jungle waterfall tour
A 3-hour ATV ride through the jungle to a waterfall, one of the most popular adventure tours from Jacó.
Playa Blanca
Our favorite white sand beach near Jacó, and a nice break from the busier main beach.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Jacó
Adventure Dining
Fine dining · Views · Open bar
A hotel shuttle takes you up to a hilltop with amazing views for a fine meal with an open bar, and dancing afterward. Truly a super fun experience.
Sabress Kosher Restaurant
Middle Eastern · Vegetarian-friendly
Delicious, fresh Middle Eastern food with lots of vegetarian options.
Soda Jacó Rústico
Costa Rican · $
An authentic Costa Rican meal at a really good price.
Nightlife
Live music · Bars · Clubs
Jacó has a vibrant nightlife scene, with live music and nightclubs along the main strip.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Jacó
Sun protection
The sun is powerful here. Bring a rash guard, a hat and good sunscreen.
Nights out
Lightweight pants and non-wrinkle tops are perfect for going out. Nobody will judge you for wearing anything you want.
Don’t forget
Bug spray, a water bottle and a light rain jacket in the green season.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Jacó is busier than most beach towns, so stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night and at ATMs.
Good to know
Practical basics
Groceries
There are several grocery stores in town. We suggest Mas X Menos, a block from the beach, for the best selection.
ATMs and banks
Use the BCR or BAC ATMs if you need cash, and be aware of your surroundings when taking out money.
Gas
Servicentro Jacó or Delta Jacó. All gas stations in Costa Rica are full service, so stay in your car and an attendant fills it up.
Getting around
Getting around Jacó
Downtown is walkable, but to explore nearby you’ll want a rental car or tours that include transportation.
Rental car
Best for day trips to Manuel Antonio, Carara and Playa Blanca. Adobe can deliver your car for free within about 12 miles of Jacó.
Walking
If you’re staying downtown, you can walk to the beach, restaurants and bars.
FAQ
Jacó FAQ: your questions
Is Jacó worth visiting?
It’s not on our must-visit list since we find it hectic, but it’s great for nightlife, beginner surfing, group trips and as a one- or two-night stop on the way south. Explore a lot nearby.
How far is Jacó from San José?
About 1.5 hours from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), making it the closest major beach town to San José.
Is Jacó safe?
Like any busy town, use caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and when using ATMs.
Can you swim in Jacó?
Yes, but be careful: in certain spots there are strong currents. Ask your hotel staff where it’s calmest.
When is the best time to visit Jacó?
The dry season (December to April) is sunniest but busiest. May to August is a good alternative. Avoid September, October and the first half of November, the rainiest months.
Do I need a car in Jacó?
Not downtown, which is walkable. A rental car (or tours with transport) is best for exploring nearby.
Is Jacó good for surfing?
Yes, Playa Jacó is great for first-time surfers. Experienced surfers usually head to Playa Hermosa just south for bigger waves.
Where should I stay if I want a quieter vibe than Jacó?
Stay in Playa Hermosa, just south of town. It’s more relaxed and great for experienced surfers.
Every guide
All our Jacó guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Central Pacific
Planning more of the region? See our full Central Pacific guide.
Is driving in Jaco easy?
Yes! You will have no problems in Jaco. All the roads are well paved and frequently traveled. Also, the highway from San Jose to Jaco is well maintained as well.