Getting sand out of a pair of well-worn loafers may be the hardest part of a vacation day in Jaco, Costa Rica. Located in the North of the Puntarenas province skirting the country's coast, less than two hours from capital city, San Jose, Jaco offers the best beaches, nightlife and vacation activities in the area any time of the year.
Slip on something casual and saunter into town to dine at any of the numerous restaurants offering local specialties and international favorites that'll tickle the palette without attacking the budget.
Your stay begins in your luxury home or cozy condo, but I think you will find that the best sleep comes sprawled out under an umbrella listening to waves crash upon the afternoon beach. you may even begin to believe that your vacation villa is just a glorified holding place for luggage, since even when the sun sets, Jaco delivers plenty to do on long sultry Latin nights, from sipping cocktails on the beach to dancing the night away at the clubs.
Should you choose to arise early, you can get some inspiration from the morning waves: Partake in some of the best surf in the area. If surfing leaves you dry, grab a camera and a kayak, and tour the liquid blue at leisure. Take a horseback ride across the three kilometer stretch of beach and allow warm air to comb your sun-bleached hair.
Melt away residual cubical tension at a beach side yoga class open to all ages. Rent an ATM and grapple over rustic trails through coastline jungles, framing the best mountainous panoramas and lush close-ups of the rain forest.
Plunge through frothy river rapids for a day or take an island tour with the family to try taste new foods and experience live music from different parts of the country. Anglers find some of the best sports fishing around to tackle marlins, giant tuna or barracudas.
Jaco, Costa Rica has everything to make a vacation perfect without emptying your wallet - just remember to empty your shoes when you leave.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by James Coates
Dear Owner:
We know that you are going to abandon us the second you get into Jaco. We are fine with that. But please abandon us in a luxury vacation home, with a hot tub and gourmet kitchen if at all possible. Because we need a break, too.
Love,
Your Luggage