Jaco: Getting There & Helpful Info

Jaco: Getting to one of the most poplular beach destinations on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica via car, bus Gray Line and more:

By Car -- There are several routes to Jacó. The most popular one is a narrow and winding two-lane road, the "old highway," over and through mountains. This road is equal parts scenic and harrowing -- it's not uncommon to encounter buses and trucks passing on blind curves, or to find yourself at the back of a long line of cars stuck behind a slow-moving truck crawling up one of the steep hills. Begin this route by taking the Interamerican Highway west out of San José and exiting just west of Alajuela near the town of Atenas. Follow any of the numerous signs to any hotel in Jacó or Manuel Antonio. The old highway meets the Costanera highway a few kilometers west of Orotina. From here it's a straight and flat shot down the coast to Jacó.

Alternatively, it's possible to head out of San José on the highway to Escazú and Santa Ana. Continue on to the town of Ciudad Colón. From Ciudad Colón, follow signs to Puriscal and then Orotina. This is a similarly scenic and winding route through the mountains, with the same caveats, but it is less traveled and slightly more direct than the more popular route mentioned above. Finally, if you're coming from anywhere in northern Costa Rica, take the Interamerican Highway and get off at the Puntarenas exit and follow signs to Caldera. From here, head south on the Costanera. Note: This section has been in horrible shape in recent years.

Don't Feed the Crocs--The Costanera Highway passes over the Tárcoles River, just outside the entrance to Carara National Park, about 23km (14 miles) south of Orotina. This is a popular spot to pull over and take a gander at some gargantuan crocodiles. Some can reach 3.7 to 4.6m (12-15 ft.) in length. There are usually anywhere from 10 to 20 easily visible, either swimming in the water or sunning on the banks. But be careful. First, you'll be walking on a narrow sidewalk along the side of the bridge with cars and trucks speeding by. And second, there have been numerous car break-ins here, although a new police post has somewhat reduced the risk. Still, don't leave your car or valuables unguarded for long, or better yet, leave someone at the car and take turns watching the crocs.

By Bus -- Express buses (tel. 223-1109 or 643-3135) leave San José daily at 7:30 and 10:30am and 1, 3:30, and 6:30pm from the Coca-Cola bus terminal at Calle 16 between avenidas 1 and 3. The trip takes between 2 1/2 and 3 hours; the fare is $2.50. On weekends and holidays, extra buses are often added, so it's worth calling to check. More Bus Info & Bus Schedules >>

Gray Line (tel. 220-2126; www.graylinecostarica.com) has a daily bus that leaves San José for Jacó at 8am; the fare is $21. Interbus (tel. 283-5573; www.interbusonline.com) has two daily buses that leave San José for Jacó at 9:30am and 2pm; the fare is $19. Both companies will pick you up at most San José-area hotels.

Buses from San José to Quepos and Manuel Antonio also pass by Jacó. (They let passengers off on the highway about 1km/ 1/2 mile from town). These buses leave San José daily at 6, 7, and 10am, noon, and 2, 4, 6, and 7:30pm. Trip duration is 2 1/2 to 3 hours; the fare to Jacó is $3 on the indirect bus to Quepos and $5 on the direct bus to Manuel Antonio. However, during the busy months, some of these buses will refuse passengers getting off in Jacó or will accept them only if they pay the full fare to Quepos or Manuel Antonio.

From Puntarenas, you can catch Quepos-bound buses at 5 and 11am and 2:30 and 4:30pm. They will drop you off on the highway outside of town. The trip's duration is 1 hour; the fare is $1.50.

The Jacó bus station is at the north end of town, at a small mall across from the Jacó Fiesta Hotel. Buses for San José leave daily at 5, 7:30, and 11am and 3 and 5pm. Buses returning to San José from Quepos pass periodically and pick up passengers on the highway. Because schedules can change, it's best to ask at your hotel about current departure times.

Central Pacific Links:	National Park	Weather
Places to Stay	Manuel Antonio	Jaco
Things to Do	Manuel Antonio	Jaco
Places to Eat	Manuel Antonio	Jaco