Jaco used to be one of our least favorite towns south of San José. But after passing through it countless times on our way to Casa Roja, our opinion has changed. While Jaco has a reputation for crowds, nightlife, and bachelor parties, it’s also incredibly convenient. At only 1.5 to 2 hours from SJO Airport, Jaco is one of the most accessible beach towns in Costa Rica, making it a useful stopover for travelers heading further south.
The downsides of Jaco are well known—crowds, especially on weekends and major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s. But during the green season, particularly midweek, Jaco can be surprisingly relaxed. While its past reputation for drugs and prostitution still lingers in some people’s minds, the town has cleaned up considerably, and unless you’re out late looking for trouble, you probably won’t see much of that scene.
For Costa Ricans, Jaco’s biggest draw is its proximity to San José. But for us, it’s the long, wide beach, perfect for morning and evening walks, swimming, and surfing. The town also has some of the best restaurants on the Pacific coast, offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine.
We still recommend our guests avoid Jaco during peak-season weekends and holiday periods, but in many cases, it’s a great option for a first or last night in Costa Rica. If your flight lands in San José after 11am, you won’t have enough daylight to make the five-hour shuttle to Casa Roja, so staying in Jaco, Manuel Antonio, or Dominical lets you break up the trip and enjoy a more relaxed second day of travel.
On the other hand, many travelers make the mistake of spending their last night at one of the generic airport chain hotels. Unless you’re staying at a luxury option like the Marriott, food choices near SJO are extremely limited. We often prefer to spend our last night in Jaco, then take a shuttle to the airport the next morning—even if it means leaving as early as 3 or 4 AM for a morning flight. This way, you can watch the sunset on the beach, enjoy a great meal, and do some last-minute souvenir shopping along Jaco’s main street, all within walking distance of most downtown hotels and Airbnbs.
So while Jaco was once low on our list of favorite Costa Rican destinations, we’ve come to appreciate it for what it is—a convenient, lively beach town that can serve as the perfect stopover on your journey to or from Casa Roja.
