A Central Base for Exploring the Coast
Jaco's spot on the central Pacific coast puts several of Costa Rica's best-known attractions within a manageable day trip, which is part of why it works well as a home base rather than just a beach stop on its own.
Carara National Park
Just 15 minutes from Jaco, Carara National Park is one of the best places in the country to spot scarlet macaws along with monkeys and a wide range of tropical birds, and its trails are short enough to fit into a half-day outing.
The Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge
A stop at the Tarcoles River bridge, often combined with a boat tour, lets you see some of the largest American crocodiles in Costa Rica from a safe distance, and it pairs naturally with a Carara National Park visit on the same route.
Manuel Antonio
About 1 to 1.5 hours south, Manuel Antonio National Park makes for a full-day trip combining beach time with guided wildlife spotting, and it's an easy add-on for guests who want to see more of the coast without changing accommodations.
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