Best Things to Do in Jaco Costa Rica for Nature Lovers
Nature lover's guide to Jaco, Costa Rica: horseback riding, wildlife watching, beaches, Carara National Park, sunsets and rainforest experiences.
Jacó has a lively reputation, but it is also surrounded by remarkable nature. Within a short drive you can find tropical rainforest, rivers, quiet beaches and one of the best places in Costa Rica to see scarlet macaws. If you love the outdoors, here are the best ways to experience nature in and around Jacó.
1. Horseback Riding Through Jungle and Beach
Horseback riding is one of the easiest ways to cover a lot of natural ground without strenuous effort. The Exclusive Jungle Horseback Riding tour follows river trails through the forest in about an hour, while the Sunset Horseback Riding tour takes you along the Pacific coastline as the sky changes color. In the right season, the Waterfall Horseback Riding tour heads deeper into the jungle toward a natural waterfall.
2. Visit Carara National Park
About a 20-minute drive north of Jacó, Carara National Park sits in a transition zone between the drier forests of the north and the humid forests of the south. That mix creates high biodiversity. Easy trails lead through tall forest where visitors often look for scarlet macaws, toucans, trogons, monkeys and many smaller creatures. Arrive early in the morning when animals are most active, and consider hiring a certified naturalist guide who carries a spotting scope.
3. See the Crocodiles at the Tárcoles River
On the road between Jacó and Carara, the bridge over the Tárcoles River is famous for the large American crocodiles that rest on the sandbanks below. Many travelers stop to look from the bridge walkway. Boat tours on the river also offer birdwatching in the mangroves and estuary.
4. Watch for Scarlet Macaws
The Central Pacific is one of the strongholds of the scarlet macaw in Costa Rica. Around Jacó, you might hear their loud calls before you see them flying in pairs overhead, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Keep looking up on rides and walks.
5. Explore Quieter Beaches
Jacó Beach is long and lively, but the coastline around it offers quieter alternatives. Playa Hermosa to the south is known for its powerful surf and black-sand stretches, while small coves to the north feel more secluded. Always respect posted warnings: Pacific currents can be strong, and not every beach is safe for swimming.
6. Hike to a Viewpoint
The hills that rise behind Jacó offer viewpoints over the bay. From above, you can see the curve of the beach, the town and the ocean stretching toward the Nicoya Peninsula. Go early or late in the day to avoid the strongest heat, and bring plenty of water.
7. Catch a Pacific Sunset
Jacó faces west, so sunsets over the ocean are a nightly event. Watching from the beach is free and wonderful; watching from horseback is even better. For more ideas, see romantic sunset activities in Jaco.
8. Look for Waterfalls in Season
The hills around Jacó hide waterfalls that are at their best when rain has fed the rivers. Because conditions vary, visit with local guidance. Our article on waterfall horseback riding near Jaco explains how seasons affect access.
9. Spot Wildlife Around Town
You do not always need to go far. Iguanas are common on walls and riverbanks, and birds gather in fruiting trees. Gardens and green areas around town attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Tips for Responsible Nature Travel
- Never feed wild animals, including monkeys and macaws.
- Keep a respectful distance and stay quiet near wildlife.
- Take all trash with you.
- Use reef-safe or mineral sunscreen when possible.
- Choose local guides and operators who know the area.
Planning Your Nature Days
A good nature-focused plan for a few days in Jacó might combine an early morning in Carara, an afternoon at the beach, and a horseback ride — a jungle ride one day and a sunset ride another. For a complete overview of riding, see our complete guide to Jaco horseback riding.
Jacó rewards travelers who look past the main street. The forests, rivers and coastline around town are full of life, and some of the best ways to experience them take only a few hours.
