Nauyaca Waterfall
About 2- 2.5 hours drive south, experience the number one rated waterfall in Costa Rica. While there are many beautiful "cataratas" as they are called, there is a reason Nauyaca is number one.
There are 3 levels of falls (though the top one is only for those with a hired guide), ensuring a magical experience. Go behind the waterfalls in a cave-like grotto, soak in the lagoon or swim out to the lower falls and climb on a rock to sit behind the pelting, cool water.
We recommend going to the private park vs the national one- which is a bit more of a drive, however very much worth it. There are less people and you have more access to the falls.
There is a truck available to bring you partially down or back up, but otherwise the hike is downhill on the way there and pretty steep on the way back up, so be prepared! The ranch where you wait is full of things to do from games to hammocks and swings- good for relaxing or having fun with the family. Also check out the trees, bushes and flowers, all nicely labeled for your enjoyment.
This trip will take a full day, but is entirely worth it in our experience.
This tour is about 45 minutes south, on the way to Manuel Antonio National Park- and may be a better choice for seeing animals and dealing with less people.
This tour is a family, locally run operation with animals and conservation in mind. Stop at the office which has a gift shop and selection of good food and drink choices (even cocktails!) where we were entertained by a sloth easily visible in a tree nearby! We also marveled at the long and robust line of leaf cutter ants marching to and from their victim plant to their colony.
Keep in mind these are animals and they move, but chances are good of seeing animals not even featured on the tour!
On the lazy boat tour down the river we saw lizards, owls, capuchins- including ones that jump onto your boat (and maybe your head), as well as snakes (from a safe distance) and more. The monkeys do come when called but they are only given a lick of banana in a certain area as they are trying to regrow more natural food sources for the animals- since this tour does border a palm oil plantation, which is a basic desert for animals.
We appreciated the care and thought that goes into the tour and respect for the animals, as well as the knowledgeable guide who had essentially grown up giving tours and knew all the monkeys and their stories.
Trip Advisor rates this a 4. Our advice is book directly with the operator if you can drive yourself. Otherwise, you can hire a company to pick you up using TripAdvisor.
This tour starts just north of Jaco (near the recycling center) and it's a "pick up your guide and you drive" kind of adventure. It is also not super close to Jaco so it's going to be a bit of a day- but super fun.
We picked up our guide Rafael, who was a pro surfer back in the day- and he was excited to know we surfed (and we even stopped to see some good surf spots). The drive to the monkey area was about an hour near into the town of Puntarenas- but the monkeys did not come as expected (which of course happens when they are wild).
These monkeys are a bit unique as they have been cut off of other populations by the highway and they are on their own "island" so to speak. The locals have befriended them and tend to know their habits- but being wild they do come and go as they please.
They do provide fruit to entice them to climb on you, so this is a choice- and as you can see, they do what they like, but overall this is not much different than them stealing food at the beach (which they are really good at).
We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant and got "comida tipica" (typical local food) and stopped at Barranca, which is one of the famous surf spots from "Endless Summer"- as it's a mile long break. So you get once chance, if you miss it, too bad. It was way too advanced for us but we did see one lone person surfing it for a while- eventually taking you into the beach near Puntarenas.
Neofauna also offers waterfall and ATV tours so you can do more than we did- but we enjoyed our time very much- and Rafael was awesome! You don't have to book through TripAdvisor- we just drove to their location and grabbed Rafael and went. It was about $40 per person in 2024.
There are 2 sanctuaries within about 2 hours of Cruce de Fauna. We have been to them both and truly enjoyed our experiences.
Please note you cannot hold or feed the animals in these interactions!
These are working rehabilitation and sanctuary sites, so it's a bit like going to a zoo. You see animals in various states of recovery, usually in enclosures and learn about their stories- as well as that of the mission itself.
You can however plan to volunteer if staying for 6 weeks nearby- some have stay on site options and can host a variety of ages. None have single day or infrequent/ shorter volunteer stints (I asked!).
Alturas is on top of a mountain with a gorgeous, sweeping view of the coast and ocean. There is a hotel and restaurant up there that you can stay or eat at, without going to the sanctuary, but this is also where the tours meet up.
The hotel is NOT associated with the sanctuary, in the sense that staying there does not provide any financial benefit to the mission- but they do provide the sanctuary a place to operate on their land, so there is that.
The walking tour takes about an hour and you can see animals such as peccaries (wild pigs), toucans, parrots, macaws, a crocodile (rescued from someone's bathtub!), sloths, monkeys- and maybe a tamandua (ant eater) if you're lucky and it comes out of its hiding spot. There are others as well- and the species can change depending on where they are at in stages of rehabilitation and release- or whether they are permanent residents, so every visit will be slightly different.
