Playas del Coco — Guanacaste's Most Accessible Expat Beach Town

Playas del Coco sits on a calm sheltered bay in Guanacaste Province, just 35 minutes from Liberia International Airport — the shortest coastal-to-airport drive in Costa Rica. For expats and retirees who travel back to the US regularly or want family to visit easily, that proximity alone makes Coco worth serious consideration.

The town has one of the largest and most established expat communities in the country. Paved roads, reliable services, grocery stores, English-speaking doctors, and a walkable downtown make daily life here more convenient than most beach towns in Costa Rica. You can live comfortably in Coco without a car for everyday errands — unusual on the Pacific coast.

Coco also serves as a natural base for exploring nearby beach communities. Playa Ocotal is just 10 minutes south — a quieter rocky cove with stunning bay views and excellent snorkeling. Playa Hermosa is 15 minutes north — a calm swimmable bay with a more relaxed, low-key atmosphere. Many expats who base themselves in Coco spend their weekends exploring both.

Daytime temperatures range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C) with nights cooling into the 70s°F (low to mid 20s°C). Most expats run A/C regularly, particularly overnight. For retirees, remote workers, and anyone who wants genuine beach town infrastructure without sacrificing convenience, Playas del Coco consistently ranks among the top expat destinations in Costa Rica for good reason.

Playas del Coco (Guanacaste Province)

• Cost of Living in Costa Rica

• Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

• Residency and Visas

• Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica

• Moving to Costa Rica

• Costa Rica Relocation Checklist

Thinking About Making Playas del Coco Home?

Coco is just one piece of the picture. If you're seriously researching a move to Costa Rica, these guides will help you build the full picture: