Hola 👋
Welcome to our guide to Jaco Beach and Playa Hermosa. Jaco is a high-energy beach town on the Central Pacific Coast. Due to its abundant nightlife, it has a reputation as a place for younger travelers, but it still has activities for everyone. If you want to experience Jaco with less of the hustle, you can stay in Playa Hermosa, which is 5 minutes down the road, and venture into town for the day.
Jaco is one of the places we’ve passed through and visited but not documented very well. Most trips were made before we started this blog, and we always preferred the laid-back vibes of Playa Hermosa right down the way. We’ll update this with new photos of Jaco when we’re back there this September.
Below are many of the area’s popular restaurants, activities, and lodging. You’ll also find a guide map that visually displays the town and points of interest. Drop us a comment below with any questions you have, and we look forward to hearing about your adventure. Enjoy this guide to Jaco and Playa Hermosa.
Our sleepy Playa Hermosa
Getting There
From San Jose Airport
Jaco Beach is usually around 1.5-2 hours from San Jose. There is one direct route that consists of highways 27 to 34. Just like most of Costa Rica, it’s an easy enough drive during the day but can be difficult at night or in severe weather. It’s best to stay overnight in San Jose at one of the nearly airport hotels if you’re getting in late. Wake up fresh and start the drive with a clear head.
The most popular midway point to break up the drive is the Crocodile Bridge over the Tarcoles River. There are a few Sodas (local Costa Rican restaurants) with markets, and you can stretch your legs by taking a short walk over the bridge to look at the crocodiles below. It’s actually really cool to see the crocodiles, and you can book a tour later if you want to see them even closer.
This route does have tolls, so make sure you have some colones ready. We always try to order some small bills from our bank before we get there. You can always use the airport ATM in San Jose (SJO). Just make sure your credit/debit card doesn’t have excess fees for using an international ATM. Also, be sure to select Colones if you use the ATM because it can also disburse USD. I’ve made that mistake before and the machine gave me $200 in USD 20’s which are useless at the tolls.
View the route from San Jose here.
From Everywhere Else
Flying into Liberia (LIR) only makes sense if you’re going to visit other areas on the way to Jaco, like La Fortuna or Monteverde. We’ve been told by nearly all rental car employees that Waze is the best navigation app for driving in Costa Rica. We’ve had a nearly flawless experience with Waze, but Google Maps has always worked well for an easy route like this. Apple Maps doesn’t navigate in Costa Rica, so be prepared if that’s your usual go-to nav app.
An easy drive from SJO
Picking up the war wagon
Transportation
Rental Cars
If this section sounds a bit repetitive from other city guides you've read... it is. We've synchronized the rental car section in our destination posts to provide you with the most up-to-date changes when we have something to add here, and the info applies to any place you'll be visiting.
Rental cars are honestly the best way to get around Costa Rica, and Adobe Rent A Car is now our recommended company. Their fleet of cars is refreshed every two years, keeping them in good condition. Plus, they have 13 offices in most of the major towns in case you need help with the vehicle.
We used to roll with Economy Rent A Car and have always had a good experience with them. Unfortunately, we've received too many complaints and can no longer recommend their general booking site. We have a contact at Economy who still sets up many of our rentals. Shoot us a message through Facebook or Instagram if you want his contact.
Confusing insurance requirements are the most frequent complaint about rental cars in Costa Rica, so we really like how Adobe displays their additional insurance options at checkout. It’s pretty hard to be surprised when you get there.
Rental car insurance in Costa Rica is complicated and often leaves you feeling burned at the rental counter. There are various levels of undisclosed insurance. Check out our full guide to renting a car in Costa Rica here to avoid some major frustration later. Also be sure to use our booking link here to receive an exclusive discount at Adobe Rent A Car.
Drivers
Private Driver – There are a ton of private drivers in the area. We’ve never used one here, but a quick search on a Costa Rica Facebook Group will get you many options.
Taxi – Taxis are fairly easy to get in Jaco. If you don’t have a rental car, it’s best to arrange return transportation before you go out to the surrounding areas.
Shuttle – A shuttle could be an option for larger groups with a lot of luggage. We’ve used ILT Costa Rica for all of our shuttle needs when traveling with large groups. The drivers are prompt and professional.
The no-frills “Backyard Hotel”
Lodging
Jaco Beach is home to many hotels and vacation rentals ranging from surf hostels to 4-Star Hotels, and everything in between. Personally, we prefer to stay in Playa Hermosa for the beautiful open black sand beach and more laid back vibes. Then it’s an easy 5-minute drive back into Jaco for some fun. We’ve stayed in a few of these places over the years, and have listed a few of the higher-rated options here in both Jaco and Playa Hermosa, according to TripAdvisor.
Hotels
- Hotel Jaco – Informal all-suite hotel offering a spa, an outdoor pool & a restaurant, plus direct beach access.
- Hotel Perico Azul – A small budget aptartment-hotel on the south end of Jaco Beach, with its boutique-like looks and private location close to the mountains.
