to the immediate south of jaco is the surf town of playa hermosa (hermosa beach). 1 hour and 15 minutes to the south of jaco beach is the manuel antonio national park and wildlife preserve offering visitors a first hand glimpse of costa rica's famed wildlife species such as white face monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, pizotes, iguanas, butterflies, frogs, insects, and exotic jungle plants native to costa rica.