Description

SUNSETS

1. Vida Hermosa Bar and Restaurant in Playa Hermosa-  Enjoy drinks on a beautiful beach and take in a spectacular Costa Rican sunset!  About a 10-15 minute drive or $8 Uber from Jaco each way.  Our favorite beach setting in the Jaco area where you'll often see pro surfers doing their thing.

  

2. Villa Caletas Hotel-  one of the best views in the world.  Small boutique hotel with outdoor amphitheater perched on a hillside with spectacular panoramic views.  About a 15-20 minute drive or $12 Uber each way from Jaco.

  

3. The Pacific Point rooftop in the heart of Jaco Beach.  You must be a guest to get access to the rooftop.

 

TOP THINGS TO DO

 

Tortuga Island -  The popular day cruise out of Los Suenos Marina which is about 10-15 minutes away from Jaco.  Book through this website to avoid bank/exchange and/or hidden fees for $145 plus Costa Rican tax.  Includes roundtrip transportation from Jac to the the Los Suenos Marina.

  

ATV and/or Ziplining Tours -  Located on beautiful tropical acreage, Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park has been the premier adventure destination in Costa Rica for over 17 years, offering an array of exhilarating tours and activities, including ziplining, ATV rides, horseback riding, canyoning, chocolate tours, and more.  The Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park staff are very professional, maintain safety, and promise unforgettable experiences for adventure enthusiasts of all ages.   Book on this website and get 20% off any individual tour by using discount code; accessJACO20 and accessJACO10 to get 10% off any package combo tours.  See this website for more information.

 

We recommend the combined ATV and Zipline Tour, which provides exclusive access to the nature trails throughout the park, providing views of the beautiful scenery and wildlife. On ATV’s, you will travel to a serene natural pool, with waterfall, and have the option to take a dip.  The ziplining adventure allows you to fly through the jungle, witnessing the beauty from a birds-eye view. Fresh fruit and water are provided at the end of each section, and the tour culminates with a typical Costa Rican lunch.  Driver’s License is required to drive ATV’s.  All tours are meticulously organized, and the guides are very professional.

 

Manuel Antonio National Park -   About 90 minutes South of Jaco.  My family rents a car for the day.  We stop at El Avion restaurant for lunch which is known for it's outstanding views and having an airplane that's history is featured in the movie "American Made" starring Tom Cruise.  We go to the far South end of the main beach right outside the park and often see monkeys and sloths there and avoid paying the park entrance fee.  You can book through this website for a professional guided tour.

 

Hike to El Miro -   An abandoned mansion with colorful graffiti on a steep hillside in Jaco offering awesome views.

 

Walk Jaco Beach to the far North end hillside-   A secret to tourists...it's possible to experience Manual Antonio wildlife without the expense of time and money.   Walk along the beach to the North end of town to possibly see monkeys, macaws, and sloths.  I have personally done this multiple times and have seen all three animals mentioned above.  You'll have to cross a potentially dangerous river/stream by foot in order to do so.  Obviously, if it's a high or dangerous tide, or if the river is running too fast with water flowing above your shins - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS!  Once you are at the base of the hillside, walk to the right along the dirt trail.  Be on the lookout for the monkeys and the sloths in the trees.  The sloths are hard to fine because they typically are curled up in a ball sleeping.

 

Tico Surf Lessons -  Located on the beach, in front of The Pacific Point in central Jaco, Tico Surf Lessons is the best surf school in our opinion.  The instructors truly care and their passion for surfing shows!  All the instructors are professional and personable.  Kevin taught both our kids and their friends how to surf.  The owner cares about his reputation and Kevin is a great person in general.

 

Aurora Yoga -  Conveniently located upstairs, in Jaco Walk, and offers a calm and peaceful setting for the rejuvenating practice of yoga.  Looking out over a lush tropical Costa Rican landscape, you can stretch and relax in this tranquil space. There are morning classes and one evening class to fit your schedule.  Both Jennifer (the owner) and Ginger offer classes for all levels. They have mats and blocks to use free of charge.

 

Pura Pickelball -  Conveniently located in Jaco, the facility offers multiple pickelball courts for an enjoyable experience.

 

CAFES/BREAKFAST/ACAI BOWLS/SMOOTHIES

 

Cafe Bohio -  Popular with the locals, this family owned coffee roasting company is passionate for the art of coffee and the Costa Rican tropical culture.  The open air cafe is located in the heart of Jaco.  Take in a bit of the local culture as you sip your Costa Rican coffee and and/or a bite to eat.

 

Gaia -  A must visit for fresh acai bowls and smoothies!  Gaia is located on the main street through Jaco and offers fresh quality ingredients and many acai bowl and smoothie combinations to choose from. The attention to detail and quality of fresh fruit is worth making a stop here.

