I’m William Martinez, 41. I landed in San José craving heat and horizon, and Jaco answered both. I stayed in a Contemporary Airbnb Apartment near Jaco Beach and let the days write themselves. The beach felt like a long exhale bounded by jungle-green hills.

My four anchors: Orange Pub for Dancing, Cocal Casino for Gambling, La Mona Galosa Chocolate Farm, and a Street Art and Graffiti Walking Tour I didn’t plan on but loved. People were generous with suggestions and quick smiles.

Off-hours I wandered Jaco Walk and took little rides: Playa Hermosa for surfers, Herradura for boats, Tarcoles for that improbable crocodile bridge. Taxis and Ubers made everything a yes; the bus was simple, too.

A surfer paddled over to recommend a taco stand; I went twice.

Nights shifted from mellow to electric without effort. I never felt out of place or unsafe, and the stroll home was as easy as the first wave of the morning.

I’m leaving with a pocket full of small stories and a plan to come back for a longer stretch.