117km (73 miles) W of San José; 75km (47 miles) S of Puntarenas and just 8 minutes drive from Hermosa Beach.

This long stretch of beach is strung with a dense hodgepodge of hotels in all price categories, cheap souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, pizza joints, and even a miniature-golf course. The number-one attraction is the surf, and this is definitely a surfer-dominated beach town. Canadian charter flights keep this town pretty full during the northern winter months, and Jacó is also gaining popularity with German tourists and young Ticos. This is the most touristy beach in Costa Rica and is a prime example of what happens when rapid growth hits a beach town. However, on the outskirts of town and close to the beach, there's still plenty of greenery and the Pacific Coast has a tropical feel. The beach is long with volcanic sand and beautiful waves. The humidity is palpable, and the lushness of the tropical forest is visible on the hillsides surrounding the town. In hotel gardens, flowers bloom profusely throughout the year.

There's all kinds of restaurants to choose from:
            
El Hicaro
Seafood, Costa Rican   
Open Daily 11am-11pm   
On the beach in downtown Jacó
Phone    643-3226   
       
This is probably the best of all the simple Costa Rican seafood joints in Jacó. The food is good but not outstanding, but the setting is simply wonderful: right on the edge of the beach, with the majority of the tables outdoors under the stars, tall palm trees, and some interesting lighting. Stick with the freshly caught grilled seafood or lobster, although there are plenty of meat and chicken selections on the menu as well.

            
Rioasis 
Mexican and Pizza 
Open Wed-Mon noon-midnight   
On the main road in Jacó  
Phone    643-3354   
       
Rioasis serves hearty burritos, simple pasta dishes, and a wide array of freshly baked wood-oven pizzas. My favorite item is the Greek pizza, with olives, feta cheese, and anchovies, but the barbecue chicken pizza is also delicious. There is both indoor and terrace seating, as well as a bar area, complete with a pool table, dartboards, and a couple of TVs for sports events and surf videos.