I’m Madison Howard, 29, and I chose Jaco Beach because I wanted a relaxing trip with little bursts of adrenaline built in. I didn’t want to go full extreme-sports, but I also didn’t want to just sit by a hotel pool for a week. Jaco struck that balance perfectly. I stayed in a Stylish Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment that gave me easy access to the beach, downtown, and tour pickups.

Four experiences became the highlights of my stay: an easy but beautiful Waterfall Tour in Bijagual, a thrilling yet manageable Ziplining through Rainforest adventure, a relaxing visit to Serenity Spa in Herradura, and long dinners at Koko Gastro Pub. The waterfall tour let me wade into cool pools surrounded by dense green jungle, ziplining gave me just enough adrenaline without feeling overwhelming, and the spa day plus Koko’s food rounded everything out.

Most days started slow with coffee on Jaco Beach, watching surfers and families spread out along the sand with mountains and rainforest in the background. After that, I either went on a tour or stayed in town to surf, swim, or stroll. Taxis and Ubers took me to Herradura, the Los Sueños marina, and Playa Hermosa, while buses carried me farther down the coast toward Esterillos and Bejuco when I wanted to explore more. Every ride felt safe and easy to figure out, especially with how helpful drivers and locals were.

The kindness of people in Jaco made everything smoother. Tour guides were patient and upbeat, taking time to make sure everyone felt comfortable with the pace and activities. The staff at Serenity Spa treated me like an old friend, and the team at Koko remembered me after one visit and walked me through their favorite dishes and drinks. Even casual interactions at grocery stores and small sodas came with smiles and “pura vida” energy.

At night, I let the day’s energy level dictate what I did. On some evenings, I just sat at a beach bar with live music, watching the waves and chatting with other travelers. On others, I visited a casino or a busier bar along the main strip, always feeling comfortable walking back to my apartment afterward. The streets were lively, lit, and full of people, which made nighttime feel exciting but still safe.

When I left, I felt rested but not bored—exactly the combination I was hoping for. Jaco gives you access to rainforest, waterfalls, ziplining, spas, good food, friendly people, nightlife, and easy transportation to nearby spots like Herradura, Tarcoles, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio. It’s the kind of place where you can dial your adrenaline level up or down as you go, and I’d happily return for another round of “relaxed with a side of adventure.”