Jacó, Costa Rica

Jacó Beach Costa Rica.

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Beach at Jacó

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Jacó Beach in 2007.

Jacó is a resort city on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in Central America. Located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. The city has a population of approximately 10,000 residents. Jacó's beach is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and offers some of the best surfing in Costa Rica.

Climate

As Jacó lies on the seashore, climate is normally humid, with relative humidity around 80%, reaching 90% in June. Temperature is 85–90 °F (24-32 °C) during the day and 75–80 °F (24-26 °C) at night. During the dry season, away from the water, the temperature may consistently reach 95 °F (35 °C) or above.

Jacó lies in a tropical climate zone mainly defined by distinct dry and wet seasons. Generally speaking, August through early December are wet, and late December through early April are dry; the remaining months have irregular rainy spells.

Geography

Jacó lies between several mountains, and is neighbored by the beaches of Herradura Bay to the North, and Playa Hermosa to the South. About 35 kilometers north of Jacó, lies the Carara National Park, recognized for its exuberant wildlife and dense rain forest. Carara is home to one of the largest remaining populations of wild scarlet macaws in the country. The ecotourism park Rainforest Adventures, NatGeo´s top ten of adventure trips, is just 5 minutes from the beach and it features an aerial tram through the transitional forest. The Manuel Antonio National Park is located 75 kilometres south of Jacó.

Jacó lies about 100 kilometers (a little less than two hours via Route 34) from the capital San José and an hour and a half from Costa Rica's primary international airport, Juan Santamaría International, accessed via route 34/27.