 

Mundaka -   Eat Good / Surf Better / Smile Forever.  Featuring acai bowls, smoothies, breakfast items, salads, sandwiches, wraps, crepes, waffles and more.  Popular breakfast/lunch spot on the main street of Jaco.  We enjoy the varied fresh juice combinations, along with an omelette or one of their uniquely crafted acai bowls, adorned with their signature small frozen acai heart on top.

 

Oceano Coffee Bar -  More than a cafe…it’s a local art-inspired spot where you can work, study, or simply come for a drink and a meal, in an air-conditioned space.  Conveniently located on the street level of The Pacific Point, this high end cafe offers everything, from typical coffee drinks to cocktails, such as wine by the glass.  Food items include everything from omelettes to desserts.

 

LUNCH/DINNER

 

When considering recommendations for food and drinks, we took into consideration:  quality; atmosphere; reputation; dining experience; reviews; cleanliness; and cost.  These are the places where our family eats while we are in Jaco, and these are the places where we send our friends, when they are staying in the Jaco area.

 

Graffiti Restro Cafe and Wine Bar - expensive for Jaco, but may be the best restaurant in Jaco.  A comfortable bistro style restaurant with a blackboard menu that changes daily with the local availability of the freshest products, fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats.

 

Inferno - Wood Fired Pizzeria & Grill -  Offering a vast menu that includes authentic Neapolitan pizzas with fresh mozzarella, homemade sauces and a selection of 50 toppings.  You can also craft your own salad with a mix of hydroponic baby-leaf lettuce and a selection of fresh ingredients and premium proteins, served in a unique wood-fired rosemary bread salad bowl.  There is also a wide variety of drinks on their menu.

 

Jaco Bar -  Enjoy craft beer, fine wine, good food and live music every day.  Opens at 11:00 AM and closes at 2:00 AM and is open 7 days a week.  Good late night food option.

 

Koko Gastro Bar -  A great quality menu, featuring a variety of items; including, refreshing beverages, fresh seafood, organic produce, teriyaki bowls, premium ground beef hamburgers—all sourced from local farms. This popular beachside restaurant, sometimes offers local live music, and is a short walk from Pacific Point. We love the fresh ceviche and plantain appetizer!

 

Locals Restaurant -  Located in the center of town, Locals has arguably the best burgers in town.

 

Oz Sports Bar -  Popular sports bar in Jaco Beach. Exciting place to watch the game. Good food, cold drinks, and a great sports atmosphere.

 

Sepalo -  Top rated on Tripadvisor...Sépalo Restaurante is a stylish dining spot that offers a fusion of international flavors with a Costa Rican touch. The restaurant boasts stunning decor, creating an inviting ambiance to savor healthy and delicious cuisine. Their menu features an array of delectable options such as poke bowls, stir fry, pizza, and smoothies made from fresh locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're craving seafood or quick bites, Sépalo has something for everyone.

 

Tsunami Sushi -  Serving the best sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine in Jaco. The restaurant is known for having the freshest caught fish, straight from the Pacific Ocean.  Great air-conditioned atmosphere.

 

Vida Hermosa Bar and Restaurant -  Situated in the scenic area of Playa Hermosa, Vida Hermosa translates to "beautiful life," which you'll experience at this Costa Rican beachside bar restaurant.  Great atmosphere and most outstanding spot to enjoy a cocktail and a sunset!   Our family spends the first and last sunset here, every trip.

 

Jerah -  Thai food in a unique treetop setting.


Sabress -  Kosher food.

     

ICE CREAM/GELATO

 

Rebelissimo Gelato -  Homemade Gelato with organic ingredients.

 

SHOPPING


Mas X Menos -  Most similar to a grocery store in the United States.

 

Vindi -  High quality, smaller size grocery store.

 

Dolores Shop -  Quality items from clothing, to jewelry, to stationary.  They have unique handbags and wallets made entirely in Costa Rica, adorned with the Pura Vida logo and Costa Rican flag.

 

Tico Pod Art House & GiftS - Beautiful artwork and paintings from local artists, sometimes you can even catch one in the act, upstairs. 

 

L'aroma -  specializing in authentic and verifiable Cuban cigar sales.

 

Norma's -  quality Costa Rican cigars.

 

REAL ESTATE

 

Thinking of buying real estate in the Jaco area?  Use Shawn Fletcher of RE/MAX Costa Rica Real Estate and receive a $1000 credit at closing.  Shawn is the co-owner of RE/MAX Costa Rica. He is a top realtor in the area. He and his family have resided in Jaco since 2002. Contact us for questions and more information.  To receive the $1000 credit at closing, you must contact us first and we'll put you in contact with him.


 

 

 

 

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Our Recommendations

    SUNSETS1. Vida Hermosa Bar and Restaurant in Playa Hermosa-  Enjoy drinks on a beautiful beach and take in a spectacular...

