No experience necessary. Watch the sunset at Villa Caletas Hotel, 10. There are waterfalls to discover on the many trails through the park, but the star attraction is the Rincn de la Vieja volcano itself. Hidden gem of Jaco! - Reviews, Photos - The Beer House - Tripadvisor In Jaco, there are more than a few seedy "massage" places; so be careful. It would truly be a shame to visit Jaco and its surrounding regions without experiencing the unique gifts Esterillos Oeste has to offer. Most people have never been here either. Punta Burica is the most southern point of mainland Costa Rica (Isla del Coco is further south). Go on an ATV Adventure Tour ATVs are all-terrain vehicles otherwise known as quad bikes. Even harder is locating a local butcher or finding a properly cut piece of meat at a local grocery that you can throw on that grill. Often there wont be another soul in sight, so feel free to spread out and enjoy your own private shoreline. Clearings along the hilly route present the chance to see large iguanas. Especially now the coast road between Quepos and Dominical is operational. How I made it here is a story for another day, but what I found at this spot on the Nicoya Peninsula, somewhere between Santa Teresa and Punta Islita, was a vast expanse of sand, one campsite, and one place to eat. 1. background-position: center; And get cheaper flights, of course. A Hidden 3 Bedroom Gem In Jaco, Jaco, Puntarenas - Point2 You may already be seduced by the clean sands that make you stay inshore but wait until you see what beauty lies underneath the seas. Jaco, Costa Rica is a stunning beach town located in the north of the Puntarenas region. I've included it first on this list to highlight this unique adventure I never thought I'd get to enjoy in Costa Rica. How to Use Fishing Perfect Product Reviews? Overview This hidden gem is located in dowtown Jaco in a very quiet complex called Jaco Princess Villas. It was the best, my skin feels amazing and the massage was off the charts, they massage your shoulders, neck, head and feet while your getting your facial. Youll also find virgin cloud and rainforests filled with more nature than you can fumble around trying to photograph. Hidden Treasures of Costa Rica. So enjoy time with folks in and around Playa Jac, join the gang for an ocean adventure out of Los Sueos Marina, but know that you can always set off and discover little-known treasures on your unique Costa Rican vacation. Weve chosen a few of our favorite hidden gems and hope theyll become your favorite discoveries, too. For those looking to get a real taste of Costa Rica, the rural village of Bijagual is the place to go. From bright red grass to stranded shipwrecks, these beaches are anything but ordinary. Hotel Cocal and Casino, as well as Crocs Restaurant ad Casino, have several gaming lounges and bars to complete your night out in Jaco. We've got the inside scoop for you! Hiking in Jaco Costa Rica is becoming popular all thanks to the visitors discovering the beauty of Mount Miros. However, before they could finish the building, the wealthy man passed away. Hunter Biden Did Cocaine At the Whitehouse; The Environmental Impact of Mobile Phones. display: flex; 1. I speak Spanish so communicating was not much of an issue and I found the property/people nice, but I can see where this was problematic for other non-Spanish speakers. Enter your email and press "subscribe" button. 11 Best Things To Do In Jaco Costa Rica - Ultimate List There are seven suites inside the mansion that are sure to excite the meticulous person in you. This will help you reach the falls in a matter of 30 minutes. You will see the best of the best surfers living in Jaco battle it out for the best ride of the day. margin-bottom: 0; This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Use ExpressVPN to access your social media accounts, unblock your favorite entertainment sites, and stay connected with friends and family. Get 3 extra months free of ExpressVPN when signing up for a 1-year plan. padding: 0 10px; Indeed, the road runs out way back and part of getting here means driving along the beach. Shipping to Costa Rica Our Guide To Costa Rica Shipping, Atenas Costa Rica Real Estate - Homes & Condos in Atenas, Puerto Viejo and Southern Caribbean Coast, Jaco Costa Rica Real Estate - Central Valley Homes & Condos, Recommended Realtors in Jaco Shawn Fletcher and his wife Hannah Fletcher. It is our team's passion to make this website the best resource about beautiful Costa Rica. Show more. Villa Caletas is a European-inspired