Relocating to Playas del Coco: Your 3–5 Day Scouting Checklist

Thinking about making Playas del Coco your new home? A short trip of 3–5 days is often enough to move past the “tourist” experience and really see if Coco fits your lifestyle long-term.

This isn’t just about sunsets and cocktails. If you’re serious about relocating, you’ll want to test daily life—where you’d shop, how the internet performs, what community feels like, and whether nearby beaches or towns might suit you better.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to making the most of your scouting trip.

🏡 Stay Where You Might Live

Instead of only booking a hotel, use your stay to test different living styles:

Gated Communities – Try a rental in Pacifico, Vista Ocotal or Coco Bay Estates to see what expat neighborhood life feels like.
Vacation Rentals – Book an Airbnb or VRBO condo to wake up, make coffee, and live like you already live here.

👉 The goal is to picture what “daily life” would actually feel like—not just vacation mode.

🍽️ Eat Where You’d Actually Eat

Moving here means knowing where your breakfast, groceries, and nights out will come from.

Local Life – Visit a soda (small Costa Rican café) and order a casado to taste the everyday flavor of Costa Rica.
- A favorite is Soda Teresita, where you’ll get hearty, affordable meals in a truly local atmosphere.
Expat Favorites – Try Pacifico Beach Club or Steakhouse Sal y Fuego for meals you might return to often.
Beachfront Dining – Don’t miss Father Rooster’s in nearby Ocotal—it’s a staple.
Variety & International – Sugoi Mexican & Asian Cuisine and Soluna Beach Bistro show off Coco’s international mix.
Grocery Shopping – Do a full grocery run at Auto Mercado (imports + wide selection) and Super Luperon (local-style). Ask yourself: “Could I shop here every week?”

🚗 Test Daily Living

It’s easy to fall in love with sunsets—but what about banking, healthcare, or Wi-Fi?

Walk the Town – Explore Coco’s main strip. Notice shops, banks, salons, and services you’d use regularly.
Transportation – Rent a car, but also try taxis or golf carts. Could you live without a car here? Would a golf cart or scooter fit your lifestyle?
Internet Check – Run a speed test at your rental. If you work remotely, this is a make-or-break detail.
Healthcare – Stop by a pharmacy or clinic. See how accessible and affordable basic care feels.
Banking – Step into BCT Banco, Banco Nacional, or BAC. Ask about opening an account as a foreigner—it’s good to understand the process early.

🌴 Explore Beyond Coco

Playas del Coco is lively, but sometimes you’ll crave something different.

Nearby Beaches – Spend time at Playa Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Panamá. These quieter spots may be more your style if Coco feels too busy.
Outdoor Lifestyle – Join a snorkeling or diving trip to see if the ocean could be your backyard playground.
Day Trips – Drive to places like La Leona Waterfall or nearby Diamante Eco Adventure Parks. If the drives feel long or rough, factor that into your decision.

👥 Connect with the Community

Your move isn’t just about a house—it’s about people.

Join an expat happy hour or social group. Ask around; they happen often.
Strike up conversations in a soda, café, or on the beach.
Ask yourself: “Do I feel welcome? Can I see myself finding friends here?”

📝 Key Questions to Answer Before You Leave

Could I picture myself doing weekly grocery runs here?
Does Coco’s lively energy fit me—or would I prefer the quieter feel of Hermosa or Ocotal?
Am I comfortable with healthcare, internet, and transportation options?
Would I start with renting—or am I already seeing properties I’d consider buying?

✅ The Bottom Line

A few days in Coco won’t give you every answer—but if you use them wisely, you’ll get a strong sense of whether this beach town can truly feel like home.

👉 Tip: If Coco feels promising, plan a return visit during the opposite season (rainy vs. dry). That way, you’ll know if you can thrive here year-round.

Ready for Your Next Stop?

Exploring Guanacaste is about comparing the personalities of each beach town. If you’re curious how Coco stacks up against other expat favorites, check out:

Tamarindo – Known for its surf culture, nightlife, and international feel.
Samara – A laid-back beach town with a family-friendly vibe and strong local community.

👉 Each has its own energy—and seeing more than one will give you a clearer picture of where you truly belong.