National Geographic’s latest travel guide puts the country’s natural diversity in focus. For visitors staying in Jacó, it offers a reason to make room for the forest alongside the beach.
Costa Rica has a fresh place in the international travel spotlight. In an October 22 guide, National Geographic writer Nicholas Gill explores the country through its landscapes, wildlife and regional experiences, including the Central Pacific’s combination of forest and coastline.
The feature is a destination guide, rather than a new award or numbered ranking. Its relevance for Jacó is practical: a beach holiday can also be an introduction to the ecosystems that make this stretch of Costa Rica distinctive. Read National Geographic’s original guide.
Put Carara on the itinerary
One place to begin is Carara National Park. According to Costa Rica’s conservation authority, SINAC, its transitional forest brings together species associated with both dry and humid forests. The park is known for birdwatching, including scarlet macaws, and has a trail designed for universal access.
Its entrance is on Route 34, approximately two kilometers south of the Tárcoles River bridge. SINAC directs visitors to purchase tickets through its online reservation system. Check the park’s current visitor information before setting out. Carara visitor information and reservations.
Build a trip around time outdoors
Our suggestion for a Jacó stay is simple: leave a day free for a forest visit instead of filling every available hour. Give yourself time to stop, listen and look. A wildlife outing does not need a long checklist to be memorable, and sightings should never be treated as guaranteed.
National Geographic also highlights Manuel Antonio in its Central Pacific coverage. Its broader seasonal advice distinguishes the generally drier Pacific months of December through April from the greener, rainier months of May through November. That is a useful starting point for planning, with flexibility for conditions on the day.
Keep the experience respectful
At Carara, SINAC asks visitors to stay in permitted areas, keep an appropriate distance from animals and avoid leaving food within their reach. Carry out your rubbish and follow park staff instructions.
For Jacó, the opportunity is to help visitors look beyond a single beach photograph. A thoughtful itinerary can make space for the coastline, the forest and the people who help visitors understand both.
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