resort nestled in the hills at Jaco district. If it's a nice hike to enjoy waterfalls, cliff jumping or Ziplining and rappelling down the face of a waterfall we have the adventure for you. See the footer and Affiliate Disclaimer for full details. It should cost ~5000 Colones one way for the ride. These hidden gems in Jaco may have limited interaction with crowds: Full Day Fun Pass Jaco Jungle Adventure Five in One with Lunch (7 Hours) 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure; 10 Hidden Waterfalls With Local Cuisine; Jaco Beach Costa Rica Horseback Riding; Monkey Tour With Local Cuisine Hidden Gems. Situated at the mouth of the Tempisque River, Palo Verde National Park Is a true nature lovers delight. The Roman columns remind you of your recent Italy trip. The name is its location as it is bordering the Tarcoles River, where American crocodiles famously reside. What you wont find are lots of other tourists on the trails. The 45,500-acre wetland sanctuary is one of the best birding spots in Costa Rica try to visit Palo Verde during the dry season (December-April), when most of the 300 resident bird species are in abundance. The caves were shaped over a period of 70 million years; To date, only 42 of the parks caves have been partially explored and 19 are fully explored. Theyre just off the beaten track in the truest sense: On the other side (if youre coming from the Central Valley) of Poas Volcano, on the edge of the often-overlooked Juan Castro Blanco National Park, is the community of Bajos del Toro. Every corner of Costa Rica's diverse topography is filled with treasures and hidden gems. You will enjoy spending time at Playa Hermosa. flexible & reliable Digital Nomads Travel Medical Insurance. It's the ultimate hideaway for sun seekers and active travelers, with cinnamon-hued volcanic-sand beaches, lush green rain forest and verdant mountains. Hidden Gems Around Jaco: Living in Esterillos Oeste in Jaco. Do it for yourself or at least for the stories which you will tell back home! $198,500 USD: Casa Jaco Sol is part of the iconic Jaco Sol development, a lively community of small family houses in one of Costa Rica's main tourist hotspots. Adventure Tours. Behold pillars that support arches before a decorative balustrade at the edge of a cliff. For consistent year-round surf, go to Jaco. Isla del Coco is a mystical island located 340mi (550km) off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. 17 places sorted by traveler favorites. Horse riding Jaco Costa Rica. The main place to go is at The Green Room Cafe. Welcome to my world, prepare to live a real adventure with: The Creator of Adventure Tours. You should follow your instincts and investigate. margin-bottom: 30px; One of the best things to do in Jaco Costa Rica will take you to the Nauyaca Waterfalls in the southern region. } Cool mountain temperatures transform the surrounding landscape; peach trees and strawberry patches take the place of coconut palms and hibiscus flowers. All Right Reserved. Heading abroad? Well, as we said, few people have actually been here. Surfing is whats on this side of Jaco, calling surfers from around the world to test its great waves. margin: 5px auto; Costa Rica Hidden Gems & Top Best Places to Visit - Dominican Abroad 18 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Costa Rica Updated October 27, 2022 Share Tweet Email Attractions Food & Drink Map Leaderboards . I remember the electricity being out that entire first weekend in Playa Coyote and having to drink warm beers all the time. Playa Blanca in Costa Rica - Tropical Beach In any Jaco location, safety precautions must be exercised. When we visited the different animals he told us why they were there and the treatments they were receiving. Best Jaco Hidden Gem Attractions Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Spas & Wellness Zoos & Aquariums Boat Tours & Water Sports Nature & Parks Traveler rating In the Jaco Princess Villas complex there are only 28 condos, and all of them are great rentals all year round. Those who hang a right at Matapalo while traveling south along the coastal road will find a small beach community like you can imagine, say, Tamarindo was back before condos and clubs. Practicing Yoga Can Help Fight Erectile Dysfunction and Rock Fest Adds More Artist to its Lineup, TOP 5 non-EU Residency by Investment Programs, 4 Simple Safety Tips for Female Travelers. Head up the dirt road, which is suitable for most cars but it would be best if youre in something with four-wheel drive, especially