I’m Sarah Thompson, 32. I booked a Beach-Side Airbnb Apartment in Jaco and let the week teach me how to be on vacation again.

Four picks: Ziplining through Rainforest, Jaco Blu Beach Club, Lemon Zest Restaurant, and a curious stop at the Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge. People were patient and kind at every turn.

I drifted between Herradura, Playa Hermosa, and Jaco Walk, with a quick ride to Bejuco for an hour of nobody around. Transport was simple and safe.

A surfer shouted “macaws!” and suddenly the sky proved him right.

Nights came with options—music, casino lights, and easy walks home.

Jaco feels familiar in the way a new favorite does—fast.