Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Jaco?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Jaco?
Jaco enjoys immense popularity among tourists because of its many sights and attractions. So with three days, 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 three days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're here.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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.
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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman ($85)
- 3-Hour Private Guided Experience of 7 Course Contemporary Indian Tasting Menu ($225)
The beautiful beaches await you in Jaco, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Tortuga Island Private Full-Day Boat Tour ($203)
- 3 Hour ATV + Waterfalls, Private Beach & Panoramic Ocean Views ($99)
- Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service ($70)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 4 days enough time in Jaco?
Four days is the perfect amount of time in Jaco, as many visitors like to spend around three to four days here. You'll be able to grab some drinks at a bar, go scuba diving or snorkeling, relax at the beach, and dine out at amazing restaurants. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
Sunset on Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
How to spend 4 days in Jaco
With 4 days in Jaco, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
Shopping in Jaco is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Jaco?
With five days you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Jaco has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Jaco as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the nightlife scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the beaches at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Jaco
If you have more than 5 days in Jaco, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
After you've explored most of Jaco, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Adventure Shore Excursion Day Trip from Puntarenas and Caldera ($162)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Jaco, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.