We’re Jason Rivera (35) and Megan Powell (33), and we chose Jaco Beach because we wanted a vacation that mixed adventure, nightlife, and real downtime. Jaco nailed that combination for us. We stayed in a relaxed Stylish Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment that was an easy stroll from the sand and just a few minutes from restaurants and bars.

Four experiences really defined our trip: a heart-thumping Ziplining through Rainforest day, a scenic Miro Mountain Hike, a creative dinner at Graffiti Restaurant, and a perfect date night at Mynt Lounge Jaco. Ziplining over the treetops gave us those “wow” moments, the hike let us soak in panoramic views of Jaco and the coastline, and Mynt’s vibe and music turned one evening into something we still talk about.

Our days followed a comfortable rhythm: mornings on the beach, afternoons exploring the region. We visited Playa Hermosa for big waves and a quieter vibe, took an Uber up to Herradura and the Los Sueños marina, and hopped on buses headed toward Esterillos and Bejuco just to walk different stretches of sand. Every ride felt safe and simple, and when we didn’t feel like thinking about it, grabbing an Uber or taxi made things effortless.

The people we met made Costa Rica feel like a place we could keep coming back to. Our zipline guides joked with us the whole time and pointed out wildlife tucked into the rainforest. A woman running a small shop in Jaco Walk recommended her favorite beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio for “next time,” as if she already knew we’d return.

At night, Jaco transformed into a series of choices: dance clubs, casinos, beach bars, and lounges where couples could just sip cocktails and talk. We tried a little of everything—some dancing, some gambling, and one standout night drifting from a beach bar to Mynt and back to the sand to watch the waves in the dark. Even late, walking home felt totally safe, with other travelers and locals filling the streets.

By the end of the trip, Jaco had checked every box for us: beaches, mountains, rainforest, friendly locals, easy transportation, and nightlife that could be as mellow or as wild as we wanted. It’s now at the top of our list for future couples’ vacations—and we’re already debating whether to invite friends or keep it our little secret next time.