Perched on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Jaco is the perfect destination for those who love being outdoors. It’s a laid-back and picturesque place, full of energy – a place where you can surf in the morning, hike to a rainforest waterfall by noon, and socialize in a buzzing beach bar in the evening. Travelers come here for the natural beauty, but they stay for the easy rhythm of life that defines the town.
This guide will help you plan your trip wisely. Whether you’re after the revitalizing effects of nature, some exotic adventures, or a little of both, Jaco offers more than you’d expect. While you are with us, please be sure to explore our Jaco Waterfall and Canyoning Tours.
Jaco strikes a rare balance: it’s developed enough to offer comfort and variety, yet close enough to wild terrain that you can be standing in a jungle river within half an hour. That makes it one of the best bases in Costa Rica for day trips, especially if you’re short on time but big on your sense of adventure!
The main beach, Playa Jaco, is long and flat, with beginner-friendly waves that roll in rhythmically from the Pacific. Just behind the town rises a tangle of green hills and hidden ravines – home to waterfalls, natural pools, and wildlife. It’s this proximity to nature, not just the beach, that gives Jaco its edge. Our Explorer Tour from Jaco is the ideal way to explore the natural beauty surrounding the town.
Costa Rica has two main seasons: dry and green. In Jaco, the dry season lasts from December to April, providing ideal conditions for those seeking uninterrupted sunshine. From May to November, the landscape becomes a deeper green as rain showers return, primarily in the afternoons, causing rivers and waterfalls to swell. This period tends to be quieter, with fewer tourists and lower rates.
The ocean remains warm throughout the year, as do the jungle trails. Waterfall tours are available in every season, but the rainforest is at its most lush between June and October. Take a look at our Jaco Adventure Tours for a taste of how you could spend your time in Jaco.
Jaco is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible surf towns, and you don’t need much experience to get started. There are instructors all over town, and plenty of forgiving beach breaks. South of town, Playa Hermosa offers bigger, more consistent waves and an untamed vibe. Even if you don’t surf, it’s a dramatic spot to sit and watch the pros carve lines through the water.
Our final recommendation is to make a visit to a nearby island. Tortuga Island is a favorite for those craving blue water and white sand. It’s a full-day tour that includes a scenic boat ride, snorkeling, beach time, and a freshly cooked lunch. Interested in a taste of paradise? Book our Tortuga Island Tour.
Step away from the sand and you’ll find another kind of adventure: hidden waterfalls surrounded by dense jungle. Just a short drive from town, these spots feel worlds away. Our Explorer Tour offers a relaxed introduction with natural pools, short hikes, and plenty of time to swim. For something more thrilling, try a Jaco Canyoning Tour, a controlled descent down the face of a waterfall, harnessed in and guided by local experts. It’s easier than it looks and truly unforgettable.
If you’re up for mud and speed, take a Jaco ATV Tour into the rainforest. The trails wind past rivers, viewpoints, and remote villages, offering a side of the region you wouldn’t see otherwise. Prefer to get above it all? Zipline Tours in Jaco launch you high over the canopy, offering expansive views and a rush of air as you glide between platforms.
Both are easy to arrange and make good use of a half-day. We offer guided options for each.
The Jaco area teems with life, featuring howler monkeys in the trees, crocodiles in the rivers, and scarlet macaws overhead. A guided boat tour through the mangrove forests offers a front-row seat (check out our Monkey Mangrove Tour from Jaco). You will glide through quiet water while monkeys leap between branches just feet away.
Alternatively, you can head to Carara National Park, a transitional forest renowned for its diversity. The walking trails are easy to follow and abundant with birdlife, especially in the early morning.
Or, for something truly spectacular, consider our Crocodile Safari in Costa Rica.
Jaco is around 90 minutes from San José International Airport (SJO). That’s one of the reasons it draws both first-time travelers and repeat visitors; it’s easy to get to, even if you’re only in Costa Rica for a few days.
You can rent a car, but you don’t have to. Private transfers, group shuttles, and taxis are readily available, and most tours (ours included) offer hotel pickup in Jaco, Herradura, Los Sueños, and Hermosa. Within town, you can walk just about everywhere. For trips farther out, we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pack light, and pack for the outdoors. You’ll want breathable clothing, a swimsuit or two, and something quick-drying if you’re headed into the rainforest. Water shoes or sandals with grip make it easier to explore wet rocks and riverbeds. A hat and reef-safe sunscreen will serve you well on the beach, and insect repellent is useful for jungle excursions. If you’re joining a canyoning or rappelling tour, we’ll provide all the technical gear – just bring your sense of adventure.
Jaco may look like a beach town at first glance, but it’s really a launchpad. Within a short radius, you can dive into the rainforest, rappel down waterfalls, explore hidden rivers, or simply float through mangroves surrounded by monkeys and birds. Whether you’re planning a relaxed escape or a packed itinerary, Jaco gives you room to roam.
Ready to see the wilder side of Costa Rica? Browse our Most Popular Jaco Tours and let us help you build a trip you’ll never forget.