by Andrea Jimenez, Jaco Beach Costa Rica Real Estate Agent
Dining in Jaco Beach is not just about the typical “Casado and Gallo Pinto” we have an extraordinary variety of amazing dishes that combines different ingredients and tropical fruits to create the best exotic fusion you can experience. The wide variety at the Jaco Beach area goes from a Japanese restaurants, Italian, Seafood and don’t forget the typical “SODA*”
*Local food restaurant
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2643-4005 Costa Rica
Healthcare in Costa Rica can be described in one word….world class! OK, that’s two words, but you get the idea. I’ve visited only two of Costa Rica’s many hospitals, Cima (pronounced see-ma) and Clinica Biblica in the center of the capital city of San Jose. Not only are facilities and staff as professional as anything in the states, but the caring personality of the doctors, nurses and support people is in the pura vida (pure life) spirit that IS Costa Rica. And procedures that would be thousands of dollars in the states…are hundreds here.
In Jaco Beach, we have several doctors, a couple of clinics and a host of pharmacies. We have 24-hour emergency response teams that are the equivalent of the best paramedic teams in the states.
But let’s back up for a minute: before you need medical attention, the general lifestyle in Costa Rica is healthier than lots of other places. Less stress, more fresh produce, less stress, cleaner air and less stress. Did I say “less stress”? My “high blood pressure” condition has become normal blood pressure here in Jaco. I believe that I’ll live longer here. We shall see………
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 by Bob Johnson Visit Panaderia Artesanal! It is easy to start your day off right in Costa Rica—especially when enjoying a cup of Costa Rican coffee and French pastry or a ham and cheese croissant for breakfast. You’ll find a lot of regulars at the Bakery located on the north end of town, who will enjoy talking about, well– just about anything! If you don’t make it there in the morning, you can still stop by for an afternoon cup and enjoy a variety of treats as you read a good book, watch the town go by, or strike up a friendly conversation! |
by Hannah Rico Fletcher, Jaco Beach Costa Rica
In May 2012, the American coffee shop chain will be opening it’s first location in Costa Rica. The Pan American Coffee Corporation entered the Central American region last August starting in El Salvador. They have since also opened six locations in Guatemala. Much to the excitement of both locals and visitors, Costa Rica is next in line.
It is great to see strong companies like this moving into our area. It even crosses an item off my list of “things I miss from the United States”. Starbucks was one of my favorite locations to spend time with friends and/or read a book with a cup of Costa Rican coffee and cranberry scone.
We are still waiting for the exact location but I would bet on the Escazú area of San Jose. Beyond that our hope is that Jaco Beach would be next in line. It is, after all, the most visited beach town in the country.
For more information on the current real estate market contact us.
Jaco Beach is located right in the middle of the central pacific and is full of great activities, including tours, must see sunset locations, surf and entertainment. If you want help booking tours then I would be glad to help you do so. Below is a list of the ones that I recommend.
· Villa Caletas: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. This is a hotel about 15 north of Jaco where you can go to watch the sunset and get a drink. They built an amphitheater into the side of a cliff that overlooks all of the central pacific all the way to the Nicoya Peninsula. You are likely to see the most breathtaking sunset of your life and it’s free to visit. www.villacaletas.com
· Manuel Antonio National Park: About an hour south of Jaco, this national park is situated on beautiful white sand beaches where you are sure to see monkeys, sloths, and a variety of reptiles and birds such as toucans and scarlet macaws. A guide will help you make the most of your trip.
· Sport Fishing: The Marina in Los Suenos is a great place to book your deep fishing day trip. This area is know for it’s world class deep-sea fishing.
· Canopy Tour: Zip line through the jungles to platforms on the treetops.
· Crocodile Tour: Get up and close with huge crocodiles as your guide steps out of the boat and feeds them chicken right in front of you.
· Surf Lessons: Jaco is the perfect place to learn how to surf.
· Baby sea turtle tour: Help hatch the protected turtles and lead them to the ocean.
Entertainment
Bars and Casinos
· Tabacon
· Le Loft
· Cocal Casino
· Amapola Casino
Citi Cinemas – This theatre has 4 screens and is located on the 2nd floor of Plaza Coral (same as KFC and Quiznos). For movie selection and times you can visit www.jacocr.co/citicinemasjaco.
Teatro Jaco – For a list of live performances you can visit www.teatrojaco.com. The theatre is located across the street from KFC.
