Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [291]
Disco La Central (Map; Calle La Central) This unintentionally retro disco sets the volume at 11 (whether or not there’s anyone on the dance floor), though it’s an old-timer on the Jacó scene that still draws in a strong local following. Very much an after-hours spot, Disco La Central doesn’t really get going until the restaurants and bars have emptied out, sending inebriated patrons out in search of flashing lights and heavy bass.
Jazz Casino (Map) is located in Hotel Amapola at the southern reaches of town. This full-on casino is in the business of squeezing the last few colones out of your pocket. That is, of course, assuming your luck isn’t riding high, so why not add a dash of excitement to your night by trying your hand at slots, blackjack, roulette and craps?
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Getting There & Away
AIR
NatureAir (www.natureair.com) and Alfa Romeo Aero Taxi (www.alfaromeoair.com) offer charter flights. Prices are dependent on the number of passengers, so it’s best to try to organize a larger group if you’re considering this option.
BOAT
Travelers are increasingly taking advantage of the jet-boat transfer service that connects Jacó to Montezuma. Several boats per day cross the Golfo de Nicoya, and the journey only takes about an hour. At US$37 it’s definitely not cheap, but it’ll save you about a day’s worth of travel. Reservations can be made at most tour operators in town. It’s a beach landing, so wear the right shoes.
BUS
Buses for San José stop at the Plaza Jacó mall, north of the center. The bus stop for other destinations is opposite the Más X Menos supermarket. (Stand in front of the supermarket if you’re headed north; stand across the street if you’re headed south.) The departure times listed here are approximate since buses originate in Puntarenas or Quepos. Get to the stop early!
Puntarenas ₡800; 1½ hours; departs 6am, 9am, noon and 4:30pm.
Quepos ₡800; 1½ hours; departs 6am, noon, 4:30pm and 6pm.
San José ₡2000; three hours; departs 5am, 7:30am, 11am, 3pm and 5pm.
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Getting Around
BICYCLE & SCOOTER
Several places around town rent bicycles, mopeds and scooters. Bikes can usually be rented for about US$3 to US$5 an hour or US$8 to US$15 a day, though prices can change depending on the season. Mopeds and small scooters cost from US$25 to US$50 a day (many places ask for a cash or credit card deposit of about US$200).
CAR
There are several rental agencies in town, so shop around for the best rates.
Budget (Map; 2643-2665; Plaza Jacó Mall; 8am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 4pm Sun)
Economy (Map; 2643-1719; Av Pastor Díaz, south of Calle Ancha; 8am-6pm)
National (Map; 2643-1752; cnr Av Pastor Díaz & Calle Hicaco; 7:30am-6pm)
TAXI
Taxis to Playa Hermosa from Jacó cost upwards of ₡3000. To arrange for a pick-up, call Taxi 30-30 (2643-3030), or negotiate with any of the taxis along Av Pastor Díaz.
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PLAYA HERMOSA
While newbies struggle to stand up on their boards in Jacó, a few kilometers south in Playa Hermosa seasoned veterans are thrashing their way across the faces of some truly monster waves. Regarded as one of the most consistent and powerful breaks in the whole country, Hermosa serves up serious surf that commands the utmost respect. Of course, you really need to know what you’re doing in these parts – huge waves and strong riptides are unforgiving, and countless surfboards here have wound up shattered to pieces and strewn about on the shoreline.
Meaning ‘Pretty Beach’ in Spanish, Playa Hermosa is a 10-km long strip of grayish sand that has seen significant investment in recent years, primarily in the form of several brand-new upmarket hotels. In comparison with neighboring Jacó and Playa Herradura, the development here is modest by all accounts. Rather than striving to achieve city status, Hermosa is still very