Beach Towns: Jaco Beach

For the longest time, Jaco Beach was considered the standard bearer of beach towns in Costa Rica. Located in the province of Puntarenas on the west coast of Costa Rica, Jaco's proximity to the Central Valley and specifically, the only International airport at the time, was the main reason for Jaco's rapid rise to beach dominance. When the new highway was completed in 2009 from San Jose, in the heart of the Central Valley, to the Central Pacific coastal region, this cut travel time in half and visitors started to arrive in droves. This spawned many condo and development projects to accommodate the fresh real estate market, and today, Jaco is still one of the most 'developed' of all Costa Rica's beach towns.

Province: Puntarenas
Amenities: 4 Stars
Infrastructure: 4 Stars
Nearest City: San Jose (90 minute drive)
Nearest Airport: San Jose (90 minute drive)
Nearest Hospital: Escazu CIMA (75 minute drive)

But since then, the municipality has slowed it's growth, limiting construction along the precious 'rich coast' to try to maintain the quaint lifestyle that is typically Costa Rican. This is a very good thing from where most people sit. Still, Jaco has become the go to place for those visiting Costa Rica beaches for the great night life, lots of restaurants, fantastic hotels, resorts and casinos, and of course, world class surfing. Jaco and the surrounding beaches like Esterillos and Hermosa are known world wide for the perfect breaks and the area has become a hot bed for international surfing competitions.

As with anywhere else in Costa Rica, area activities are plentiful. From horseback beach riding to nature hikes and adventure throughout the spectacular coastal mountains that run along the entire western coast and the many fiercely protect state parks throughout. And from Jaco, you're only a day trip away from some of Costa Rica's most visited destinations like the Central Valley where you'll find urban sprawl and all action, shopping and services that come with it; the Nicola Peninsula to the north that can be access by ferry twice a day; or to the south, the Marina at Quepos; the spectacular beaches of Manuel Antonio; and further, the Osa Peninsula, said to be the most ecologically diverse place in the world! So there's no wonder Jaco jumped up to beach prominence in this tiny country. When the 2nd international airport was completed in Liberia, this help relieve some congestion in the Central Pacific region, sharing beach popularity with great towns like Flamingo, Playas del Coco and Tamarindo. But Jaco remains the standard bearer for all beach towns in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Real Estate For Sale: Jaco Beach, Puntarenas