Things to do in Jacó
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Rainmaker Aerial Walkway
Rainmaker was the first aerial walkway through the forest canopy in Central America, though it is still regarded as one of the region’s best. From its tree-to-tree platforms, there are spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding primary and secondary rainforest, as well as occasional vistas out to the Pacific Ocean. The reserve is also home to the full complement of tropical wildlife, which means that there are myriad opportunities here for great bird-watching as well as the occasional monkey sighting.
Tours with naturalist guides leave hotels in Manuel Antonio and Quepos daily except Sunday; reservations can be made at most hotels or by calling the Rainmaker office.…
reviewed
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Playa Hermosa
The waves that pound the long Playa Hermosa (10km/6.2mi) are among the most consistent in the world, which means that just about any day, any time, there'll be a wave here waiting for you to thrash. Only 5km (3mi) south of Jacó, Playa Hermosa is fronted by hotels and cabinas, though development here is relatively low-key. Note that this beach can only be recommended to advanced surfers as the huge waves and strong rip tides are unforgiving.
reviewed
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Playa Esterillos
Playa Esterillos is a deserted beach, with a few good surf spots, that's relatively undiscovered and little visited. Unfortunately, however, the building craze is looming, and the 'Condos For Sale' billboards on the sides of the road is a frustrating sign of things to come. In the meantime, however, Esterillos is very much an off-the-beaten path destination, and a great place to enjoy a few waves all to yourself.
This area can be a little confusing to navigate as there are three towns with access to the beach - Esterillos Oeste, Esterillos Centro and Esterillos Este. These towns are all off the Costaneara, southeast of Jacó. Most surfers camp underneath the trees at the n…
reviewed
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Pacific Bistro
This deservedly popular place is run by a gourmet chef from California who specializes in Pan-Asian–style fusion dishes. Whether you’re partial to Indonesian-style noodles and fiery Thai curries, or more refined Japanese soba and fish fillets topped with exotic Chinese sauces, one thing is for certain: this gem of a restaurant really hits the spot, especially if you’ve been craving fine Asian cuisine.
reviewed
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El Hicaco
It’s hard not to be impressed by the innovative offerings at this oceanside spot brimming with casual elegance, generally regarded as one of the finer dining experiences in Jacó. Although the menu is entirely dependent on seasonal offerings, both from the land and the sea, the specialty of the house is seafood, prepared with a variety of special sauces highlighted by Costa Rica’s tropical produce.
reviewed
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Disco La Central
This unintentionally retro disco sets the volume at 11 (whether or not there’s anyone on the dance floor), though it’s an old-timer on the Jacó scene that still draws in a strong local following. Very much an after-hours spot, Disco La Central doesn’t really get going until the restaurants and bars have emptied out, sending inebriated patrons out in search of flashing lights and heavy bass.
reviewed
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Rioasis
There’s pizza, and then there’s pizza – this much loved pizzeria definitely falls into the latter category, especially considering that there are more than 30 different kinds of pies on the menu. Of course, considering that each one emerges from an authentic wood-fired oven, and is topped with gourmet ingredients from both Costa Rica and abroad, you really can’t go wrong here.
reviewed
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Calinche’s Wishbone Eatery
Overseen by the charming Calinche, this is the most famous restaurant in town, and has been so for years and years. The eclectic menu includes pizzas, pitas, stuffed potatoes, pan-seared sea bass and tuna-sashimi salads, though its justifiable fame comes from the fact that everything is quite simply fresh, delicious and good value.
reviewed
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Bar Restaurante Colonial
Centered on a large bar facing the alfresco table settings, this breezy tapas-style bar and restaurant is perfect for some light noshing followed up by a crafted cocktail or two. Fast-food staples are balanced out by local seafood options, while signature drinks make excellent use of regional liquors and fresh fruit juices.
reviewed
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Jungle
The 2nd-story terrace gives you a good vantage point for sizing up your prey, which is a good thing as this place can turn into an unabashed meat market. But, the vast majority of people here are looking for a hookup rather than opting to pay for one, so it definitely earns a small measure of respectability in our book.
reviewed
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Soda Flor
This Jacó institution is a perennial favorite of locals and budget travelers alike. Remarkably, the menu hasn’t changed in years despite the fact that nearly every other place in town is now offering every-thing from sushi to sirloin. Food is fresh, tasty, cheap and 100% Costa Rican, and the portions here are huge.
reviewed
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Tsunami Sushi
If you’ve got a hankering for raw fish, don’t miss Tsunami, a modern and lively restaurant that serves up an exquisite assortment of sushi, sashimi and Californian rolls. The Far East may be a long way away, but the nearby Pacific is home to some seriously tasty sport fish, such as dolphinfish, tuna and wahoo.
reviewed
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Tabacon
Definitely one of the more modest night spots in town, Tabacon is a casually elegant lounge that occasionally hosts live music. The mature crowd passes the night away with carefully measured doses of hard liquor, while younger hotheads can let off a bit of steam at the pool tables and foosball.
reviewed
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Pancho Villa’s
The food here certainly isn’t gourmet by any stretch of the imagination, but it caters to every conceivable taste from Tico and Western to Asian and Mexican. Even if you skip dinner, you’ll probably end up here at some point since the kitchen is open until the wee hours of the morning.
reviewed
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Clarita’s Beach Hotel and Sports Bar and Grill
Part hotel and part watering hole, this sports bar sets the table with ample pub grub, and quenches the thirst with copious draft beer. Sports fans will appreciate being able to catch the game on the big screen, not to mention the cheerleader-esque bartenders and wait staff.
reviewed
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Le Loft
A highly touted addition to Jacó’s nightlife offering, the Loft aims to balance out the mix of beach clubs and girly bars with some much needed urban sophistication. Live DJs spin essential mixes while glam-aspiring customers do their best to look beautiful and act fabulous.
reviewed
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Pacific Aerial Tram Tour from Jaco
2 hours (Departs Jaco, Costa Rica)
by Viator
See the rainforest of Costa Rica on this Pacific Aerial Tram ride from Jaco! Get a bird’s-eye view of the Costa Rican rainforest, and an up-close look at exotic…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$73.99 -
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Más X Menos
If you’re counting your colones, head to Más X Menos, a Western-style supermarket that has an impressive selection of fresh produce, local and international culinary items and a surprisingly good outdoors section. And for the record, the name is pronounced mas por menos, which means ‘more for less.’
reviewed
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Waterfalls Canopy Tour
reviewed
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Vista Guapa Surf Camp
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Taco Bar
A one-stop shop for Mexican, seafood, salads and smoothies. Get your drink with the gargantuan 1L sizes, or your greens at the salad bar featuring more than 20 different kinds of exotic and leafy combinations. And of course, there’s the obligatory fish taco, which may be one of the planet’s greatest food combinations.
reviewed
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School of the World
This popular school and cultural studies center offers classes in Spanish, surfing, art and photography. The impressive building and activities center also houses a cafe and art gallery. Rates include kayaking and hiking field trips and onsite lodging. Spanish and surfing are the most popular programs.
reviewed
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Kayak Jacó Costa Rica Outriggers
reviewed
