Jaco 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 4 km 2.5 mi long and offers some of the best surfing in Costa Rica. Jaco lies between several mountains, and is neighbored by the beaches of Herradura Bay to the North, and Playa Hermosa to the South not to be confused with another beach by the same name, but located in Guanacaste. 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 beach in Jaco is perfect for beginner surfers, with surfing schools and various shops that sell and rent equipment for surfing. Experienced surfers also visit Jaco because it is only a short drive to beaches for more professional surfers, such as Hermosa Beach, which is just five minutes away, with pipes and Beach Break for experienced surfers only.