Playas del Coco stands out as one of Costa Rica’s most accessible beach destinations. This beach town in Guanacaste Province combines local culture with tourist amenities just 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport. You’ll find everything from a weekly Sunday market to good beaches and nightlife.
The town attracts both budget travelers and those seeking nicer accommodations. Los Palmas area has affordable condos with pools, while the main town has restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance of the beach. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to spend days here without feeling rushed.
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What makes Playas del Coco special is its mix of local life and tourist infrastructure. The Sunday market brings together local vendors selling everything from organic vegetables to handmade jewelry. The beach varies from calm swimming areas to spots perfect for water sports. You can easily fill several days exploring the area.
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Getting to Playas del Coco
Playas del Coco is located just 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport. This makes it one of the closest beach towns to an international airport in Costa Rica. The drive follows well-maintained roads through rural farmland and small towns. You’ll pass through several communities before reaching the coast.
Most visitors fly into Liberia and either rent a car or arrange airport transfers. The route is straightforward with clear signage. Traffic can build up during peak season though. Having your own transportation gives you flexibility to explore nearby beaches like Ocotal or visit the Sunday market.
From Liberia Airport (30 minutes)
The drive from Liberia Airport takes you west toward the coast on mostly paved roads. You’ll follow Highway 21 through small towns like Comunidad and Sardinal before reaching the final stretch to Coco. The route is well-marked with signs pointing to “Playas del Coco.” There has been recent construction in Comunidad for easier flow of traffic.
Rental cars are available at the airport from major companies like Budget, Hertz, and local providers. Airport shuttle services also run regularly to Coco. They cost around $35-50 per person. Private transfers cost more but provide door-to-door service to your accommodation.
Playas del Coco is a short drive from the LIR airport.
Where to Stay and Park
Budget travelers head toward Los Palmas area, about a 10-minute walk from downtown Coco. This area has numerous one and two-bedroom condos with shared pools. Most are within a few hundred meters of the beach. Prices range from $70+ per night depending on season and amenities.
For upscale accommodations, the Pacifico development has luxury condos and full ocean view houses for rent. These properties come with private pools, modern kitchens, pickleball courts. Expect to pay $300+ per night for these premium rentals. Downtown Coco has hotels and hostels within walking distance of restaurants and bars. Parking is generally free throughout town. Spaces fill up quickly near the beach during weekends though.
Playas del Coco Sunday Market Experience
The Sunday market in Playas del Coco brings together local vendors selling everything from organic vegetables to handmade jewelry. The market happens every Sunday near Garden Bar with public parking available. You’ll find a mix of food vendors, artisans, and entrepreneurs selling their products to locals and tourists.
The market runs from morning until early afternoon, but timing matters for the best experience. Peak activity happens around 10 AM when most vendors are set up and crowds are at their liveliest. By noon, some vendors start packing up and the energy winds down.
Market Location and Timing
The market takes place near Garden Bar with clearly marked public parking areas. You can reach it by walking from downtown Coco or taking the shortcut path through the residential area. The location puts you close to Los Palmas condos and other accommodations in the area.
Arrive around 10 AM for the full market experience with all vendors present and active crowds. By noon, the market becomes quieter with fewer people and some vendors already closing up. The earlier timing also helps you avoid the midday heat while browsing the stalls.
Fresh produce vendor Cielo Verde, from Escazu.
Local Vendors and What to Buy
Glenn sells flavored liquors with over 42 different varieties, including unique options like peanut butter whiskey and coconut spirits. He’s at the market every Sunday and also appears at the Saturday Tamarindo market and Wednesday nights at Playa Grande. You can sample before buying, with small bottles available for reasonable prices.
Sebastian and his wife run Cielo Verde, an organic vegetable operation on half an acre with eight workers. They grow everything chemical-free including kale, arugula, bok choy, spinach, and herbs like rosemary and cilantro. You can pre-order through their phone number or buy directly at the market. They also deliver to San José for customers staying longer-term.