    Description

    SUNSETS

    1. Vida Hermosa Bar and Restaurant in Playa Hermosa-  Enjoy drinks on a beautiful beach and take in a spectacular Costa Rican sunset!  About a 10-15 minute drive or $8 Uber from Jaco each way.  Our favorite beach setting in the Jaco area where you'll often see pro surfers doing their thing.

      

    2. Villa Caletas Hotel-  one of the best views in the world.  Small boutique hotel with outdoor amphitheater perched on a hillside with spectacular panoramic views.  About a 15-20 minute drive or $12 Uber each way from Jaco.

      

    3. The Pacific Point rooftop in the heart of Jaco Beach.  You must be a guest to get access to the rooftop.

     

    TOP THINGS TO DO

     

    Tortuga Island -  The popular day cruise out of Los Suenos Marina which is about 10-15 minutes away from Jaco.  Book through this website to avoid bank/exchange and/or hidden fees for $145 plus Costa Rican tax.  Includes roundtrip transportation from Jac to the the Los Suenos Marina.

      

    ATV and/or Ziplining Tours -  Located on beautiful tropical acreage, Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park has been the premier adventure destination in Costa Rica for over 17 years, offering an array of exhilarating tours and activities, including ziplining, ATV rides, horseback riding, canyoning, chocolate tours, and more.  The Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park staff are very professional, maintain safety, and promise unforgettable experiences for adventure enthusiasts of all ages.   Book on this website and get 20% off any individual tour by using discount code; accessJACO20 and accessJACO10 to get 10% off any package combo tours.  See this website for more information.

     

    We recommend the combined ATV and Zipline Tour, which provides exclusive access to the nature trails throughout the park, providing views of the beautiful scenery and wildlife. On ATV’s, you will travel to a serene natural pool, with waterfall, and have the option to take a dip.  The ziplining adventure allows you to fly through the jungle, witnessing the beauty from a birds-eye view. Fresh fruit and water are provided at the end of each section, and the tour culminates with a typical Costa Rican lunch.  Driver’s License is required to drive ATV’s.  All tours are meticulously organized, and the guides are very professional.

     

    Manuel Antonio National Park -   About 90 minutes South of Jaco.  My family rents a car for the day.  We stop at El Avion restaurant for lunch which is known for it's outstanding views and having an airplane that's history is featured in the movie "American Made" starring Tom Cruise.  We go to the far South end of the main beach right outside the park and often see monkeys and sloths there and avoid paying the park entrance fee.  You can book through this website for a professional guided tour.

     

    Hike to El Miro -   An abandoned mansion with colorful graffiti on a steep hillside in Jaco offering awesome views.

     

    Walk Jaco Beach to the far North end hillside-   A secret to tourists...it's possible to experience Manual Antonio wildlife without the expense of time and money.   Walk along the beach to the North end of town to possibly see monkeys, macaws, and sloths.  I have personally done this multiple times and have seen all three animals mentioned above.  You'll have to cross a potentially dangerous river/stream by foot in order to do so.  Obviously, if it's a high or dangerous tide, or if the river is running too fast with water flowing above your shins - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS!  Once you are at the base of the hillside, walk to the right along the dirt trail.  Be on the lookout for the monkeys and the sloths in the trees.  The sloths are hard to fine because they typically are curled up in a ball sleeping.

     

    Tico Surf Lessons -  Located on the beach, in front of The Pacific Point in central Jaco, Tico Surf Lessons is the best surf school in our opinion.  The instructors truly care and their passion for surfing shows!  All the instructors are professional and personable.  Kevin taught both our kids and their friends how to surf.  The owner cares about his reputation and Kevin is a great person in general.

     

    Aurora Yoga -  Conveniently located upstairs, in Jaco Walk, and offers a calm and peaceful setting for the rejuvenating practice of yoga.  Looking out over a lush tropical Costa Rican landscape, you can stretch and relax in this tranquil space. There are morning classes and one evening class to fit your schedule.  Both Jennifer (the owner) and Ginger offer classes for all levels. They have mats and blocks to use free of charge.

     

    Pura Pickelball -  Conveniently located in Jaco, the facility offers multiple pickelball courts for an enjoyable experience.

     

    CAFES/BREAKFAST/ACAI BOWLS/SMOOTHIES

     

    Cafe Bohio -  Popular with the locals, this family owned coffee roasting company is passionate for the art of coffee and the Costa Rican tropical culture.  The open air cafe is located in the heart of Jaco.  Take in a bit of the local culture as you sip your Costa Rican coffee and and/or a bite to eat.

     

    Gaia -  A must visit for fresh acai bowls and smoothies!  Gaia is located on the main street through Jaco and offers fresh quality ingredients and many acai bowl and smoothie combinations to choose from. The attention to detail and quality of fresh fruit is worth making a stop here.