High End – Average main dish price around $15
· Graffiti Restaurant and Wine Bar – Great wine list and entrees such as a coffee crusted filet
mignon and seared tuna filet with Cajun or teriyaki spices. They also have tapas such as gourmet sliders.
· Pili Pili – French chef with phenominal cuisine. Highlights include mussels in a white wine/onion sauce, filet mignon and crème brule.
· Lemon Zest – Chef from Florida who has a great gourmet menu that includes fish, steak, chicken, duck and veggie dishes.
· Tsunami Sushi – The tuna doesn’t get any fresher and the unique rolls are unbeatable. Try the crunch roll.
· Wahoo’s – Well rounded menu with excellent sauces for every dish. Try the Caribbean style fish.
· Inka Grill – Peruvian food at its best. Located 5 minutes north of Jaco in the Lighthouse Center where the supermarket Auto Mercado can be found.
· Lanterna – Italian food with great atmosphere. Located 15 minutes north in the marina at the Los Suenos Marriott Resort. Find a table upstairs on the balcony or on the waterfront.
· Bamboo – Asian fusion cuisine with a sushi bar as well. Also located in the marina at the Los Suneos Marriott Resort.
Mid-Range – Average dish around $8
· Wishbone – Local favorite. Wide range of food from pizzas to pitas to salads. They have a few specialty dishes like their tuna poki bowl and chicken in oyster sauce that are a little more costly but worth the price.
· Peccati di Gola – Reasonably priced Italian food.
· The Wok – Stir fry with lots of fresh veggies.
· Taco Bar – Fish tacos and a lot more with excellent salad bar.
· Los Amigos – Good burgers and wraps. Also ask for their 2 for 1 smoothies.
Local and affordable – Average dish around $4
· Soda Rustico – Probably the most popular local food restaurant. Rice and beans with fish, chicken or beef with a side salad or two.
· Soda Garabito – Hugely popular and a lot like Rustico but less greasy. I like to go here for breakfast where they will prepare eggs anyway you want with sides of gallo pinto, home made tortillas and salad for $3.
· Soda Isaga – Located just across the street from the Paradise condos, this local restaurant and bar has great rice with chicken and seafood soup.
· Big Ron’s – Pizza by the slice.
· Sabores Lejanos – Bakery located just outside the Paradise Condos. They have the best coffee in town and great fresh bread. I like to order eggs with sourdough slices.
· Pachi’s Pan – The most popular baker in town. Try the empanadas with chicken.
Upon arrival at the airport, make sure that you have your Immigration and Customs forms complete. Pass through Immigration and then collect your luggage. Then go through Customs and proceed outside the terminal to the street where the taxi and shuttles pick-up.
EMERGENCY TIP! Ask to borrow a Porters cell phone. Tip them a dollar or two for use of the phone.
It’s about 60 miles from San Jose to Jaco; expect the trip to take an hour and 15 minutes.
Budget Car Rental: www.budget.co.cr
| Jacob Karpio Gallery of Zephyr Palace in Villa Caletas Hotel presents Metalogik Art Exposition by Ian Zareski from July 3rd until August 22nd, 2011. For more information contact 2630-3000, 2637-0505. | Galeria Jacob Karpio del Zephyr Palace en el Hotel Villa Caletas presenta la exposición de arte Metalogik del artista Ian Zareski del 3 de julio al 22 de agosto, 2011. Para mayor información sírvase contactar al 2630-3000, 2637-0505. |
| THE 21 CREDOMATIC MUSIC FESTIVAL CONTINUES IN VILLA CALETAS. The Hotel Villa Caletas has been carrying out different presentations of the 21 Credomatic Music Festival. The next presentation will be on Saturday August 13 at 5:30 pm at the Zephyr Palace, Holland Early Music, music: From Columbus to Independence. And the last presentation on Saturday August 20th at 5:30 pm at Zephyr Palace, Revel U.S., music: Popper, Debussy, Rajmaninov and Piazzolla. For more information or reservations please contact 2637-0505or 2630-3000. |
CONTINÚA EL 21 FESTIVAL DE MUSICA CREDOMATIC. En el hotel Villa Caletas se han estado llevando a cabo diferentes presentaciones del 21 Festival de Música Credomatic. La próxima presentación se llevará a cabo el próximo sábado 13 de agosto a las 5:30pm en el Zephyr Palace con Música Temprana de Holando, obra: Desde Colón Hasta la Independencia. Y la última presentación será el sábado 20 de agosto a las 5:30pm en el Zephyr Palace con Revel de EUA, obras de Popper, Debussy, Rajmaninov y Piazzolla. Para mayor información o reservaciones sírvase contactar al 2637-0505or 2630-3000. |
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Pane E Vino restaurant now in Jaco beach! Pane E Vino is a restaurant and pizza place that recently opened in the area of Jaco, exactly El Jardin Plaza, 50 meters south of the REMAX Jaco Beach Costa Rica office. |
