🐚 Playas del Coco (Guanacaste Province)

Playas del Coco is one of the most popular beach towns in Costa Rica for expats and long-term visitors. Located in the Guanacaste province near Liberia International Airport, the town offers a mix of ocean lifestyle, modern conveniences, and a large international community.

✨ Why Visit Playas del Coco as a Future Expat?

For many people considering a move to Costa Rica, Coco offers a great introduction to beach living. The town has reliable infrastructure, paved roads, nearby healthcare, and one of the most established expat communities in the country. Retirees, remote workers, and seasonal residents are drawn to the walkable downtown area, lively social scene, and easy access to the airport.

If you're looking for a beach town where you can experience the Costa Rica lifestyle while still having everyday conveniences nearby, Playas del Coco is worth exploring.

📍 Playas del Coco at a Glance

🛫 Distance from Liberia Airport:
About 30 minutes (25 km / 15 miles)

🏖 Beach Type:
Sheltered volcanic sand bay with calm water

🌦 Climate:
Hot tropical dry climate

☀ Dry Season:
Late November – April

🌧 Rainy Season:
May – November

🌡 Average Daytime Temperatures:
85–95°F (29–35°C)

🌙 Night Temperatures:
74–78°F (23–25°C)

🌧 Average Annual Rainfall:
55–65 inches (1,400–1,650 mm)

👥 Expat Community:
Large and well-established

🏥 Nearby Healthcare:
Private hospitals and clinics in Liberia (~30 minutes)

🏡 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.

Thinking About Living in Playas del Coco?

If you’re considering relocating to Costa Rica, you may also want to explore:

• Cost of Living in Costa Rica
• Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
• Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica
• Moving to Costa Rica