during the Green Season. It is essential to book your tour well in advance because of the popularity of the place. The three-day trek is one of Costa Ricas most stunning hikes, and the final, early-morning climb is worth the effort sunrise from Cerro Chirripo is spectacular. Barra Honda National Park, Home to myriad caverns carved from soft limestone, Is Costa Rica's only subterranean park. 18 Best Things to Do in Jaco, Costa Rica - Rovology Marc Martel: The Reincarnation of Freddie Mercurys Voice? Plan your Jaco activities ahead of time to make the most out of your vacation. If you are looking for something a bit more decadent, try perhaps the towns best kept secret, Los Almendros Caribbean Cuisine, where they offer a wide range of flavors from all over the world, including what local food enthusiast Shawn Fletcher swears is the best Pad Thai [he has] had outside of Thailand. No matter what you choose to do, you wont want to miss this magnificent place. Royal Butterflies. } While the tourism infrastructure of Costa Rica is excellent, there still are many hidden treasures that have slipped through the cracks of mainstream tourism. 1. 8 Hidden Gems Things to do in Jaco That You Shouldn't Miss, Villa Caletas Hotel, Jaco, Garabito Municipality Costa Rica, Jaco servicio a domicilio 506, Jaco, Garabito Municipality Costa Rica, Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Tours in Punta Arenas, Province of Puntarenas, Top 6 Taxis & Shuttles in Sardinal, Province of Guanacaste, 5 Things to do for Honeymoon in Playa Matapalo That You Shouldn't Miss, What to do and see in Playa Ocotal, Province of Guanacaste: The Best Outdoor Activities, The 10 Best Free Things to do in Quepos, Province of Puntarenas, 10 Multi-day Tours in Province of Guanacaste That You Shouldn't Miss, The 9 Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Province of Limon, Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Garabito Municipality, Province of Puntarenas. The Bijagual village is located next to Carara National Park, so it may be best to plan this day trip and a visit to the park. My husband has a friend who has a fishing charter out of Los Sueos so we will be going there. It takes one to two hours before you reach the falls. Over the years, it has validly positioned itself as a family-friendly destination. True adventure seekers can try to make it Alto Telire, a tiny community thats as close to Costa Ricas Wild West as anywhere. Dont worry, the river doesnt smell like sulfur, but the natural chemicals do add a milky blue luster! Beautiful waterfalls like La Cangreja where you can swim in and enjoy landscapes with breathtaking flora and fauna at Rincon de la Vieja. There are also all natural spices and sauces. Located on a stunning 1500 acre private rain forest reserve, you will share the trails with no one but the wildlife. That way youll see a Costa Rica that hardly any Central Valley Ticos have ever experienced. Be sure to beat the morning crowd to get the best out of both the lower and upper falls. (*) denotes required information. The Manuel Antonio park was established in 1972. Surfing is what's on this side of Jaco, calling surfers from around the world to test its great waves. Isolated and undeveloped, Bejucois known for its excellent surf, untouched beauty and miles of dark sands. Surreal Places in Costa Rica That Locals Wish Were Kept Secret Costa Rica Travel News - I wanted to start doing an article a couple of times a week on little things that are located in the Jaco & Hermosa area that you do not normally see in the trave As for your own dinner, there are a number of small family restaurants along the beach that will cook the catch of the day for you and serve it up with a cold local beer. Here you will discover stunning views and cool refreshing breezes. It is near Juan Santamaria International Airport, so it is easily accessible to visitors. Here are seven places even many Ticos will find it hard to locate on a map. Hidden Gems in Jaco - Uncle Earl's Fine Meats - The Costa Rican Times This article may be sponsored or include a provided product or affiliate link. The inherent problem with writing about hidden gems and local secrets is that the act itself of writing and sharing these places with the public makes them less hidden and less secret. A post shared by El Silencio Lodge & Spa (@elsilenciolodge) on Aug 19, 2020 at 11:27am PDT. Form is successfully submitted. Youll be disappointed if you expect that. Adventurous. Youve come to the serenity of a private nature reserve of