- DoceLunas Hotel – A nice Four Star hotel with five acres of tropical gardens at the base of a cool jungle covered mountain.
- View a full list of Jaco Beach hotels.
Vacation Rentals
- Tropical House with Private Pool – A centrally located private home that’s close to everything.
- Beachfront Home in South Jaco – A great choice for families or small groups looking for a beach getaway.
- Playa Hermosa Oceanfront Home – A beautiful beachfront home that looks out to Playa Hermosa. Wake up and jump in the ocean!
- Check out a full list of Jaco Beach vacation rentals.
Playa Hermosa
- The Backyard Hotel – The Backyard Hotel is located in Playa Hermosa, just 4 kms south of Jaco Beach. This tropical paradise boasts one of the country’s most well-known surfing and sunbathing beaches.
- Marea Brava – A small boutique hotel with rooms, suites, and villa-type condominiums nestled next to a spectacular back sand surfing beach.
- Vacation Rental
- View a full list of Playa Hermosa Hotels
Activities
Jaco has a good mix of activities to entertain any type of group. Below are some traveler favorites.
Surf Lessons at Jaco Beach – Rent a board or take a lesson from one of the surf shops in Jaco. Rain or shine, their friendly instructors will have you standing up in no time.
ATV Waterfall Tour – Explore the jungle on ATVs.
The Full Day Ultimate Adventure Tour – This may be the best all-around tour if you’re staying in Jaco. You can zipline, ATV, and explore waterfalls… all in one day.
Jungle Crocodile Safari – You may have already stopped to look at the crocodiles when passing over the Tarcoles River, but this tour will get you up close and personal with them.
Zip Lining – Cruise on zip lines over the jungle canopy. Keep an eye out for the monkeys!
El Miro – An hour’s hike up to the abandoned ruins of an old hotel. You’ll pass by artistic graffiti, animal life, and a nice view at the top. It’s a great free activity in Jaco.
Searching for empty waves near Jaco
Restaurants
Sodas – Local Costa Rican restaurants are called “Sodas.” There are tons around here, and they offer cheap local meals that shouldn’t be missed if you want to try the local flavors of Costa Rica.
Public House Jaco Grill – A high energy pub in the middle of town. Enjoy a brew and a burger after a day in the surf.
Karma Cafe and Restaurant – One of the highest rated restaurants in Jaco. It’s a vegan spot and people mention the ginger margaritas and fresh flavors.
Sea Salt – A beachside restaurant with ocean views. It’s located next to Hotel Jaco if you’re walking from the main beach.
La Artesanal – Our go-to little coffee and breakfast cafe.
Jet Fuel Coffee Shop – Another great coffee shop with simple food offerings.
The Beer House – A hidden taproom in Jaco Beach with elevated pub food. Are you a hop head? Check out our guide to Costa Rican Craft Beer.
Restaurante Vista Hermosa – A fun beach restaurant in Playa Hermosa. We usually find ourselves here at least once when visiting the area.
Our favorite little breakfast spot in Jaco
Markets
Mega Súper Jacó
A large chain market in the middle of town that’s great for bigger shops.
Palí
Another large chain market in the middle of town that’s great for bigger shops.
Medical
Hopefully, you won’t need any of these, but we’ve listed them here just in case. Depending on the type of trip you’re booking, travel insurance could be a helpful peace of mind. We’ve used Safety Wing Travel Insurance. It’s affordable and covers most activities you’ll encounter on your trip to Costa Rica. Check their coverage here and see if it’s right for your trip. If you’ll pay an extra $50 to pick your seat on the plane, why not $25 to cover your butt for the whole trip if anything happens.
Hospital
Clínica De Jacó – A small 24-hour urgent care. It’s okay for minor injuries, but anything significant may require transportation to a larger hospital in San Jose.
Rush Urgent Care – Another small urgent care facility in central Jaco.
Dental
Premier Dental Care Center – Located near the heart of town. There are a few dental offices, but this one has 300+ 5-star reviews.
Pharmacy
Farmacia Sophia – A highly-rated pharmacy with the essentials.
Don’t Forget
You can buy almost anything you need in the area, but the prices of some items may surprise you. Sunscreen can cost upwards of $20 USD for a normal size tube at the local market. Some of our don’t forget items are listed below.
Sunscreen – Reapply all day when you’re outside. The sun is no joke here!
Bug Spray – Bugs are minimal in the day but mosquitoes often come out in the evening.
Quick-dry towel – These quick-dry towels are also sand free.
Waterproof hat – I like this floating hat, but anythig works.
Polarized sunglasses – They don’t have to break the bank. Check out these polarized sunglasses by Blenders.
Waterproof phone case – Great if you’re going to be on the ocean.
Let’s Go
Jaco Beach is one of those places that you’ll love or hate. It’s a great spot to pick up a board and try surfing, but it’s a bit far from the national parks you may be looking for like Manuel Antonio or Marino Ballena. We’ll be updating this guide to Jaco in September but feel free to drop us a comment if you have any questions before then.
