Jaco, Costa Rica

El Miro Ruins

Once the foundation for a mansion, these ruins now offer amazing panoramic coastal views.

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These abandoned ruins of a mansion reside along a hillside overlooking Playa Jaco.

It’s believed that the mansion may have belonged to a wealthy man who died before the building could be completed. It now serves as an observation deck for curious hikers and travelers. The incomplete building is three stories tall and composed of wide balconies, white pillars, and a grand staircase. The panoramic view and graffiti are astounding and well worth the steep walk.

Know Before You Go

To get to the ruins, take the highway past Jaco towards Quepos. The entrance to the start of the trail is just past the Petrol station.

The path is unmarked and steep. It starts off as a concrete driveway with a bed and breakfast about 164 feet (50 meters) up. It then turns into a wide dirt path /road with a severe drop on the right-hand side. Driving up is not recommended due to the state of the path. Off-road motorcycles and bicycles are preferred.

There are two viewpoints, one about a kilometer up, the second being the mansion itself about a kilometer past the first observation point. Once you go past the first viewpoint, there are a number of carved reliefs on the left side. When those stop the road forks. Take the path on the left heading upwards. About 98 feet (30 meters) along this path, white balustrading will become visible off to the left. Follow the balustrading to the top balcony of the mansion.

Take proper walking shoes and plenty of water. Enjoy the view.