I’m Sophia, 25, and this was my first solo international trip—something I’d been promising myself I would do for years but always found reasons to delay. When I finally hit “book” on my ticket to Costa Rica, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I chose Jaco Beach because it looked like the perfect mix of adventure and comfort… somewhere I could push myself but not feel overwhelmed. What I didn’t expect is how quickly Jaco would feel like a place I belonged.

I stayed in a beautifully decorated Jaco Airbnb apartment right near the center of town, and it instantly became my little oasis. The place was spotless and airy, with bright natural light and a balcony where I ended up journaling every morning. My host was incredibly warm, messaging me before I arrived with restaurant suggestions and a reminder to download WhatsApp for easy communication with drivers. Traveling alone can be nerve-racking, but the moment I stepped into that Airbnb, I relaxed. I felt safe. I felt excited.

I wanted to ease into the adventure, so my first big activity was a surfing lesson at Jaco Surf School. I was convinced I’d spend the whole morning wiping out, but the instructors were patient and encouraging, explaining everything step by step. When I finally stood up on my board—even for just a few seconds—I felt this rush of confidence. The Pacific was warm, the waves were manageable, and the whole experience felt like reclaiming a part of myself I hadn’t tapped into in a long time.

Later in the week, I did the Miro Mountain hike. I’d seen photos of the old concrete structure with its colorful graffiti, but nothing compares to walking through the quiet jungle trail to reach it. I took breaks along the way to listen to the birds, and by the time I reached the viewpoint, my breath caught—not from the climb, but from the panoramic view of Jaco curving below me. The sea looked endless. The mountains felt ancient. I stayed there for almost an hour, watching macaws swoop overhead and thinking about how glad I was that I came alone—it felt deeply personal and grounding.

My most adrenaline-filled moment came from a ziplining tour through the rainforest at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park. I had never done anything like it before, and my hands were shaking as I clipped in for the first run. But the minute I launched off that platform and felt the wind in my face, fear dissolved into joy. Below me were dense green canopies, winding rivers, and flashes of wildlife. By the last line, I felt like I was flying.

Evenings in Jaco were where I surprised myself the most. I expected to stay in, maybe grab dinner and call it a night. Instead, I found myself swept into the nightlife scene—safely and comfortably. One night I joined a group of travelers I had met on the Miro hike, and we bar-hopped through Jaco Walk, Monkey Bar, and finally ended up dancing at Jaco Vice. Another night, I visited Cocal Casino just to people-watch and ended up chatting with travelers from Germany and Argentina. At no point did I feel unsafe or out of place. Locals greeted me warmly, security was present, and the energy was lively but friendly.

Transportation was effortless. Ubers showed up within minutes, taxis were everywhere, and the bus system made exploring nearby areas like Playa Hermosa and Herradura simple. I took one day trip to see the crocodile bridge at Tarcoles, and even though it was a quick stop, seeing those enormous creatures up close was wild. The entire coastal stretch—from Esterillos to Quepos—felt like something out of a documentary: beaches framed by lush rainforest, tiny seaside towns, warm breezes that never seem to stop.

What stood out most during my stay, though, was the kindness. Costa Ricans are genuinely proud of their country, and it shows. People took time to help me, asked about my trip, and encouraged me to explore more. As a young woman traveling alone, feeling welcomed instead of wary made all the difference. Jaco has a blend of energy—part beach town, part adventure hub, part community—and I loved every piece of it.

By the time I left, I wasn’t the same person who had nervously boarded the flight from New York. Jaco reminded me that I can be brave, that the world is friendlier than I sometimes assume, and that adventure doesn’t have to be loud or chaotic to be meaningful. I’m already planning my next visit—and next time, I might stay even longer.