🐚 Playas del Coco (Guanacaste Province)

✨ Why Visit Playas del Coco as a Future Expat?

Playas del Coco is one of the most expat-friendly beach towns in Costa Rica. It offers modern conveniences, a vibrant social scene, and easy access to Liberia International Airport. It’s particularly popular with retirees and remote workers who want an ocean lifestyle with reliable infrastructure, paved roads, and access to healthcare. If you're looking for a walkable town with a strong expat community, Coco should be on your list.

• 🛫 Distance from Liberia Airport (LIR): ~30 minutes (25 km / 15 miles)

• 🏖 Beach Type: Sheltered, dark volcanic sand bay with calm water

• 🌦 Climate:

  • Dry Season: Late Nov to April

  • Rainy Season: May to November

  • Average Daytime Temps: 85–95°F (29–35°C)

  • Nighttime Temps: 74–78°F (23–25°C)

  • Annual Rainfall: ~55–65 inches (1,400–1,650 mm), heaviest in Sept–Oct

🏡 Live Like a Local – Rent a Condo for a Week

One of the best ways to test out Coco is by renting a 1- or 2-bedroom condo in town or in nearby gated communities like Las Palmas, Pacifico, or Coco Bay Estates. For around $500–$1,000 per week, you'll get access to pools, A/C, and often walkability to the beach, grocery stores, and cafés.

This lets you see what daily life is like — grocery shopping, chatting with locals and expats, and even visiting the private hospital nearby.

🏨 Recommended Hotels (if not renting)

• Hotel La Puerta del Sol – Quiet, garden-style hotel near beach and shops

• Hotel Villa del Sueño – Near Playa Hermosa, more peaceful, great for families

• The Palms at Coco Beach – Good location, close to beach and nightlife

🍽️ Top Places to Eat

• Zi Lounge – Expats' favorite for live music and big plates

• Soda Teresita – Affordable local food with great casados

• Villa Italia – Authentic Italian with handmade pasta

• Café Corazón – Cozy breakfast and lunch spot with Wi-Fi

• Citron – Upscale but casual, great for seafood and date nights

🎯 Top Things to Do

• Sunset cruises – Calm bay waters are perfect for catamarans

• Snorkeling and Diving – Easy access to Catalina and Bat Islands

• Sportfishing tours – Coco is a hub for deep-sea fishing

• Visit Playa Ocotal or Playa Hermosa – Both just minutes away

• Join a yoga or fitness class – Plenty of gyms and group sessions

💡 Expat Travel Tip

Stay in Las Palmas or downtown Coco for an immersive experience. The town has excellent walkability and a vibrant expat network. You’ll find weekly markets, bilingual real estate agents, and quick access to medical care. Use this visit to explore whether the beach lifestyle, convenience, and heat work for your long-term goals.