Jaco: 9th - 12th November 2025
9th November – Sunday
The journey to Jaco this morning was beautiful. The mountains were en-cloaked in clouds and looked so mystical – really beautiful. Once we were off the mountain, even inside the minibus, you could feel the temperature change, it was so much hotter, and I was quite shocked when we got out for a loo break, at the difference. I much prefer the heat although I’m all sweaty again.
Jaco is ok, it’s basically one long main road with a few side streets and the beach, nothing spectacular for the price. It is a party town and has quite a few weed and vape shops along the main drag. Not that I am going to smoke any weed. I went for a late breakfast when I arrived in a cafe across the road from the main park. It was quite an interesting watch and reminded me of Clapham park estate with all of the alcoholics and drug addicts lulling about. There also seems to be quite a few older expats here, a bit like Cambodia! I wouldn’t want to live here but I can see the appeal, it is very laid back and does have a chilled feel to it during the day. Although this is still the low season, I expect it gets packed during the high season.
My hostel is awesome, all the rooms are sea containers. I’m in a deluxe one, it was the same price as the standard. It’s on the top floor and it is so spacious. It even has a private balcony. It is such a relief after being in that box room for disabled people. OK, the bathroom was nice and big but really that was all it had going for it. And I really hate rooms without windows, they get so stuffy and are so depressing, I hope to make that one my last one. My container is bright and airy with two glass doors and a huge window, the bathroom is adequate and the kitchen area sufficient. My only issue is that tall people should not be allowed to put up mirrors and clothes hooks. I have to stand on tiptoes to use anything, including the microwave – lol.
10th November – Monday
That is it, no more spending. Doing the activities in the mountains was awesome but I am now £500 shy of my total Costa Rica budget, and I need to make that last at least another 2 – 3 weeks. It’s tuna and mayo sandwiches for the next few weeks (lol) or else leave for Columbia earlier than planned, which I don’t want to do as that will mean not visiting the Caribbean side of the island, which I am told is cheaper.
Today did not help my expenses, I had to buy a new power cable for my laptop. The connection on the old was was so loose it would not always connect. I suppose that is one of the downfalls of buying a cheap display laptop. Last night was the tipping point, it took over an hour before I got it connected and charging, bloody ridiculous and so frustrating, and just as ridiculous, the new cable cost me £30!
I didn’t sleep well last night, the pillows are too deep and so solid so I ended up using a cushion that was far too small. But the main problem was the light, there are only curtains on the window, not on the two glass doors, they just have plastic on them. It was like sleeping with the light on. I have a sleep mask, but it stank of mould and I could not wear it. I am so glad I didn’t endure the smell as dad told me today that mould spores are very dangerous for the eyes. I bought a new sleep mask today, it cost £10! I also wanted to get some laundry done but the lady wanted $20 for it – FFS – I have washing powder, I will do my undies and the rest when I get to San Jose, it really shouldn’t be more than $6 for the amount I have.
Other than spend a lot of money, I haven’t done anything today and don’t think I will. I may go for a walk along the main drag once it is dark, just to see what all the fuss is about, but there again I may just watch a film. I have beers, I have nuts and I have a decent charging cable, what more does a girl need for a good night in? I am also here for two more days/nights so I still have plenty of time to go and explore the party scene.
11th November – Tuesday
Well, it’s definitely been a relaxing day. After breakfast I went for a walk along the beach. It was lovely. The tide was out and there were a couple of guys quite far out fishing. There were a lot of women in bikinis standing in the sea, I think they were hoping the waves would calm so they could go for a swim.
At one point I had to walk through the section where the river flows into into the sea. It was only ankle deep but the flow of water was really strong and very strange. The river was flowing into the waves, and it felt like it could easily knock me off balance. After I traversed it I felt a little shaky in the legs for quite a while but was very pleased I managed to stay upright, even though my dress was a little wet. After that I sat on a log and watched a woman do a few surf lessons on the sand and then her instructor took her into the sea. You could feel her delight when she stood on the board for the first time – I would love to do something like that but unfortunately my swimming is not strong enough and I hate my head going under water without any form of mask on.
From the beach I walked up to the main drag and found myself in the party area of Jaco. Every other store was either a bar or a weed shop, and to be honest it actually felt quite run down and seedy compared to where I am staying, my hostel is definitely in the nicer, quieter part of town. I
also stopped at one of the supermarkets and bought pasta, tuna and sweetcorn, I forgot the mayo so had to pop out to the store across the road from me to get some. My dinner was ok, but it lacked seasoning.
I spent the evening binge watching ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ – I love my new laptop, especially now I can keep it charged.
12th November – Wednesday
Shite – I thought there was only one series to by my binge watching program, turns out there are 5! I had to make myself turn it off after watching episode 1 of series 2 and go for a walk. I didn’t go far, just 10 minutes down the road to the find the bus terminal in preparation for tomorrow. One of the bus drivers advised me to buy my ticket, so I did – it was all of £1.80, compared to £40 for a shuttle bus. Anyway I am now all prepared and even know where to catch the bus from.
I spent the afternoon binge watching and then made myself go for a walk this evening. I was hoping to find a bar and have a drink but I think I went out too early as most places were quite empty. After an hour I was back in my room binge watching again – this is not a good habit to get into and not what I came to Latin America to do. I’m off to San Jose, the capital, tomorrow, there will be lots to do and see there, a good place to stop my binge watching, but for now ……