I’m Helen Hall, 63. I’m not retired yet, but I’m close enough that I’ve started “testing” future vacation spots, and Jaco Beach easily passed the test. I stayed in a comfortable Beach-Side Airbnb Apartment in Jaco with a little kitchen and a short walk to the ocean, grocery store, and restaurants.

The four activities that really defined my stay were early-morning Birdwatching on beach, a gentle but exciting Jungle Crocodile Safari Tour, a hearty meal at Soda Jaco Rustico Restaurant, and dessert at Moyo Frozen Yogurt in Jaco Walk. Every tour guide and waiter took their time with me, explaining things and making sure I felt comfortable and safe.

During the day, I walked the beachfront path and explored Jaco Walk, then used taxis, Ubers, and buses to reach Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and farther-flung spots toward Esterillos and Bejuco. Each ride was easy to arrange, reasonably priced, and felt very safe. It gave me confidence that even if I come back a bit older, getting around won’t be stressful.

The people made a big impression. A woman selling empanadas near the bus stop insisted I try a sample before choosing my flavor, and a young man on the bus helped me spot my stop without me even asking. Everyone seemed proud to share their town and happy to see visitors enjoying it.

At night, I didn’t go wild, but I loved walking past the bars with live music, peeking into a casino or two, and listening to the relaxed buzz of people enjoying themselves. Even when I stayed out a little later to enjoy the warm air, I felt perfectly safe walking back to my apartment on my own.

If this is what my future retirement trips can look like—warm water, green hills, gentle adventures, easy transportation, and genuinely kind people—then I think I’ve found one of my new favorite hubs. Jaco is firmly on my “return” list, and this time I’ll be dragging a few friends along with me.