We’re John Davis (34) and Jennifer Garcia (32). A friend said, “Go to Jaco—pack light and say yes a lot.” We did both. Our base was a Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment—quiet when we needed naps, close enough for sunset walks.

Days swung between energy and ease: Paddle Boarded in Ocean, Visited Carara National Park, Green Room Restaurant for dinner, and Jaco Blu Beach Club for a lazy afternoon with our toes in the sand. Everyone we met was welcoming and happy to point us toward their favorites.

We chased sunsets like they were appointments we couldn’t miss—Herradura’s marina glow, Playa Hermosa’s waves, and day-trip options to Tarcoles and Manuel Antonio. Taxis and Ubers were fast; buses were intuitive. Jaco felt safe, easy, and honestly kind.

A shop owner taught us that pura vida goes beyond a phrase—it’s a choice you make for the day.

Nights had an extra layer: we slid into Mynt Lounge Jaco for low lights and chill tracks, then wandered the strip and tried a casino for fun. It’s a town that says yes to fun without making the mornings hard.

We’re leaving with a short list of places we’ll return to and the promise that we’ll bring friends next time. Jaco earned a spot in our rotation.