I’m Steven Collins, 52, and I came to Jaco Beach after realizing I’d been moving at full speed for years without really stopping. My goal was simple: slow down. I stayed in a Beach-Side Airbnb Apartment in Jaco where the sound of the waves at night did half the work for me.

Four experiences helped me find that slower rhythm: quiet mornings Birdwatching on beach, a relaxed visit to Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, a hearty dinner at Soda Jaco Rustico Restaurant, and a fun but not too wild evening at Jaco Blu Beach Club. The guides at Pura Vida spoke with real pride about their country, the restaurant served simple food cooked incredibly well, and the beach club gave me just enough nightlife without overwhelming the senses.

Most days started with a long walk along Jaco Beach, watching surfers, families, and early risers share the shoreline. I took taxis and buses to Playa Hermosa and Herradura, and even down toward Esterillos and Parrita, just to see more of the gentle curve of the Pacific coast. Transportation was easy and safe—I never felt rushed or worried, even when I wasn’t entirely sure of my plan for the day.

Locals made it feel like I’d chosen the right place to pause. A young man at a convenience store asked about my trip and then recommended his favorite spot in nearby Herradura for watching the sunset. A woman on the bus pointed out where Tarcoles and Carara National Park were and told me I should save them for my “next trip,” as if it were already decided I’d return.

At night, I didn’t go too hard, but I still soaked up the energy: live music drifting from bars, laughter from casino entrances, and people from all over wandering under warm streetlights. I ducked into a casino for a bit, visited Jaco Blu for a drink and some people-watching, and walked back to my apartment feeling completely at ease, even late.

By the end of the week, I realized I’d finally slowed down enough to notice things again—the color of the sky at different hours, the way the rainforest climbs into the hills behind town, and how kind strangers can be when you meet them halfway. Jaco gave me that space and peace, wrapped in sunshine and warm water. I’ll be back, not to do more, but to slow down like this again.