stunningly dense primary rainforest. You can opt for a guided tour should you wish to have a local expert explaining to you the lush ecosystem surrounding the park. These mysterious ancient stone spheres were created by a civilization lost to time and are now mostly lawn ornaments. Whether youre coming from San Jose or Jaco Costa Rica, the Carara National Park is one of the must-visit attractions in the country and one of the best things to do in Jaco Costa Rica. frogs and learn about the plants, trees and history of Costa Rica. Take your pick. A post shared by Guillermo Piedra (@guillermopiedra) on Jun 27, 2020 at 6:01am PDT. Spend the day Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, 5. During low tide, feel free to explore the rocky tide pools leading out to Esterillos Oestes iconic sirena (mermaid) statue, where the lady of the water beckons weary seamen to land while also warning them to watch the bottoms of their boats in the shallow current. About fourteen miles north of the Manuel Antonio theres a blink-and-you-miss-it turnoff in the village of San Rafael Norte. But if you want something a bit more secluded, seek out Playa Biesanz. width: auto; Beginners will feel secure,confident and in control. Show more. But to truly appreciate the journey you might want to hike. The Rio Celeste, located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Is a freshwater ribbon dyed teal and baby blue. margin: 0; Or theyre trying to find their way to Cabo Matapalo, having forgotten this place existed. You'll find it on the Southern Pacific Coast in South Puntarenas. Be warned that the suspension bridges can be high, creaky and given to sway. People stay for the bar games and great music. Last updated: Aug 07, 2022 From a celestial blue waterfall to limestone caves, Costa Rica's best-kept secrets are rarely visited but richly featured. 8 Hidden Gems Things to do in Jaco That You Shouldn't Miss Take care, the path can be slippery, especially during the Green Season. Theres no sign for Rainmaker Park but be on the lookout for a paintball sign and youve hit the right spot. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For the young and simple travelers, snorkeling at Playa Jaco Costa Rica will also feed your curiosity on the hidden marine treasures surrounding the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy the cool shade of towering trees that stand against a picture-perfect mountain backdrop and take in sweeping vistas from lookout points. A bustling new version of Santa Teresa or Samara, Coyote is not. Its one of those places that seems more myth than reality. Throughout the video, we share why we love our ECM-B10 microphone, which is a key ingredient for good storytelling when it comes to making our YouTube videos. Most people pass it by, though, whizzing past on the new (ish) highway. Written June 22, 2023. We set off with our guide who was kind and very knowledgeable. What you can do is arrange a stay in one of the indigenous communities bordering onto the park. This beach town is also known for its booming nightlife. Its understandable. A 44 is another option. 4-Hour ATV Waterfall & Delicious Rainforest Lunch. Are there still any secret spots in Costa Rica? The butterfly area was gorgeous and beautiful- so many butterflies! Jaco, Costa Rica El Miro Ruins. Awarded the Tripadvisor "Certificate of Excellence" for the last 9 straight years Costa Rica Waterfall Tours are the waterfall experts! Jaco is also a prime option for family vacations. 10 best beaches in Costa Rica map Costa Rica's Top Beaches: A Paradise for Beach Lovers Costa Rica, with its picturesque white sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters, is a dream destination for beach enthusiasts. Hidden Gems in Jaco - Marea Baja & Rustico - The Costa Rican Times It's easy to find, right on the highway across from Calle Madrigal. In contention for best Jaco soda is Garabito. But you wont find too many gringos here, at least not to saturation point. With this kind of rich environment comes a natural way of keeping your adrenaline pumping. the owners definitely brought their knowledge of washington DC nightlife to jaco costa rica in the best way. Explore Costa Rica with GuateGo. Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio are separated by a land bridge leading to Cathedral Point. The best part about this place besides the meat and the great service that Gary provides (I am on a first name basis now, lol) are the prices. Our guide went above and beyond to show us the animals and make us all so happy. A mix between a sports bar and a club, the ManCave is a great place to unwind without the excessive events that usually come with night-outs. