Best Things to Do in Jaco
Aerial Nature Walk
Explore all three levels of a tropical rainforest, Experience the forest as never before on an aerial tram ride and a nature trail walk. So informative, beautiful and relaxing tram tour, gardens and butterfly enclosure!
Visit the Carara National Park
Carara National Park is a national park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area located near the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It was established on 27 April 1978 as a biological reserve, but its growing popularity after 1990 forced the government to upgrade its category to national park in November 1998.
Carara National Park is south of the Rio Tarcoles and 15 km north of Jaco Dentral. It boasts of a large population of breeding scarlet macaws, capuchin monkeys, anteaters, parrots, aracaris, kingfishers old growth forest and is a transistional forest supporting both Amazonian and Mesoamerican habitats.
Surfing
Surfing is a surface water sport in which an individual, a surfer, uses a board to ride on the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore.
Overall, Jaco is a long and sandy beach break. At low tides, it’s a bit too drained to surf– the surf is certainly better at high tide.
The surfing in Jaco is definitely a best experience, as Jaco is the largest beach town in Costa Rica that is near San Jose, the capital.
Waterfall Tours
Jaco is the best place to enjoy waterfalls Tap into you inner jungle explorer with this waterfall hiking tour in the mountains above Jaco. this is a great way to easily experience some stunning natural beauty.
ATV Tours
ATV tours are fun, exciting, and a great alternative to traditional outdoor recreation. Jaco is one of the best place for ATV tours, Experience the thrills of an all-terrain vehicle adventure combined with the beauty of the Costa Rican jungle
Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP)
Enjoy an ocean adventure on Jaco Beach, This new way of surfing on flat water is especially for those who love the ocean and want to try something different from the conventional way of surfing.
Stand Up Paddle is also a great way of exercising because it involves your entire core: your shoulders, arms, chest and back, while having fun exploring and observing the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural treasures.
You do not need previous experience on this adventure, or be at an advanced fitness level to try Stand Up Paddle. SUP gives you the opportunity to experience the sport even if it is your first time, no matter your age or experience.
Playa Blanca Beach
“Playa Blanca” means “white beach,” and indeed, travelers flock here to swim and sunbathe. Huge yachts bob up and down at the marina, where you’ll also find many shops and restaurants and a lively market.
Hiking to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
Costa Rica has plenty of stunning waterfalls but probably the most spectacular, in our eyes, are the Nauyaca located in the mountains of the southern zone. With two sets of falls measuring a combined 61 meters (200 feet) tall and a large natural pool for swimming, the Nauyaca waterfalls are indeed a sight to see.
Many people choose to arrive via horseback tour but if you’re up for a little hiking, the falls also can be accessed on foot. Either way, the starting point is the office of Don Lulo, the company that owns the property and offers the horseback tour.
To get to Don Lulo’s office, take Route 243 off the Costanera highway towards San Isidro del General. In about 10 kilometers (6 miles) just before the town of Platanillo, the small Don Lulo office will be on the right. If you’re hiking, you’ll need to stop here to buy your ticket to the falls ($8). To get to the trailhead, take the first road on the right after Don Lulo. The road turns to dirt here and is very steep in places so you’ll need four-wheel drive. The trailhead is about 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) from the main road and there is a parking area where the horseback tour starts.
Birdwatching
Proximity to the rainforest makes Jaco lush green, and the wildlife and avian population dramatically increase. Enthusiasts from all over the globe visit Jaco for birdwatching. There is a large population of Scarlet Macaws. These birds are amazingly beautiful with their red-yellow-blue combination.
If you’re a bird lover, pack up your equipment. There are upwards of 800 species of birds in Costa Rica. Even those who aren’t into bird watching will surely enjoy seeing birds they may never have seen before. There are so many unique sounds these birds make.
Ziplining
Fly from treetop to treetop in a lush jungle reserve. You glide downhill, and it feels like floating in the air above the forest. Truly a fantastic experience, even beginners can do this without fear.
