Jaco at a glance

Jaco Costa Rica

Jaco Beach, Hermosa Beach, Caletas and Punta Leona are the most visited beaches of the central pacific of Costa Rica. These beaches are closer to the capital city, less than two hours by car, so for most Costa Ricans they are the perfect escape for the weekends.

Jaco is one is one of the most popular beaches in the country, and it is like a small city with all forms of stores, banks, supermarkets and hotels. Jaco Beach is also highly popular among sufers and boogie boarders due to the consistently high surf, giving rise to competitive tournaments at the global level.

From Jaco you can take a taxi to Hermaos Beach which lies just due south, for approximately $8 US. Hermosa Beach is known for it's consistent wave break and stretches from end to end, over 10 km of beachfront, with 7 km accessible by car. And in 2009 Playa Hermosa hosted the ISA Billabong World Games, the largest event in this regions to date.

Caletas and Punta Leona in contrast are private clubs and hotels with white sandy beaches and a private forest for those looking to get closer to nature.

See selected Jaco Beach accommodation

Jaco Beach also features a great variety of hotels – from budget to luxury, as well as a large selection of cabins and B&B’s at affordable rates. 

Featured Hotels in
Jaco

Best Western Jaco Beach

Punta Leona

Terazza Del Pacifico

Apartotel Costa Arenas

Arenal Pacifico

Jaco Video

Jaco.

Air

Jaco Beach does not have a direct airport. The closest airport is Quepos and Manuel Antonio. If you require additional information on air travel contact Sansa Air Company and Nature air (San Jose - Quepos route. )

Public Bus

Shuttle transport from San Jose and or Juan Santamaria International Airport to Jaco, starts at about $30 US each way and is recommended over public bus service, as it is more secure and more comfortable then public bus service.

If you opt to use the public bus services from San Jose the cost is about $5 US each way. And if you want to leave directly from the Juan Santamaria International Airport you can use an Easy Ride Shuttle Service that has 3 runs per day to and from Jaco. Be careful with your luggage. The official bus station in Jaco is across from the Best Western hotel at the North end of Jaco.

Car

If you opt to go by car the trip will take you about 2 h from the San Jose Metro Area, not to counting scenic stops along the way.

If you decide to depart directly from Juan Santamaria International Airport, follow the signs toward San Ramon. After 10 kilomters, take the exit toward Atenas and at the stop sign, turn left. Then you will continue traversing twists and turns onto San Mateo. At San Mateo, the road moves slightly to the right a block because of one way traffic. Follow the road around and this will get back on the main road. Be sure when you approach Orotonia, not to follow it to the right as a sign directs. Instead, stay straight until you reach a sign that tells you to go to Jaco. And then continue to follow additional signs along the way.

An alternate route that is a bit longer yet faster as it is not as mountainous, is to drive from San Jose past San Ramon. Then drive toward Puntarenas, and when you reach highway 27 go south and follow the signs to Jaco.

Getting around Jaco

Jaco Beach is user friendly in terms of transport, and you can walk, rent a bike or even a scooter.

If it is particularly hot during the day, or dark, you might opt to take a taxi. For about 1000 colones, depending on your command of the Spanish languages, you can get a quick lift across the Jaco strip. It is recommended that you stick with the official taxi companies, which have vehicles that are painted red. Pirate taxis are generally safe, but why take chances.

Bus service is also available from Jaco to Herradura, for about 100 colones.

Main Tours And Attractions

Jaco offers many activities, such as Surfing and Boogie Boarding, and many shops rent boards for about $6 to $20 US per day. There are also plenty of shops and beautiful beaches, although you need to be careful with the high surf and possible riptides. Although the beach is generally safe, in terms of crime, be careful with your belongings when you are at the beach, don't leave them unattended. Also the sand can get a tad warm during midday so bring some sandals, especially for the youngins.