Costa Rica

Jaco Getting There

Air:

Jaco does not have a regional airport. The closest terminal serviced by local carriers, Sansa and Nature Air, is located 50 minutes away, in Quepos.

Bus:

From San Jose: Buses for Jaco depart the Coca Cola Station at 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. 2 hours. Departs from Avenidas 1/3 and Calle 16. 2223-1109.

To Playa Hermosa: Any bus heading south of Jaco, like those to Quepos or Manuel Antonio, pass by Playa Hermosa. A taxi to Playa Hermosa from Jaco costs between $10-$15.

Collective Shuttle Bus:

Shuttle buses depart from both downtown San Jose and the international airport to Jaco area hotels. Prices are typically $35 per person each way, and surfboards cost an additional $15. Departures are scheduled at 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily.

Car:

Driving time from San Jose to Jaco is just over an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. The fastest route is via the Caldera highway (Route 27), which travels from the western edge of San Jose to the central Pacific coast. After passing signs for Orotina, exit right on Route 34, following signs to Jaco. Expect to pay around $5 in tolls - payable in colones or U.S. dollars. Just before you reach Jaco, you will cross the Tarcoles River Bridge where dozens of enormous crocodiles can be seen. Shortly after the bridge, the Pacific ocean will come into view on your right hand sign. After passing entrances to Punta Leona and Herradura, you will see signs on the right side leading straight to Jaco beach.