Arrival Information:

To clear immigration, you are staying at Diamante Del Sol N403 Jaco, Costa Rica. Recently immigration has been asking for proof of a return ticket to the states - recommend having this available as you go through customs.

Currency exchange is best avoided at the airport. In Jaco, everyone accepts USD, and ATMs that dispense either USD or colones are also available. You can pay your driver in USD for airport transport as well. When using a credit card, you should ask for your purchases to be charged in colones. This will ensure that you get the best exchange rate from the bank.

We recommend arranging a car pick-up for your family or friends from the airport instead of renting a car from San Jose. You can use our concierge service; the driver will be waiting for you outside the arrival terminal. Depending on your arrival time, there is a crocodile bridge you can stop at on the way to Jaco—but only during the day. The journey to Jaco typically takes around an hour and a half. You can always rent a car in Jaco for a few days—we recommend National on Main Street. Everything in Jaco is within walking distance, and taxis are available. Tours will also provide transport to and from activities for groups.  

Navigating Jaco is simpler than you might think. From the condo, turning right or left onto the main street is always the direction, and if you turn right, you'll always include over the bridge or not. It's that straightforward.  

Grocery stores

I recommend visiting Auto Mercado Plaza, the main grocery store, on your first day. You can easily take a taxi there ($20.00 USD) and find a wide selection of cheese, snacks, and vegetables; if you have access to a car, use Waze for directions instead of Google Maps. We also have Uber that might be less expensive.

Mas X Menos on Main Street is another good option. It's located directly on Main Street. Turn right and over the bridge, and it will be about four blocks down on your left-hand side.

Yes, there is cream in Jaco for your coffee. It’s called "crema" and is most likely located near the cooking items or other milk—not refrigerated. This is so good; it’s like putting creamy butter in your coffee. You can also purchase milk and mix it for a true ½ & ½.

A grocery store is located down our street, across the main street, and behind the pharmacy. It is convenient for quick snacks, chips, wine, and beer. However, this store has a limited and poor selection, so grabbing a few quick things is best.

We have a fantastic fruit and vegetable stand. It's a walk, so you should drive or take a taxi. It's right on Main Street, take a left at Pops, and about a kilometer down the road on your right-hand side orange building. There's also a great butcher next to the stand. I wouldn't recommend buying meat from grocery stores, except for bacon and sandwich meat.

Other Helpful Tips:

Diamante Del Sol provides 24/7 security, including a perimeter patrol. Upon arrival, you will need to register with your passports. The guards are helpful and can assist with calling taxis or providing directions. We show appreciation by occasionally treating them to a soda; they are always grateful.

Jaco is generally safe, but I suggest avoiding the main street after 10 PM, as a different crowd tends to gather at that time.

Driving in Costa Rica can be quite an adventure. Please don't be afraid to drive, but you should be assertive. The most common accidents happen when overtaking other vehicles. Even if you're trying to pass, check behind you because some drivers in Costa Rica will try to overtake eight or more cars simultaneously.

Our private pool is unquestionably the best one on the beach. Our security is excellent—you cannot enter the compound unless you are on the guest list.

Download WhatsApp that is the main communication style for Costa Rica

Use WAZE if driving – Google Maps will take you on some real adventures to no location

Walking the beach is 5 miles from end to end, and we love low tide. It is the most fun to walk on the beach, for it goes out about a block and is all sand

Prostitution is legal in Costa Rica. You will witness some women on Main Street, most coming from Venezuela or Colombia – these are not Ticos or locals, CR’s. It’s more of a heads-up, but it's not overwhelming. We do not support any prostitution in our condo or in our complex.