How to Pronounce "Jacó." Because It Definitely Isn't What You're Thinking.

If you're like any of the 1.7 million tourists that visit Costa Rica every year (I know, right?), then you will probably commit the vile crime of pronouncing the town of Jacó like "Jah-co." Or maybe "Yaco," trying to be all clever. (I SEE YOU, BRO.)

However, Jacó is not pronounced in either of those fashions—and it's important that you get it right, lest every single Costa Rican person in the country giggle at you behind your back. (Expats, too. We will also giggle.)

The real way you pronounce Jacó?

With an H.

Like HA-co. As in, ha ha ha. As in, I'm nearly coughing up a loogie. And by the way? The emphasis is on the first syllable. HA-co. Not ha-COHHHH! You will sound like a lunatic. Or a sixty-five year-old fisherman from Kentucky.