I’m David Gonzalez, 39. I’d heard surfers talk about Jaco like a familiar friend. They were right. I stayed in a Stylish Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment, walked to the sand before breakfast, and let the week unspool.

My four picks: Went Deep Sea Fishing, Savegre River White Water Rafting, Graffiti Restaurant, and Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge for the jaw-drop factor. No one rushed me; everyone seemed proud I wanted to see their home the slow way.

Between outings I ambled Jaco Walk and took quick rides to Herradura and Playa Hermosa. Ubers and taxis were quick; buses were easy. I felt comfortable wandering at night and never worried about getting back.

A surfer tipped me off to a hidden soda for casados. It became a daily habit.

Evenings shifted from mellow to bright—beach bar, casino lights, then a walk along the strip listening to a dozen soundtracks at once.

Jaco gave me that rare balance of movement and rest. I’m planning the next round already.