Jaco / Jaco Beach

[StudBucket]

So, I am in Jaco now after a long awaited return after being here April of this year as well. Unfortunately, the government is now mandating that all persons entering the Hotel or hotel bars, which includes the Cocal, show an official QR code from the Costa Rican authorities. This QR Code requires proof of double vaccination for the girls and anyone wanting to stay and there are no exceptions. So, in short, this has affected the number of girls drastically from being able to come in. This past Saturday, where there would normally be 70-100 girls at any given time, there were maybe 30-40 gals max, and later on it dwindled down to maybe 20 girls. Sunday and Monday were absolutely abysmal and had maybe 10-15 girls at peak hour.

Many gals that are regulars here are a no show, and the girls are now forced to scramble to get their second shots or even first shot and the QR code which is a hassle for them apparently.

I would wait to come down at least for another month or 2 if possible. With that being said, there are always a few scragglers for those that really cannot change their plans but you have to work it and be a little more flexible.

[MagicTrain]

This place is booked through December.

Keep clicking, the search "bachelor pad jaco Airbnb" should bring up a bunch of them. Airbnb is the way to go, I will never pay top $$ for a hotel again. They quote you a price, then surprise, fees, room tax, whatever tax, and a charge for everything, and tips left and right. Then feel fat and stuffed from hotel food. I love an Airbnb, I cook for myself, nice and cheap and easy and healthy.

[StudBucket]

Curfew was never the right word. Basically the closing hours of business were restricted, and capacity of bars was restricted, and there were restrictions on driving at certain times. But there was not a curfew per se. You could always be out walking or whatever.

The change in December (or January, depending on some decisions and politics in CR) is that establishments that choose to restrict entry to only vaccinated people will be able to operated without capacity restrictions. But, a business that chooses not to implement this can operate at the current 50% capacity, with masking, distancing, etc. Then, perhaps, if it gets approved, in another month everything optional is to be restricted to vaccinated only.

I do not know what choice the Cocal and other establishments will make. Bars and clubs in San Jose are deciding now. Appears some will continue with restrictions but no vaccination requirement for entry, others will adopt the vaccine requirement and go back to normal 100%.

Good intel Zeos, I agree I should have said business restrictions and hours have loosened. Not a curfew per say. I wonder what Cocal will do, this will be interesting if they stay at 50% capacity. I guess it depends on how many gals are vaccinated. In other words, if the majority are vaccinated, they will go to 100% with proof of vaccination.

[StudBucket]

I'll be in Jaco in January. Not doing the typical mongering vacation. Stuck with my family in a villa outside of town. Fortunately, I'll get a little mongering in San Jose before and after. My question is-- are Ubers readily available all over the place at all times of day, or would we be better off renting a car? I know the roads are difficult. I would lean towards just using uber. Any feedback is appreciated, thanks.

There is no need for a car rental in Jaco. The town is very small, and there are plenty of Ubers available if you need to but most places are within walking distance. This is why choosing a good location near the Cocal hotel (just using it as a landmark) is important. Within this area you will have plenty of options for food, massage, shops, etc.

[Vern2020]

I'll be in Jaco in January. Not doing the typical mongering vacation. Stuck with my family in a villa outside of town. Fortunately, I'll get a little mongering in San Jose before and after. My question is-- are Ubers readily available all over the place at all times of day, or would we be better off renting a car? I know the roads are difficult. I would lean towards just using uber. Any feedback is appreciated, thanks.

[Zeos1]

My buddies and I will be in Jaco Dec 4-12. I understand per the hotel Cocal front desk that the curfew will be back to normal or pre-Covid times beginning December 1. So bars, restaurants will close late. You do need a vaccination proof though to get into the bars, restaurants, etc. I also confirmed this with my friend who lives there part time.

SB.

Curfew was never the right word. Basically the closing hours of business were restricted, and capacity of bars was restricted, and there were restrictions on driving at certain times. But there was not a curfew per se. You could always be out walking or whatever.

The change in December (or January, depending on some decisions and politics in CR) is that establishments that choose to restrict entry to only vaccinated people will be able to operated without capacity restrictions. But, a business that chooses not to implement this can operate at the current 50% capacity, with masking, distancing, etc. Then, perhaps, if it gets approved, in another month everything optional is to be restricted to vaccinated only.

