Top Destinations Near Our
Rental Properties
Katie’s Guide to Exploring
Jaco, Costa Rica
So you’ve made it to the beautiful Costa Rica! You’ve got to your rental, unpacked your suitcase, freshened up from your travels and…now what?
Well, if there’s one thing about CR, it’s that there is never a shortage of things to do and places to see!
To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite destinations and must-visit spots to add to your itinerary. From bars and restaurants to hiking trails and thrilling excursions, there is something here for everyone!
FOOD
Just 5 minutes from Jaco beach you’ll find the charming Cafe Bohio! This is my favourite spot to grab a delicious cappuccino in the morning before a beach day. They serve brunch until 1 pm offering mouth-watering sandwiches made with their fresh sourdough and an array of fresh pastries.
Minutes by foot from Casa Del Sol and Bahia Beachfront!
An ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS Mediterranean spot perfect for seafood lovers! It is such a beautiful restaurant with food almost as great as the service. Great spot for a date night, celebratory dinner or just an all-around great meal.
Minutes by foot from Casa Del Sol and Bahia Beachfront!
Bars & Nightlife
Vida Hermosa Bar and Restaurant
Though this is more of an all-day spot (open 7am to 11pm), Vida Hermosa is THE place to be for great food, great drinks and a fun time on the beach. The views are absolutely stunning and you can expect an open mic and some live music to dance to on most days. More than that, they host a surf competition EVERY Saturday afternoons as well as “Sunday Funday”, a beach party every Sunday!
This is just a 5 minute walk from Hermosa Sunset Villa.
Prepare to dance all night long at Orange Pub! In the heart of Jaco, this place is an all-around great destination for a fun night out! The great music and captivating ambience are complemented by their commitment to ensuring their guests are always well taken care of. P.S. - Tuesday nights are “Ladies Nights” so bring your friends for some special treatment on your next GNO!
Minutes by foot from Casa Del Sol and Bahia Beachfront!
Beaches
Only an hour and a half drive away, you’ll find Manuel Antonio, a cute beach town with many beautiful beaches. Playa Manuel Antonio specifically, has become one of CR’s most popular beach destinations, and for good reason! It’s a half mile of turquoise waters and white sand on the Pacific coast. If you’re into snorkelling, be sure to bring your goggles! You are sure to spot a variety of wildlife close to shore.
I am more than happy to arrange for our driver Elvis to take you here for a day trip!
Just a 20-minute drive and a quick boat ride will take you to the stunning Tortuga Island. This is such a great day-trip option for families and solo travellers alike. The beaches boast clear waters and chairs and umbrellas are rentable at a reasonable price. Even more, there are plenty of water activities to try including snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and glass-bottom boats!
EXCURSIONS
ATV Backcountry Tours is my family’s go-to for a thrilling experience exploring Jacò…and it’s just down the road from our Casa del Sol property! We typically opt for the ATV tour where you can choose a 2, 4, 6 or 8 hour experience with some of the best guides in CR. However, this company also offers crocodile tours, horseback riding, ziplining, and hiking tours. So many amazing ways to see all that CR has to offer.
If you’re anything like me, and you are a hardcore animal lover, this excursion is a MUST. The wildlife in Costa Rica is like no other, and this tour is the best way to see it for yourself. Just about an hour drive from our properties, Monkey Mangrove Chino Tour offers guided tours of the mangroves where you can find beautiful monkeys, birds, sloths, lizards, and a whole lot more!