At Coastal Realty & Property Management, we’ve been providing Playa del Coco real estate services since 2006, so we thought we’d share some advice for friends looking to visit for the first time.
Second and third-time visitors might enjoy these thoughts as well, because there’s so much going on that is easy to miss.
Getting to Our Playa del Coco Vacation Rentals
Playa del Coco, Costa Rica is located to approximately 20 miles from the town of Liberia, Costa Rica, next to Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa.
This page is about vacation rentals in Playa del Coco. If you would like us to manage your property, please see our Playa del Coco Property Management services.
With tons of direct flights from both North America and Europe, you have two choices to fly into the country:
Daniel Oduber International Airport – Liberia
This airport is located a 50 minute drive to Playa del Coco. The drive is picturesque, with many Guanacaste sugar cane plantations visible as well as local town squares and soccer fields along the way.
Juan Santamaria International Airport – San Jose
This airport is about a 4-hour drive from Playa del Coco. The drive will take you through the mountain range that runs the length of Central America and then you’ll make your way up the coast, and cross over the Rio Tempisque. It’s also quite scenic and there are plenty of restaurants and pitstops along the way.
If you’re flying to San Jose and don’t intend to rent a car, you can also catch up a flight from San Jose to Liberia’s airport on Sansa.
Do I Need a Visa if I’m Choosing Playa del Coco Vacation Rentals?
For quick stays, you don’t need a visa prior to arrival. You’ll be issued a tourist visa by the immigration desk at either airport. You’ll need:
- Your passport (and be sure it isn’t about to expire)
- A return ticket (print a copy of your e-ticket that clearly shows your return flight date)
- The name of your accommodations. For us, either the name of the house or the name of the Avellanas condo complex will suffice.
Do I Need to Rent a Car to Get to My Playa del Coco Vacation Rental?
We do recommend a rental car if heading to Playa del Coco. Our Playa del Coco vacation rentals are all walkable to the beach, tiny grocery stores, restaurants, shops, etc. For additional guests, we’re happy to help you reserve an airport shuttle from either airport that will take you directly to your property and return you as well.
That said, there are lots of national parks and other fun day trips where you might want a car.
If you are renting a car and cannot drive a manual transmission, be sure to consult with your rental car company. Many vehicles in Costa Rica have manual transmissions.
What Are Some Top Activities While at Playa del Coco Vacation Rental?
You’ve probably heard amazing things about Costa Rica and Playa del Coco is one of the top destinations in the country. Why do so many people choose to vacation in Playa del Coco?
Playa Del Coco
Going to the beach is fantastic. You can bring your own towel and sunbathe anywhere. All Costa Rica beaches are public.
Surfing
You can use Playa del Coco as a home base for some of the best surf spots in Costa Rica, or take a day trip and head south for surf lessons. From Playa del Coco, you can easily catch a boat to Roca Bruja and Ollie’s Point, two places that surfers love to visit. There are tons of surf shops if you need to rent or buy boards, rashguards, wax, etc.
Nature
Amazing animals are all over the place in Tamarindo and may even be on the property at your vacation rental.
- Iguanas – Gorgeous iguanas of many colors can be found on the ground and in the trees throughout the area.
- Howler Monkeys – They migrate in packs throughout the area. It’s easy to know when they’re near due to their distinctive howl.
- Leatherback Turtles – During the season, the endangered Leatherback nests at Playa Grande. You must be on a guided tour to be on Playa Grande at night during the season.
- Tropical Birds – You’ll find all kinds of birds in the area including Hummingbirds, Mot Mots, which have distinctive tails, and various parrot species. The local equivalent of a Blue Jay is also ever-present and may beg for crackers if you’re eating outside.
- Whales & Dolphins – You’ll see Dolphins in the surf and larger whale species may spout further out in Tamarindo Bay when they’re around.
- Crocodiles – You’ll find them at a number of the nearby national parks as well.
Dining
Playa del Coco has a number of restaurants, Abundant local produce and seafood and an unbelievably diverse local population.
Guayoyo Craft Coffee House: This place offers a counter of pastries, breakfast menu full of healthy options.
Address: Plaza Costa Mar, Playas del Coco.
Coconutz Costa Rica: The Only Brewery in Playas Del Coco.
Address: Main Street, Ruta 151, Playas del Coco.
Che Sirloin : Nice ocean views. Vegetarian options are available.
Address: El Pueblito Sur #10 Las Palmas Playas del Coco.
Pizzeria La Caveja : Craving for Pizza? Don’t miss this place.
Address: Carretera para Ocotal, después del segundo puente, 100 m a la izquierda.
Restaurante Mar Azul: Great spot for cocktails.
Address: Calle Larin Contiguo a señor pizza, Provincia de Guanacaste, Coco.
You’ll also find amazing fresh fruits and vegetables at the local restaurants and supermarkets:
Cantaloupe (Melon)
Watermelon
Beats (Beets)
Blackberries
Strawberries
Avocados (Avocado)
When chefs from France, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, Spain, USA, Canada, and many other locations use those ingredients, you get amazing results!
Shopping
Similar to restaurants, Costa Rica’s beaches areas are home to artists and clothing designers from around the world.
You’ll find interesting swimsuits and dresses.
Multiple art galleries offer both local and international paintings and sculptures.
You’ll also find street vendors selling clay pottery from nearby Guatil.
What’s Included in Our Playa del Coco Vacation Rentals?
Vacation rentals are a great option for visitors looking for more space, privacy, relaxation, and the ability to cook and eat.
Full Kitchens & Dining Areas
Our Langosta vacation rentals generally have full kitchens. Ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators are found in all rentals. Dishwashers are present in most units. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
You’ll find simpler setups in smaller condominiums and our larger homes have some amazing kitchens.
We keep kitchens stocked with cookware, utensils, and serving ware, and keep all appliances working.
Pools
Most of our single-family homes have private swimming pools.
Condominiums have access to shared swimming pools.
Grills & BBQs
Most of our single-family home vacation rentals have outdoor grills and outdoor dining areas. Larger homes have full outdoor kitchens.
Condominiums generally have access to a shared outdoor grill.
Linens & Towels
All properties come with ample linens and towels. Sheets and towels will be swapped and beds made during maid service.
We ask that you bring your beach towels.
Washers & Dryers
All homes and most condos have private washers and dryers. Where an in-unit washer/dryer is not available, the condo complex has shared units or there is a walkable laundromat. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
Toilet Paper, Cleaning Supplies, etc.
Our properties are stocked with ample paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, dishwasher soap, and laundry detergent if applicable.
TV, Cable & Internet
Tamarindo internet is generally plenty fast for routine work and streaming Netflix, etc. Keep in mind that the entire area has one central line bringing both internet and power into the area, so outages occur more frequently than at your home.
Our properties have cable, TV, and private wifi. You’ll be given the password as part of check-in.
Concierge Service
Our management includes our concierge desk. We’re happy to help you with reservations, delivered groceries, arranging tours, arranging massages, in-unit cooking, Spanish lessons, and many other amenities and activities. Just ask.
You might also be interested in our Tamarindo vacation rentals, Playa Grande vacation rentals, Hacienda Pinilla vacation rentals, or Playa Conchal Vacation Rentals.