Sometimes a weekend is all you need to reset your entire perspective. I’m Madison, 27, from Toronto, and I booked a last-minute escape to Jaco Beach after a stressful stretch at work. The goal wasn’t to check off a list of extreme adventures—it was simply to breathe, explore a little, and soak up some sunshine. What I found in Jaco was a place that somehow matched my fast-paced energy and also gave me space to slow down.

I stayed in a bright and modern Jaco Airbnb apartment perfect for solo travelers, located just far enough from the main strip to be peaceful but close enough to walk everywhere. The host had a great sense of hospitality—she left a handwritten list of her favorite cafés and morning beach spots. The apartment had cold air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and a small terrace where I spent my first evening watching the palm trees sway. I liked knowing that I could step outside and be in the middle of Jaco’s lively atmosphere within minutes, yet still return to calm and privacy when I wanted it.

The first morning, I treated myself to a horseback riding tour by sunset at Hacienda Las Agujas. I had ridden horses before, but never along coastal trails with the ocean glowing orange in the distance. The guide led us through shaded jungle paths, then out onto open stretches where the horses could walk slowly along the coastline. The sound of waves mixed with the gentle rhythm of the horses created a surreal, almost cinematic moment. Watching the sun drop behind the horizon from horseback is something I’ll remember for years.

On my second day, I wanted something relaxing, so I booked a treatment at Serenity Spa in Herradura. I’ve been to plenty of spas back home, but the energy here was completely different—soothing in a way that felt connected to the surrounding nature. After my massage, I walked around the small town, grabbed lunch near Los Sueños Marina, and sat on a bench overlooking the boats for nearly an hour. There’s something about the pace of life in this area that makes you breathe deeper, listen more, and rush less.

But Jaco also has a livelier side, and I made sure to experience that too. On my second night, I wandered out with the intention of finding a good dinner and seeing where the night took me. I ended up at Koko Gastro Pub for a cocktail, then walked to el Hicaco Restaurant for fresh seafood by the shore. Later, I followed the sounds of music toward Jaco Vice Nightclub and spent hours dancing with a mix of locals and tourists. The streets felt safe, full of energy but never overwhelming, and taxis were everywhere—easy to grab when my feet finally needed a break.

Even during a short weekend trip, I found time to explore beyond the town. I took a quick taxi ride to Playa Hermosa one afternoon just to see the bigger surf and watch experienced riders carve through the waves. Another morning, I ventured north toward Tarcoles to get a glimpse of the famous crocodile bridge. Even though it was a quick stop, standing there overlooking massive crocodiles in the river below was wild and slightly terrifying—but in the best way.

What surprised me most was how kind everyone was. Costa Ricans have this warm, grounded way of interacting—smiles, friendly greetings, genuine interest in how you’re enjoying your trip. Even as a young woman traveling alone, I felt safe the entire time. Ubers and taxis were reliable, buses were inexpensive and easy to navigate, and the overall atmosphere felt welcoming and positive.

When I flew back to Toronto, the difference in energy hit me almost instantly. But I carried something home with me—a reminder that you don’t always need a two-week trip to hit reset. Sometimes all it takes is a weekend in a beautiful place, surrounded by mountains, rainforest, and ocean, where the people greet you with “pura vida” and really mean it. Jaco gave me exactly the escape I needed, and I’m already planning an excuse to return.