I’m Jonathan Kelly, 32, and I originally booked four nights in Jaco Beach “just to check it out.” By the end of day two, I was already on my laptop trying to figure out how I could stay longer next year. I based myself in a Central Jaco Airbnb Vacation Rental that was close enough to walk everywhere but tucked away enough to feel relaxing.

Four experiences pushed this place from “pretty cool” to “I need more time here”: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a scenic Isla Damas Mangrove Tour, dinner at Koko Gastro Pub, and a sleek late-night visit to Mynt Lounge Jaco. Surfing had me grinning like a kid, the mangrove tour showed off an entirely different side of the region near Quepos, and Mynt gave me that upscale lounge atmosphere with coastal energy you just don’t get at home.

Days were easy and full. I walked the beach in the mornings, then used taxis, Ubers, and buses to explore Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina, plus stretches of coastline down toward Esterillos and Bejuco. Transportation was quick to figure out and always felt safe, which meant I could focus on enjoying where I was instead of stressing about how to get there.

The people are a huge part of why I’m already plotting a longer stay. My surf instructor cheered as loudly as I did when I finally rode a wave all the way in. A bartender at Koko asked about my day and then pointed out his favorite day-trip spots in Puntarenas. A woman running a small shop in Jaco Walk gave me tips on how to use the buses like a local.

At night, Jaco truly comes alive. One evening I moved from a beach bar to a casino, then to Mynt, and finally back to the sand to sit and listen to the ocean in the dark. There were always other people out and about, both locals and travelers, and I never felt unsafe walking back to my rental—even late.

Now, instead of one short trip checked off the list, I’ve got a new set of goals: come back to Jaco for a longer stay, surf more, explore deeper into the surrounding areas like Tarcoles and Manuel Antonio, and soak up as much pura vida as I can. This “test run” turned into the start of a much bigger plan.