| How about going to a vacation spot that is known | | | | take part in world surfing championships (and |
| to have some of the best and most popular | | | | party at night in Jaco). |
| beaches in Costa Rica? If you have always | | | | There are innumerable things to do during your |
| wanted to vacation in Costa Rica, check out Jaco. | | | | vacation. |
| Located only two hours from San Jose, Jaco is | | | | Go horseback riding along a lovely beach or visit |
| along Costa Rica's central Pacific coast at the | | | | the nearby river with its huge, famous crocodiles. |
| Northern part of Puntarenas province. | | | | Zipline through the canopy or try sea kayaking or |
| Though there are plenty of things to do during | | | | sailing. |
| the day, this is one of the country's famous | | | | Visit Arenal Volcano and sit in the hot springs |
| "party towns", well known for the outstanding, | | | | watching the eruptions. |
| eclectic nightlife that you can enjoy on the beach. | | | | Take a real Swiss train to a real Swiss hotel (in |
| Over the years, many tourists have made this a | | | | the mountains of Costa Rica). |
| favorite location for their visits, citing its casual, | | | | Learn to surf or take a Spanish class (some |
| relaxed, laid back, friendly, party atmosphere. | | | | language schools offer surfing as well as |
| They are drawn by so many nearby beaches, | | | | language!). |
| some of which are very tranquil, all of which are | | | | Take a balloon ride over the jungles, monkeys |
| gorgeous. | | | | screaming from below. |
| Jaco has boomed over the last half dozen years | | | | And, consider chartering a boat for a trip to |
| or so. Where once there was a quiet little road | | | | Costa Rica's world-famous fishing grounds just |
| (except at night) through a sleepy small town, | | | | offshore.. |
| today there are towering high rises and resorts | | | | Huge marlin that can swim 70 miles an hour and |
| with lots of bars, restaurants, and shops. | | | | leap 10 feet from the water await. |
| College kids have long traveled to Jaco because | | | | Sometimes the schools of tuna or sailfish are |
| of its "party beach" and cheap accommodations. | | | | thick. |
| They come for great surfing along many of its | | | | Think you came a long way to get here? Whales |
| beaches and for its plethora of bars and discos | | | | travel from Antarctica to breed in the warm |
| that are alive at night. But, they are not alone. | | | | waters---as do their cousins from the Arctic. |
| People of every age and background visit here to | | | | Imagine swimming thousands of miles! |
| enjoy the many things to do and see in the area. | | | | Though it is easy to reach by air, Costa Rica |
| Whatever your budget, from luxury to basic | | | | remains to be discovered. Columbus was the first |
| (think hostels without hot water) there's a place | | | | to find it and, indeed, gave it its name "Rich |
| for you----not to mention a tourist souvenir shop | | | | Coast." |
| waiting anxiously to part you with a little of your | | | | It still remains a spectacular haven with one out |
| money. | | | | of every five species of plant and animal on the |
| Though Jaco Beach (directly in front of Jaco) has | | | | planet residing in a tiny little country in a country |
| been one of the most popular beaches for many, | | | | that takes up just 1/10,000 of the planet's land. |
| many years, nearby beaches, literally just a | | | | You'll find more types of butterflies here than are |
| couple of miles away,, are much better. You'll find | | | | found on the entire African continent. There are |
| far fewer people and some of the most | | | | virtually as many different species of birds in |
| ecologically pure water on the planet at beaches | | | | Costa Rica as in the entire continental United |
| which have been awarded Blue Flag certifications | | | | States. Nearly 800 miles of coastline on two |
| for cleanliness. | | | | oceans and spectacular volcanoes. The world's |
| If you visit Jaco, I strongly recommend | | | | longest humpback whale watching season is here |
| spectacular Hermosa Beach, only a couple of miles | | | | and sea turtles still nest along the shores like they |
| south. Though it is not recommended for | | | | have since the days of dinosaurs |
| swimming due to its currents and riptides, it is | | | | So, don't limit yourself to the beaches of Jaco. |
| pristine with some of the best surfing on the | | | | Hike, birdwatch, take a few pics, enjoy the many |
| planet. Indeed, this July it will host professional | | | | fun things to do during the day and the adult |
| surfers from more than 35 countries who will | | | | nightlife for which Costa Rica is famous. |