So you’re off to Jaco, what now? There’s so much to do but not enough time! Well, luckily for you, I’ve just been to Jaco and now I’m here to help, (*queue the fireman Sam music). Over here you’ll find my recommended three day itinerary. Of course, you may be in Jaco for longer or shorter than three days, so that’s why I’ll shortly be posting a list of five day trips for those based in Jaco which you can intentionally add on to this list based on preference.

For now though, let’s get you primed and ready for your Jaco excursion with this quick and easily done three day plan I’ve put together. For more info on each place check out my more to the point list of Five Things to do in Jaco

Day 1: 

• Get There: First you have to get here. From San Jose they’re frequent buses departing from Terminal 7-10. From Monteverde you can either take a shuttle or the public bus through Punta Arenas (should take 4-5 hours). From Santa Teresa take the ferry to Punta Arenas then the bus from there to Jaco. From Quepos/Manuel Antonio there’s a direct bus which shouldn’t take more than 90 minutes. 

• Settle in: Check in to your hotel/hostel and do whatever you need (not much I can write on that)
• To the Beach: What better way to start at a beach town than the beach? Take a walk down the fine brown sand, work on that tan, jump against some waves, or perhaps join a game of beach volleyball. If you’re feeling a bit more energised, consider taking a surf lesson or some horse riding on the beach.

• Sunset: Whatever you’re up to, make sure you get to Playa Jaco for the sunset, which is truly marvellous.
• Grab some grub: Head to Jaco walk shopping centre for a nice range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. This place is also very picturesque with its cute fountains and waterworks. Another good spot is Sabress, an Israeli restaurant just metres off the main street. Plus; It’s kosher!

• Experience the nightlife: Jaco is famous (or perhaps infamous) for its iconic nightlife. Want to party? They’re plenty of clubs to take you to the wee hours of the morning. Looking for something more chilled and laid back?  Jaco has plenty of relaxed low key bars to choose from, just don’t expect somewhere very quiet because even if the venue is laid back it’ll still most probably be right off of the main street. Love your beer? Consider some beer tasting at the Beer House, which has a huge selection of craft beers to choose from.

Day 2:

• Hike to El Miro: A short climb through the hillside forest will bring you to an abandoned mansion turned observation deck overlooking the entire Playa Jaco and Jaco town. I’ve written more details on this hike here.

• Spend the afternoon at Playa Hermosa: while Playa Jaco is one of those beaches with a ton of options on things to do, with many amenities available, this also brings the crowds. Escape the crowds at Playa Hermosa, an idyllic black sand beach just a ten minute drive from Jaco (five from El Miro). The sand here gets extremely hot so bring something to lay on if you want to sit on the beach. Though pleasantly empty, the beach has it’s fair share of bars/restaurants for the hungry soul. They’re not quite “beachside” though, you’ll have to walk up to the road parallel to the beach. The beach is also a great place to ride the waves for more experienced surfers.

• Back to town for the night: Same as yesterday, spend the night as you please. 

Day 3: 

• Wildlife-spotting at Carrara: In the morning, head up to Parque Nacional Carara for picture hunting in the jungle. The earlier you go the better so that you can get there before the crowds (the park opens at 8AM), and so that you have time for our next stop…

• Crocodile River Tour: next to Carrara, in the town of Tarcoles, is Jose’s Crocodile Tours. You will hop on a boat going down the river through Carrara, all the while on the lookout for crocs (no, these are not alligators), iguanas, exotic birds, sloths, anteaters, and an abundance of other awesome rainforest animals. Another tour company is Crocodile Man Tours in the town of Camoranal.

Nightlife, again: yk the drill…

So now you should have a good rough draft of a classic Jaco Itinerary. Chop and change it however you want because the best way to travel is however you want to travel. If this article was any help to your trip planning or you just enjoyed reading the article, consider subscribing to be in the know for more content, of which there’s plenty a’comin.

Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!