Need Help Picking a City

Going to Costa Rica for 6-7 days and I need some help picking a city. I want to party at night but during the day I also want to go on tours and see jungles and wildlife and nice beaches, swim in waterfalls etc. I was thinking of Jaco for the partying and its a bit cheaper but I have been reading the beach isnt that nice and there isnt much wildlife around since its a developed area. Any good nature spots are hours away and I won't have a car. So is there any other spot where I can do all of this or should I just stay in Jaco? I know other cities have nice parks for wildlife and beaches but not much of a nightlife. Anywhere where I can do all? Thanks!

You're not going to find everything you want in Costa Rica in one place. For the beaches/jungles/wildlife combination I'd say give up on the Pacific coast and go to Cahuita on the Caribbean coast. There are some beach bars in the tourist lodging area, but it's a sleepy place.

Jaco baby...........seriously, go to Puerto Viejo, good party town but laid back at the same time, has jungle, wildlife and excellent beaches up and down the area.
Unless of course your looking for hookers.

You can't base in one area, and all also access Nature and Wildlife/National Parks.

Jaco is a armpit, and most avoid it.

Per above, head to Pt Viejo, a nice chill out rasta vibe and a old solo backpacker scene. If you want nature, head t Tortuguero Canals and rainforest 2 nights, then head to Cahuita 1 night (fun path town too.great music and food) and then to Pt Viejo. Raft the Rio Pacuare back to SJ and call it a day.

Pacific coast is too far from SJ and most good parks too...unless you head to Dominical, and access Osa Drake Bay from there.

If you choose the Caribbean coast and nightlife is important I would go to Puerto Viejo. Hope you like reggae... You can rent a bike and bike to Manzanillo. You will pass several nice beaches on the way and Manzanillo has a wildlife refuge with trails. Lots of wildlife in that area. You should also do a day trip to the Cahuita National Park. A bus there takes 30 minutes. The park has great beaches, a 4.8 km trail (one way) and lots of wildlife. A bus from San Jose to Puerto Viejo takes 5 hours or so. If you can afford it ($90) you can raft back to San Jose on the Rio Pacuare.

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