I’m Christopher Thomas, 31. I booked a Stylish Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment because it was walkable and bright, and let the week loosen my shoulders. The beach felt like a long slow metronome—Pacific in, Pacific out.

Four choices shaped the days: Took a Surfing Lesson at the Jaco Surf School, ATV Jungle Ride, Green Room Restaurant after sunset, and a lazy pass through Jaco Walk Open Air Shops. Everywhere I went, locals were generous with advice and jokes.

I split time between Herradura’s calming marina and Playa Hermosa’s surf show, with quick detours to Tarcoles and Esterillos. Taxis and Ubers were instant; the bus was straightforward and cheap. It all felt safe, friendly, and low friction.

A surfer pointed out macaws looping above the beach; I would’ve missed them without the tip.

The nights? A line of options. A quiet drink, then music, then a short casino spin and the warm walk home. Easy and vivid at once.

I came for sun and found a better pace. Jaco’s good at that.