DESTINATION

Jaco

Costa Rica · Puntarenas

Central Pacific surf town closest to San Jose — 90 minutes by road. Wide black-sand beach for learning to surf, a lively nightlife strip, sport-fishing charters out of Los Suenos, and easy access to Carara National Park for scarlet macaws.

Quick answer

If you are looking for the Best Western in Jaco, check the live hotel list on this page first, and if it is not there, ask us and we will look into it for your dates. Jaco stays range from condos at the Los Suenos marina to boutique hotels in town, beach apartments and a surf hostel.

31° / 25°

30° / 25°

28° / 24°

26° / 24°

28° / 25°

Overview

Costa Rica's most accessible beach town — surf, nightlife, and weekend energy 90 minutes from San José.

Jacó grew into the country's first true beach-resort town because of its drive time from the capital. The 4-km grey-sand beach has reliable waves for learners (advanced surfers head south to Playa Hermosa), and the high street stays busy after dark with casinos, bars, and open-air restaurants — unlike anywhere else on the coast.

Surf schools for first-timers; expert waves 5 km south at Playa Hermosa
Sportfishing for sailfish, marlin, and dorado, year-round
Carara National Park — scarlet macaws and the crocodile bridge on the road in
ATV and zip-line tours through the hills above town
Nightlife — clubs, casinos, and late dinners that other beach towns don't have

Best time to visit

December through April delivers reliable sun and the busiest weekend crowds from San José. May through November brings cleaner, larger surf, dramatic green hills, and afternoon showers — mornings stay clear and prices drop sharply.

Guides for Jaco

Where to Stay in Jacó: The Ultimate Hotel Guide (2026) · Where to stay
Getting to Jaco: Easy From SJO, a Long Day From Liberia · Getting there
Where to Stay in Jacó With Kids: Pick the Water First, Then the Hotel · Where to stay
Carara from Jaco: Which Trail to Walk, and Whether You Need a Guide · Things to do
Fishing at Los Sueños Marina: Costa Rica’s Premium Offshore Destination (2026) · Things to do
SJO to Jaco: the bus moved, and the last one leaves at 7 p.m. · Getting there

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Best Western Jaco Beach Resort we can book here?

This page shows the Jaco hotels we can currently offer with live rates for your dates. If the Best Western Jaco Beach Resort is not in that list, ask us and we will check it for you or suggest a comparable hotel in central Jaco that fits what you need.

Where is the best area to stay in Jaco?

Central Jaco puts you in town, close to the beach, restaurants and nightlife. Los Suenos on Herradura Bay is the marina area, with condos and boutique hotels near the sport fishing fleet. Playa Hermosa is a separate surf beach with its own hotels and surf lessons.

What kinds of Jaco beach hotels are there?

You will find condo rentals such as those at Los Suenos, boutique hotels like Bamboo Boutique Hotel and Paradise Bay Hotel Boutique, villas such as Villa Creole, beach apartments, and a surf camp hostel. Condos and apartments can suit families or groups who want more space, so tell us who is traveling and we will narrow it down.

How do I see current hotel prices in Jaco?

Enter your dates and party size in the hotel list on this page to see live rates, since prices change by season and availability. If you are torn between areas, ask us and we will tell you how each one fits your plans.