- From San José
- ~1.5 h
- To Manuel Antonio
- ~1 h 15
- Surf
- Year-round
- Crocodile bridge
- Free
Jacó at a glance
Jacó is the beach town closest to the capital, on the paved Ruta 27 and the Costanera. It is livelier and more developed than most Costa Rican beach towns, with a long strip of restaurants and bars. It is a convenient first or last stop, or a stop on the way to Manuel Antonio.
Things to do
- Surf: Playa Jacó suits beginners; Playa Hermosa just south has bigger, more powerful waves.
- Crocodile bridge: stop on the Tárcoles River bridge on Ruta 34 to see enormous crocodiles from above, or take a boat tour on the river.
- Carara National Park: easy trails with scarlet macaws, toucans and monkeys, 20 minutes north.
- Adventure: zip-lines, ATV tours and waterfall rappelling in the hills behind town.
Crocodile boat tours on the Tárcoles River take about 2 hours and also visit mangroves rich in birds.
Book a crocodile tour ↗Car safety: the Tárcoles bridge is a known spot for break-ins. Don't leave anything visible in the car, and keep someone with it.
Beachfront hotels, condos and the Los Sueños resort.
Hotels in Jacó ↗Plan your trip to Jacó
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jacó from San José?
About 100 km, roughly 1.5 hours by car on Ruta 27 (with tolls).
Is Jacó worth visiting?
Jacó is good for a quick beach break from San José, surf, nightlife and day trips to Carara. Travellers looking for quiet, natural beaches usually prefer the Nicoya Peninsula or the south Pacific.
Where can you see scarlet macaws near Jacó?
In Carara National Park, 20 minutes north of Jacó, and flying along the coast at dawn and dusk.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.