Jaco in July...things that are a must see?
 

I'm starting to get the feeling this is a more touristy area...I don't mind that I guess, but I am more of an eco-tourist...can anyone tell me things that are must see in the area. I will have a car.

Thanks

Do you have to stay in Jaco? Yes, it's a touristy area, mostly for surfers and backpackers and a much younger crowd. Jaco is not very pretty either. I'd go a little further down the road and stay in Quepos or Manuel Antonio. Carara Biological Reserve and Manuel Antonio Park are nice. MA Park can get quite crowded, so go EARLY in the morning. If you like horses, there are some nice rides through the forest, along rivers, etc. that are usually done in small groups.

I agree with Ally. We've never been to Jaco, have driven right by without the slightest desire to go there based on all that we have heard. We'd never choose to stay there overnight. We enjoy, admire, and respect the Ticos, but since this is the nearest beach to San Jose, it gets extremely crowded on the weekends with the local folks. My vote goes to Manuel Antonio/Quepos area as well!

I've been to Jaco and MA twice and I think each place has its own to offer. The town of jaco is not that great (it's kind of seedy), but Hotel Villa Caletas close by is absolutley wonderful! (it is my favorute hotel in the world!) It is set in the jungle over acres and acres. We frequently sae poison dart frogs, toucans and coatis nest to our villa. There are many close by activities that are not to be missed: Tarcoles bridge - 12+ foot crocodiles, and the Carrara Reserve - Scarlet Macaws and many other bird species. (there were very few tourists at Carara, while MA was packed full of them.) Also, Villa Caletas sunsets are unbelievable. Plus, it is only a 2 hour drive from San Jose.

MA is nice as well, but there isn't a hotel there that compares to VC. I have stayed at Makanda by the Sea, El Parador and La Miraposa. I prefer La Miraposa for the price and location (wonderful sunsets and can walk to restaurants.) Makanda is highly over rated and obsescenely overpriced. (Villa Caletas is 1/2 the price and MUCH MUCH nicer) But, it is fun to see the monkeys at MA.

If it were my choice, I would probably opt for Villa Caletas/Jaco. Good luck! You will have a great time which ever you choose!

If there is a reason to stop in Jaco is the grocery store. The best store for miles in any direction. Also internet cafes and several places that you can call back to the US for cheap.

Best reason to go to Jaco is the scarlet macaws. They were just amazing. We went to the Cara Biological Reserve and they weren't there and without them there wasn't much to see. Our guide went looking for them and found them on a beach behind a restaurant in the areas the locals frequent. They were absolutely amazing and I am sure the best wildlife we saw in CR. Of course we never got tired of looking at the crocodiles as we drove over the bridge at the Tarcoles River.

I am taking the advice of this board and staying at the Villas Caletas for my honeymoon in October - Looked at the website and it seems amazing..5 nights...I am really interested in the canopy tours and other activities around there - What are the cant miss things to do in Manuel Antonio?

For sure take a tour of the park (closed on Mondays).

thanks so much for the info/advice!!