Top Things for Families to Do in Jaco | Monaco Luxury Condos, Jaco Costa Rica
Costa Rica for Families: Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Jaco
Known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, Costa Rica's status as an ideal travel destination attracts everyone from families to solo travelers. From lush greenery and jungle adventures to thrilling attractions and an exciting food scene, Costa Rica showcases the best of what Central America has to offer.
But, despite its popularity among tourists, many parts of Costa Rica are still relatively untouched – making it the perfect place to experience that famous “Pura Vida” way of life.
One area in particular that’s attracting visitors looking for that true Costa Rican experience is Jaco. Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica – southwest of the capital city, San Jose – Jaco is a bustling town that still manages to carry an “off the beaten track” feel.
But what exactly is there for families to do in Jaco, Costa Rica?
If you’re in the middle of planning a family trip to Jaco, here are 5 key activities you need to know about!
1. Royal Butterflies Garden: Where Nature Comes to Life
Your family adventure in Jaco can begin at the Royal Butterflies Garden, a magical butterfly farm and sanctuary. This unique attraction is dedicated to protecting diverse plants that provide suitable habitats for dozens of species of tropical butterflies.
But this butterfly garden isn’t just a treat for nature lovers; it's also a big hit with little adventurers wanting to learn about the world around them in an age-appropriate way. With guided tours available, your tour guide can adapt the learning experience to suit groups of all ages, sizes, and level of interest!
Admission is FREE for children and roughly $10 for adults (special rates may be available for large groups), making this attraction well-worth making time for.
Tip: For more information on opening hours and guided tours, contact
Toura Global.
2. Aerial Tram: A Unique Jungle Experience
Looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure in Jaco? Look no further than the Aerial Tram.
Take a scenic ride through the jungle in… yes, you guessed it, a tram!
Offering breathtaking views of Jaco’s jungle surroundings and the magic it contains, the aerial tram is an educational journey for the whole family. With guided tours for additional insights into the local flora and fauna, you’ll learn about everything from exotic birds and monkeys to tropical trees and plants.
Tip: For older children and parents, the aerial tram tour can be combined with ziplining and high rope activities. For younger visitors, there are also packages available that include the butterfly garden we mentioned above! Check out the full range of tickets, packages, and age-appropriate activities
here.
3. Jaco Beach: Surf, Sun, and Family Fun
Jaco Beach is a paradise for beach lovers and of course, those wanting to experience the best of the Pacific Ocean.
Known for its excellent surfing, a wide variety of dining options, and its proximity to other attractions, Jaco Beach offers plenty of family-friendly activities. With everything from deep sea fishing trips to horseback riding along the beach, your family has the opportunity to do something a little different, or simply enjoy a classic sunny day at the beach.
That said, because Jaco Beach is
most famous for its surf, there’s no doubt that this activity should be on your family’s radar. Especially for those looking for beginner surf lessons, Jaco Surf School offers a
wide range of classes to help your family find its sea legs.
Hermosa beach – or “Playa Hermosa” – is another great option for more experienced surfers, with lessons and surf camps available.
Tip: Jaco Beach has vibrant nightlife with bars and restaurants that might not be suitable for children during the evening. Many parents prefer to plan a daytime visit to enjoy the sun, sea, and some family-friendly fun.
4. El Miro: A Hike with a View
Treat your children to breathtaking panoramic views of Jaco from El Miro, an abandoned hotel turned into one of Jaco's finest viewpoints. The hike is suitable for beginners and children, and can be a great introduction to Costa Rica’s many nature trails.
Complete with graffiti art along the way, this attraction is a must-see for first-time visitors. Free to visit, El Miro is an experience you don’t want to miss.
To make the most of your visit to El Miro, we recommend that you:
- Wear comfortable shoes and take the hike at your own pace (it usually takes around an hour to complete!)
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Keep a close eye out for native wildlife, like colorful birds and butterflies
- Enjoy a picnic at the top of El Miro for a memorable family experience
Don’t forget your camera!
One of the best ways to enjoy this tourist attraction in Jaco is to take plenty of stops along the way and enjoy the natural beauty around you. With
camera suggestions for kids, even little ones can enjoy taking some snaps!
5. Visit a National Park: Wildlife and Adventure Awaits
Just a 30-minute drive away, Carara National Park is the nearest national park to Jaco and a wildlife haven. You can spot macaws, capuchin monkeys, reptiles, and much more.
There’s also a boat safari on the Tarcoles River that you can book on the same day if you want to spot some crocodiles! Just be sure to arrange this with your tour operator in advance to ensure there’s enough time for both activities.
If you’re looking to get out and see more of the area, there’s another great park excursion nearby. Consider a full-day or half-day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its sloths and exotic reptiles. To plan your visit to the park,
visit their website and be sure to make note of their opening hours.
If national parks and other day trips from Jaco appeal to your family, here are some things to know before your tip:
Costa Rica's government has a strong commitment to environmental conservation and has allocated a significant portion of the country to national parks and protected areas. If you’re interested in booking a day tour to one of these areas a little further outside of Jaco, we recommend Tortuga Island and beaches along the Gulf of Nicoya.
The country's emphasis on eco-tourism provides families with opportunities to learn about environmental sustainability and wildlife protection. To book a local tour in Jaco, ask your accommodation provider for a recommendation!
When visiting national parks in or near Jaco, consider hiring a local guide who can share valuable insights about the flora and fauna. While some of these guides can be organized through the parks themselves, it’s also possible to book through private tour companies.
Many attractions in and around Jaco offer packages specifically designed for families, ensuring a memorable and safe experience for children of all ages – be sure to check with the local tourist office, or even with your accommodation provider for more information.
Looking for a Place to Relax During Your Downtime in Jaco?
Looking for somewhere to rest amongst all the fun? Consider booking a stay at Monaco Upscale Condominiums for a relaxing family retreat in Jaco.
Our condos offer the perfect base for not only all of the attractions Jaco has to offer, but also for spending some quality time with family in a beautiful environment.
Plus, to make your stay even more convenient, our dedicated concierge service can stock your fridge before your arrival, ensuring you have everything you need from the moment you step through the door. We also provide airport transportation and can arrange trips to various tourist attractions around Jaco.
Sometimes, the best vacations are all about cherishing moments with loved ones, so
contact us to book your stay in Jaco and create lasting memories with your family.
