I’m Madison Rogers, 31, and I came to Jaco Beach because I was burned out and needed a place where I could chase adventure and still slow down. Jaco ended up being the perfect balance. I stayed in a Contemporary Airbnb Apartment near Jaco Beach, close to everything but quiet enough that I could get real rest.

Four experiences set the tone for my week: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a lush and peaceful day at Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, a delicious meal at Arigatos Sushi Restaurant, and a high-energy night out that included dancing at Jaco Vice Nightclub. Surfing got me out of my head, the gardens and waterfalls helped me breathe again, and the nightlife reminded me that it’s okay to just have fun.

In the daytime, I alternated between beach time and exploring the region. I walked Jaco’s shoreline every morning, watching the sky shift colors over the water and mountains. I took taxis and buses to Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina, and even farther down toward Esterillos and Bejuco. Every ride—whether by Uber, taxi, or bus—felt safe and easy to figure out.

The friendliness of the people kept surprising me. A woman running a small spa in town talked me through her favorite places nearby, from Tarcoles to Manuel Antonio. A man at a mini market helped me practice my Spanish and taught me new phrases while I was buying snacks. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to have visitors in their town.

At night, Jaco’s lights and music pulled me out of my shell in the best way. I tried a casino for a couple of hours, hopped between a few bars with live music, and ended more than one evening dancing at Jaco Vice with new friends from Canada, Europe, and around Costa Rica. Even heading home late, I felt safe—there were plenty of people around, the streets were lit, and the general vibe was relaxed and welcoming.

By the time I left, I felt like my shoulders had dropped about two inches. Jaco gave me mornings of calm ocean and rainforest views, afternoons of exploration, and nights of laughter and music. It’s a place I now associate with balance—and I plan on coming back whenever life tilts too far toward stress again.