Tag: LIR (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport)

Liberia International Airport, the gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and Guanacaste region. Access point for popular beach destinations like Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, and Playa Hermosa. Offers car rentals and connections to nearby beach resorts and national parks.

Coco Beach Walk: Popular Costa Rica Tourism Town
Playas del Coco has a 3 km crescent bay along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The natural shelter between two hills creates calm waters throughout the year, and it’s just 35 minutes from Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste.

The main strip follows the shoreline with local restaurants, shops, and tour companies. Small roads branch toward quiet sections of beach and residential areas, making it easy to explore on foot or by car.

This beach town balances basic amenities with a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find clean sand, clear swimming areas, and convenient facilities while experiencing the authentic feel of a Costa Rican coastal community.

Table Of Contents
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Location & Getting There

Playas del Coco is on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste province. You’ll arrive at Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, making Coco one of the most accessible beach areas in the region.

The drive takes you through Guanacaste’s dry forest landscape on Route 151. This area sees less rainfall than other parts of Costa Rica, meaning consistent road conditions year-round.

Map of Costa Rica showing the location of Playas del Coco in the northwestern part of the country.

Distance from Airport

The 25 km route from Liberia Airport passes through Comunidad and Sardinal. Both towns have local restaurants and small grocery stores where you can stop for supplies on your way to the beach.

The trip typically takes 35 minutes. School zones cause slowdowns between 6:30-7:30 AM and 2:00-3:00 PM on weekdays. Signs clearly mark the route to Playas del Coco.

Transport Options

Airport transfers run directly to Coco, ranging $40-60 USD based on time and group size. Book these through your accommodation or local companies.

Public buses run every two hours between Liberia and Coco from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM, costing ₡1,200. The bus terminal in Coco is one block from the beach.

Rental car offices operate at Liberia Airport. Local red taxis use meters for in-town trips, while airport taxis charge fixed rates.

I use this sling backpack when I’m travelling in Costa Rica. It has a zipper lock to secure your stuff. I like the sling as I can flip the bag to the front for easy access.

Beach Overview

The curved bay at Coco Beach is 3km long, and it’s protected by hills on both sides. This natural shelter blocks ocean swells, creating gentle waves and safe swimming conditions year-round.

The dark sand beach slopes gradually into the water. During low tide, the exposed beach extends up to 100 meters from the treeline, while high tide brings water closer to the beach access points.

Bay Features & Swimming

The bay’s protected position creates ideal swimming conditions for all skill levels. Water depth increases slowly. The gentle slope makes it safe for children to play in the water on most parts of the beach.

Morning have the calmest conditions, with water typically flat until midday. Afternoon winds can create small waves, but they are rarely very high.

The water temperature stays between 26-29°C (79-84°F) throughout the year. Visibility varies with conditions, reaching 3-5 meters on clear days in the deeper water.

Beach Facilities

At the main strip of the beach, there are several hoses mounted as showers. These let you rinse off the sand your day at the beach. The areas further out from the beach don’t have these showers.

Trees line most of the beach, so you’ll be able to find natural shade throughout the day. The central area includes wooden benches and covered picnic tables.

The main entrance has an on street parking area that fills quickly on weekends. Side streets further from the beach have additional parking options within a 5-minute walk. Parking at the outer parks of the beach is right at the beach front, so you can have a picnic or barbecue right at the ocean.

Activities

Playas del Coco is great for water activities all year round. Tour companies run daily trips for fishing, snorkeling, and sunset cruises. The calm bay is perfect for swimming and paddling close to shore.

You’ll find most tour operators right on the beach. Coco is known for fishing, with boats heading out early. You can charter half or full day trips to catch tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin.

Water Sports & Tours

You’ll be able to book boat tours, ranging from small boats for 10 people, all the way to luxury catamaran tours. The catamarans take you to nearby beaches for snorkeling, and include food and drinks onboard.

Scuba companies have shops within Coco, they take divers to nearby spots like the Catalina Islands and local reefs. You can rent gear and do courses if needed.

Beach Activities

The main beach area has outdoor exercise equipment and a volleyball court. Street vendors sell grilled meats and ice cream along the beach front. They’re primarily at the main section of the beach where it’s busiest.

Many people walk the beach to the north end of the beach where Pacifico Beach Club is. The walk is about 1 km on firm sand, perfect for sunset walks.

The main beach area at Coco, showing a dock which is great for taking photos.

Practical Information

The high season in Coco is between December and April when the weather is dry and sunny. Prices for hotels and rentals increase during these months, and weekends get busy with local tourists.

The low season usually has some afternoon rain but fewer crowds. Many places are discounted from May to November, and morning activities are rarely affected by weather.

Best Times to Visit

Coco’s local events peak during Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter week. If you’re visiting during these times, book early as hotels fill quickly.

The months of May and November often have good weather and lower prices. Mornings stay clear most days, even in rainy season. These are the months that are just after and before the expected high seasons.

Water visibility is best from December to March. If you’re planning water activities, book morning tours when winds are calmer. There’s a lot of great snorkeling beaches are Playas del Coco which are most clear during this time.

Where to Stay

Hotels line the main strip and side streets, with prices from $50-200 per night. Most of them are within walking distance to the beach and restaurants. There are other options in the mountains that have a great view, but a car rental is best for mobility if you are staying up there.