Local artisans sell handmade jewelry using volcanic stones, coconut shells, and other natural materials. The young vendors often speak English and create bracelets, necklaces, and earrings with one-year guarantees. Prices are reasonable with deals like two bracelets for 10,000 colones($20).
Food and Drinks at the Market
Antonio makes kombucha in flavors like passion fruit, green tea with ginger, and turmeric blends. He also produces fruit wines from dragon fruit, passion fruit, and other tropical ingredients. Small bottles cost around $4, and you can sample different flavors before deciding.
Ivan, a Colombian who’s lived in Costa Rica for 20 years, creates his own chocolate and nut confections. His specialties include cashew-based alternatives to Nutella, chocolate-covered macadamias, and spicy coconut treats. Everything is his own invention with different price points for various products.
Venezuelan food vendors sell traditional dishes like arepas filled with chicken and avocado for around 3,000 colones. You’ll also find fresh fruit vendors with local produce, corn chips, strawberries, and other snacks perfect for the beach afterward.
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Beach and Activities
Playas del Coco has two main beach areas with different characteristics. The central beach near downtown is calmer and has rock formations extending into the water. Los Palmas area, about a 10-minute walk south, has better swimming conditions and cleaner sand.
The town has plenty of activity options beyond just beach lounging. Water sports, fitness facilities, and boat tours keep visitors busy. You can easily spend several days here without running out of things to do.
Main Beach vs Los Palmas Area
The main beach in central Coco is convenient but not ideal for swimming. The water is calmer here due to rock formations, making it good for families with small children. You’ll find more crowds and vendors near the central pier area.
Los Palmas area has better water quality and swimming conditions. The beach is wider with fewer rocks in the water. Most of the condo developments are located here, putting you steps from better beach access. It’s also less crowded than the main beach. The Pacifico Beach Club is also located at this end of the beach.
Drone photo of Playas del Coco showing the bay and the area of Las Palmas.
Water Sports and Boat Tours
Jet ski rentals are available right from the main beach. Fishing tours depart from the central pier area – Andy runs excellent fishing charters if you want a local contact. Catamaran tours also leave from here, taking you to more secluded beaches along the coast.
There are plans for a marina development, though timing remains uncertain. The bay stays calm most days, making it ideal for various water activities. Book tours directly with operators on the beach or through your accommodation.
The Gym and Fitness Options
“The Gym” is right in downtown Coco and costs $10 per day. The facility has all basic equipment including dumbbells, cables, cardio machines, and a Smith machine. There’s also a functional training area with bumper plates and slam balls.
Mario works as a personal trainer there and speaks English well. The gym uses a modern passcode entry system and stays open seven days a week. It’s a solid option if you want to maintain your workout routine while traveling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Sunday market start and end?
The Sunday market in Playas del Coco runs from morning until early afternoon. Peak activity happens around 10 AM when all vendors are set up and crowds are most active. By noon, some vendors start packing up and the market becomes quieter. Arrive by 10 AM for the best selection and energy.
How far is Playas del Coco from Liberia Airport?
Playas del Coco is about 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport by car. The drive follows Highway 21 through small towns like Comunidad and Sardinal. The route is well-marked with signs pointing to “Playas del Coco.”
Which beach area is better for swimming?
Los Palmas area, about a 10-minute walk south from downtown Coco, has better swimming conditions. The water is cleaner with fewer rocks, and the beach is wider. The main beach near downtown is calmer but not ideal for swimming due to rock formations.
Can you drink the tap water in Playas del Coco?
Costa Rica generally has safe tap water, but many visitors stick to bottled water to avoid any stomach issues. You can buy bottled water at local stores like Super Compro or get drinks at restaurants and the Sunday market.
What should I bring to the Sunday market?
Bring cash in Costa Rican colones for the best prices, though some vendors accept US dollars. Vendors sell everything from organic vegetables to handmade jewelry, kombucha, and local food. Come hungry and ready to sample different products.
Is there parking available at the market?
Yes, there’s public parking available near Garden Bar where the market takes place. Parking is free but can fill up during peak hours around 10 AM. You can also walk from most accommodations in the Los Palmas area or downtown Coco.
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