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. SafetyWing offers flexible & reliable Digital Nomads Travel Medical Insuranceat just a third of the price of similar competitor plans. But you can find spots inside that most foreigners never see. Our 3 year old daughter is normally quite shy but his demeanor quickly won her over. Plus some great stories and strong opinions! Until you remember the Laguna Don Manuel. Many of these gems are simply located along routes with small overgrown signs that many pass by without a thought or second glance. box-sizing: border-box; While well known to locals, the El Miro Ruins are not often frequented by visitors to Costa Rica, making it a wonderful hidden spot to visit. Edit: Just had another thought: Spend a couple of days in the Bijagua area - yes, a "hidden gem" located in a valley between Tenorio Volcano and Miravalles Volcano. However, this is not what Playa Hermosa is known for. Click here for all available transportation options, schedules and prices. Top 5 Costa Rica Hidden Gems and Secret Spots When we combine ziplines, hiking and rappelling down waterfalls with your sense of adventure it is a day the whole family will remember. background-size: cover; Experienced riders can enjoy the thrill of galloping our fit and healthy horses across the open hay fields. If you need a local taxi's WhatsApp # let me know. From there, you will find a big map showing you where you are and where you ought to go. My name is Andrew and I am the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica. Renowned for their arts, crafts, and incredibly colorful celebrations, the . Local lore says the site was built by a would-be hotelier who died before construction was complete. It is definitely one of the things to do in Jaco Costa Rica. 2023 10 Hidden Waterfalls With Local Cuisine - Reserve Now - Tripadvisor Consistently described as "The highlight of our trip to Costa Rica". more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Also, there are tons of tourist attractions that are in or nearby Jaco. Dine inside a giant caterpillar at this community-run eatery. The park is famous with avid birdwatchers because of the wide array of birds sheltering in the reserve. Near that spot, youll find the entrance to a narrow jungle trail at a small opening to a fence. Things get more interesting as different paintings adorn the once-white walls, speaking of different genres and values, all giving color to the place. The emerald valley of San Gerardo de Dota Sits in the highlands of the Southern Zone, about 50 miles along Cerro de la Muerte. 2. per adult. You can walk the trail or paddle your bike to reach the best lookouts along the mountain. Including Driftwood Beach, Red Beach , and Padar Island. The picturesque peak is located within Chirripo National Park, a diverse area home to high-altitude microclimates including mountain paramo, lush forest, marsh and fern groves. Esterillos Oeste is also a unique beachside breeding and feeding ground for Costa Ricas native Scarlet Macaws. Its a handful of destinations in Costa Rica that accommodate the lions share of tourists. Restaurants in Jaco. Great Week for Wind Surfing in Costa Rica, History Is No Guide During Unprecedented Times, Learning From Darkness Within, Dispelling Evil Without, The Nation-State Is Dead; Long Live Humanity. Daystar Bahia Azul: Hidden Gem in Jaco - See 97 traveler reviews, 99 candid photos, and great deals for Daystar Bahia Azul at Tripadvisor. 01 / Top Sights & Places Unmissable places for your itinerary Discover more Places San Jos Tortuguero Village Quepos La Fortuna Playa Tamarindo Cahuita Uvita Puerto Jimnez Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Jac Montezuma Playa Smara Ojochal Liberia Mal Pas & Santa Teresa Playas del Coco Puerto Limn Puntarenas 02 / Planning Toolkit There are plenty of lounges and sports bars where you can chill and enjoy cocktails with a view. Without a doubt, my favorite thing I did in La Fortuna was the Venado Caves tour. #arffrm_100_container .allfields .arf_fieldset.arf_materialize_form { And that's not a bad thing. Walls along the path are colorfully adorned by vibrant paintings from local artists. Kayaking along Tortuga Islands turquoise waters should be part of your list as well. margin: 20px 0; Playa Coyote is one of those spots where you feel that soon one day soon development will come. If you take a taxi, assure they use Maria (the name of the meter). El Miro is a site of an old mansion, complete with pillars and passages now adorned with street graffiti. Visitors to the famous national park tend to flock to Playa Espadilla. Theres nowhere to stay in La Amistad. One day, Puerto Viejo de Saripiqui might become a new adventure center for tourists, like La Fortuna is now. Many places near Jaco are great gems waiting to be discovered. Renowned for making sure the horses as well as the clients have a fabulous time they are "so much more" than just a horse tour! Pack some good aqua shoes, too, for you to use as you bathe in the waterfalls. 