Playa Hermosa

On the other side of the rocky ridge that forms the southern edge of Playa Jacó is Playa Hermosa, a swath of dark-gray sand and driftwood stretching southeast as far as the eye can see, with consistent waves for surfers. For nonsurfers, outdoor options include horseback and canopy tours in the nearby forested hills, but all of these can be done from other beaches. As for the town itself, there's really not much, which is part of the attraction for travelers who want to escape Jacó's crowds and concrete towers. Most of the restaurants, bars, and hotels have cropped up one after the other on a thin stretch separating the highway and the beach. From June to December, olive ridley turtles nest on the beach at night, especially when there's not much moonlight. Note: there is a second Playa Hermosa on the Guanacaste Pacific coast.