Seven Destinations from Jaco Costa Rica
The beauty of Costa Rica has always managed to captivate the imagination of many people over the centuries. Offering some of the most beautiful tourist attractions which host one of the finest blends of culture and nature, Costa Rica has a little bit of everything to suit the taste of even the most critical of travelers. Jaco is one of those places located in the heart of this beautiful country, which is perhaps best suited to demonstrate the true beauty of Costa Rica. Which is to share the pure magic of Costa Rica travel destinations, we have listed seven of the most beautiful tourist attractions in and around Jaco.
1. The Crocodile Safari
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It is often said that if you want to experience the true beauty of the Jaco, Costa Rica area, then you cannot afford to miss this mind-blowing trip through the Taracole River. To hop on to the Crocodile Safari you need to make a 30 minute trip north on the main highway, where you will be guided through one of the most flourishing ecosystems in existence today. With a chance to meet the Crocodiles and a host of other exotic animals, this two-hour long boat ride can truly satisfy the primeval needs of any man. Crocodiles have been on the planet for more than 200 million years.
Since they haven’t changed much over time, they are considered living dinosaurs, and you can see them from less than a meter away, monsters up to 4 meters long. Another great thing about this boat ride through the Taracole river is that you also get a chance to get up close and personal with 50 of the rarest species of birds, including the Scarlet Macaw, and the Mangrove Hummingbird in their natural habitat.
The Tárcoles River serves as a biological connection between the park and the mangrove forest and is an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. When you take the bird watching tour, you will be able to easily spot more than 50 bird species. If you are an experienced birder, you will see about 100 different bird species. Giving you a chance to learn a lot more about these endangered creatures, The Crocodile Safari is something you truly do not want to miss out on.
2. The Arenal Volcano
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Nothing can define the true beauty of a place more than a volcano and if you the one who is always up for a good hike through one of the biggest national parks of Costa Rica to see the Arenal Volcano up close, then the four-hour drive from Jaco is well worth the trip. Being surrounded by one of the biggest rainforests in Costa Rica today
The Arenal Volcano national park hosts more than six hundred and fifty different species of birds, which can be more than enough to satisfy any professional bird watcher. Arenal Volcano National Park also hosts one of the largest collections of white-faced Capuchin monkeys, Boa constrictors, Coati, Parrot Snake, and the infamous Fer De Lance.
Trekking through one of the most distinguished walking trails through the forest, don’t forget to miss out on the 3500-year-old Chato Volcano, whose 3740 ft high crater has been filled with one of the clearest blue waters over time, before making your way to the modest town of La Fortuna to spend the night. Set out the next morning to experience one of the biggest highlights in all of Costa Rica travel destinations, the Arenal Volcano. Standing it at 5479 feet, this gigantic beast which last erupted in 2010 is truly one view is well worth the effort.
If you can check out Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica. Experience some of the finest hot springs, to relax that stress before you make your way back to the city.
3. Carara National Park
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Dawned with the name that literally means crocodile, The Carara National Park is any nature lovers’ true delight. Only 10 miles from Jaco, with services offered, like being picked up from your hotel, to venture out into this three-kilometer long trek through one of the most mesmerizing forests which are situated at the intersection of the Amazonian Forest and Mesoamerican habitats.
It truly is a special place. The Carara National Park highlights some of the most amazing creatures that roam the earth today. While on your journey through this beautiful park, you also get a chance to get to meet those feared crocodiles on foot so that you can capture your bravery on film to share with the world.
End the trip with one of the tastiest home-cooked meals, which only Costa Rica can provide before being driven back to your hotel by the park authorities. The park opens at 7 am and closes at 5 pm. The entrance fee is $10 Early morning, or around sunset is often the best time to see the wealth of birds living in the park, especially scarlet macaws.
4. Jaco Sea Trip
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Nothing defines a vacation more than a good day spent on a beach with your loved ones and if kayaking and snorkeling are the things for you, then the Jaco Sea Trip is the perfect way to spend a day with your family and away from those oversized crocodiles. Offering one of the most beautiful Costa Rican beaches which are surrounded by some of the greenest beachside trees you can ever come across, don’t forget to get your suntan lotion on perfectly before you kayak out to the middle of the Pacific ocean to meet some of the most exotic tropical fishes around. Snorkel amongst some of the most colorful and beautiful fishes of the pacific ocean, before kayaking your way back to the shore to end your perfect day at the beach.
Jaco Sea Kayak and Snorkel Details
The launch site is at Playa Agujas, where you’ll also be given time for beachcombing or searching the nearby trees for monkeys, birds, and other critters.
This is a half-day tour. Tours depart at 8:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, camera, and sunscreen.
5. Monteverde
If it is peace you are looking for, then the beautiful town of Monteverde is the best place for you. Situated in the breathtaking cloud forest which sits nestled amongst one of the most beautiful volcano ranges, the two hours 30-minute drive to the elaborate town of Monteverde is well worth the journey.
Looking like something out from a fairy tale movie, don’t hesitate to miss out on the mountain top view which shadows over one of the most beautiful roadways through the Pan American highway. Set atop the spine of Costa Rica’s continental divide, Monteverde is part of Costa Rica totally different from the coastal towns and villages that dot the country’s beautiful tropical shoreline. It is another world, with a cloud forest, monkeys, coffee plantations, the ever-present mist, and the friendly local ticas. The town of Santa Elena is a quaint, little town filled with several ones of a kind restaurant and some neat artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts an incredible amount of biodiversity. While you are on Monteverde don’t forget to sample some of the classic Monteverde cheese, before catching the mountain top sunset with your loved ones.
6. Jungle Spa Adventure
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If you don’t mind, pampering yourself in a natural spa, then the jungle spa adventure is meant for you. Ride through one of the most beautiful forests of Jaco on a horse, which will take you to one of the most enigmatic secret, breathtaking waterfalls, and springs where you can immerse yourself in nature for the perfect skin spa treatment ever.
While covering yourself in the precious volcanic mud, which undoubtedly has one of the most rejuvenating effects on the skin, enjoy a freshly cut fruit salad made from the delicious local fruits. if you are lucky along the way you will have the opportunity to spot some great wildlife such as Toucans, Scarlet Macaws, and White Face Monkeys. Wash away all your troubles and stress in the springs, and waterfalls, before riding your way back to your hotel.
7. Tortuga Island
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Nothing beats visiting one of the most popular Costa Rica travel destinations through one of the most infamous Tortuga Island cruises. With a chance to swim through the turquoise blue water of the pacific ocean and spend the day lazing on board one of the finest catamarans that Jaco has to offer, spend your day on the beautiful palm tree covered beaches of Tortuga. The snorkeling there gives you a chance to view marine life such as spinner dolphins, angelfish, sharks, stingrays, and octopus. Experience the true Calypso magic with one of the most beautiful sights of Tortuga Islands mixed with the popular local Calypso style barbecue, rum punch, and hospitality, which can break even the sternest of the stern.
Costa Rica travel destinations are truly one of those places you should not miss for your vacation at any cost, because missing out on this heavenly destination will only keep you away from one of the most beautiful places on earth.