Major city · Costa Rica
Playas del Coco
Spend 2–3 days in Playas del Coco: enough for beach time, a boat trip, and a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja.
Playas del Coco is a small beach town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, about 30 min by taxi from Liberia Airport and 4 h by road from San José. The town offers a main beach, easy boat hires, nearby cleaner beaches (Ocotal, Hermosa) and access to Rincon de la Vieja volcano, waterfalls and zip‑line tours. A 2‑day stay covers the main beach, a boat excursion and a day‑trip to the volcano area; a third day adds a surf‑or‑snorkel outing at Tamarindo or a wildlife tour at Ocotal.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CRC
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry season)
- avoid May–Nov (rainy season, especially Sep–Oct)
- Airport
- LIR
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Costa Rica ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Costa Rica's immigration authority (Migración) or a Costa Rican consulate; proof of onward travel is commonly required.
- Costa Rica ↗Rental cars require mandatory local liability insurance, often not included in online quotes: check the full price before booking.
- Costa Rica ↗Do not feed wildlife, including monkeys and coatis; it is illegal and harmful.
- Costa Rica ↗Buy national park tickets (Manuel Antonio, Poás, Irazú and others) online from SINAC before you go; several parks do not sell at the gate and cap daily numbers.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Playas del Coco911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Playas del Coco, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡); US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, with change often given in colones.Costa Rica-wide
- SIM or eSIMKölbi, Claro and Liberty sell SIMs at SJO and in towns; passport required.Costa Rica-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most of the country, including San José; drink bottled on parts of the Caribbean coast and in remote areas.Costa Rica-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% service is in the bill; extra optional.Costa Rica-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Costa Rica-wide
- SafetyCoco is generally safe for tourists; petty theft targets rental cars and beach bags.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; put paper in the bin in many places.Costa Rica-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire · 911 ambulance
- Sundays & holidayscheckManuel Antonio closes on Tuesdays (check); Semana Santa Thursday–Friday shuts most businesses.Costa Rica-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLIR Liberia International Airport (30 min taxi to town).
- Getting aroundTaxis (US$2‑10 per short trip) are the easiest for a few days; rental car (4×4 optional) needed for trips beyond 30 km (19 mi) such as Rincon de la Vieja…Taxis (US$2‑10 per short trip) are the easiest for a few days; rental car (4×4 optional) needed for trips beyond 19 mi (30 km) such as Rincon de la Vieja…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café₡800–₡1,200
- BeerBeer (bottle)₡1,200–₡2,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi short trip (≤5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi short trip (≤3.1 mi (5 km))checkUS$2–$5
- Budget bedDormitory bed, a night, per personCRC 5,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room (2 ppl), a night, per roomCRC 20,000
- High-end bedDouble room (2 ppl), a night, per roomCRC 35,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CRC 15,000 · Mid CRC 25,000 · High CRC 40,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LIR Liberia International Airport (30 min taxi to town)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Sep (15 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Playas del Coco: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
3 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis (US$2‑10 per short trip) are the easiest for a few days; rental car (4×4 optional) needed for trips beyond 30 km such as Rincon de la Vieja (1.5 h drive). Local buses run between Coco and nearby beaches but are often crowded.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Rincon de la Vieja volcano area
goDoor to door: ≈3 h round trip
Rent a car or join a tour; 1.5 h drive
Includes hot springs and mud baths
Ocotal beach (wildlife tour)
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Taxi or rental car; 5‑10 min drive
Early‑morning tours $30‑40 per person (check price)
Tamarindo surf beach
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h total
Car or bus; about 1 h drive
Better for beginners; may be busy in high season
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Cabinas Coco Azul Guanacaste
Backpackers; cabins & apartments, low cost
The Palms At Coco Beach
Pool, restaurant; popular with Europeans
Coco Cabinas
2 apartments, US$50‑100 per night
Serena Suites
2‑bedroom condos, $100 approx, pool
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₡12,000–₡18,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- ₡18,000–₡30,000 excl. bed
- High
- ₡30,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room (2 ppl)1 × 2 nights × CRC 20,000 | CRC 40,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CRC 25,000 | CRC 100,000 |
| Taxi LIR → Coco (one‑way)2 × CRC 5,000 · check | CRC 10,000 |
| Car rental (4‑day, basic)2 × CRC 25,000 · check | CRC 50,000 |
| Boat trip to Gorilla Rock (half‑day)2 × CRC 15,000 · check | CRC 30,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CRC 23,000 |
| Trip total≈ CRC 63,300 per person per day, bed included | CRC 253,000 |
2026 estimate in CRC; flights and international transfers excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | ₡800–₡1,200 |
| Meal (local restaurant) | ₡2,500–₡5,000 |
| Beer (bottle) | ₡1,200–₡2,000 |
| Taxi short trip (≤5 km)check | US$2–$5 |
| Boat rental (hour)check | US$30–$50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Taxis can vary widely in price; ask for the "Tico price".
- Rental cars are targeted by thieves; never leave valuables inside.
- Some boat operators overcharge; negotiate before boarding.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire
- 911
- Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Playas del CocoPlayas del Coco
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
Embassy
US consulate in Liberia (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Liberia Airport → Playas del Coco, taxi: about US$2–5, 30 min (check)
- Car rental (4‑day, basic): ≈ ₡25,000 per day (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis-KOOL-peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra-SEE-as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Playas del Coco. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season) · avoid May–Nov (rainy season, especially Sep–Oct) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport‑to‑town taxi contract (LIR → Coco, $2‑5).
- Car‑rental guide for 4×4 vs 2‑wheel drive.
- Tour operator list for zip‑line and volcano tours.
Sources
Ask about Playas del Coco
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