Jessica's Guidebook
Food scene
Our top restaurant reccomendations
Local brewery with great food! Several times a week host to exciting events such as Live Art CR - DJ mixed with live art illustrations from local artists
42 locals recommend
PuddleFish Brewery
Calle MadrigalLocal brewery with great food! Several times a week host to exciting events such as Live Art CR - DJ mixed with live art illustrations from local artists
El Hicaco Seafood
Calle HicacoGreat beachfront spot with amazing seafood
Best spot for local Costa Rican cuisine. Extremely affordable, buffet style. Try the Gallo Pinto, it’s a local favourite
29 locals recommend
Soda Garabito.
Best spot for local Costa Rican cuisine. Extremely affordable, buffet style. Try the Gallo Pinto, it’s a local favourite
Live music almost every night with a laid back atmosphere combined with great food
137 locals recommend
Green Room Cafe Bar
Live music almost every night with a laid back atmosphere combined with great food
Unique menu with stellar food and cocktails located in the Jaco Walk shopping centre
85 locals recommend
Graffiti Restro Cafe & Wine Bar
Unique menu with stellar food and cocktails located in the Jaco Walk shopping centre
Best to visit the bar at sunset for a cocktail as the views of the coast are stunning. Great fine dining dinner spot as well although on the pricy side $$$
64 locals recommend
Villa Caletas Hotel
Best to visit the bar at sunset for a cocktail as the views of the coast are stunning. Great fine dining dinner spot as well although on the pricy side $$$
Adventures
A few local places we recommend while you're in the Jaco Beach area
Great easy hiking trail. It’s not uncommon to see monkeys and tropical birds on the way. Once you reach the top the views of Jaco are gorgeous. There is an abandoned hotel that is covered in graffiti art that makes for a great spot for pictures
103 locals recommend
El Miro
Great easy hiking trail. It’s not uncommon to see monkeys and tropical birds on the way. Once you reach the top the views of Jaco are gorgeous. There is an abandoned hotel that is covered in graffiti art that makes for a great spot for pictures
Located just less then 20 minutes from Jaco is one of the world’s most concentrated population of crocodiles. You can safely get a view of them from the Tarcoles bridge. If you arrive or depart during the day time you can check them out your way
22 locals recommend
River Tarcoles
Located just less then 20 minutes from Jaco is one of the world’s most concentrated population of crocodiles. You can safely get a view of them from the Tarcoles bridge. If you arrive or depart during the day time you can check them out your way
Rent a private boat spend a day on the Pacific Ocean. Tortuga Island is beautiful and we have plenty of great options from budget to luxury that can take you to this magical little island.
103 locals recommend
Isla Tortuga Tour
Rent a private boat spend a day on the Pacific Ocean. Tortuga Island is beautiful and we have plenty of great options from budget to luxury that can take you to this magical little island.
One of our favourite hidden beaches in the area. It can only be reached during low tide so be sure to check the chart before you go.
18 locals recommend
Playa Blanca
One of our favourite hidden beaches in the area. It can only be reached during low tide so be sure to check the chart before you go.
One of the best places to see animals in the wild- monkeys, sloths, and plenty of birds and insects are commonly found. Get a registered park guide with a telescope for a better viewing experience
557 locals recommend
Manuel Antonio National Park
One of the best places to see animals in the wild- monkeys, sloths, and plenty of birds and insects are commonly found. Get a registered park guide with a telescope for a better viewing experience
One of the most impressive waterfalls in Costa Rica is located only 1.5 hours south near Dominical.
201 locals recommend
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Dominical - San Isidro PZOne of the most impressive waterfalls in Costa Rica is located only 1.5 hours south near Dominical.
Traveler advice
Ways to save
Local Currency Vs. Dollars?
It is best to pay in the local Costa Rican currency Colones unless the price is listed in dollars. Stores and vendors will use a calculator to convert and you are subject to whatever exchange rate they give you which is usually favorable to them
Book before you go
COVID testing
Depending on which country you’re returning to you will likely need a Covid test upon arrival. We have a connection in the clinic that will come and test you in house