     

    Mundaka -   Eat Good / Surf Better / Smile Forever.  Featuring acai bowls, smoothies, breakfast items, salads, sandwiches, wraps, crepes, waffles and more.  Popular breakfast/lunch spot on the main street of Jaco.  We enjoy the varied fresh juice combinations, along with an omelette or one of their uniquely crafted acai bowls, adorned with their signature small frozen acai heart on top.

     

    Oceano Coffee Bar -  More than a cafe…it’s a local art-inspired spot where you can work, study, or simply come for a drink and a meal, in an air-conditioned space.  Conveniently located on the street level of The Pacific Point, this high end cafe offers everything, from typical coffee drinks to cocktails, such as wine by the glass.  Food items include everything from omelettes to desserts.

     

    LUNCH/DINNER

     

    When considering recommendations for food and drinks, we took into consideration:  quality; atmosphere; reputation; dining experience; reviews; cleanliness; and cost.  These are the places where our family eats while we are in Jaco, and these are the places where we send our friends, when they are staying in the Jaco area.

     

    Graffiti Restro Cafe and Wine Bar - expensive for Jaco, but may be the best restaurant in Jaco.  A comfortable bistro style restaurant with a blackboard menu that changes daily with the local availability of the freshest products, fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats.

     

    Inferno - Wood Fired Pizzeria & Grill -  Offering a vast menu that includes authentic Neapolitan pizzas with fresh mozzarella, homemade sauces and a selection of 50 toppings.  You can also craft your own salad with a mix of hydroponic baby-leaf lettuce and a selection of fresh ingredients and premium proteins, served in a unique wood-fired rosemary bread salad bowl.  There is also a wide variety of drinks on their menu.

     

    Jaco Bar -  Enjoy craft beer, fine wine, good food and live music every day.  Opens at 11:00 AM and closes at 2:00 AM and is open 7 days a week.  Good late night food option.

     

    Koko Gastro Bar -  A great quality menu, featuring a variety of items; including, refreshing beverages, fresh seafood, organic produce, teriyaki bowls, premium ground beef hamburgers—all sourced from local farms. This popular beachside restaurant, sometimes offers local live music, and is a short walk from Pacific Point. We love the fresh ceviche and plantain appetizer!

     

    Locals Restaurant -  Located in the center of town, Locals has arguably the best burgers in town.

     

    Oz Sports Bar -  Popular sports bar in Jaco Beach. Exciting place to watch the game. Good food, cold drinks, and a great sports atmosphere.

     

    Sepalo -  Top rated on Tripadvisor...Sépalo Restaurante is a stylish dining spot that offers a fusion of international flavors with a Costa Rican touch. The restaurant boasts stunning decor, creating an inviting ambiance to savor healthy and delicious cuisine. Their menu features an array of delectable options such as poke bowls, stir fry, pizza, and smoothies made from fresh locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're craving seafood or quick bites, Sépalo has something for everyone.

     

    Tsunami Sushi -  Serving the best sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine in Jaco. The restaurant is known for having the freshest caught fish, straight from the Pacific Ocean.  Great air-conditioned atmosphere.

     

    Vida Hermosa Bar and Restaurant -  Situated in the scenic area of Playa Hermosa, Vida Hermosa translates to "beautiful life," which you'll experience at this Costa Rican beachside bar restaurant.  Great atmosphere and most outstanding spot to enjoy a cocktail and a sunset!   Our family spends the first and last sunset here, every trip.

     

    Jerah -  Thai food in a unique treetop setting.


    Sabress -  Kosher food.

         

    ICE CREAM/GELATO

     

    Rebelissimo Gelato -  Homemade Gelato with organic ingredients.

     

    SHOPPING


    Mas X Menos -  Most similar to a grocery store in the United States.

     

    Vindi -  High quality, smaller size grocery store.

     

    Dolores Shop -  Quality items from clothing, to jewelry, to stationary.  They have unique handbags and wallets made entirely in Costa Rica, adorned with the Pura Vida logo and Costa Rican flag.

     

    Tico Pod Art House & GiftS - Beautiful artwork and paintings from local artists, sometimes you can even catch one in the act, upstairs. 

     

    L'aroma -  specializing in authentic and verifiable Cuban cigar sales.

     

    Norma's -  quality Costa Rican cigars.

     

    REAL ESTATE

     

    Thinking of buying real estate in the Jaco area?  Use Shawn Fletcher of RE/MAX Costa Rica Real Estate and receive a $1000 credit at closing.  Shawn is the co-owner of RE/MAX Costa Rica. He is a top realtor in the area. He and his family have resided in Jaco since 2002. Contact us for questions and more information.  To receive the $1000 credit at closing, you must contact us first and we'll put you in contact with him.


     

     

     

     

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