Puntarenas To Jaco

 

Just outside the Puntarenas peninsula are a series of beautiful, mostly dark-sand beaches as short drive San Jose, often collectively referred to as Playa San Isidro. Beachside lodging is great for family weekend getaway close to San Jose. Further along the road to Jacó lies the Tárcoles River and Carara National Park, which offer a glimpse of pristine jungles, abundant crocodiles and an opportunity to see colorful scarlet macaws.

 

How to get There:

Follow Coastal Highway southeast toward Orotina. Before Orotina , head south to Herradura, following sings to Jacó ( 86 Km). Bus leaves Puntarenas ( Paseo de los Turistas, Ca 2/4), four times daily.

 

Things to Do

Panaca: Agricultural theme park ( phone: 2228-55-95), in San Mateo, 1 hr. from San Jose, five shows, over 3500 animals, interactive, sensory contact, 9 a.m – 6 p.m daily.

J D`s Watersports: ( phone: 2290-15-60), arranges sportfishing from Los Sueños Marina, tours of Carara National Park, crocodile tour on Tarcóles, sunset cruises, scuba diving, kayaking.

Carara National Park: ( phone: 2200-50-23), birds, monkeys, crocodiles, 5200 hectares, 7 a.m – 4 p.m, guides trails, one wheelchair access. Catch a free glimpse of huge crocodiles at Tarcóles River Bridge. Next to Carara, trails, suspension bridges, canopy cables at Villa Lapas Sky Way & Canopy Tour: ( phone: 2637-02-32), at Hotel Villa Lapas with arts/crafts village, turnoff 4 Km. From Tarcóles River Bridge. Check out crocodilesat bridge, but park at restaurant and beware of thieves who clean out cars of crocodile-watchers.

Continue on same road 5 Km. to Jardín Pura Vida: ( phone: 2200-50-40), 30 acres, stunning mountain/coastline view, botanical gardens, waterfalls, scarlet macaws, restaurant, gift shop. Siempre Verde Eco-Farm: ( phone: 8353-21-93), ecotours, coffee plantation.

Bijagual Waterfall Tours: ( phone: 2661-82-63), hike/horses, to amazing, 200m. waterfall near Villa Lapas. Across highway in Tarcoles, Crocodile Man Tour ( phone: 2637-04-26), crocodile “show” from boat ($25), Jungle Crocodile Safari Tour: ( phone: 2637-03-38) same for $25. Anfina Tours. ( phone: 2664-50-50), for into in San Isidro.For real state, check out: Nativa Resort ( phone: 2201-71-47).

 

Restaurants near Jaco Beach
Hotels near Jaco Beach