The benefit here is you WILL see animals- they just won't be in the wild.
KSTR is more down near Quepos (and Manuel Antonio) so have the advantage of being close to a popular destination.
Started by some sisters when they were only 9, the organization has grown and become quite successful (although the girls are no longer in charge, but are still involved).
This place does have hurts you can rent on site (and a restaurant) and the proceeds do support the mission, which is great. We saw similar types of animals as we did at Alturas- in a similar setting.
We were also impressed by this organization and their operation, as they are doing great work! It is actually a program they started that builds "monkey bridges" across roads to keep them from getting electrocuted, which is a common problem and many die.
Basically the monkey's will choose the highest point- which is usually the power lines- but by stringing a rope across the area- just 2 feet higher- the monkeys will choose this instead! Other animals can use it also- so it saves many lives each year.
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We have been to a few other sanctuaries also, but they are not ones you can drive to from Cruce de Fauna- although your trip through Costa Rica may take you nearby, where we encourage you to stop for a visit.
North (not far from Tamarindo):
East (not far from Puerto Viejo):
Manuel Antonio Park
We enjoyed Manuel Antonio and it is definitely on people's list of things to do- and we won't dissuade you. We do think it is a great opportunity and a wonderful place, however we did find it to be pretty crowded and felt a bit more like going to a zoo than a national park.
This is a walking/ hiking tour so wear good shoes. We did see a variety of wildlife, including sloths, capuchins, howlers and squirrel monkeys- which are all just based on your luck, but it's hard to imagine not seeing some of them just about every time you'd go.
There is a nice beach you can snorkel on (but don't expect to see too much, as it's rocks and fish vs vibrant coral)- but again felt a bit crowded, especially after experiencing some very private, intimate adventures in other places.
The town around Manuel Antonio looks pretty amazing, we did not stop but seems worth looking around. We did find a wood fired pizza place at a hotel on the windy drive back down the mountain that had some amazing pizza in a quiet setting- which we'd advise trying if you can find it!
Some bits of caution:
1. The road is windy so take some motion sickness meds if that happens to you.
2. DO NOT let the people wearing parking vests convince you to park where they suggest. There are many parking attendants who are not with the park and while they are trying to help you, will have you park well before the actual park entrance which was not busy/ full (even though the park seemed to be).
3. They do not allow single-use plastic bottles- only Nalgene, metal or other reusable types. They do check your bag.
4. You do not need to hire a guide, though they will push for this. The advantage would be having them find the animals that are hiding in the trees and take pictures for you through their scopes so they are usable. However, we simply followed and watched the guides, saw what they were looking at and accepted that our pics would not be frame worthy.
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado is a bit of a hike as it is past Manuel Antonio, but you can get a boat tour out of Uvita- which is about 2.5 hours south. This tour is amazing- it will just make for a long day.
The boat leaves very early at like 730, so either drive before the sun is up or stay in or near Uvita for the night before- but you should be able to get back to Jaco afterward, some day.
We booked with Dolphin Tours and they did a great job. We met at their office in Uvita and then walked to where we caught the boat in Marion Bellena National Park. It was about 1.5 hours (with no bathroom, just be forewarned) to the tip of the peninsula and the ranger fort there.
We didn't even get 5 minutes from the boat, through and introduction of our hike and a tapir was standing in the pathway! Also some currasows, which are large, turkey-like birds usually seen in pairs. Also some coati made an appearance as well and we all just marveled at the bounty of sightings available without hiking 100 ft. There was also a lagoon with crocodiles- so definitely do not swim there!
We did hike through the jungle further and saw many more coatis- who are really not scared and almost come right up to you! We saw macaws and plenty of other birds- and then after lunch took a short hike upward to a waterfall.
This was not too bad and we cooled off in the pools and were enjoying ourselves quite a bit. Turns out one of the baby crocs had migrated upstream and was sitting in the pool about 10 feet behind me- so the first and only time I will be swimming with one! But it was rare (and at first I didn't believe the guide when he pointed to it), but it was not big enough to hurt you- about 5ft, so could take off a finger, but probably not a hand ;) This is NOT a normal experience- and even the guide was surprised, so normally this would be considered a very safe and croc free swim!
This adventure is highly recommended- especially over Manuel Antonio if you have to choose,
Marino Bellena is basically what's called the "whale tail" park, which is given due to the shape of it when tide is low. It's pretty and walking along the beach is fun- many people bring picnics and spend the day.
However, the key is to beware that when the tide comes back in, you may have walked far enough that you can get cut off from your return path and get stuck in the mangrove/ marsh/ jungle which would be scary.
