Jacó, Costa Rica


Jacó is a district and resort city on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in Central America. Located in the canton of Garabito in the Puntarenas Province, the city has a population of approximately 10,000 residents. Jacó has a black sand beach that is long and offers some of the best surfing in Costa Rica.

Climate

As Jacó lies on the seashore, climate is normally humid, with relative humidity around 80%, reaching 90% in June. Temperature is during the day and at night. During the dry season, away from the water, the temperature may consistently reach or above.
Jacó lies in a tropical climate zone mainly defined by distinct dry and wet seasons. Generally speaking, August through early December are wet, and late December through early April are dry; the remaining months have irregular rainy spells.

Geography

Jacó lies between several mountains, and is neighbored by the beaches of Herradura Bay to the North, and Playa Hermosa to the South. About 35 kilometers north of Jacó, lies the Carara National Park, recognized for its exuberant wildlife and dense rain forest. Carara is home to one of the largest remaining populations of wild scarlet macaws in the country. The ecotourism park Rainforest Adventures, NatGeo´s top ten of adventure trips, is just 5 minutes from the beach and it features an aerial tram through the transitional forest. The Manuel Antonio National Park is located 75 kilometres south of Jacó.
Jacó lies about 100 kilometers from the capital San José and an hour and a half from Costa Rica's primary international airport, Juan Santamaría International, accessed via Route 27 and Route 34.

Surfing

The beach in Jacó is perfect for beginner surfers, with surfing schools and various shops that sell and rent equipment for surfing. Experienced surfers also visit Jacó because it is only a short drive to beaches for more professional surfers, such as Hermosa Beach, which is just five minutes away, with pipes and beach break for experienced surfers only.

Things to do

Jacó is not only known for its beaches and nightlife, this place is also a gateway to some of the best national parks of Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park is only about an hour to the south. There are several excursions available in Jacó, such as ATV and horseback riding tours, snorkeling cruise to Tortuga Island, hiking, and ziplining.