Like so many towns before it, Jaco is a great example of the continuous profanation of a sacred place. Full bars exist solely for sex tourism.  The main road through town is packed with surf shops, stores selling any Costa Rican trinket imaginable, western style mall, restaurants, and of course, night clubs.  Still, the natural beauty of the long beach and surrounding cliffs and mountains can not be ignored.  

The far stretching beach spreads out the crowds at high tide, the hot time to surf at Playa de Jaco.  Jaco has a wide array of waves for anyone looking to learn the sport, get barreled, or just hit the lip.  Don’t be surprised when manta rays start jumping out of the water in the lineup.  

Five km to the south is Playa Hermosa, a nice breath of fresh air from crowded streets and constant barrage of tourists.  There are a few places to eat and stay in Hermosa (not to be confused with multiple other Playa Hermosas).  This wave is very heavy and inconsistent, throwing massive barrels almost right on shore.  Some pros are known to tow in here.  Experts only when it is big!  Go south down the beach to the tree to avoid crowded conditions.

Determined to experience a taste of the party life, we were destined for a night on the town.  The siren song of good music and boisterous people attracted us in to the Beatle Bar.  I was immediately smothered in prostitutes.  One three dollar beer later, it was time for a change.  The Jungle Bar was having guy’s night out, which consisted of about 60 dancing dudes and 15 cold eyed women on the job.  One more attempt at the Monkey Bar proved to be another show of debauchery and hammered home the need to cleanse ourselves of Jaco.  Pura Vida.