![clip_image002[6]](http://jacobeachinfo.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/clip_image0026.jpg "clip_image002[6]") |
Pane E Vino Restaurante en Playa Jaco ahora! |
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My husband and I went to enjoy the Mother’s day special. They gave all moms a free glass of wine and desert. The atmosphere is simple but nice with an outside patio great for people watching. The prices are reasonable and the menu ranges from Antipasto plates to thin crusted pizzas. I would give this restaurant a “thumbs up” and will visit it again. For more information or reservations please contact 2643-2710. |
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Mi marido y yo fuimos allí para la celebración del Día de la Madre en el cual se dio a todas las mamás una copa de vino y postre. Para más información o reservaciones, por favor póngase en contacto con 2643-2710 |
Your Real Estate Agent in Jaco Beach Costa Rica,
If you are thinking about vacationing, relocating or buying in Costa Rica but you are not sure where this might help. Pictures and web research only tells part of the story so your best bet is to actually visit the different sites you are considering. If nothing else you end us having an action packed vacation that give you a taste of all the different climate types Costa Rica has to offer.
Hopping from place to place: The Central pacific of Costa Rica is a great base and just a little over one hour to the SJO International airport. Jaco is the main tourist town and is full of life all year around. Contact Suncoast Rentals to set up your hotel or condo. Make sure you:
If you want a little romance or want to enjoy a sunset cocktail Villa Caletas is a MUST! This hotel has ridiculous views… and it’s only 15 minutes from Jaco Beach. Villa Caletas is away from town but it is worth staying here 1-night and driving into Jaco if you need anything. Make sure that you are there in time for the sunset which is around 5:45 all year down here.
From Jaco you can take a day trip south to Manuel Antonio (1 hr) or go a little further to Dominical and the Osa Peninsula. Manuel Antonio has a beautiful national park on the ocean with monkeys and sloths chilling alongside you. Keep in mind that the park is closed on Mondays. Make sure that you plan in your schedule to go to the park early in the morning as that is when you will see all the monkeys and wildlife. Other suggestions: Barba Rojas for sunset, Café Maligro for breakfast and La Hacienda for dinner. I also really like Hotel Si Como No for dinner and a movie.
Then I would head to Monteverde (about 3.5 hrs from the ocean). Here you can do all the jungle adventure stuff like canopy tours (zip lines through the forest), hikes on suspension bridges, butterfly and hummingbirds gardens, etc. You can spend a full day at this adventure park http://www.selvatura.com/. Then the next morning I would recommend visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Be sure to get a guide or you won’t get the full experience in the forest. Johnny’s pizzeria has excellent Italian food and the Rainforest Café in town has great atmosphere. My husband and I liked a hotel in Monteverde called El Establo http://www.elestablo.com/.
Continue on to the town of La Fortuna which is around 1 hour form Monteverde. This is where you will find the Arenal Volcano and a bunch of places with hot springs. Ask your hotel to recommend some great hot springs that are less commercialized and very cheap. To see the La Fortuna waterfall and have dinner at this nearby hotel http://www.hotelarenalkioro.com/ that has good views of the volcano. Other Hotel Recommendation: http://www.hotelsilenciodelcampo.com/.
I would plan staying 2 nights in either of these places depending on how much you want to do. If you want to spend a full day at the hot springs, check out the volcano and do the waterfall then I would stay 2 nights in La Fortuna. However, I would probably do the 2 nights in Monteverde so you can explore the cloud forest and spend a lot of time at the adventure park. You only need about half a day to explore the park at Manuel Antonio.
It is relatively safe to drive here but I would recommend that you try to do all of your traveling during the daylight. This way you will be able to enjoy the country side as you travel.
This is a LOT to cram into a few nights so if you are up for the adventure then I think this will give you a great overview of the country. Since I am limited on time when I travel that is the way I do things. If you come in rainy season (July- Mid December) then be prepared to deal with some rain but it is truly beautiful in Costa Rica all year around and you should still have a great time.
Above all, ENJOY!
Embrace Life,
8814-5073 CR Cell
2643-6010 CR Office
714-369-8133 From US/ Canada
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle -
