7 Must-See Places in Costa Rica

Don't be fooled by Costa Rica's diminutive size – It is chockablock with places and activities you just wouldn't want to miss. Picking seven favorites from the pile is tough. But covering every spot during your vacation – that's tougher. A whistle-stop tour is in nobody's interests anyways. Our pursuit of vacation happiness is better served when we don't jam-pack our itineraries but focus on a few things that really matter to us. With this agenda in mind, we've shortlisted 7 must-see places in Costa Rica. The vignettes we present here are assembled in no particular order; they are, however, a nod to Costa Rica's diverse topography. We've steered clear of the Caribbean coast, because it's so different from the Central and South Pacific, that it merits a post of its own. The things you can do in each place are hinted at the end of each section.

Jaco Beach

A four-kilometer beach strip, Jaco is where most of the beach life in Costa Rica is concentrated. High-rise condos and charming villas for those with deep and not-so-deep pockets, seafood restaurants, bars, and surf and souvenir shops lining the strip signal a beach town of extraordinary proportions.

You can experience the Tico culture (Did you think food? There's plenty to be had at the beachside restaurants) and mingle with fellow gringos. Yes, the place is practically overrun by Americans and Canadians. It might feel a bit like home but not in a discomfiting way, thanks to the exotic ambiance and liberal mores of the beach town.

Days and nights are pretty busy in Jaco, with surfing taking a lion's share of the activities during the day. The consistent breaks at Jaco give surfers a chance to learn and hone their surfing maneuvers. The town is a hedonistic heaven once night falls – right for you if you are the music-loving, bar-hopping kind.

Due to its proximity to several other places of interest, such as Herradura (to the North) and Hermosa (to the South), and the rich supply of hotels, many choose Jaco as their Costa Rica vacation capital, choosing to fork out from there for the rest of their tours.

Takeaway: If a beach vacation tops your list, then this the best place to stay!

Things to Do: Surfing, ATV tours, fishing, crocodile safari, visits to national parks, nightlife.

Eager to fill your bucket list with more places, read more here, https://jacoroyale.com/best-places-to-visit-in-costa-rica/