I do not know what choice the Cocal and other establishments will make. Bars and clubs in San Jose are deciding now. Appears some will continue with restrictions but no vaccination requirement for entry, others will adopt the vaccine requirement and go back to normal 100%.

[DrVibLips]

My buddies and I will be in Jaco Dec 4-12. I understand per the hotel Cocal front desk that the curfew will be back to normal or pre-Covid times beginning December 1. So bars, restaurants will close late. You do need a vaccination proof though to get into the bars, restaurants, etc. I also confirmed this with my friend who lives there part time.

SB.

I can confirm that curfews are being lifted in December but us old guys are fine with calling it a night after 11 pm or so. This is my 2nd time in Jaco and I can tell you that much has changed for the better as a lot of development has taken place. The Cocal Casino or more specifically Frog's lounge is definitely the place to go. Tons of talent on hand but the massage parlors offer a more economical way to go. They entice you in for very low prices and then prices escalate quickly from there. A $20 massage quickly goes to $150 depending on your desired level of intimacy. When I first started going to Costa Rica prices started at $100 and then you negotiated down from there depending on time of day and of course the girl. Now they are starting at $150. Not a smart business practice but I doubt any business school is going to do a case study on tourism in CR.

Caution on filling out the online healthcare form. I had a typo on my passport number causing me to have to re-do the entire form in the airport the morning of my departure. Had to clear out the browsing history on my laptop so that I could complete a new form. Damn AA woman caught the mistake but when I went back through the line they barely looked at it. Once you arrive, pack your patience as it was over an hour to get through immigration with at least 3 check points for your QR code. They don't actually scan it until you get to the immigration desk.

Another observation is that I am amazed at how much English proficiency has improved. My Spanish sucks but I'm finding a lot of bartenders and staff that can speak English. Tons of Ex-pats living here. Enjoy!

[StudBucket]

My buddies and I will be in Jaco Dec 4-12. I understand per the hotel Cocal front desk that the curfew will be back to normal or pre-Covid times beginning December 1. So bars, restaurants will close late. You do need a vaccination proof though to get into the bars, restaurants, etc. I also confirmed this with my friend who lives there part time.

SB.

[BobbyBabaj10]

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[OldSchool318]

I am going in 2 weeks to CR for the first time. Kind of naive question: can / should I use $$ there or I have to change those to a local currency. Also, any helpful advice on what to do outside mongering in Jaco would be greatly appreciated.

Always negotiate in local currency. Colones is the CR currency. 30000 colones is give or take $50 I believe at this time.

Go to beach, eat at good places, do a tour of the waterfall or even take a water taxi to Santa telesa / Montezuma.

Have fun.

[AsianLover17]

Everyone is looking for reasonably priced girl friendly places in Jaco, all you have to do is search "Bachelor Pad Airbnb Jaco Costa Rica", and it will pull them up. "Bachelor Pad Airbnb Jaco Costa Rica" will get through all the usual filters. I almost paid through the nose for a hotel before I figured out this simple trick.

This place is booked through December.

[AsianLover17]

I am going in 2 weeks to CR for the first time. Kind of naive question: can / should I use $$ there or I have to change those to a local currency. Also, any helpful advice on what to do outside mongering in Jaco would be greatly appreciated.

[StudBucket]

Hello Gentlemen,

I just confirmed the curfew at the Cocal bar and other nightlife is now at 10 pm. Also, the front door person told me that if numbers stay low they will be allowed to stay open until 11 pm starting in November. This is great news.

SB.

[StudBucket]

I just called the Cocal and the curfew is still at 9 pm sharp with no after hours party at the adjacent Monaco condo. Looks like we will not be going back soon until this changes. That curfew is just too early.

[MagicTrain]

Everyone is looking for reasonably priced girl friendly places in Jaco, all you have to do is search "Bachelor Pad Airbnb Jaco Costa Rica", and it will pull them up. "Bachelor Pad Airbnb Jaco Costa Rica" will get through all the usual filters. I almost paid through the nose for a hotel before I figured out this simple trick.