Jacó itself is walkable and golf-cart friendly — but the best of the Central Pacific is a short drive away, and that's where a private driver earns their keep. Instead of juggling shuttle schedules and rental-car tolls, you get one local who handles the whole day.
Popular day trips with a private driver
| Trip | Drive time | What's there |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Antonio | ~1h15 | National park, monkeys, beaches |
| Tárcoles crocodile bridge | ~30 min | Wild crocodiles from a safe bridge |
| Bijagual / waterfall hikes | ~45 min | Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls |
| Carara National Park | ~25 min | Scarlet macaws, easy rainforest trails |
| Los Sueños marina | ~15 min | Fishing charters, lunch on the water |
Why hire a private driver instead of renting
- No tolls, no parking, no GPS stress — your driver knows the roads.
- No drinking-and-driving worry — enjoy a beer at lunch, get home safe.
- Flexible — change the plan mid-day, add a stop, stay longer at the beach.
- Local knowledge — the good lunch spots, the quiet beaches, the right time to hit the park.
- Flat van price — one fare for the group, not per person.
Sample private transfer prices (2026)
Flat per-vehicle rates — sedan (up to 3) or SUV (up to 6). Sprinter vans (up to 14) for big groups, quote on request.
| Destination | Time | Sedan | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| SJO Airport | ~1h30 | $125 | $130 |
| Puntarenas | ~1h | $100 | $110 |
| Manuel Antonio | ~1h | $120 | $130 |
| Monteverde | ~3h | $160 | $180 |
| Dominical | ~2h | $200 | $220 |
| La Fortuna (Arenal) | ~3h30 | $220 | $230 |
| Liberia Airport (LIR) | ~3h45 | $220 | $230 |
| Tamarindo | ~4h | $240 | $250 |
Build your own day
Tell us where you want to go and we'll map a route — waterfalls in the morning, beach in the afternoon, sunset back in Jacó. One driver, one price, zero logistics on you.
Frequently asked questions
Can the driver wait while we hike or hit the beach?
Yes — wait-and-return is standard for day trips. You're not booking two separate rides.
Do you do airport runs too?
Yes — SJO and LIR airport transfers, hotel transfers, and intercity routes all over the Pacific coast.
English-speaking drivers?
Yes. Local, friendly, and happy to share the good spots.