Explore Jaco and Hermosa

Introduction

Located just 2 short hours from the international airport, Jaco has become one of Costa Rica’s most visited beach towns, especially amongst the traveling surf community.

Jaco is a small, yet extremely active town geared towards surfers, parties & nightlife. As you walk down the “strip,” you will find countless surf shops, restaurants, bars, discos and a variety of accommodations.

This is the ideal destination for surfers or young travelers looking to be in the middle of the action. Local activities include surfing, fishing, canopy tours, kayaking, horseback riding, and more.

Recommended Stops

• Los Sueños: drive 10 minutes north for a round of golf at the fabulous beach side course
• Villa Caletas amphitheater: the best place to watch the sunset, located at the Hotel Villa Caletas, 15 minutes north
• Carara Biological Reserve: located about 25 minutes north, you will find the unique opportunity to see the scarlet macaw, hundreds of species of flora and plenty of other wildlife including the occasional toucan
• Backyard Bar: great places for sunset and drinks, as well this place converts into the nightspot after dark with ladies night twice a week
• La Hacienda: another nightspot in the heart of Tamarindo

Don't Miss!

So much to do! We have a Tortuga Island Catamaran Cruise which will knock your socks off, which includes snorkeling, food, culture, and eco-awareness. We also have canopy tours, kayaking, an aerial tram and Carara National Park. List of ALL Jaco and Hermosa Adventure Tours >

Restaurant Recommendations

--- In Jaco ---

Tsunami Sushi

Excellent sushi with a lot of variety located in the center of Jaco in the second floor of the Galeone Mall. This is the best sushi in Jaco, and most likely better than you will ever find in the US!

Nacho Daddy’s

Located in the first floor of the Galeone Mall in the heart of Jaco. They offer excellent Mexican food including great nachos and incredible margaritas. At night it doubles as bar/club with reggae, hip pop and a little bit of house music late at night and good surf videos on a big screen.

Wishbone

Our personal favorite…Located right in the heart of Jaco, this restaurant offers a variety of food from fresh tuna, sashimi, pizzas, burritos, pitas and more. Excellent atmosphere, good prices and we assure you will return here!

Tangeri BBQ

Towards the northern end of Jaco, this restaurant offers excellent steaks including a jalapeno tenderloin, as well as fresh fish, local dishes, and salads. Large menu, with very accessible prices and great food.

Pollo Express

This place has very good roasted chicken at an excellent price located in front of the Beetle bar at the north end of Jaco.

Sunrise Place

Located towards the northern end of Jaco on the main road, only open for breakfast offering a wide menu including pancakes, eggs, breakfast burritos, etc..

Hotel Poseidon

Located on an access road to the beach passing the Colonial, you will find an excellent option for dinner with a variety of dishes including seafood, steaks, and pastas.

Monica’s

Excellent homemade Italian food made by Monica and her mother… Located along the access road to the beach turning at the Colonial. Great food, family atmosphere, good prices.

Soda la amistad

In front of the Hotel Marparaiso, this is a great option for local food including casados, arroz con pollo, and more.

--- In Hermosa ---

Jungle surf

Jungle Surf is a tiny restaurant located on the road across from the soccer field, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although the menu is small, the food is fantastic in a very laid back picnic atmosphere. Nightly specials…BYOB

Jammin

Located on the main road in Hermosa in front of the Cabinas, offering large portions and very affordable local dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Surf atmosphere with reggae music and surf videos

Backyard

Variety of dishes ranging from tex-mex, and American food including burgers and quesadillas. They are open from 10am – 1pm (breakfast coming soon) and at night, this turns into the happening bar in the area with ladies night on Wednesday and Friday.

Brown sugar café

This is a very small place right in the entrance of Hermosa Beach open from 6am - 6 pm They offer great natural juices,sandwiches and banana cake. No tables, but a great view of the surf and sunset!

Rancho Tipico de Beto

Located 5 minutes south from Hermosa, offering a variety of local food at very accessible prices. They have great casados, fresh fish and ceviche!

Places to Avoid

Disco Central : once a great dancing spot, the ambience has turned a little dark and we recommend avoiding this area

Do not park your vehicles on the beach or main road with ANY valuables inside as petty theft is created by temptation.