Top Jaco Cooking Classes

Costa Rica is renowned for its chocolate production and exports chocolate all around the world. On this tour, go behind-the-scenes at a traditional cocoa plantation, learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar, and sample the cocoa fruit. Get involved as you watch the chocolate-making process, then sample a variety of delicious chocolates and tropical fruits.

This private Costa Rican cooking class in Jacó lets you work closely with a chef to learn recipes and techniques unique to the region’s cuisine. Cook healthy and classic dishes like ceviche and soup alongside a published cookbook author, with the option of cooking in her home kitchen or yours for the ultimate convenience. This class culminates in a filling and delicious lunch.

Learn everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate-making and get to try your hand at producing some yourself, with this immersive experience. You'll start with a walk through the forest, where you'll learn about local plants and animals, including cacao. You'll then be guided through the chocolate-making process, with the chance to do a bit of chocolate mixing—and tasting—yourself.

Learn to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes during a half-day cooking class and meal at a private home in Playa Jaco. Your chef-host shows you how to make two or three typical foods using fresh local ingredients. After helping with the prep and cooking, head to the table to enjoy your lunch or dinner with your host and her family.

Enjoy a private and authentic online cooking class and learn to make Melissa's family recipe for ceviche, a popular Latin American seafood dish made from fresh raw fish spiced and cured in fresh citrus juices. You will also learn to make a typical Costa Rican comfort food called picadillo de papa, a savory ground beef and potato dish. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. A fun and cultural virtual cooking experience with a Costa Rican native! • Learn to make traditional Costa Rican white fish ceviche and picadillo de papa • Private, one-on-one online instruction with a Costa Rican native • Introduction to Costa Rica's culture and cuisine • Scheduled mutually at your convenience (host lives in Jaco, Costa Rica (GMT-6) ) • Recipes and ingredients list will be emailed in advance of class • Customization available for dietary restrictions or preferences • Travel from your own home and learn culinary traditions of Costa Rica!

This Jaco ATV tour may be short, but it doesn’t skimp on adventure, making it a great choice for exploring the Costa Rican rain forest in just a couple of hours. Get behind the wheel of an ATV and follow your personal guide over rugged mountainous terrain, past ocean vista points, and right by a small waterfall.

Ride a horse into the jungle on a 1.5-hour tour from Jaco to a towering waterfall, ancient groves of trees and a remote valley ranch. Watch for white-faced monkeys, toucans and macaws as you guide your Costa Rican stepping horse along the trail and enjoy the cool spray from the 180-foot (55-meter) El Encanto waterfall. Take in stunning views of the thickly forested landscape, then finish your tour with fresh fruit and juice at the scenic ranch.

On this Jaco off-road ATV tour, it’s all about the journey—and the destinations. Take a thrilling ride through rugged mountain terrain en route to a vista point and two waterfalls, one of which has a 15-foot (4.5-meter) jump to try (if you dare). Be sure to bring a swimsuit to refresh yourself in the natural pool either way.

Combine hiking, waterfall swimming, and local cuisine with this tour in Las Monas Rainforest. You'll spend time learning about local plant life and cooling off in waterfall pools, with the option to jump from the top of some of the falls if you dare. You'll then head out to La Casita del Sabor for a local meal before returning to your hotel.

Escape to a secluded beach paradise on a day cruise to Playa Fantasia, a hidden stretch of sand on the Nicoya Peninsula that's only accessible by boat. Enjoy the 40-minute catamaran ride from Jaco Beach, and spend several hours relaxing on beach hammocks or trying water sports like surfing, snorkeling, and boogie boarding. Stay refreshed with included tropical cocktails and a fresh chef’s lunch prepared right on the beach.

Turn your vacation vibes up a notch with this catamaran tour from Jaco to the secluded Fantasia Beach. Relax in a premium catamaran as you sail out on the ocean, and then catch sight of wildlife like turtles and monkeys while eating a lunch prepared by a private chef on a forested beach only accessible by boat. This tour even includes a bar for the ultimate in relaxation.

Experience the Costa Rican jungle from an exciting perspective on this private ATV tour. Traverse rivers, beaches, jungle paths, and muddy trails in the Jaco Beach area, and learn about your surroundings from your dedicated guide. Enjoy photo stops and a chance to relax on the beach for a bit before concluding the experience.

Explore the Tarcoles River, home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations, on this guided boat tour. Along the way, learn about the area’s biodiversity and spot crocodiles, reptiles, and other local wildlife, including more than 50 bird species. Plus, enjoy some Costa Rican coffee and other refreshments on board. Private tour options are available.

Fly from treetop to treetop in a lush jungle reserve with a 1.5-hour zipline adventure tour from Jaco, and get a monkey’s-eye view of the tropical canopy. Hike to a training center in the forest, then strap in and soar through a series of eight thrilling ziplines. Watch for bright tropical birds and ancient trees, complete the series with an extraordinary 2,000-foot (600-meter) ride from the valley crest to a clear river, then finish your tour with juice and fresh tropical fruit at a nearby ranch.

Ride along one of Costa Rica's beautiful beaches during a horseback riding tour at a secluded coastal ranch near Jaco. All experience levels are welcome, as professional cowboy guides give beginners the instruction they need and let more advanced riders cut loose and trot, gallop, and ride in the surf. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure to best suit your schedule and enjoy a delicious drink after your tour.