Along the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Guanacaste Province, known for its unique dry tropical forests, stunning beaches, and Costa Rican cowboys, lies the town of Playas del Coco. Like many beach towns in Costa Rica, Playas del Coco was once a small, local village, home to fishermen and dirt roads. Yet over the years, the remarkable beauty of the area, plus the ease of access, has turned Playas del Coco into one of the most visited and loved destinations in Costa Rica. Explore all that Playas del Coco has to offer and see for yourself why this beach town is one of the must-see places in Costa Rica.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica3 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
Despite Playas del Coco being rather small (like most beach towns in this country of roughly 5 million people), there is no end to the activities and adventures that await visitors to this area. Whether sunbathing on the pristine beaches is the vibe or ATV adventures paired with zip lining is on the to-do list, Playas del Coco has it all.
1. Catamaran Tour
What better way to explore Playas del Coco than from a boat on the open waters and with views of the coastline? There are a variety of tour providers offering catamaran tours in the Playas del Coco area, and just as many options for which kind of tour to experience. Snorkel, watch the sunset over the water, spot dolphins, enjoy dinner and drinks, and explore secluded beaches and caves along the coast, all in one day!
2. Zipline
There’s nothing quite like the sensation of gliding through the jungle canopy, and luckily, there are plenty of options to do just that in Playas del Coco. Zipline at the nearby Diamante Eco Adventure Park, Hacienda Guachipelin, or Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour. There are also several smaller zipline and canopy tour providers operating in the Papagayo Peninsula, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
3. Beach Hop by Water Taxi
A truly unforgettable way to spend some time in Playas del Coco is by exploring the neighboring beaches in the surrounding area and by doing so via water taxi. A few different companies provide water taxi services in the area, so ask around to compare prices and destinations. Guests staying at hotels on the outskirts of town can take a water taxi from their hotels into town at Playas del Coco and back, or to neighboring beaches. Night water taxis let visitors explore the nightlife of the town and get back safely to their hotels. Just be sure to check how often and how late the water taxis run at night.
Beaches in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
If beach bumming is on the agenda, Playas del Coco is a great choice! Of course, there is the main beach in town, Playa Coco, but that’s not the only option for catching some rays or some waves. Check out some of the other beaches, all nearby to Playas del Coco, and become a bit of a Guanacaste beach connoisseur.
Aerial view of beach and boats at Playas del CocoPlaya Hermosa
Just up the road from Playas del Coco lies the neighboring beach and town of Playa Hermosa. Hermosa translates to beautiful, and the name fits! This sand is a stunning golden color, and the water is very inviting. The town of Playa Hermosa also features great bars and restaurants, making it another great spot to enjoy during your stay in Playas del Coco.
- Where is it? It’s just a quick 15-minute drive north of Playas del Coco, so checking out Playa Hermosa is a must.
- What’s the parking situation? There is free street parking near the beach, as well as paid lots. Make sure to bring some cash to pay for parking, to enjoy the beach with the added benefit of safe parking.
Playa Bonita
Further up the Guanacaste coastline lies Playa Bonita, which also lives up to its name: Bonita means pretty. This is more of a rugged beach, without a town built just beside it, so a trip out here requires a bit more planning, as there are no bars, restaurants, or public bathrooms. It does mean fewer people, which makes for a more remarkable beach experience. Fewer people visit this beach, so if you’re looking to get away from the more crowded beaches in towns, this is a great option.
- Where is it? About a 20-minute drive from Playas del Coco, no 4×4 required.
- What’s the parking situation? Park at the end of the road and walk down the path to reach the beach. Don’t leave valuables in your car, as there are no parking attendants.
Playa Calzon de Pobre
Punta Cacique, the peninsula that separates Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa, is home to several smaller beaches, one of which is called Playa Calzon de Pobre. Getting here requires a bit more determination, as the road isn’t the most manicured, and a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. After parking, there is a walk down to the beach, but the effort is worth it. This beach is gorgeous, and unless you visit on a major holiday weekend, you’re likely to have it all to yourself, save for a few locals.
- Where is it? Between Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa, the drive is about 15 minutes on the road towards Playa Penca, another small beach worth checking out.
- What’s the parking situation? There is a parking lot, but no guard or amenities. The parking lot is at the end of the drivable road, and from there, you have to walk down to the beach. If you don’t want to drive, you can access Playa Calzon de Pobre by water taxi from Playas del Coco!
Weather in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica and When to Visit
Despite being a small country, Costa Rica has a wide range of climates and microclimates, meaning the weather can change often during a 4-hour drive. Playas del Coco enjoys warm to hot weather year-round, with the rain creating the seasons. Rainy season, often referred to as Green Season, isn’t a bad thing; it just depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for.
Rainy or Green Season (May to November)
May to November is typically the wetter time of year for Playas del Coco and the Guanacaste Province. The foliage is green and lush, the beaches have fewer crowds, the waves are better for surfing, and sometimes the prices of hotels and vacation rentals are a bit lower. Generally, during the rainy season, the mornings will be dry with afternoon and evening showers (showers can mean tropical downpours), but the experience can be very memorable!
Mud Pot in Rincon de la ViejaDry Season (December to April)
Dry season in Guanacaste coincides with high season in Costa Rica, with snowbirds from the US and Canada hoping to warm up in the hot, tropical sun. Costa Ricans also like to head to the coast for Christmas and New Year’s, plus the Costa Rican school system is on a long break from November to February, so many families take their vacations during this time of year.
The climate in these months is much less humid, and the landscape takes on a dried-out look. In fact, this area features some of the famous dry, tropical forests unique to Costa Rica! The sunshine seems endless, the crowds are more voluminous, and the calm water is great for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin tours. Regardless of when you visit, there is always something to enjoy.
Food Scene in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
Thanks to Playas del Coco being an international destination, the food scene here really does have something for everyone. From fresh-caught seafood to local Costa Rican eateries, to mouth-watering Italian, Indian restaurants, to beachfront bars serving cocktails, visitors will not be disappointed. Some of the top places to check out during your stay in Playas del Coco include:
- Restaurante Mar Azul – Seafood $$$
- Coconutz Sports Bar & Restaurant – American, Pub $$$
- The Lo – Seafood $$
- Soda La Teresita – Typical Costa Rican $
- Le Coq – Mediterranean, Lebanese $
Plan Your Trip to Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
How to Get to Playas del Coco
By Car
From San Jose or Alajuela, the drive to Playas del Coco takes about 4 and a half hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
It’s a short 30-minute drive from Liberia out to the coast, so flying into LIR is a great choice.
A rental car is a great way to get to and from Playas del Coco and to explore the various beaches and the surrounding areas.
By Bus
Not interested in driving? No problem!
There are buses from San Jose to Liberia, and from Liberia out to Playas del Coco. The public bus takes a bit longer than driving, as it makes stops throughout the journey and can’t drive as fast as a car, but it’s all part of the pura vida experience and a chance to travel more like a local.
By Shuttle
Yet another option to get to Playas del Coco is by shared shuttle. There aren’t that many shared shuttles that go to Playas del Coco, though Interbus is one option. Several companies offer services in and out of Liberia, and from there, a taxi or Uber can take you the rest of the way.
Why This Destination Belongs on Your Costa Rica Itinerary
Whether you’re planning a relaxed stop or building a more adventurous route through Costa Rica, Playas del Coco offers a rewarding mix of culture, nature, and local life. It’s places like this that are often overlooked but are so rich in character that they add depth and balance to a well-designed itinerary.