Costa Rica

Jaco & Hermosa

Where To Stay

School Of The World ♡♡ : I can’t recommend La Escuela Del Mundo (School Of The World) enough. I went 13 years ago in 2007 and it was really amazing - looks like they expanded their programs from just surfing, yoga & Spanish when I went. I opted for Spanish & surfing and learned a TON. As a Spanish minor in college, I learned more in a few weeks here than I did in all of college. It’s a very immersive and fun program and looks like now you can pick from up to 3 activities (yoga, photography, video, surfing and Spanish classes). The location is perfect, right in the middle of Jaco, near the main strip of bars & restaurants, not far from the beach. The facilities were really nice, rooms were clean (private with your own bathroom) and staff was amazing. Everyone at the school is very welcoming and all hang out together at night and on the weekends. Note: This is not a college nor does it have an age restriction. There were people there from 18 years old up to their 50s. Anyone can sign up for this program! I had people from the US, Germany & Canada in my program, it was a blast.

Hermosa Bungalows : If I were to go back to the Jaco/Hermosa area, I would love to stay at the Hermosa Bungalows. They have these adorable bungalows right on the beach that are super cute and well decorated. There was also a pool on the property. We did not stay here but we went inside of one and loved it.

Los Suenos ♡: This is a huge resort/marina in Herradura. It is technically a Marriot and is super super nice. There are gorgeous pools, restaurants, bars & golf course on the property. Highly recommend!

Things To Do

Beach & Surfing ♡: Playa Jaco & Hermosa are awesome! I learned to surf on Playa Jaco near La Escuela Del Mundo, its great for beginners learning to surf. Hermosa is a bit more wide up with pretty intense waves! Definitely for more experienced surfers.

Volcan Arenal & Hot Springs ♡♡ : My day trip to Volcan Arenal may have been my favorite day in Costa Rica. Volcan Arenal is an active volcano (about 5 hours from Jaco) and can swim in it’s hot springs at nearby resorts. I believe I had a day trip package that included transportation to and from Volcan Arenal, lunch and hot springs. Volcan Arenal is really beautiful to see and lucked out getting to actually seeing lava come out from the volcano at night! You can really only see it at night as it illuminates from the top!

Zip Lining/Rainforest Tour ♡♡: Definitely go ziplining while in Costa Rica. I can’t remember where I booked through but there are TONS of places. This was one of the highlights of my trip!

Crocodile & Mangrove Tour ♡ : I am not sure if this was the exact tour I did however, I did something very similar while staying in Jaco. They take you on a crocodile tour via boat in the mangroves. Our guide actually got off the boat and fed the crocodiles. It was pretty intense and fun to see.

Fishing : Fishing is huge in Jaco/Hermosa/Herradura. My dad fished out of Los Suenos Marina where the boat is was running stayed. I am sure there are other places for charters however, I know this was one of the main ones.

Jaco's Farmers Market : We went to the Feria de Frutas (Jaco) and remember buying the most amazing, juicy and freshest produce here.

Waterfall Tours: There are a ton of beautiful waterfalls around Jaco. My mom and I went just us 2 but I think it may be better to go with a tour guide. There is so much natural beauty in Costa Rica!

Bars & Restaurants: I believe the main strip of Jaco with tons of restaurants and bars was called Pastor Diaz Ave. I wish I remembered all of the bars/restaurants we went to but it was 13 years ago!

* ♡ = a favorite

♡♡ = a must do