Jaco

Things to do in Jaco

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Top 10 attractions in Jaco

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Mirador de Jacó

Mirador de Jacó

3.2
Playa Hermosa · 2.8 km from Jaco
Jaco Beach

Jaco Beach

3.1
Jaco · 710m from downtown
El Miro

El Miro

3.1
Jaco · 2.9 km from downtown
HIKING - WATERFALLS & MONKEYS by GO WILD Adventures

HIKING - WATERFALLS & MONKEYS by GO WILD Adventures

2.4
Punta Arenas · 4.9 km from Jaco
Carara National Park

Carara National Park

2.2
Quebrada Ganado · 11.5 km from Jaco
Costa Rica Paragliding.

Costa Rica Paragliding.

2.1
Jaco · 1.7 km from downtown
Arenal Volcano National Park
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park

6.7
4.8/5
15 reviews
Arenal Volcano Park is located in Arenal Reserve. There are actually two volcanoes in this national park, Arenal Volcano with a height of 1633 meters and Chato Volcano with a height of 1140 meters. The latter has been active for nearly 3500 years. A collapsed crater and a beautiful lagoon. In contrast, Arenal Volcano is a very active volcano in Costa Rica. It erupted in 1968 and 1973. Until July 2010, the eruptions of large and small volcanoes continued, and the severity was much lower, but almost every day. There was smoke and lava coming out.La Fortuna · 94.5 km from Jaco
Manuel Antonio National Park
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park

5.8
5.0/5
6 reviews
Manuel Antonio National Park packs tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife into a compact area. Covering approximately 6.82 square kilometers, it is one of the smaller yet most popular national parks in Costa Rica. The park is home to hundreds of mammal and bird species: white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys leap through the canopy; brown-throated three-toed sloths and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths move slowly while hanging from high branches; and toucans, iguanas, and coatis often appear along the trails. The animals here are accustomed to human presence, so the chance of encountering monkey troops along the trails during the day is quite high. The park is best experienced through a combination of hiking and beach time. The main trail is flat and easy to walk, connecting several beaches surrounded by rainforest. Among them, Manuel Antonio Beach has calm bay waters, making it suitable for swimming. The Cathedral Point loop leads to a highland that was once an island, now connected to the mainland by a natural tombolo. Along the way, multiple observation decks offer views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby small islands. Near the entrance, there is an elevated mangrove boardwalk called El Manglar, which is approx. 784 m long and easy to traverse. Additionally, sloths and squirrel monkeys are well-camouflaged; if you want to spot more animals, it is recommended to slow down and keep an eye on the canopy.Quepos · 59.9 km from Jaco
Poás Volcano National Park

Poás Volcano National Park

6.1
3.0/5
1 reviews
Poás Volcano National Parkfeatures the active Poás Volcano as its centerpiece, with an elevation of approx. 2,700m, and the summit houses a massive main crater. Standing at the viewing platform, you can look down at the volcanic lake named 'Laguna Caliente': its surface shimmers with a mix of milky white and blue-green hues, constantly churning with sulfurous smoke, with liquid sulfur settled at the bottom. In stark contrast to the scorching main crater is Botos Lake on the south side: it lies quietly in a crater that has been dormant for thousands of years, with cool, emerald-green water surrounded by cloud forests. Along the forest trail to the lake, hummingbirds and toucans often flit through branches draped in moss and epiphytes, and you may occasionally encounter resplendent quetzals and Poás magnolias.Poas · 77.8 km from Jaco
National Theater of Costa Rica
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

National Theater of Costa Rica

6
4.9/5
8 reviews
National Theater of Costa Rica is a Neoclassical-style theater. Its opening performance was Gounod's opera "Faust". Construction funds mainly came from taxes levied on coffee exports at the time, and this theater, born from the coffee trade, embodies the memories of Costa Rica's golden age of coffee. The theater has an elegant exterior, with statues of playwright Calderón de la Barca and composer Beethoven standing on the main facade, while the three sculptures on the roof symbolize dance, music, and fame, respectively. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior: marble staircases with gold decorations, crystal chandeliers, exquisite sculptures, and 19th-century-style furniture can be found throughout the halls, and the auditorium can accommodate 1,140 seats. The ceiling mural "Allegory of Coffee and Bananas" was painted by Milanese artist Aleardo Villa and depicts the scene of coffee and banana cultivation and export at that time. This painting was once printed on the Costa Rican 5-colón banknote. The theater remains an active performance venue today, with groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra performing here year-round. The theater is located right next to the Plaza de la Cultura, and downtown attractions such as theGold Museumare within walking distance.San Jose · 70.4 km from Jaco

