Description
We want you to get the most out of your trip to Costa Rica and your visit to the Jaco area. Here is a list of our recommendations that includes travel tips, things to do, and restaurants that will give you the best opportunities you to get the most out of your trip;
TOP THINGS TO DO
Tortuga Island - Popular day cruise out of Los Suenos Marina. Book through this website to avoid bank or hidden fees.
Manuel Antonio National Park - About 90 minutes South of Jaco. Book through this website for a professional guided tour.
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. 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.
Notably, the park has attained elite certification in sustainable tourism, reflecting its commitment to preserving Costa Rica’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while providing top-notch adventure experiences. With a dedication to both thrill-seeking and environmental stewardship, Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park remains a must-visit destination for those seeking excitement and eco-conscious exploration in Costa Rica.
Hike to El Miro - An abandoned mansion with colorful graffiti on a steep hillside offering awesome views.
Walk Jaco Beach to the far North end hillside- A secret to tourists...experience Manual Antonio wildlife without the expenses of time and money. I have personally seen monkeys and sloths in the trees while hiking trails here. Be super careful crossing the rivers and streams if you're walking along the beach. The tides and weather can make it very dangerous crossing them. DO NOT try to cross if water is flowing.
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 our kids and their friends how to surf. The owner cares about his reputation and Kevin is a great person in general. He is training to be a local EMT and firefighter.
Aurora Yoga is 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 a couple 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 new facility offers multiple pickelball courts for an enjoyable and memorable 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 loves to eat while we are in Jaco, and these are the places where we send our friends, when they are staying in the Jaco area for under a week.
Inferno - Wood Fired Pizzeria & Grill - Offering a vast menu that includes authentic Neapolitan pizza crafted to perfection 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. This restaurant is very warm and inviting, and is within walking distance to Pacific Point.
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!
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 Costa Rica. The restaurant is known internationally for having the freshest caught fish, straight from the Pacific Ocean. Great air-conditioned atmosphere.
Vida Hermosa - 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.
ICE CREAM/GELATO
Rebelissimo Gelato - Homemade Gelato with organic ingredients. Cute atmosphere and within walking distance to Pacific Point.
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. Great place to support the locals here.
L'aroma - specializing in authentic and verifiable Cuban cigar sales.
Norma's - quality Costa Rican cigars.
L'aroma
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.
