by Lisa Martens

Created on: August 22, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2008

To be frank, Jaco beach is not a family-friendly place to be. It's primarily known as a party beach or a college beach. To surf, the truly hardcore go to the beach next door, known as Playa Hermosa. This is definitely a more secluded area and especially more family-friendly. If you're going with the kiddies, paying the extra five-dollar cab fare to go to Hermosa instead of Jaco is worth your while.

Visiting Costa Rica during Christmastime has its advantages. Many Americans don't realize this, but our winter is their summer! All of the kids have off of school (colleges too) during the month of December and January, so expect to see a lot of night life around the beaches, since this is their vacation!

For the truly daring, Jaco beach has a sort of peninsula that is only accessible at low tide. At high tide, this charming little peninsula becomes an island! During low tide, this is a nice area to bring some food, maybe a tent, and stay the night until the next day! Some trees and plant life grow in this tiny island (especially nut trees). This can be a romantic little outing or the scene of a bonfire party with friends.

Jaco beach has become heavily commercialized in a short time. You'll find a lot of American businesses, but, of course, I recommend the local food and housing. Many families with beachfront properties have converted their houses into hotel rooms. These especially cozy places usually have a more home-like feel than a hotel.

For those who like to rough it, Jaco beach has plenty of ten-dollar hostels. But it's REALLY roughing it. I'd opt for the house converted into a hotel...much nicer, but not as much as an American hotel!

There's plenty of night life in Jaco as well as places to eat. Most places have menus in English as well as Spanish. But please, try to speak a little bit of Spanish! Costa Ricans love if you try, even if you're horrible, and it could make a difference. If you don't try to speak Spanish to them, why should they try to speak English to you?

PAY WITH THE LOCAL CURRENCY. I cannot stress this enough. A lot of people don't like to convert their money, and indeed you should not convert a lot of it. But if you're going shopping (especially), do not use dollars. You will end up paying more. If it's not an option and you HAVE to use dollars or euros, know the exact exchange rate for that day and bring a calculator. Ask for the price in COLONES - the national currency of Costa Rica - and do the math yourself.

And don't be afraid to haggle. If you're buying two of something, ask them to give you a price. Too many people simply dish out money. The vendors there will haggle if it means making or breaking a sale.

DO NOT TIP! Costa Rican food bills include a tip! Unless you are extremely impressed with the service, there's no need to put in for tip. It's a part of the bill!

Expect the weather to be hot and dry from November through January. The water will be calm, which is good for those who don't want to be beaten with huge waves. It will not rain too much if at all.

Have fun! As the ticos (Costa Ricans) say, Pura Vida!

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