We saw one girl who had apparently not known this and looked panicked when she saw us approach in our boat (from Corcovado) and asked for help from the guides crossing what was now a river (when before was a stream). I imagine this could happen easily to anyone- so
it is critical you know when the tides will be coming and going before going to far away from the entrance to the park.
There were some people surfing, but where we were it was a bit too unpredictable for my taste- however, Bryan is always happy in the water, no matter the waves so he did some.
Here you can do a variety of things from zip lining alone for a little over an hour, complete with an ATV and waterfall adventure that takes up the majority of the day.
About 20 minutes from Jaco, this park is right off the main road (Rt 34) and has 10 ziplines and 2 swinging suspension bridges. You get fitted up with a helmet, gloves and instructions on how to stay safe and brake- then you're off like Tarzan!
Listen and look carefully as you may see or hear howler monkeys and other jungle wildlife while you're sailing overhead!
This is a fun and affordable experience for the whole family- if you dare!
While we personally have not been on other ziplining experiences in the area, these bloggers, Bailey and Dan, have- and have a list of the best 6 they recommend.
Keep in mind, we do not know Bailey and Dan at all- maybe we should as it looks like we like to do the same things...so we are simply trying to find more options for you via other peoples' experiences.
Feel free to give us suggestions too as you book and do activities around the area- and we can feature your experience and pics!
There are a ton of places you can learn to surf with on Playa Jaco. We have only seen the rentals on the beach and have not taken a lesson ourselves, but here are some options- and we imagine most are pretty similar.
Our niece and nephews all learned to surf with a rental board (and some help from us), but by all means a lesson is worthwhile if you've never been (we have for a while now, although are far from experts).
In general surfing on Playa Jaco is relatively easy and consistent. Best time to go is near high tide- you can check Google for the local times- as in low tide there may be nothing to surf and they may not rent a board to you even as a result. So going with a school/ lesson can be a big advantage.
This is a large beach break and swells of 3-4 feet are ample for being able to catch something decent and get a fun ride in!
The beach is minutes away from town (walking) and there are some restaurants/ bars on the beach for food and drink if you didn't pack yours. Or it's only a 7 minute drive back to Cruce de Fauna to refill if needed. It can be a few hours or an all day adventure- whatever you want.
Here's a list of some places you can learn from via Viator.
Snorkeling
There are a few snorkeling options on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. One is to go to Isla Tortuga or to Isla Can~o.
Isla Can~o
Both are a drive and or a boat ride from Jaco. You can also catch a boat from Uvita (2.5 hrs south of Cruce de Fauna), so if you want to go to Corcovado too, that'd quite an experience.
We made the mistake of booking a tour from Jaco out of Drake Bay- which we thought left from Uvita. We planned to get up at 43am to be there on time but realized the night before (Christmas) that the drive was FIVE HOURS! Omg.
We had a wee bit of a panic but then decided to go anyway ("It's an adventure"!). So 11 of us got in our cars at 230am and drove there (and back) the same day. Both drivers fell asleep within about 15 minutes of being home, so this is not advised! It is hard to drive that far and long, especially after dark- or after dark and in the rain.
The tour itself was amazing- booked through Yemanya Expeditions (4.9 TripAdvisor)- but unless you're in Uvita or take a boat to Drake Bay, this probably won't be the tour for you!
We were fortunate to have a beautiful day and saw plenty of rays, some sharks, a big school of barracuda, snappers, tangs, trigger fish- and even got to hang with a handful of turtles- plus many more amazing sea creatures!
Isla Tortuga
This one we have not done, but will do sometime. It looks like to leave from Jaco there's a group called Jaco Guides (rated 4.8 TripAdvisor), that can take you for snorkeling or scuba.
It appears they do a similar mangrove tour- plus white water rafting, which is something we enjoy a lot but have not yet done in Costa Rica (though have in Africa and Australia).
It appears to be a 10-12 hour experience, so judging the boat ride is about 2.5-3 hours each way (with 4-5 hours on the island).
Also note: some of the trips were more of a "booze cruise" than snorkeling for families, so read carefully- and check your meeting point on a map to be sure you didn't jump to a different provider far, far away.
Atlantic/ Caribbean Side
There is supposed to be some epic snorkeling and diving near Cahuita on the east side of the county.
We tried going just to the beach nearby and to the beaches beyond Puerto Viejo where we'd gotten some suggestions, but the weather did not cooperate- and I don't think it would have been the coral we were expecting anyway (rocky reef).
What we were aiming for was something like we hear Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is like, but we have not been. This was just about 30 minutes north of Cahuita and we just missed it.
