Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [283]
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Information
Jacó is relatively expensive and during the high season it’s jam-packed with tourists, so reservations are recommended, especially around the winter holidays.
There’s no independent tourist information office, though several tour offices will give information. Look for the free monthly Jaco’s Guide, which includes tide charts and up-to-date maps, or go to www.jacoguide.com. The free monthly magazine Central Pacific Way has information on tourist attractions up and down the coastline.
Banco de San José (Map; Av Pastor Díaz, north of Calle Cocal; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sat) Has a Cirrus ATM open during bank hours on the 2nd floor of the Il Galeone shopping center.
Banco Popular (Map; cnr Av Pastor Díaz & Calle La Central) Exchanges US dollars and traveler’s checks.
Books & Stuff (Map; Av Pastor Díaz btwn Calles Las Olas & Bohío) Has books in several languages as well as US newspapers.
Mexican Joe’s (Map; Av Pastor Díaz btwn Calles Las Olas & Bohío; per hr ₡500; 9am-9pm Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm Sun) The best place to check email; has multiple computers with high-speed connections and air-con.
Red Cross (Map; 2643-3090; Av Pastor Díaz btwn Calles Hicaco & Las Brisas) Medical clinic.
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Dangers & Annoyances
First, let’s clear up some common misconceptions: Jacó bills itself as a fun-in-the-sun and family-friendly and holiday destination, and – for the most part – this is anything but false advertising. Tourist infrastructure here is among the best in the country, and all around the greater Jacó area, you can expect some very high-quality goods and services for your hard-earned money.
Furthermore, even though it’s often stereotyped as a brash party destination for young surfers and retired cruisers, Jacó is also proud to equally cater to families and young children. If you’re traveling with little tykes, you needn’t be concerned too much about their safety as Jacó really is fun for all ages. For more information Click here.
Aside from occasional petty crime such as pickpocketing and breaking into locked cars, Jacó is certainly not a dangerous place by any stretch of the imagination. However, the high concentration of wealthy foreigners and comparatively poor Ticos has resulted in a thriving sex and drugs industry. To be fair, the local council has done an admirable job cleaning things up in recent years, and these vices are not as public as they once were. But this is not to say that Jacó is squeaky clean by any account.
Jacó is the epicenter of Costa Rica’s thriving prostitution scene. Assuming the working girl is over 18 (which is not always a given), prostitution is legal in Costa Rica. Be advised that if you’re alone in a bar or club at night in Jacó, you will most likely be approached by pimps and/or prostitutes. For more information on preventing child-sex tourism in Costa Rica, see boxed text.
With regard to drugs, you might want to familiarize yourself with the law, as well as the repercussions of breaking it – see boxed text, opposite).
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Activities
SWIMMING
Jacó is generally safe for swimming, though you should avoid the areas near the estuaries, which are polluted. Be advised that the waves can get crowded with beginner surfers who don’t always know how to control their boards, so be smart and stay out of their way. Riptides do occasionally occur, especially when the surf gets big, so inquire about local conditions and keep an eye out for red flags marking the paths of rips.
SURFING
Although the rainy season is considered best for Pacific coast surfing, Jacó is blessed with consistent year-round breaks. Even though more advanced surfers head further south to Playa Hermosa, the waves at Jacó are strong, steady and a lot of fun. Jacó is also a great place to start a surf trip as it’s easy to buy and sell