By Skye Sherman

Costa Rica brings to mind images of untouched beaches and verdant jungles, plus plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Costa Rica’s unofficial motto is pura vida — pure life — for a reason.

When you spend your holiday at Marriott Vacation Club^℠ at Los Sueños in Herradura, Costa Rica, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy all the attractions of this Central American destination. Whether you seek big waves, dramatic waterfalls, or sightings of scarlet macaws, you’ll find the allure of Costa Rica is within easy reach from the resort.

THINGS TO DO IN JACÓ

The coastal town of Jacó is about 8 kilometers from the resort and about 100 kilometers southwest of the capital city of San José. Jacó is known for its surf-friendly beaches, nightlife, and close proximity to national parks. The main strip is lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes serving a range of food including locally made tico dishes, pizza, and Caribbean cuisine.

Days in and around Jacó are best spent beachside. The resort’s Playa Herradura makes for a great intro to Costa Rica’s pristine beaches. Another popular spot is the aptly named Playa Hermosa (“beautiful” in Spanish), where you can swim and surf.

If you want to explore the lush inland, plan a daytrip to Carara National Park or hike to the inland Bijagual Waterfall. Make sure to end your day where sand meets sea for uninterrupted views of the town’s nightly, naturally occurring spectacular: jaw-dropping orange, red, and pink sunsets over the Pacific.

EXPLORE THE BEACHES AND WILDLIFE OF MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

Located about 80 kilometers south of the resort, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most diverse tropical rainforests in Costa Rica.

You’ll see colorful plants and wildlife — from three-toed sloths to hundreds of bird species to endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys — and you can also snorkel among coral reefs and enjoy white-sand beaches. Hiking trails throughout the park traverse varied terrain, from coast to mountains, so pack for both wet and dry activities.

Note that the park is closed on Tuesdays, and no food or single-use plastic is allowed inside. There is a kiosk inside the park that sells snacks, and you can also bring in refillable water bottles. Guided tours and educational walks are available for a fee.

EXPERIENCE THE OUTDOORS

In Costa Rica, you’ll want to spend most of your time outdoors. Luckily, the weather is generally warm year-round, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to the mid- to upper-20s Celsius.

Sinking beneath the surface of Costa Rica’s deep blue waters will provide a deeper appreciation of the country’s beauty. Opt for a boating trip or go scuba diving or snorkeling if you hope to see the many sea creatures that call Costa Rica’s Pacific coast home.

Jungle tours are another popular activity in Costa Rica since much of the country is rainforest (and more than a quarter of Costa Rica’s land mass is a national park, refuge, or protected zone). You can go hiking or bird-watching with a group or on your own. In this remarkably biodiverse destination, it’s not uncommon to see monkeys, brightly colored toucans, and other indigenous creatures when trekking through the country’s millions of hectares of conserved land.

Whether you seek adventures on land, sea, or some of both, ask the Concierge for assistance with booking activities and planning excursions.

WHERE TO STAY

Nature is all around you when you stay at Marriott Vacation Club at Los Sueños. Go for a swim in a pool that overlooks a private beach, dine in one of five distinct restaurants, or simply relax in your room and enjoy the open floorplan and spa-like bathroom.

Contact Member Services to use Points^* to reserve a stay at Marriott Vacation Club at Los Sueños.