Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Jaco?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Jaco?
Many travelers spend three to four days in Jaco during their visit. After all, the laid back 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Jaco?
One week is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Jaco. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Jaco as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
How to spend a week 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Wonders of Cano Island Snorkeling Tour ($150)
- Snorkeling at Caño Island ($150)
- Snorkeling in Caño Island from uvita ($150)
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:
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco ($87)
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman ($85)
- Traveling Spoon Ceviche Private Online Cooking Class ($40)
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:
- Surf Lessons with Pro Team in Jacó ($50)
- Surf Lessons,Grow your skills into the Pacific Ocean ($60)
- Tortuga Island Private Full-Day Boat Tour ($203)
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.
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.
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.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Jaco. Plenty of amazing options are available.
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.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
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 2 weeks enough time in Jaco?
Two weeks provides ample opportunity in Jaco to enjoy the nightlife scene, scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, and the restaurant scene. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Backpackers enjoy the area for its activities, too.
Sunset on Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
How to spend 2 weeks in Jaco
With 2 weeks in Jaco, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hopping around the bars and clubs. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Adventure Shore Excursion Day Trip from Puntarenas and Caldera ($162)
More Info
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