Real estate in the Playas del Coco area is highly sought after due to the excellent quality of life residents enjoy. Playas del Coco lies 35 kilometres (22 miles) west of Liberia, Guanacaste’s main hub. Its close proximity to the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia means you can get off the plane and be sipping a cold one in less than 30 minutes. You can’t beat that for location!
The new CIMA Hospital is only 20 minutes away, making this a great location for retirees, families with children, and those looking for a cosmetic surgery holiday.
An Overview of Life in Playas del Coco
This former fishing village is a popular destination for Ticos and international travelers alike. It offers a wide variety of nightlife and restaurants. Some local favorites include Papagayo Seafood, Coco Palms, Casa Maria Bonita at Ladera del Mar, Las Olas Seafood, Citron in the Pacifico Retail Mall, Jardines Tropicales, Soda Teresita, and my favorite local lunch and breakfast spot, Soda Los Pelones.
Most evenings (and well into the night), music spills out from open-air bars and nightclubs throughout town—from Latin America’s top musicians to classic Rock & Roll. A few of the more famous (or infamous) clubs include Zi Lounge, Beach Bums, Lizard Lounge, and Coconutz Sports Bar. Happy hours typically run anywhere from noon to 7 pm, making bar hopping a popular pastime for those enjoying the laid-back energy of a beach town in action.
For a quick bite, you’ll find Subway, Texas BBQ Burgers, Asia-Tica Chinese & Thai Cuisine, and several pizza joints. Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss the Italian gelato shop or POPS ice cream at the Auto-Mercado shopping center.
The bank, church, police station, and new post office are located along Coco’s main boulevard, along with well-stocked supermarkets such as Auto-Mercado (website in Spanish) and Luperón, hardware stores, pharmacies, taxi services, and a variety of souvenir shops.
Several medical clinics operate in town, offering care in both Spanish and English, including 24-hour emergency services and a modern ambulance system.
Sailboats and fishing boats dot the bay, offering a glimpse of local fishermen at work. Playas del Coco is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches, well known for sport fishing, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Originally famous among surfers heading to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock, the beach has also become a major hub for diving. The surrounding waters boast rich marine life, impressive rock formations, and good visibility. Humpback whales, dolphins, Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles, manta rays, and eagle rays are all commonly spotted.
The pirate ship The Perla Negra offers a unique event venue where guests can “walk the plank” while Captain Richard Hook fires the cannon.
The soft volcanic sand of Playas del Coco makes for beautiful shoreline walks, especially at low tide. Surrounded by steep hills, this horseshoe-shaped bay is ideal for relaxing, people-watching, or simply taking in the view.
In August 2011, the beachfront boardwalk—affectionately called Amor de Temporada—was completed, with plans to extend it further along the shore. The name comes from a 1930 song by Guanacastecan Héctor Zúñiga Rovira, telling the story of a brief April romance that ends as the protagonist rides out of Coco under the moonlight.
The Weather in Playas del Coco Is Exceptional
The weather in Guanacaste is considered the best in Costa Rica. The region enjoys a temperate climate, averaging around 85°F, with approximately 55–65 inches of rainfall annually.
Sunshine dominates most days—even during the rainy season—making outdoor activities such as hiking, windsurfing, sport fishing, and beach lounging possible year-round. During the dry months, the Papagayo winds provide a refreshing cooling effect.
While the dry season brings peak tourism, Guanacaste remains appealing throughout the year. From May through November, daily rains transform the savannas and rolling hills into lush green landscapes. Flowering trees signal the changing seasons, creating a striking contrast as the dry season gives way to vibrant greenery.
Real Estate and Tourism Developments in Playas del Coco
Each year, thousands of visitors arrive looking to invest in second homes or vacation rentals. Playas del Coco serves as a gateway to some of Costa Rica’s most desirable real estate developments.
With its dry climate, biodiversity, and quick 30-minute drive from Liberia International Airport, real estate in the area has experienced significant growth over the past decade. Nearby developments such as the Four Seasons, Riu Guanacaste, and the upcoming Paradisus Papagayo Bay have further increased demand.
Many buyers choose real estate in Playas del Coco for resort-style amenities, including private pools, landscaped grounds, high-speed internet, security, maintenance services, and rental management—ideal for both vacation rentals and permanent living.
One of the area’s flagship projects, Pacifico, is a master-planned resort located in the heart of town. Its beach club, gym, restaurant, and ocean-front infinity pools make it a standout investment.
Other notable developments include Sombras, Ladera del Mar, Coco Bay Estates, and Las Palmas Urbanization, with condos and lots ranging from approximately $50,000 to $750,000—offering something for nearly every buyer.
Thanks to its strategic location and cost-effective accommodations, Playas del Coco properties remain a solid investment. Numerous local property management companies help owners offset mortgage and maintenance costs through short- and long-term rentals.
With nearly everything close at hand, Playas del Coco represents the lifestyle many baby boomers have dreamed of for years. As more people fulfill those dreams in the coming decade, we’ll be here to help them embrace the “Pura Vida” way of life.