Being a nature lover, there is more to it than just stepping out, getting away from your daily routine and enjoying the scenic beauty of nature. Today many people find solace in nature and use it as an escape from their routine, and what better way to unwind than escape to the picturesque and ethereal beach town of Jaco in Costa Rica. With National parks, beaches, swimming holes, waterfalls and a wide range of biodiversity, this place is indeed a haven for nature lovers.

National Parks

From bewitching landscapes to connecting with the history and culture of the land, national parks provide opportunities for people to commit to a lifelong love of nature.

Below are some of the national parks in Jaco that are worth visiting:

• Neo Fauna CR: This park is a conservationist project started to protect and preserve the wildlife located in the town of Jaco. The park is known for breeding a range of wild animals and exotic birds. At the entrance you will be greeted by a guide who will give you a tour of this majestic park.
• Royal Butterflies: A farm that breeds exotic butterflies and with a scenic backdrop of tropical plants, the setting is beyond peaceful. If you are someone who is interested in learning about the life circles of a butterfly, this place is a must visit.
• Pura Vida Gardens: This garden sustains the natural beauty of Jaco and it includes four waterfalls in it, making it an unique ecological paradise for nature lovers, located on a beautiful hilltop.

Volcanos

Every year millions of tourists visit volcanoes, as they play an active part in the tourism of Costa Rica. They often make a great spot to hike and explore the natural resources.

• Arenal Volcano Costa Rica: The closest volcano to Jaco is the Arenal Volcano. Up until 2010 it was Costa Rica’s most active volcano, now dormant for many years, overlooking a beautiful lake. The trail is also home to trees up to 400 years old and home to a 260ft tall waterfall.
• Natural Springs: Another spectacular attraction to this place are the hot springs, heated by the underground rivers and the volcano itself. These thermal waters provide a soothing relief to the tourists, if you are traveling on a budget there is another hot spring located near the town for free, used by the locals.
• Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: This is also another popular tourist destination, deemed as a must see attraction, the two mile hiking trail takes about two hours and has 6 hanging bridges, the highest being around 230ft above ground. Mornings are the best time to visit if you want to see more animals!
• Beaches: Who does not like to relax and unwind on a beach, just disconnect from your problems and have a soothing vacation on the beach, the clear waters and pleasant weather make beaches in Jaco the best relaxing spot for many tourists.
• Jaco Beach (Playa Jaco): Located around a shallow bay area and surrounded by bars, coffee shops and seafood restaurants, Jaco Beach acts like a base for all tourists to come over for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling.
• White Beach (Playa Blanca) : If you are looking for a quieter, more unexplored beach, the white beach is the place for you. Its laid back environment makes it a perfect place to go horseback riding or just get massages by the beach.
• Herradura Beach (Playa Herradura): This is a more upscale beach located in the expensive part of town and near exclusive resorts, it’s a beach that also houses cruises and party boats.

Coffee Plantations

 If you are a coffee lover, Costa Rica is the place to be, as it has some of the leading coffee plantations in the world. Doka Estate is the closest plantation to Jaco, it has been up and running since 1940 by the Vargas family, that focuses on producing quality coffee and it’s also one of the oldest plantations in Costa Rica.

This beautiful town has a lot to offer to the nature lovers, from the ranging biodiversity to the thrilling adventure sports, the wild safaris or the peaceful hikes, Jaco is a sanctuary for nature lovers and is the ideal place to escape for a holiday. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags for your dream getaway!