Jaco: Costa Rica's Coastal Gem

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-en. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah vehr el meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [es-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [es-toy en-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh es-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-so es deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har el pree-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (dies)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyes]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh es-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal es lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh es el proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Long before Jaco became a hotspot for tourists, it was inhabited by indigenous tribes. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was home to the Huetar people, who lived in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. The Huetars were known for their complex social structures and their expertise in agriculture and pottery.

With the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century, the indigenous populations faced significant upheaval. The Spanish brought new diseases and enforced labor systems, drastically reducing the native population. Despite this, the area remained relatively undeveloped compared to other parts of Costa Rica.

In the mid-20th century, Costa Rica saw an increase in the development of its coastal areas. Jaco, with its beautiful beaches and strategic location, began to attract attention. Infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of the Costanera Sur highway, played a significant role in making Jaco more accessible.

The 1980s marked a turning point for Jaco as it began to emerge as a tourist destination. The town's proximity to San José, just a couple of hours drive away, made it an ideal spot for weekend getaways. Surfing became particularly popular, with surfers from around the world flocking to Jaco's consistent waves.

In recent years, Jaco has seen a surge in real estate development and international investment. High-rise condos, luxury resorts, and a variety of dining and entertainment options have transformed the once sleepy fishing village into a bustling town. Despite rapid development, efforts have been made to preserve the natural beauty that makes Jaco so appealing.

Jaco hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year that celebrate Costa Rican traditions and community spirit. Events like the Jaco Arts Festival and the annual Surf Fest bring together locals and tourists alike, showcasing the town's vibrant culture and fostering a sense of community.

Jaco is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, approximately 100 kilometers from the capital, San José. The most convenient way to reach Jaco is by flying into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use public buses to get to Jaco. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours via Route 27 and Route 34. Shuttle services offer door-to-door service and are a comfortable option for those not wanting to drive.

In Jaco, the most common modes of transportation are taxis, rental cars, and bicycles. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Rental cars provide the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Bicycles are a popular way to get around town and can be rented from various shops. Public buses also operate within Jaco and connect to nearby towns, offering an affordable option for longer trips.

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted in Jaco. Credit and debit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Jaco, and it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. Ensure you notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

Jaco is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas and on the beach. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as the central beach and certain parts of downtown have higher incidences of petty crime targeting tourists, so remain vigilant and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Jaco has a local police station and medical facilities, including a public clinic (EBAIS) and private medical centers. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Don't wear overly revealing attire in public settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and act respectfully. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and fresh seafood. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Jaco like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market (feria) for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals and practice your Spanish; even basic phrases are appreciated. Enjoy a sunrise or sunset beach walk, as these are treasured local activities. Don't miss out on trying 'gallo pinto' for breakfast and fresh ceviche from a beachside vendor.