Best things to do in Jaco

Discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of Costa Rica through its lush national parks, active volcanoes, sheltered bays, and tasty cuisine on a Jaco adrenaline/extreme tour. You can choose from a variety of adventure tours, all guided by friendly and knowledgeable locals who will keep you engaged with fun facts about the country's geological features, wildlife, history, and traditions. The array of outdoor activities you can try your hand at is vast--from extreme water sports and horseback riding, to less challenging undertakings like forest hiking, snorkeling, and ziplining. Most tours take three to four hours.

Stroll the dark sands of the long and spacious Jaco Beach, observing surfers riding the breakers at sea. As you explore the hive of recreational activities, you'll have opportunities to go horse riding along the beach or take on some surf lessons. Try your hand at thrilling sport fishing, with lots of big game fish in the ocean--especially marlin--or simply relax and watch vivid sunsets from the sand. Be wary of the sea, as the strong currents make it an unsuitable swimming spot for younger children.

Within a national park, Playa Manuel Antonio allows you to combine a bit of history with a lot of classic sun-and-sand fun. The stone turtle traps here bear witness to the area's pre-Colombian tribes, while a family-friendly vibe and plenty of sandy space invite visitors to picnic or play sports. Backed by lush vegetation, the beach remains a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and soaking up some warm Caribbean sun. The surrounding area boasts an impressive diversity of wildlife, including over 100 species of mammals and nearly 200 species of birds.

See the tallest waterfall in the country and views of the Pacific at Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls. The gardens teem with a variety of plant life, including thousands of flowers and many varieties of domestic and foreign orchids. Follow the easy, well-maintained paths, and spot butterflies, scarlet macaws, and toucans flying overhead. Dine at the on-site restaurant opposite the majestic 183 m (600 ft) waterfall, while overlooking panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and the surrounding mountains. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular.

Shop for local, handmade, artisan souvenirs at Tico Pod Art House & Gifts. The store offers a variety of products like fine silver jewelry, leather bags, art, ceramics, chocolate, carvings, and, of course, traditional Boruca masks. The helpful and informative staff strive to make your experience enjoyable and can tell you the story behind every piece of art. Although the prices are a bit higher than the average souvenir shop in Costa Rica, the excellent quality and authenticity of these local products makes it worthwhile.