1. This beach in Puntarenas is a Blue Flag award holder because of its clean and serene beachfront. Some residents will point you straight to ManCave. With Uncle Earls I can do that and also feel a little bit like I have a piece of Texas with me in Costa Rica. } Stories tell of a wealthy man who wanted to enjoy mesmerizing views of Playa Jaco in the comfort of his home; thus, a structure was put to works. 4- The taxi driver took me 100 usd to go to the trail departure of blue mountains. There are pristine white beaches located within the premises, allowing you to cool down and swim in the waters. It is most famous for having abundant marine life. Whichever place you end up spending your night at, one thing is for sure: there is no such thing as sleeping early when you are in town. It is a popular vacation destination, primarily because of the various aquatic sports and activities that can be done along its waters. The entrance to the place is tuck unassumingly within the confines of an old gas station. The sanctuary is crisscrossed by 250 meters of suspension bridges, each one worthy of selfie backgrounds. The beach at Esterillos Oeste is seldom crowded, and often almost completely empty, giving it the feel of your own private beach. Wait till you see the views at Villa Caletas Hotel. There is always something for everyone. This beach town also has more wildlife to boast compared to Tamarindo. The hotel offers a great view over the Pacific and a leisurely hike up to the hotel along the road that was once meant to bring tourists. My wife and I continue to use Nazareth Spa to treat ourselvesbecause 2020 has created enough stress and anxiety! There will be no shortage of things to do in Jaco Costa Rica for the adventurous. What are your favorite secret spots in Costa Rica? At golden hour, head to the martini bar on the terrace and marvel as the sky turns orange right before your eyes. In the afternoon, find yourself at the Anfiteatro Restaurant, where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal while waiting for the main event. Now, you can take an ATV up the trail. As you explore the place, you might notice that Rainmaker is not as crowded as the big national parks that have helped put Costa Rica on the map. Our favorite hotel in this area is theEl Silencio Lodge. I first visited Playa Coyote back in 2000. This upscale boutique hotel has 45 rooms that have either the Pacific Ocean or the rainforest as their view. Here's an expert ultimate bucket list to Costa Rica hidden gems. background-image: url('https://www.universal-traveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Costa-Rica-vacation.jpg'); If its the weekend you are apt to see some local families picnicking on the sand. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort. Your Jaco adventures are not limited to the beach town. Not more than a half hour drive from Jaco, or $1.50 bus ride (for those more adventurous souls), Esterillos Oeste undoubtedly falls under the category of sleepy little beach town, as you may often find one to a half dozen locals literally asleep in the shade of the beach-side palm trees. THE 10 BEST Jaco Nightlife Activities - Tripadvisor From Guatemalas Antigua to Costa Ricas Tarraz, discover and compare the remarkable flavors of Guatemalan and Costa Rican coffees. - See 308 traveler reviews, 136 candid photos, and great deals for Jaco, Costa Rica, at Tripadvisor. On sight, common pool, rancho, BBQ. A post shared by COSTA RICA COOL (@costaricacool) on Sep 5, 2018 at 9:36pm PDT. Blanca Beach Birdwatching Visit the Tortuga Island Ziplining Hiking to the Nauyaca Waterfalls Crocodile Tours Nightlife in Jaco Visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park Horseback River Tour in Jaco Villa Caleta Sunset Tour Surfing Competition at Hermosa Where to Stay in Jaco Is Jaco Worth a Trip? Jaco/Los suenos hidden gems - Jaco Forum - Tripadvisor