Why we love living in Playas del Coco

People ask me all the time what makes Playas del Coco special. The short answer: it feels like a real town, and it is right on the water. Here is the longer answer, for anyone wondering if Coco could be home.

A beach town that still feels like a town

Coco started as a fishing village, and fishing boats still work the bay. Over the years it has grown into a fully serviced beach community, with the everyday services you need close by, but it has kept its easygoing pace.

The beach and the sunsets

The main beach is a long curve of dark volcanic sand on the Gulf of Papagayo. The bay faces west, so the sunset is the town's nightly show. Along the beach there is a boardwalk with small parks, where people walk their dogs, exercise and gather in the evening.

In Coco, sunset is a daily plan, not a special occasion.

Close to what you need

The international airport in Liberia (LIR) is usually about half an hour away by car. That makes visits from family and friends easy, and trips home simple too. Liberia itself is the capital of Guanacaste, with larger stores and more services.

Playa Hermosa and Playa Ocotal are just minutes away, so you can change the scenery without a long drive. Nolberto has written guides to day trips from Coco and beaches and snorkel spots if you want ideas.

The community

Coco is a mix of Costa Rican families and people who moved here from all over the world. You hear Spanish and English on the same street, and it is easy to meet people if you show up.

For us, a big part of community is the animals. We rescue dogs, and the boardwalk is full of fellow dog lovers every evening.

Is Coco right for you?

You want to walk to the beach and to town.
You like a lively place more than a remote one.
You want an airport close by.
You would rather live in a real community than a resort.

The best way to know is to spend time here. When you visit, let me know. I am happy to show you around the neighborhoods and talk through what life here looks like day to day.