Hiking to the ruins of El Miro in Jaco

Last Updated on October 13, 2023

Hiking to the ruins of El Miro in Jaco, Costa Rica is a must do when visiting Jaco. El Miro is an ancient ruin with white arches, pillars, spectacular murals and graffiti. It offers a fantastic view of Playa Jaco. Read everything you need to know to have the best hike possible here.

Highlights:

Once the foundation for a mansion
Safe and well marked trail
Breath-taking panoramic view of the Playa Jaco
Beautiful murals and artwork
Great photo opportunities at the ruins

The story behind the ruins of El Miro in Jaco

It is said that a rich man wanted to build a house, hotel or restaurant on top of the hill, because of the great view of Jaco’s coastline. Unfortunately, the man died before the building was ever completed. Decades of abandonment and dereliction have made their marks on the building, which over the years became a wide-scale canvas for local artists. Now the 3-story building with white pillars and huge balconies is used as an observation deck for curious hikers and travelers.

How to get to the ruins of El Miro in Jaco

To get to the ruins, take the highway past Jaco towards Quepos. Drive or walk to the Delta Jacó gas station, a gas station between Playa Jaco and Playa Hermosa, along the National Primary Route 34 (Carretera Costanera Sur). The entrance is in front of the gas station across the road. There are a few parking spots across the street on the highway.

You will find an abandoned hotel in the starting section of the trail ‘Villa Mariposa Bed and Breakfast’. The trailhead is a bit tricky to find. At the start of the trail you will find several signs.

Hiking to the ruins of El Miro in Jaco

It’s an easy 20 minutes to reach the first viewpoint. On the way up, we saw a lot of birds, butterflies, lizards, different types of flora and fauna and the walls along the trail/road were lined with mesmerizing Aztec-like artwork. Some people also spotted monkeys along the way.

We hung out at the first viewpoint for about 15 minutes and soaked in the breathtaking beauty. This viewpoint is beautiful, it’s like a big balcony from where you can see the entire 4 km stretch of Playa Jaco.

On the way from the viewpoint to the ruins we saw a lot more paintings.

Tips for hiking to the ruins of El Miro in Jaco

Wear proper walking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Make this a morning hike as it will be very hot and busy around noon and in the afternoon.
Even when the weather is dry, it can be slippery, so be especially careful during the wet season. Water sometimes runs over part of the trail.
Keep your dog on a leash if he’s not good with horses.
For your safety: bring a flashlight and pocket knife with you for the way back down.

Watch the sunset at Playa Jaco

Once back down you have the option to head back into town or walk to the beach. We decided to walk to the beach and have a last glimpse of the sunset. Well worth the walk!

Where to stay in Jaco?

There are many accommodations in Jaco. Below you can find some of my recommendations, but you can also use an online platform like Hostelworld, Booking.com or Cozycozy to compare prices for vacation homes and find a beautiful beach front ho(s)tel, all inclusive resort, jungle villa or apartment. There are plenty of options!

Budget accommodation

Selina is one of my favorite budget accommodation brands around the world. Selina in Jaco is located directly on the beach, has a beautiful pool, great beach vibes, nice dorms rooms, but also private rooms and they can help you with booking activities and transportation. I took a surf lesson and this was phenomenal!

Another great budget accommodation in Jaco is the Casajungla Hostel. This hostel is located very near the ruins of El Miro in Jaco and therefore, a bit outside the city centre. It’s a quiet, but cozy hostel, located very close to the beach.

Mid-range accommodation

If you a bit more to spend, you can choose to book an apartment at Apartamentos Ganesha Jacó or a double room at Hotel Perico Azul & Surf Camp. Both accommodation are located near the beach and near the ruins of El Miro and have an outside swimming pool.

Luxury accommodation

If you want to experience some more luxury during your stay in Jaco, I can recommend to stay in an ocean front condo at Club del Mar Oceanfront or in one of the large apartments of Monte Carlo Luxury Condominiums. Both properties are known for their excellence and huge rooms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embarking on the hike to the ruins of El Miro in Jaco, Costa Rica is a must-do when traveling to Jaco. The abandoned mansion is an inspirational canvas for local artists, adorned with Aztec-like murals. The well-marked trail from the Delta Jacó gas station unveils stunning panoramas of Playa Jaco, with the first viewpoint resembling a vast balcony overlooking the coastline. Practical tips, including wearing suitable footwear and venturing out in the morning, enhance the experience, while safety precautions add a sense of preparedness. Upon descent, Jaco offers a spectrum of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious retreats. So if you are a lover of panoramic views, nature and magical sunsets, the ruins of El Miro in Jaco are perfect for you! I’m sure it will become one of your favorite places in Costa Rica.

If you’re planning to visit the ruins of El Miro in Jaco and have any unanswered questions, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below!

Author: Daphne

Pin this post if you’re planning to visit Jaco!