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Coco Guide 2024

Enjoy your vacation in Playas del Coco with this guide to the town and beaches.

Welcome to Playas del Coco, Costa Rica – a vibrant beach town bursting with energy and sunny days! Located along the Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, El Coco is a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and endless fun.

In this post, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of El Coco’s top attractions, from its busy downtown area filled with shops and restaurants, to its pristine beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. You’ll discover why Playas del Coco and the surrounding area are perfect for investing and vacationing.

Downtown Coco

Downtown Playas del Coco buzzes with a lively atmosphere, offering a mix of local culture and tourist amenities. The main street is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can explore a variety of boutiques selling beachwear, souvenirs, and handmade crafts, as well as supermarkets and convenience stores.

The downtown strip is just a short walk to the beach as well, offering a great way to spend the day. You can find several dive shops if you’d like to try scuba, or charter a boat for a fishing trip. Several catamaran cruises will depart directly from the shores of Playas del Coco.

At night, Playas del Coco stays buzzing with several bars and restaurants. You can enjoy food and drinks along with live music in several differently styled venues. The nightlife is especially busy during the high season, when it’s cold in the north and dry in Costa Rica.

The thriving nightlife in Playas del Coco brings it appeal as a high opportunity real estate market. The area is attractive for investors as there is a strong demand for vacation rental properties. Those looking to maintain a return on investment can capitalize on the growing popularity of Playas del Coco.

little boy during costa rica parade
Happy camper during a parade. Playas del Coco is great for families and kids.

Great Dining

Playas del Coco, Costa Rica offers a diverse array of dining options to suit every visitor. One popular spot is The Lookout, known for its stunning ocean view and delicious seafood dishes. Visitors rave about the fresh ceviche, grilled fish tacos, and tropical cocktails, all enjoyed while taking in the panoramic vistas of the Pacific.

For those craving authentic Costa Rican cuisine, Mar Azul is a must-visit. This laid-back restaurant serves up traditional dishes like casado and arroz con pollo, made with locally sourced ingredients and incredible flavor. Mar Azul is located on the north end of town, in the area known as Las Palmas. This area has endless supply of small vacation rental condos.

In addition to these standout eateries, downtown Playas del Coco is home to a variety of dining establishments catering to different tastes and budgets. From cafes serving up fresh breakfasts to upscale bistros offering gourmet cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Along the beachfront, visitors can find casual beach bars and restaurants where they can dine with an ocean view. Many of these restaurants have night time activates and even host celebrations for New Years.

Visit The Sunday Market

Every Sunday, Playas del Coco is home to a busy and popular market. Located just outside of the main strip in downtown, this market offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local goods. Visitors can stroll through the stalls, sampling tropical fruits, browsing artisanal jewelry, and chatting with friendly vendors.

Check out the walking tour on Youtube for an idea of some of the great stuff you can find at the market. 

Incredible Beaches

Playas del Coco is surrounded by a variety of stunning beaches, each offering its own unique charm and appeal. One of the most popular beaches in the area is Playa Hermosa, known for its expansive golden sands and gentle waves. Visitors flock to this picturesque beach to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports like snorkeling and kayaking. With its calm waters and stunning surroundings, Playa Hermosa is a favorite spot for families and beachgoers of all ages.

Another nearby beach worth exploring is Playa Ocotal, a secluded cove just south of Playas del Coco. Ocotal boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can relax on the soft black sand, take in the panoramic ocean views, and explore the rocky tide pools along the shoreline. Playa Ocotal offers a tranquil escape from the crowds, just 10 minutes from El Coco.

Playa Calzon de Pobre, located between Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco in Costa Rica, is a truly hidden gem. This secluded beach is known for its rugged beauty and tranquil atmosphere, giving a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. It’s located beside the very popular Playa Penca, which is currently under development for the Waldorf Astoria project.

Both Playa Calzon de Pobre and Playa Penca have perfect water for snorkeling and seeing unique underwater life. You can occasionally see spotted eagle rays gliding right up along the shore.

beach near playas del coco
Playa Calzon de Pobre, a beautiful beach on Punta Cacique between Hermosa and Coco.

Invest In Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco is the perfect location for your investment in Costa Rica. Whether you’re looking to live here, or vacation, El Coco has options for you. With high demand and tons of amenities and activities to enjoy, it’s a strong investment.

Make Coco your home or invest in a slice of paradise, feel free to reach out. I’m here to assist you in your real estate journey in Playas del Coco.

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