Jacó is the Central Pacific's most accessible beach town — a lively stretch of sand, surf shops, restaurants, and services just 90 minutes from San José. Its consistent beach break makes it one of the best learn-to-surf spots in the country, while the southern end of the bay offers quieter sand and calmer swimming.

For Macaw Crest residents, Jacó is the practical anchor of the coast: the closest full-service town with supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, medical clinics, and a bilingual private school. It is also the nightlife and dining center of the region, with everything from barefoot ceviche counters to upscale Asian-fusion restaurants along the main drag.

The contrast is the point. Twenty-five minutes after leaving the ridge — descending from cool mountain mist into warm sea breeze — you can be toes-in-the-sand with a fresh mahi sandwich. Then return home to silence and stars.