We’re Mark Wilson (43) and Karen Perez (41). We booked a Beach-Side Airbnb Apartment in Jaco and let the week find its own rhythm.

Our four: Horseback riding by Sunset, Jungle Crocodile Safari Tour, Arigatos Sushi Restaurant, and a late stop at Mynt Lounge Jaco because the lighting was too good to skip. People we met were quick with suggestions and patient with our follow-up questions.

We split time between Herradura’s marina and Playa Hermosa’s surf, with a dash to Esterillos for a longer beach. Taxis and Ubers made improvising easy; buses were simple and safe. We never felt rushed, and we always felt welcome.

A surfer waved us toward a bakery we might’ve missed; we ended up returning twice.

Nights slid from mellow to bright and back—music, a small flutter of casino lights, and the slow walk home.

Jaco gave us that combination of ease and adventure we’re usually chasing on vacation. We’ll be back.