Jacó, Costa Rica

Jacó is a district and resort city on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in Central America. Located in the canton of Garabito in the Puntarenas Province, the city has a population of approximately 10,000 residents. Jacó has a black sand beach that is 4 km (2.5 mi) long and offers some of the best surfing in Costa Rica.[1]

Jacó
Jacó Beach Costa Rica.
Jacó
Location in Costa Rica
Coordinates: 9°37′N 84°38′W
Country Costa Rica
ProvincePuntarenas
CantonGarabito
Population
  Total10.000
Time zoneUTC-6
Area code(s)+506

Climate

As Jacó lies on the seashore, climate is normally humid, with relative humidity around 80%, reaching 90% in June. Temperature is 24–32 °C (75–90 °F) during the day and 24–26 °C (75–79 °F) at night. During the dry season, away from the water, the temperature may consistently reach 35 °C (95 °F) or above.

Jacó lies in a tropical climate zone mainly defined by distinct dry and wet seasons. Generally speaking, August through early December are wet, and late December through early April are dry; the remaining months have irregular rainy spells.

Geography

Jacó Beach in 2007.

Jacó lies between several mountains, and is neighbored by the beaches of Herradura Bay to the North, and Playa Hermosa to the South (not to be confused with another beach by the same name, but located in Guanacaste). About 35 kilometers north of Jacó, lies the Carara National Park, recognized for its exuberant wildlife and dense rain forest. Carara is home to one of the largest remaining populations of wild scarlet macaws in the country. The ecotourism park Rainforest Adventures, NatGeo´s top ten of adventure trips,[2] is just 5 minutes from the beach and it features an aerial tram through the transitional forest. The Manuel Antonio National Park is located 75 kilometres south of Jacó.

Jacó lies about 100 kilometers (a little less than two hours via Route 34) from the capital San José and an hour and a half from Costa Rica's primary international airport, Juan Santamaría International, accessed via Route 27 and Route 34.

Surfing

The beach in Jaco is perfect for beginner surfers, with surfing schools and various shops that sell and rent equipment for surfing. Experienced surfers also visit Jaco because it is only a short drive to beaches for more professional surfers, such as Hermosa Beach, which is just five minutes away, with pipes and Beach Break for experienced surfers only.[3]

Things to do

Jacó is not only known for its beaches and nightlife, this place is also a gateway to some of the best national parks of Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park is only about an hour to the south. There are several excursions available in Jacó, such as ATV and horseback riding tours, snorkeling cruise to Tortuga Island, hiking, and ziplining.

References


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