Jacó is a city on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, southwest of the capital, San José. It is known for the beaches for surfing and nightlife, and is a gateway to national parks. Jacó beach is rocky and has gray sand, and is located west of the city. To the southeast is Hermosa Beach, with its big waves. To the north is the Carara National Park, with crocodiles in the Tárcoles river and Macaos macaws. Nearby there is a path through the tropical forest that reaches the Bijagual waterfall.