Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Jaco?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Jaco?

A weekend is generally not enough time to experience the beach and other activities of Jaco. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy the most popular activities such as the nightlife scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, and the restaurant scene. To genuinely appreciate the touristy town, a longer visit is recommended so that you can have more time to relax at the beach. Many tourists opt for three to four days here, after all. After all, Jaco holds a significant allure for tourists because of its many sights and attractions. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Jaco?

Many travelers spend three to four days in Jaco during their visit. After all, the touristy town has plenty to explore such as the nightlife scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the beaches.

Jaco was once a small surfing town, but these days it's grown into a popular tourist destination. It's one of the biggest party towns in Costa Rica and it is popular with surfers and backpackers. Many people use the town as a base for exploring nearby national parks as well.

Do you have one or two days to visit Jaco? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Jaco?

Jaco enjoys immense popularity among tourists because of its many sights and attractions. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to grab some drinks at a bar, go scuba diving or snorkeling, relax at the beach, and dine out at amazing restaurants. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the touristy town has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have three to four days to enjoy the beach and other sights. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're here.

How to spend a day in Jaco

Don't miss Carara National Park during your trip to Jaco, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.

Jaco is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Jaco?

A weekend is generally not enough time to experience the beach and other activities of Jaco. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy the most popular activities such as the nightlife scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, and the restaurant scene. To genuinely appreciate the touristy town, a longer visit is recommended so that you can have more time to relax at the beach. Many tourists opt for three to four days here, after all. After all, Jaco holds a significant allure for tourists because of its many sights and attractions. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

Sunset on Jaco Beach, Costa Rica

How to spend 2 days in Jaco

With a weekend (two to three days) in Jaco, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

The surrounding waters are great for scuba diving and snorkeing, so spend some time in the water to see nature up close. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

A few tour suggestions include:

The Wonders of Cano Island Snorkeling Tour ($150)
Snorkeling at Caño Island ($150)
Snorkeling Tour at Caño Island ($170)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.