Havin' Fun at Jaco Beach, Costa Rica

Fun things to do in Jaco Beach begin with the Costa Rica sun and end with partying and nightlife that can last until the next sunrise.


But the list of fun things to do in Jaco seems to go on forever. This Costa Rica beach town offers zip line tours through rainforest canopy, nature trails crisscrossing the rain forest, day trips to explore volcanoes or go white water rafting, sportfishing. And all are convenient to the country's hottest party town, Jaco Beach.


The attractions, tours and other aspects of your Costa Rican vacation are covered in this Fun Guide to Jaco Beach. Even the latest travel guides may not include this info, so print a copy of this page for the trip

Do You Know the Way Out of San Jose?

Clowns led the way as I left San Jose for the central Pacific beach town of Jaco (pronounced Hah-KO). Ten-foot-tall and accompanied by an enthusiastic band, they paraded down Avenida 3 celebrating the International Arts Festival that just opened. I was in a less festive mood, because the local bus takes that street to the Coca Cola bus station, so I had to walk ten minutes to catch an early morning bus. (See Bus schedules.)

Jaco Beach is midway between the capital and Manuel Antonio. The spacious Garabito buses take three and half hours, but you can drive a rental car or arrive by a private transfer in about two hours.


The journey is notable for mesmerizing scenery that reinforces the old saying that getting there is half the fun. To your right, the chain of stately volcanoes -- Barva, Poas and Miravalles -- that slashes diagonally through the country from Guanacaste to the capital forms a unique panorama. The mostly two lane road winds through Alajuela. After you climb the mountains and descend in a series of switchbacks over cool rivers and streams, the bright agricultural fields and lush greenery give way to dramatic valleys and tropical rain forest

Crocodile Watching

A few minutes outside town, the Rio Tarcoles bridge is worth a stop if you are traveling by car. (Keep an eye out for traffic cops with radar near Alajuela and just before the bridge.) On the right bank, you can often spy huge salt water crocodiles in the mud or swirling about in the river. Though there is a police presence, never drop your guard and leave valuables unguarded in your car. There are usually more reptiles on the bridge than under it.


A Beauty of a Beach

The bus enters from the south end and stops at all hotels on its way to the Best Western. In a car, you can enter the main road into the north end. The main drag begins around the Copacabana Hotel and beelines south to Hotel Mar Paraiso and Hotel Arenal Pacifico. Beachfront hotels are a two-minute stroll from this strip of shops and restaurants and bars.


Extending five miles north and south, the elegant, sweeping curve of a beach is the town's main attraction. The sand stretches from the north end to the more secluded south, with majestic cliffs at both extremities. Near Los Suenos, the beach is rougher and the water is not good for swimming.