In all, Costa Rica may be more of a dive spot thank snorkeling- and more rocky reef than coral- but you can see plenty of life! Maybe even on the boat on the way- such as turtles, whales and dolphins!
Tell us if you hear of other snorkeling adventures!
There are some great places to eat in Playa Hermosa and Jaco- even if you're vegetarian, as we are. They do like meat in Costa Rica, but there are plenty of veg options, especially if you like rice and beans ;) This is what is called "eating like a tico" (tico is the word for native Costa Rican).
A <5 minutes drive from Cruce de Fauna. A beachfront location that is dog and family friendly. Eat up in the restaurant or down on the beach for a great place to catch the sunset. Parking can get a little crowded, so parking on the street and walking is easy.
Our favorite is the Portabello burger which is a full mushroom cap, with a thick slice of grilled zucchini, carnalized onions, guacamole and cheese if you so choose. I choose without cucumbers, or "semilllas", which are pickles which I sadly despise.
Just a few doors down from Vista Hermosa heading toward Jaco is Bowie's Point. This is the best place to go on Saturday night to see the weekly surf contest...or the pot bellied pig, Morita (who has her own IG).
Again choose a spot in the restaurant or down near the beach, but the closer to the action the better! The contest has an announcer, music and the community comes out to support and see the excitement- especially when you realize the people ripping it up out there are some pretty young kids...very impressive!
The food and drinks are both excellent- and we typically choose the vegetarian nachos (with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and more) and cheese quesadillas- or the vegetarian "casado" which is a local meal with beans, rice, plantains and veggies. As well, our friends can vouch the fish and burgers are also delicious.
They make passionfruit and other fruited mojitos- and (at least in the past) have a brewery representing down near the beach called Papagyo which has a passionfruit beer Bryan loves! This bills separately from your other tab though, as it is a separate business.
In all, we look forward to Saturday's at Bowies!
This place is further down the road on the way to Jaco, where there is also a 24 hour convenient (and liquor) store. There are also other locations, including one in Jaco and on the way between San Jose and Jaco.
Wood fired pizza is huge in Costa Rica and this is some of the best!
Our favorite is getting the margarita and the 3 cheese- but there are plenty to choose from. They have pretty ample sizing as well- with a "full" sheet being about $20 and will certainly provide leftovers for another meal or snack.
The convenient store has some basics- including Flor de Can~a rum which is my fav. They also have Papagayo Brewing passionfruit beer, another fav- and Spirit "mojito" pre-made drinks. Lastly, another fav from there is a CBD drink- much like a seltzer water, which is great.
This is also a wood fired pizza place but now in the town of Jaco about midway through town. This place has amazing brekky skillets and pizza as well as a legendary 2x1 happy hour special...but beware- when you order, you will get TWO drinks! So you can ask to share and pace yourself...or just fill the table and see where the night leads (but please be careful driving back or take an Uber- which is about $7).
This place is delicious and I don't think you can go wrong with anything. The Sicilian is great for vegetarian brekky- and I love the truffle mushroom and margarita for dinner. The truffle mushroom is seriously one of my favorite pizzas in the entire world!
Their happy hour is pretty impressive as with every drink your order, your get TWO. You need to ask to split that with another person if you want otherwise you get two, they get two, everyone gets two! They make passionfruit and mango mojitos which are delicious. Their drinks in general are fancy and with a wide selection.
This place was good! It's on the upper level of the same plaza where Inferno is. There is a sunny patio or indoor seating.
We really enjoyed the Paneer Tikka Masala and samosas. I also tried mint lemonade and it was so good- almost like a fauxjito! I am definitely going to make it at home.
One thing to note: the Indian restaurants in Costa Rica do not include rice, which is what we are accustomed to at home- so you will have to order it separately. This has been true for every Indian restaurant we've eaten at in CR (3). So not a dig about The Spice Bar at all, just something to note.
We have only eaten at the express/ sandwich location at the north end of Jaco, but they also have a full restaurant, which our neighbor says is her favorite Italian in Jaco- so we are sharing that- even without firsthand experience.
The sandwich location was delicious and a very authentic Italian family are the owners, so expect great hospitality and delicious food.
This was one of the first places we ate at in Jaco and it was great. It's got a great atmosphere especially, almost like being in an indoor jungle- as the "outdoor" seating is in a covered area with plants...and cats! There are a few that enjoy this place, but they mostly keep to themselves, so no worries if you're not a fan (but of course, we are).
We've had the vegan burger, vegan mushroom melt, and garden bowl- and all were really delicious. They also have amazing passionfruit mojitos!