Jaco is a touristy town known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Jaco?
You should plan to spend around $119 (₡60,405) per day on your vacation in Jaco. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (₡18,453) on meals
- $135 (₡68,312) on hotels
A one week trip to Jaco for two people costs, on average, $1,665 (₡845,670). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$833
₡422,835
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,665
₡845,670
-
One Month
Per person
$3,568
₡1,812,150
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,665
₡845,670
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,330
₡1,691,340
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,136
₡3,624,300
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Jaco cost?
A one week trip to Jaco usually costs around $833 (₡422,835) for one person and $1,665 (₡845,670) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Jaco on average costs around $1,665 (₡845,670) for one person and $3,330 (₡1,691,340) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Jaco will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Jaco on average costs around $3,568 (₡1,812,150) for one person and $7,136 (₡3,624,300) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Jaco expensive to visit?
Jaco is a great town that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Jaco can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot.
On average, budget travelers spend $48 (₡24,277) per day, mid-range travelers spend $121 (₡60,405) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $295 (₡147,821) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Jaco.
Within Central America, Jaco is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Central America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Jaco is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Jaco Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Jaco?
The average Jaco trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Jaco travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Jaco cost?
Jaco on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(₡13,771)
|
$67
(₡34,156)
|
$162
(₡82,340)
|
Food 2
|
$15
(₡7,415)
|
$36
(₡18,453)
|
$88
(₡44,842)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$23
(₡11,725)
|
$60
(₡30,486)
|
$161
(₡81,745)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$7-21
(₡3,599-10,797)
|
$16-48
(₡8,091-24,273)
|
$29-86
(₡14,599-43,797)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Jaco, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $48 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Jaco has plenty of hostels, including Room2Board Hostel and Surf School, Hostel De Haan, and Socialtel Jaco. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Jaco often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $121 per person, per day.
In Jaco, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Los Ranchos is a fantastic option for families, and Oceano Boutique Hotel & Gallery is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Jaco here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $295. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the town, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 3 Hour ATV + Waterfalls, Private Beach & Panoramic Ocean Views - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Jaco
Hotel prices in Jaco can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak winter or spring season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $177 up to around $330. From $90 for budget options to $674 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Jaco for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $135 (₡68,312). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $67 (₡34,156) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Jaco? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Jaco include:
- Hotel Club del Mar Oceanfront starting at $202
- Oceano Boutique Hotel & Gallery starting at $107
- Club del Sol by Dream Makers starting at $243
- Vista Guapa Eco Surf Camp starting at $203
- Monte Carlo Luxury Condominiums starting at $239
By avoiding the peak winter or spring season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Walking is a common way to explore Jaco, so look for a place right in the heart of the action. This might, however, come at a higher price.
Food Budget in Jaco
The food in Jaco is enjoyable, but not enough to draw tourists specifically for the restaurants. Be sure to seek out a few standout restaurants in the town. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Jaco can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Jaco is $36 (₡18,453) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
₡18,453
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Jaco is around $37 (₡18453) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $90. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Jaco are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $6 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
There are many great restaurants in Jaco. You'll find anything from international food to traditional Costa Rican options or seafood. Sandwiches can make a cheap and filling lunch. You'll even find sushi here, which is a favorite among tourists. Bars are abundant as well. You can expect beers to cost about $2, and you'll find no shortage of places to grab a refreshing drink and chat with fellow travelers. Partying is a major part of the Jaco experience so bars are often lively and fun.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you want to experience the culture in Jaco, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco for $87 details
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner for $195 details
- Traveling Spoon Ceviche Private Online Cooking Class for $40 details
Food and meal prices in Jaco, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
-
Hermosa BeachLlunch
₡2,000
-
Tsunami Sushi Dinner
₡8,967
-
Taco Bar Dinner
₡4,570
-
Pizza & Smoothie Lunch
₡3,200
-
Ice Cream
₡3,000
-
Breakfast Taco Bar
₡1,695
-
Fruit Plate
₡1,500
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Jaco
It's clear why Jaco attracts visitors, considering its nightlife, budget-friendly accommodations, food, and scuba diving & snorkeling.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Jaco typically cost an average of $60 (₡30,486) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$60
₡30,486
You can easily see everything that Jaco has to offer in one day, but most people choose to spend at least several days here exploring, relaxing, swimming or partying. There are no shortage of fellow travelers in the area and you will have no trouble keeping yourself entertained. It's also possible to book tours to the surrounding areas where you can find more private beaches. Even better, if you have your own car, driving along the coastline is a wonderful way to enjoy the area. The beaches outside of Jaco are quite beautiful, and in the more remote areas you'll have much more privacy. You can reach Manuel Antonio National Park in about an hour's drive.
There is no shortage of activities that you can enjoy in Jaco. Surfing is probably the most popular activity. It's not expensive to rent a board for the day and this is an excellent place to learn to surf. The waves are good during high tides. There are also many different surfing camps and schools that you can choose from in the area, but make sure you choose one that is reputable and certified. If you want to rent a surf board, there are plenty of shops along Jaco's main street.
Zip line tours are also available in the area. You can see waterfalls, birds, and wildlife as you fly through the canopy. Jaco Beach Zip Line Canopy Tour is the main company in the area.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Jaco. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Night tour guided experience Uvita for $85 details
- Guided Walking Street Art & Graffiti Tour in Jaco Costa Rica for $27 details
- Full Day Vista Los Suenos Mega Tri-Combo Adventure Tour for $179 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Jaco, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
-
Dance Class
₡4,982
-
Surf Lesson
₡24,909
-
Bike Rental
₡4,982
-
Tortuga Island Tour
₡49,556
-
Massage
₡22,486
Nightlife Budget in Jaco
The nightlife in Jaco is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $32 (₡16,182) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Jaco per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$32
₡16,182
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Jaco, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
-
Wine
₡7,433
-
Night at the Bar
₡13,600
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 22, 2024
Traveling in Jaco
Sunset on Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.
Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.
Neighborhoods & Around
Jaco is a small town with about two and a half miles of beach. The town's main strip runs parallel to the water and is lined with many small shops and stands. There is also a small mall, El Galeone, that is on the main street.
Jaco is located between several mountains and has beaches to the north and south. Herradura Bay is to the north and Playa Hermosa is to the south. Carara National Park is about 35 kilometers to the south. This is where you'll find one of the largest populations of wild scarlet macaws in the country.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
I found a great long-term place to stay that really saved my budget, even though I was here for just a couple of weeks. Surfing here is great, and free once you get a board. I found plenty of delicious restaurants around that were really cheap.