El Miro is one of the most unusual sights near Jaco. High on a hillside above the coast stand the concrete shell and terraces of a luxury hotel that was never completed, now covered in colourful graffiti and slowly reclaimed by the forest. The ruins command a sweeping view over the Pacific, Herradura Bay and the surrounding hills, and the combination of abandoned architecture and natural beauty makes it a favourite for photographers, hikers and street art fans. Visitors walk through empty rooms, climb stairs, explore terraces and stand on balconies that look out over the sea. The hike to reach it is moderate, a steady uphill walk on forest trails and dirt tracks that takes an hour or so, depending on your pace and the weather. There is no entry fee, though the ruins are unmanaged, so conditions can change and you go at your own responsibility. The reward is a mix of urban exploration and nature, with parrots and other birds calling from the trees and the occasional monkey passing nearby. At sunrise and sunset, the light turns the concrete and the sea gold, and the view is spectacular.
Prepare carefully. Wear sturdy shoes with grip, long trousers if you want protection from plants and insects, a hat and sunscreen, and carry plenty of water, because there is no shade at the top and no shop nearby. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to descend near dusk, and a charged phone. The ruins have uneven floors, open edges, loose debris and no railings, so watch your step, keep children close and avoid climbing on unstable structures. Do not go alone at night, and avoid leaving valuables visible in a parked car.
Check conditions before you go. The trail can be slippery and muddy in the green season, from May to November, and the best time to hike is the dry season, from December to April, early in the morning to avoid the heat. Ask your hotel or a local about current access, since arrangements for the site and the surrounding land can change, and respect any signs or instructions. Heavy rain can make the route hazardous, so postpone if the weather is poor.
Treat the place with respect. Take your rubbish with you, do not add graffiti, leave plants and animals alone and be considerate of other visitors. If you prefer to go with a guide, private guided hikes to El Miro are available from Jaco, which can be a good choice for those who want company, local knowledge and transport. Pair the hike with breakfast in town or a sunset on the beach, and bring a camera: the contrast of ruin and jungle is one of the most striking sights in the area.
If you enjoy this kind of place, bring a sense of history as well as a camera. The building was planned as a grand hotel and left unfinished, and its story is part of local lore, with different people telling slightly different versions. Ask residents, guides or your hotel host what they know, and treat the site as a place of memory as well as a photo stop. Be mindful of other hikers, keep noise down and enjoy the unusual blend of concrete and jungle.
What to expect
The experience
An uphill forest hike to the graffiti-covered concrete ruins of an unfinished hotel, with wide views of the bay.
Best time
Sunrise or late afternoon, in the dry season.
How long
Two to three hours including time at the ruins.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and watch for open edges and loose debris.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Hikers and photographers who like unusual places.
- Families
- Only for older children who can walk uphill and stay away from open edges.
- Couples
- A sunrise or sunset hike gives a memorable shared view.
- Pair with
- A beach breakfast or a street art tour.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is there an entry fee?+
No, but the site is unmanaged, so go carefully.
How hard is the hike?+
Moderate, with a steady uphill walk of about an hour.
Is it safe?+
The ruins have open edges and debris, so take care and avoid going at night.
When is the best time?+
Early morning or late afternoon, in the dry season.
Can I go with a guide?+
Yes, private guided hikes are available from Jaco.
