Costa Rica · 2026 itinerary
Jacó 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Jacó: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Coastal walkway with benches, shade trees, and views of the beach. Great for an evening stroll or jog.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Come at sunset for free entertainment: locals playing soccer on the sand or the occasional howler monkey in the trees.
Hotels near Paseo de los Turistas →Main beach stretching along the town, good for swimming, sunbathing, and beginner surfing. Palm-lined but can be busy.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Go early (before 8am) for calmer water and fewer crowds. Surfboard rentals from $10/hour at nearby shops.
Hotels near Playa Jacó →Club del Mar · ££
Zorros · ££
Deeper Into Jacó
Less developed beach 5km south of Jacó. Dark sand, strong waves, and fewer people. Popular with surfers.
🕐 Always open
💡 No shade—bring a hat and plenty of water. Bus from centre costs about 500 colones ($1) each way.
Bridge over the Tárcoles River where dozens of crocodiles bask on the banks. Easy to see from above.
🕐 Always open
💡 Stop by the roadside at any time—sunrise or late afternoon gives best lighting for photos. No entry fee, but pay attention to traffic.
La Bruja
Cafe Jungle Surf
Final Favourites & Departure
A 15-metre waterfall in the forest near the Montezuma village. Swimming hole at the base is popular.
💡 Parking costs 1000 colones ($2) from a local, but the trail entrance is free. Go during dry season (Dec–Apr) for clearer water.
Café Costa Rica
Gelato Lounge
Getting Around Jacó
The 'ruta' bus is cheap but slow — fine for Playa Hermosa. For short trips, walk or use a bike rental ($10/day). The bus stops right outside the hotel on the coastal road.
Book with a local operator like Interbus or RideCR (about $120) for fixed rates. Don't take unmarked taxis at the airport — use official orange taxis or a pre-arranged driver.
From SJO airport take a taxi (not Uber, they're banned) to the San José terminal. Buses leave hourly, cost about $2.50. It's scenic but bumpy — bring earplugs. The stop is a 5-min walk from the hotel.
Fares are fixed by zone — $3 to beach, $5 to Herradura. Use 'taxi pirata' (unlicensed) only if the driver's a known local. Ask at hotel for recommended drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Jacó?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Paseo de los Turistas and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Jacó?
See our full best time to visit Jacó guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Doce Lunas, Cadillac Rock, Hotel Las Brisas Resort. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.