Jaco is where to enjoy a vacation in Costa Rica without a rental car

Jaco Beach is one of the few resorts in Costa Rica where visitors can enjoy a full vacation without a rental car; a wide variety of shops, restaurants and town services along with hotels and rental accommodation, including a large number of condo apartments and a small number of private villas, are concentrated within a few blocks bordering the 2.5-mile long Playa Jaco.

A wide range of Costa Rica attractions in and around Jaco Beach

Jaco was originally discovered by surfers from around the world. Helped by its proximity to San Jose airport the town eventually developed into the cosmopolitan destination it is today. While Jaco surf is still the main attraction, the area now has a lot more to offer: fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, ATV rides, canopy zipline, river rafting, wildlife tours in nearby national parks, golf in nearby Los Suenos Resort, international cuisine and nightlife. Activities unique to this area include crocodile viewing and a visit to the butterfly farm.

Costa Rica vacation rentals and hotels in Jaco

Mainly attracted by the pleasant Costa Rica weather many North Americans who want to retire in Costa Rica have purchased homes and condos on Jaco Beach which now make up the bulk of Jaco rentals, supplementing Jaco hotels and hostels in lodging options. The most sought after Jaco accommodation are the condos and villas right on the beach front.

Costa Rica beaches and towns north and south of Playa Jaco

The new (2010) highway linking San Jose Costa Rica to the mid Pacific coast offers a smooth ride to Jaco in less than 2 hours. If driving in Costa Rica is not a challenge, we recommend renting a car for a couple of days to enjoy beaches like Playa Hermosa, Playa Esterillos, Palo Seco and Manuel Antonio to the south, and to the north, Los Suenos Resort on Playa Herradura, Playa Blanca in Punta Leona, and Puntarenas (the province’s namesake), a beach resort for Costa Rica’s wealthy in a bygone ea.