Experiences you can't miss in Jaco

Featured Food & drink in Jaco

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Jaco: 10 Hidden Waterfalls Hike with Local Food Experience
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3.5 hrs
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From Jaco: 4x4 Jungle Tour to Waterfall with Lunch
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Duration: 4 hrs
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5% off
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Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco
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5.0/5
· 38 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
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38 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 15,672
Night Walk tour in the Jaco area.
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5.0/5
· 19 reviews
Duration: 210 mins
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FromJPY 11,081
La Fortuna: Relax Termalitas Hot Springs Entry with Meal
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Sloth Tour in La Fortuna and Tortillas Cooking Class
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5.0/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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Farm to Table Cooking Class
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4.8/5
· 156 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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23 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 7,124

Featured Cultural experiences in Jaco

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Vista Los Sueños: Cacao Plantation & Chocolate Tasting
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Guided Walking Street Art & Graffiti Tour in Jaco Costa Rica
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5.0/5
· 26 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
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26 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 6,174
Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour
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4.9/5
· 2.5k reviews
Duration: 90 mins
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100 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 4,871
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugarcane Tour La Fortuna
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Duration: 90 mins
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San José by Night: Food, Drinks & Local Culture Tour
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Duration: 4 hrs
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5% off
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San José Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Treasures and Historical Landmarks
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
Filipino
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20% off
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FromJPY 1,133JPY 1,417

Featured Day tours in Jaco

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Ocean View Zip Line + Horseback Riding & Natural Pool Combo
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4.8/5
· 18 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
English
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Full Day Pass Jaco Jungle Adventure Five in One with Lunch
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4.8/5
· 136 reviews
Duration: 450 mins
English
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94.1% of travelers recommend
FromJPY 31,501
ATV Adventure + Horseback Riding and Natural Swimming Pool
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
English
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FromJPY 22,225
Jaco Beach Costa Rica Horseback Riding Experience
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5.0/5
· 35 reviews
Duration: 2–4.5 hrs
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35 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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Jacó: Rainforest Adventures Zipline, Tram & High Ropes Tour
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5.0/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 5–6.5 hrs
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Tarcoles River: Jungle Crocodile Safari & Bird Watching Tour
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4.7/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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FromJPY 6,037JPY 6,355

Featured Spa & wellness in Jaco

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Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner
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4.9/5
· 407 reviews
Duration: 14–15 hrs
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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Hot Springs Pura Vida River and Thermal Pool Access
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4.9/5
· 8 reviews
English
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5% off
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FromJPY 4,301JPY 4,528
1-day tour in Costa Rica - Fortuna Waterfall + Arenal Volcano + Natural Hot Springs
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FromJPY 26,219
From 1 person for Arenal volcano and hot springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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FromJPY 15,843

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What travelers say about Jaco

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5ODecember 1, 2025
5.0
Walking along the volcanic rock trails of Arenal Volcanoes National Park, a slight tremor from the depths of the earth resonated in my shoes. The smell of sulfur mingled with the damp rainforest mist, and suddenly, the cry of a howler monkey pierced the air from the treetops. I held my breath on the viewpoint—and as the clouds parted, the cone-shaped crater slowly emitted smoke rings, the setting sun painting the steam into golden-pink ribbons. The most magical experience was visiting the lava field at night: dark red heat flowed like the earth's veins through the cracks in the rocks, illuminating the phosphorescent spots of arrow frogs on the leaves. The guide whispered, "The volcanic ash teaches the soil to feel pain, which is why the flowers here bloom so wildly." On the way back, I touched the dew on the moss on the rock wall, and it was as warm as tears.

Arenal Volcano National Park

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criskotsuJune 13, 2022
5.0
Manuel Antonio is one of the most amazing locations in Costa Rica. The beach has a gorgeous turquoise color, you get to walk around the hiking trails and observe so many animals in their natural state.

Manuel Antonio National Park

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Gavin-BeijingFebruary 4, 2020
5.0
The pure natural landscape is extremely beautiful, pristine and pollution-free. It is the Switzerland of Latin America, with Tabacon Hot Springs, Irazu Volcano, Waterfall Park, Blue River Forest Park, etc. You will never want to leave after visiting here!

National Theater of Costa Rica

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Jaco?

Don't miss these attractions in Jaco: Mirador de Jacó, Jaco Beach, and El Miro. If you like Food & drink, try Jaco: 10 Hidden Waterfalls Hike with Local Food Experience. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Vista Los Sueños: Cacao Plantation & Chocolate Tasting.

You can give Jaco: 10 Hidden Waterfalls Hike with Local Food Experience and From Jaco: 4x4 Jungle Tour to Waterfall with Lunch a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Ocean View Zip Line + Horseback Riding & Natural Pool Combo, Full Day Pass Jaco Jungle Adventure Five in One with Lunch, and ATV Adventure + Horseback Riding and Natural Swimming Pool. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 16, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Jaco is around JPY 6,037 – JPY 31,501. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.