My name’s James Smith, 28. I booked Jaco Beach on a whim and a weather app—sun icons everywhere. I checked into a Modern Airbnb Vacation Apartment in Jaco Beach and dropped my bag like it was the end of a sentence. Mornings were soft and gray before the sun lifted and the sand warmed slick underfoot. Pelicans skimmed the breakers like quiet metronomes and I realized the week would be easy to love.

I split the days between motion and pauses: Surfing on Jaco Beach to start, Miro Mountain Hike when the heat kicked in, Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park just to see what would happen, and ATV Jungle Ride because I couldn’t help myself. Everyone I met had directions, shortcuts, and time to chat. Costa Ricans live up to the reputation—kind, patient, and proud to share their home.

When I wasn’t out there, I wandered the beachfront path and Jaco Walk collecting little moments and cool shade. Herradura’s marina glow, Playa Hermosa’s steady waves, and day trips to Tarcoles, Esterillos, Bejuco, even Quepos and Manuel Antonio filled the map. Transport was simple: taxis and Ubers showed up fast; buses were straightforward and cheap.

A surfer paddled over between sets just to recommend a taco stand. Small kindness, big memory.

Nights had spark: Bartenders remembered my name by day two; that’s Jaco. Casinos glowed, music spilled from open doors, and strangers traded tips on tours. The strip felt safe and welcoming, and it was easy to walk home under warm streetlights.

By the end, I’d collected more than photos: a steadier pace, a new way to plan days around the tide, and a short list of places I’m already planning to revisit. If you’re weighing beach destinations, Jaco makes the choice easy—jungle, ocean, and kind people in one small map.