Major city · Costa Rica
Jacó
Go for 2–3 nights if you want beginner surf and a party strip; skip if you want quiet beaches or wildlife — Manuel Antonio is 1 h south.
Jacó is Costa Rica's closest surf town to San José: a 4 km black-sand beach, warm water, beach breaks that suit beginners, and a strip of bars that runs late. It is a party-and-surf base, not a nature base. Two or three nights covers lessons, the beach and a day trip; more only if you are surfing daily.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CRC
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry season); May–Nov is greener and cheaper with afternoon rain
- avoid Sep–Oct (wettest); Easter week and New Year (prices and crowds peak)
- Airports
- SJO · LIR
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Costa Rica ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Costa Rica's immigration authority (Migración) or a Costa Rican consulate; proof of onward travel is commonly required.
- Costa Rica ↗Rental cars require mandatory local liability insurance, often not included in online quotes: check the full price before booking.
- Costa Rica ↗Do not feed wildlife, including monkeys and coatis; it is illegal and harmful.
- Costa Rica ↗Buy national park tickets (Manuel Antonio, Poás, Irazú and others) online from SINAC before you go; several parks do not sell at the gate and cap daily numbers.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Jacó911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Jacó, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡); US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, with change often given in colones.Costa Rica-wide
- SIM or eSIMKölbi, Claro and Liberty sell SIMs at SJO and in towns; passport required.Costa Rica-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most of the country, including San José; drink bottled on parts of the Caribbean coast and in remote areas.Costa Rica-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% service is in the bill; extra optional.Costa Rica-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Costa Rica-wide
- SafetyJacó is busy and generally fine by day; the real risks are rip currents, scorching sand, and phone theft in clubs and after-parties.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; put paper in the bin in many places.Costa Rica-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) · 128 Red Cross ambulance
- Sundays & holidayscheckManuel Antonio closes on Tuesdays (check); Semana Santa Thursday–Friday shuts most businesses.Costa Rica-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSJO Juan Santamaría International, San José (About 130 km (81 mi); 1.5–2 h by road on the Autopista del Sol.SJO Juan Santamaría International, San José (About 81 mi (130 km); 1.5–2 h by road on the Autopista del Sol.
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable end to end in about 30–40 min.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee₡1,500–2,500
- Beerlocal draught / supermarket can₡2,000–3,500₡1,000–1,500
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within townAsk for the meter.₡1,500–2,500
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCRC 12,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomCRC 65,000
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomCRC 120,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CRC 30,000 · Mid CRC 60,000 · High CRC 110,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SJO Juan Santamaría International, San José (About 130 km (81 mi); 1.5–2 h by road on the Autopista del Sol. The closest major airport.) · LIR Daniel Oduber Quirós, Liberia (Far north; only useful if you are already in Guanacaste.)SJO Juan Santamaría International, San José (About 81 mi (130 km); 1.5–2 h by road on the Autopista del Sol. The closest major airport.) · LIR Daniel Oduber Quirós, Liberia (Far north; only useful if you are already in Guanacaste.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Feb
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Care
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Care
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Nov–Aug. Mixed: Sep–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Oct (21 rain days), driest Feb (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Jacó: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
20 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
21 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable end to end in about 30–40 min. Red taxis have meters — ask for the meter ("la María"); a ride within town is around ₡1,500–2,500, short hops less. Uber also operates. A local bus runs hourly between Herradura and central Jacó; buses to San José, Puntarenas and Quepos leave from the terminal at the north end, opposite the Best Western.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Playa Hermosa
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min
Taxi or local bus south, 10–15 min
Serious surf break with strong rips; watch, don't swim unless you know the water.
Tárcoles River crocodile bridge
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Car or taxi north on the Costanera, 20–25 min
Park and walk the bridge; dozens of crocodiles below. Never feed them.
Playa Blanca / Punta Leona
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Car north, 20 min; entrance is hard to find
The only white-sand beach nearby; the access road is rough. Day passes are sold through the resort.
Manuel Antonio National Park
goDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Car or shuttle south on the Costanera, about 1 h
Entry is by timed online ticket with a daily cap; book ahead. Better as an overnight.
San José
skipDoor to door: 3–4 h
Direct bus from the north-end terminal, 2.5–4 h
A transfer, not a day out. Buy a seat in advance; buses oversell.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Central Jacó (Avenida Pastor Díaz)
Walk to beach, bars and restaurants; noisiest at night. Best for a first visit without a car.
North Jacó / near the bus terminal
Quieter, close to the San José bus station and the main supermarket; 10–15 min walk to the centre.
South Jacó toward Playa Hermosa
Surf hostels and camps; needs a taxi or car for the strip.
Playa Herradura
Cove beach 5–10 min north by bus or taxi; calmer, resort-style, less nightlife.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₡25,000–40,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- ₡45,000–80,000 excl. bed
- High
- ₡90,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 3 nights × CRC 65,000 | CRC 195,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × CRC 60,000 | CRC 360,000 |
| Surfboard rental, one day2 × CRC 12,000 · check | CRC 24,000 |
| Group surf lesson, about 2 h2 × CRC 30,000 · check | CRC 60,000 |
| Shared shuttle SJO airport → Jacó2 × CRC 20,000 · check | CRC 40,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CRC 12,000 | CRC 24,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CRC 70,300 |
| Trip total≈ CRC 128,900 per person per day, bed included | CRC 773,300 |
2026 estimate in colones; flights excluded. Dollars are widely accepted but change is often given in colones.
Prices of common things
| Casado plate at a soda | ₡3,000–5,000 |
| Coffee | ₡1,500–2,500 |
| Beer: local draught / supermarket can | ₡2,000–3,500 / ₡1,000–1,500 |
| Surfboard rental, one daycheck | ₡10,000–15,000 |
| Taxi within townAsk for the meter. | ₡1,500–2,500 |
| Bus Jacó → San Josécheck | about US$7 |
| Cinema ticketcheck | ₡3,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rip currents: Playa Hermosa and parts of Jacó drown swimmers every year. Swim near lifeguards and never at dusk.
- Black sand gets painfully hot at midday — wear sandals to the waterline.
- Crocodiles in the Tárcoles River and occasionally in Herradura bay. Do not swim there and never feed them; it is illegal.
- After-parties and late clubs: phone theft is common. Keep phones zipped, not in back pockets.
- Bars with no posted prices: ask the total before you order.
- Cash-only budget hotels and some sodas — carry colones.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
- 911
- Red Cross ambulance
- 128
Pocket card
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JacóJacó
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Red Cross ambulance128
Embassy
Costa Rica has no US, UK or Canadian embassy in Jacó; embassies are in San José. Consular help for most nationalities means a trip to the capital.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Shared shuttle SJO → Jacó: from about US$20–30 per person, 1.5–2 h (check)
- Bus San José (Coca Cola terminal) → Jacó: about US$7, 2.5–4 h (check)
- Taxi within Jacó: ₡1,500–2,500; short hop about ₡750
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- Por favor, use la María — Please use the meter (por fa-VOR, OO-se la ma-REE-a)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRA-syas)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-de es-TA la PLA-ya)
- Sin hielo, por favor — I don't want ice (seen YEH-lo por fa-VOR)
Cash is king in budget hotels and sodas; ATMs are on the main strip.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Jacó. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season); May–Nov is greener and cheaper with afternoon rain · avoid Sep–Oct (wettest); Easter week and New Year (prices and crowds peak) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares