Adobe Car Rental, Jaco, Costa Rica

Adobe Car Rental, Jaco, Costa Rica
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Jacó Beach, Costa Rica, is a vibrant beach town on the Central Pacific coast. Combining mountains and a pristine coastal area, visitors to Jaco can enjoy beautiful nature, several adventure activities, and an active nightlife.

At Adobe Rent a Car, we have four offices servicing the Jaco car rental area. These include Puntarenas, Quepos, and two full-service rental offices in San José: Adobe’s SJO office and a downtown office.

Both our Quepos and San José airport offices are close to domestic airport terminals, offering strategic rental options for visitors who are combining their in-country flights with a vehicle rental. 

For more information about our domestic airport Jacó car rentals, please email reservas@adobecar.com

What to do with your rental car in Jacó 

Beaches & Surfing

  • Jaco Beach stretches in a long, crescent shape with dark sand and strong waves. It is a popular surfing spot for beginners and experienced surfers.
  • Playa Hermosa, just 10 minutes south, draws expert surfers with its powerful waves and frequent competitions.
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Jacó car rental information

Jaco Town & Atmosphere

Jaco is famous for its lively atmosphere and proximity to San Jose.

  • Jaco is a vibrant beach town where locals, expats, and tourists unite. It is more developed than many coastal towns in Costa Rica, with a choice of lodging, restaurants, supermarkets, and other amenities. 
  • Jaco’s nightlife scene draws revelers to its many bars, casinos, and nightclubs, making it one of the most active nightlife spots in the country.
  • On Jaco’s main street, visitors also enjoy a plethora of souvenir shops, tour agencies, and cafés.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

  • Carara National Park (about 30 minutes north) has excellent hiking trails and is famous for its scarlet macaws.
  • Rainforest Adventures Park (near Jaco) offers zip-lining, aerial trams, and guided nature tours.
  • Tarcoles River (north of Jaco) is famous for its huge crocodiles.

Your Rental Car Location in Jaco 

  • Jaco is only 1.5 to 2 hours from San José, making it one of the most accessible beach towns from the capital.
  • It has good infrastructure, including supermarkets, banks, and pharmacies, making it easy for travelers to get essentials.

Things to watch out for

  • Jaco has a reputation for being a party town, which might not appeal to those looking for a quiet getaway.
  • Some areas have petty crime, so it’s wise to take standard safety precautions, like parking at the hotel, especially at night.
  • The main beach is great for surfing but not the best for swimming due to its dangerous currents and rough waves.

Pros of Renting a Car in Costa Rica

  • Freedom & Flexibility – A car allows you to explore remote beaches, waterfalls, and national parks at your own pace.
  • Well-Maintained Highways – Main roads, such as the highways between San José, Jacó, and Manuel Antonio, are in good condition.

Challenges & Things to Watch For

  • Rough Roads in Some Areas – Many rural roads, especially in beach towns and mountains, are unpaved and full of potholes. We recommend a 4×4 vehicle for off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • Driving at Night is Risky – Roads are often poorly lit, and unexpected obstacles (potholes, animals, pedestrians) can be dangerous.
  • Aggressive Driving – Local drivers may not always follow traffic rules, and people on motorcycles often weave through traffic.
  • Speed Bumps & Police Checkpoints – Unmarked speed bumps are common, and police checkpoints occasionally stop tourists to check documents.

Safety Tips & Car Rentals in Jacó

Choose Full Insurance Coverage – You must have mandatory insurance, and credit card insurance may not be sufficient.


Use Waze – Waze is more accurate in Costa Rica for avoiding roadblocks and finding the best routes.


Keep Valuables Out of Sight – Car break-ins can happen in tourist areas. Always park in secure lots and avoid leaving bags visible.


Follow Speed Limits – There are speed cameras, and fines can be high. 

Adobe’s FAQs about renting 

1) How much does it cost to rent a car in Jacó, Costa Rica?

Many tourists want to know the cheapest rental cars for renting a car in Jaco. Car rental rates vary based on factors such as car types, rental duration, and rental car companies. 

Adobe Rent a Car offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees, no additional charges, and excellent customer service.
Car booking is easy with us. We offer rental agreements and supplemental insurance coverage that include roadside assistance. 

One of our Adobe representatives will advise on popular rental cars depending on your travel plans.

2) What is the best company to rent a car in Costa Rica?

Customers rated Adobe Rent a Car as the #1 car rental company in Costa Rica. It is a 100% Costa Rican company with over 30 years in the market and 14 offices nationwide. 

 3) Can you rent a car in Jaco, Costa Rica?

Jaco is only 1.5 to 2 hours from San Jose.  Adobe doesn’t have a Jaco downtown car rental location because most visitors to Jaco rent their car at the airport office.  

Once you arrive in Jacó and want to enjoy the beach, restaurants, and shops, you can get around town by foot or taxi easily.

Your rental car can be used to visit nearby attractions like Playa Hermosa, Manantial de Agua Viva Waterfall, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

4) Is it safe to rent a car and drive in Costa Rica?

Yes, it’s safe to rent a car and drive in Costa Rica when you’re prepared. A car gives you the best way to explore, but be aware of road conditions, drive cautiously, and follow local traffic laws.

5) What do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?

Basic car rental requirements at Abode Rent a Car.
Valid driver’s license – issued at least 2 years prior. Valid for the legal term of your stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.
If the license is not in the Latin alphabet, it must be presented with an International Driver’s License. We do accept digital licenses.
The minimum age to rent a car from Adobe is 23 years old.
Present a valid ID or passport with an entry stamp to the country.
A credit card with your printed name and number is required for a US$1,000 deposit (we accept MasterCard, VISA, and American Express). The cardholder must be the same person picking up the vehicle.

6) Is Driving in Jacó Safe?

Jacó has paved roads, good signage, and plenty of gas stations. You should rent a car if you plan to visit nearby places like Playa Hermosa, Manuel Antonio, or Monteverde.

Happy and safe travels!

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El equipo editorial de Adobe Rent a Car está compuesto por más de seis expertos, incluyendo periodistas con más de 14 años en medios de comunicación, especialistas en SEO, gestores de redes sociales y estrategas de contenido. Además, contamos con profesionales en Administración de Proyectos y Marketing Digital con más de 25 años de experiencia en sectores como Banca, Renting, Automotriz, Tecnología y Seguros. Este equipo talentoso y diverso, reconocido con premios internacionales, se enfoca en brindar información precisa y relevante, asegurando la mejor experiencia posible para nuestros usuarios.

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