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COSTA RICA | Puntarenas, Costa Rica Travel Guide
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
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Jacó
Jacó
The town of Jacó (hah-CO) is a weekend hotspot for beach-going Ticos and sun-loving Canadians, who come by the charter plane full. It’s growing by leaps and bounds. Because of its proximity to San José, Jacó is one of the country’s most developed beach towns – but developed in Tico style, rather than resort style. The fun-loving, happy-go-lucky beach town is essentially both sides of a main street that parallels the playa. It spreads out in a valley along the horseshoe bay and features low-rise hotels, funky restaurants, surfboard shops, bars, a disco and an unimpressive gray beach. Occasional rough surf and strong currents limit safe swimming to calm days, so Jacó is also popular with surfers – and beach-goers who hang out in town. (If it’s rough surf, swimmers should head to the public pool behind Internet café, Il Girasol, next to the Mas por Menos supermarket.) Do not leave valuables on the beach if you’re swimming.
Jacó is not an eco-destination but, for a social scene, it’s hard to beat. And it’s a popular weekend retreat for students in San José Spanish-language schools, as we once were. The two-hour bus journey is offered frequently from the Coca-Cola. Once you’re in town, stop in Books & Stuff, across from the bakery, to load up on used paperbacks for your reading pleasure – or CDs for your personal stereo.
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa, a beach just to the south of Jacó, is a good alternative for travelers who like the Jacó area but don’t fancy the town of Jacó. It’s a long, surfer-favored coast that’s less-developed than Jacó – as are all the endless beaches that stretch south from here to Quepos.
Last updated October 29, 2010
Posted in Costa Rica | Puntarenas
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