I can’t believe we’ve reached the end of this series. And what better way to end it…Jaco Beach. I am originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I don’t know if maybe you’ve heard of that place, or have even visited. It is known for its tackiness and ultra-extreme level of commercialization (see my Colossal Crab post). And Jaco is often referred to (at least by those in the “know”) as the Myrtle Beach of Costa Rica, albeit with a more tropical tacky flare.
But the fact is that Jaco is loaded with cool things to do. For many who come to Costa Rica in search of the perfect party, outside of gringo gulch in San Jose, Jaco is their only experience of the country. That’s sad. But, hey, they’re having the time of their lives, so who am I to judge? I myself have my share of sordid Jaco party stories.
So, enjoy the last of my 10 cool lists with 10 cool things to do in Jaco…
Cool Thing #1: Take the Aerial Tram tour
This is a great way to see the rain-forest canopy up close and personal, without getting your shoes dirty. The guides are very informative as well. The company that operates this tour (Rain Forest Adventures), also has one in Braulio Carrillo National Park. They are top notch and have been entertaining and teaching tourists about the marvels of the rain forest for many years. This is a great and educational option for the kids. Don’t freak, the adult stuff appears below.
Rain Forest Adventures Pacific Aerial Tram
Cool Thing #2: Watch a sunset at Villa Caletas
Perched high on a cliff with immaculate views and appointments, this place is one of the most unique boutique hotels the country has to offer. Romance at the extreme end. One thing super cool is the Greek-style mini-amphitheater complete with doric (or is it ionic?) columns. This is where the crowd gathers on each clear evening to imbibe while taking in a glorious sunset.
Cool Thing #3: Go hiking in Carara National Park
Just beyond the famed Tarcoles Bridge, or the “crocodile bridge” as it is often referred, is the Carara National Park. Carara is most noted for the enormous crocodiles that inhabit the Tarcoles River (one of the dirtiest in Central America). Despite the pollution that exists in that river (which is formed as two large rivers that run through the heart of San Jose converge), the park is teaming with flora and fauna. Most notable are the Scarlet Macaws that have made a remarkable come back after nearly disappearing from the park a decade ago.
Cool Thing #4: Surfing at Playa Hermosa
One word comes to mind when I think of the waves at Hermosa Beach (the one that is right next door to Jaco)….powerful. Well, also fast. Hermosa is home to one of the best and most consistent waves in Costa Rica and the place is a surfing mecca. But be careful, on a large day those waves can easily snap your board (as well as your spine) in two.
Cool Thing #5: Eat a fish taco by the beach at Bohio Grill
This is a tradition for me every time I pass through Jaco. Now that I have gotten older (and calmer) Jaco really is not my kind of town. So I generally just pass through. But one place I do stop is Bohio, a little bar/restaurant right on the beach. Why? Because I love to take in the sites while drinking a cold Imperial and munching on their delicious and healthy fish tacos.
Cool Thing #6: Experience the crocodile man tour
This is cool if you like to see a man feeding a real live monster. Something to do and there’s nothing cooler than a croc…at least at a safe distance. Well, for these guys, “safe distance” means quite a different thing than for you or me. And these aren’t zoo crocs…these are live in the jungle and eat your ass crocs!
Cool Thing #7: Hike to a waterfall
Okay, so you came to Costa Rica to party and the only real “wildlife” you want to see is what hangs out at the Monkey Bar after midnight. But don’t you at least want to get in one good waterfall, at least to have something wholesome to tell the wife and kids about? Well, this is it. The Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls are just outside of Jaco and offer an easy hike to a beautiful set of falls.
Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls
Cool Thing #8: Fishing from Los Sueños Marina
For years Costa Rica only had one marina…the one at Los Sueños. Well, that has changed now, but this one still stands as probably the nicest and highest class marina in the country. And like many areas of Costa Rica, the fishing off the coast is spectacular.
Cool Thing #9: Golf at Los Sueños Resort
Los Sueños is also home to one of the country’s finest 18-hole championship courses. You see this is why Jaco is the place for the middle aged guy needing to re-sow some oats…great fishing and golf and party, party, party (then repeat cycle)…can it get any better? I know of many who would adamantly declare, HELL NO!
La Iguana Golf Course at Los Sueños
Cool Thing #10: Just party all night…hey, you’re in Jaco!
Okay I told you we would get to the adult stuff. Jaco is definitely known for its party atmosphere. From Wednesday to Sunday, the place never sleeps. The party will move from one bar to another as the night progresses, so you kinda need to know the ropes. Actually, Jaco has made an effort in the past few years to change its image to a “family beach” (hey, wouldn’t you know it, Myrtle Beach has tried to do the same). But, don’t worry, there is still plenty of party in Jaco.
Ah, it makes me sad to see this 10 cool things to do in Costa Rica series come to an end. I hope you have enjoyed it. And it was great to end the series on a “high” note with 10 cool things to do in Jaco.
Remember, if you want to experience these cool things to do in Jaco, or any other place featured in this series, we have the custom Costa Rica vacation package for you.
Post by CRG
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