Saturday, September 30, 2017

My Jaco Review - Our Life in Costa Rica Yr #2

As you know,  a couple of weeks ago we went to Jaco for a few days. Although we had driven through (or near Jaco) on several occasions, we had never spent any time there.

This time we took our newbie friends (they arrived in Grecia on 8/9 with their 2 young children) and headed to Jaco for a 3 day visit. We hired a driver with an SUV to take us (the cost was $125 for all 6 of us). Pick up time was 7:30am. We hired the driver mostly because we didn't want the hassle of all of us getting our local bus to the bus station in Grecia and then riding to San Jose and transferring in San Jose to the Jaco bus, so early in the morning. We took a scenic route and stopped in Tarcoles at the crocodile bridge so that they could see the crocs and we could take a little stretch. We arrived in Jaco around 10:00am. Jaco is located on the Pacific Coast about 1 1/2 hrs from San Jose  -- and we are about 1hr and 15 mins from San Jose. It is the closest beach to us. We took the bus back (cost just under $5 each and takes about 2 hrs). The bus ride was pleasant and on time - I would have no complaints taking the bus again.


Lavanson's brother is now back from the US and living in Jaco so we were able to see his new apartment (very nice!). He has 2 bedrooms and has offered for us to stay with him on subsequent visits - which we will take him up on! He was also our guide during our stay.


We met some new friends too, David Paskowitz and his wife. They are from Oakland and have been living in Jaco for about 15 yrs. He is a musician and runs a surf school.  We have a mutual friend in the Bay Area who got us together. We were also fortunate that David's group, HotWax Alien Approved, was playing locally in town and we got a chance to see the show.

us with David and his wife, Nancy

I was not too sure about Jaco before we went, but all in all, I really liked it. I did not witness any of the crime or prostitution - which is what a lot of people think of when you mention Jaco. I am sure it is there, but just like anywhere else you go, you take precaution and stay aware of your surroundings. I found Jaco to be a very pleasant place. The food was good, people were friendly, the hotel was very nice and affordable ($120/night breakfast included - I will post the hotel video separately for those interested) oh and the shopping was plentiful (all signs that make a good place to me!) It was also easier to get US brand food in the grocery stores and also in the restaurants (which was nice for a change for us).

I give Jaco an A and would definitely go back again.

You can check out more of Jaco and my review below.

 
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4 comments:

  1. I'm not retired, but I'm very interested in relocating to Costa Rica. I'm a 50 year old black American man with an Engineering PhD, IT skills and who does remote consulting. I'd be appreciate for info and contacts. Thanks.

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    1. Thank you for your comment and Congrats- When are you thinking of moving and to what part of Costa Rica. If you are working remotely you should not have any issues. I don't have too much more info on working here because we are retired LOL Let me know what other information you are interested in I will be happy to steer you in the right direction if I can.

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  2. Thanks for sharing. I'm a retired veteran thinking about relocating there. I'm worried that I can't handle the humidity after being in AZ for 17yrs!

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    1. Hi Kasandra thanks for your comment. It's not humid everywhere but it is at the beaches. Costa Rica has very diverse climates. Something for everyone!

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