Many people will rent condos or apartments, especially for longer stays. The most popular are for this style of accommodation is called ‘Las Palmas’, which is at the north end of the beach.

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Playas del Coco Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Playas del Coco safe for tourists?
A: Coco Beach is one of Costa Rica’s safest beach towns. Well-lit main streets, regular police patrols, and active nightlife make it safe to walk at night. Basic precautions like any beach town – don’t leave valuables unattended.

Q: When is the best time to visit Playas del Coco?
A: December to April has sunny, dry weather. May and November offer lower prices with good conditions. Morning activities run year-round. Peak crowds during Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.

Q: How much do things cost in Playas del Coco?
A: Local meals: $6-8
Restaurant dining: $15-25+
Groceries: Similar to US at Auto Mercado, 30% less at SuperCompro
Tours: Fishing $350-600, Snorkeling $60-80, Sunset Cruise $85

Q: Do I need a car in Playas del Coco?
A: Walking distance covers beach, restaurants, and shops. Golf carts ($50/day) work for local trips. Car rental recommended for staying in mountain areas or exploring nearby beaches.

Q: What’s the beach like at Playas del Coco?
A: Dark sand beach with calm waters year-round. Best swimming conditions mornings until 2 PM. Beach facilities at main entrance, natural shade from trees. Clean, gradual slope good for kids.

Q: What’s the nightlife like in Playas del Coco?
A: Main strip active until midnight. Mix of sports bars, live music venues, and local spots. Busy Thursday through Saturday. Popular spots include Zi Lounge and Coconutz.

Q: Where should I stay in Playas del Coco?
A: Beachfront hotels: $120-200/night
Standard hotels: $50-100/night
Condos/apartments: $70-150/night, popular in Las Palmas area
Mountain view options available, require transport
August 1, 2021
Poor Calzon: Perfect White Sand Beach

Looking for a stunning white sand beach in Guanacaste? Definitely check out Poor Calzon Beach! 🇨🇷

Poor Calzon is on the peninsula which separates Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco, on the northwest Pacific side of Costa Rica. An already beautiful area, this beach is on another level.

How To Get There

To get there, you’ll take Route 159, which connects Hermosa and Coco. There’s a large green tarp fence with a small security shack. The dirt road is not well marked, so be sure to drive slow enough to see it. Check out the previous video where we drove into an adjacent beach so you can see where to enter.

You can find the previous video HERE

There’s a long dirt road which isn’t in the best condition. Travelling on this road with a raised 4×4 is a breeze, but you can expect a bumpy ride in a smaller car. Playa Penca is all the way at the end of this road, but if you’re looking to visit Poor Calzon Beach, you’re going to stop about half way.

There’s a gent in the parking area who will guide you in for parking and watch the cars. Be sure to bring a few thousand colon to pay at the end of the day. This is a few dollars in USD or CAD.

Pick up a pair of these awesome water shoes. I’ve been using them all over Costa Rica during my travels. They have vented soles so water drains right out the bottom!

A Bit Of A Hike

You’re going to walk down the side of the mountain along a winding path. It’s a few minutes walk, so be sure to carry only however much you’re going to be able to make it with – a few beach towels and some snacks for sure.

When you arrive at the beach you’ll find perfect white sand and crystal clear water. At the time of filming this video, the tide is almost at its lowest. This allows you to walk along the rocks which flank the beach. You’ll also be able to snorkel with more ease to the deeper parts of the water.

Snorkeling in this location is amazing. You’ll see all kinds of curious fish which will hang out right around your feet. There’s blue fish which have an interesting needle like fin on them. Sting rays can be seen scrolling around the bottom in the deeper parts, but were also swimming up to the more shallow locations.

Rocks To The East

There’s a submerged rock formation at the east side of the beach (right as you enter), which stays submerged and acts as a refuge for smaller fish. There were many incredible and unique fish swimming around these rocks which are very accessible for snorkeling. If you don’t have a snorkel set, you can use normal swim goggles which will still allow you to check out the cool fish.

Watch out for sea urchins on the rocks to the east and west if you’re venturing a bit further out. If you’re planning on snorkeling in Costa Rica I suggest using a set like this Cressi snorkel/fin combo. It’s what I use in my travels.

Back on the beach, sun tanning and relaxing are popular. You can also bring down a soccer ball and play on the massive white sand beach.

Be sure to comment on YouTube with your own experience, tips or questions. Subscribe To Our Channel to get more videos of locations and destinations!

FAQ for Playa Calzón de Pobre, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

1. How do I get to Playa Calzón de Pobre from Liberia Airport?
From Liberia Airport, Playa Calzón de Pobre is about an hour’s drive. You can rent a car and follow the route toward Playas del Coco, then continue along the coastal road towards Playa Calzón de Pobre. It’s located close to Playa Penca and Playa Hermosa.

2. Is Playa Calzón de Pobre good for swimming?
Yes, Playa Calzón de Pobre has calm waters that are ideal for swimming. It’s a small, secluded beach with gentle waves, making it suitable for families and kids.

3. What is the parking situation at Playa Calzón de Pobre?
Parking near Playa Calzón de Pobre is limited. Visitors usually park along the roadside or in small nearby lots. Be mindful of parking signs and local restrictions. There is a short hike to the beach down a hill.

4. Is Playa Calzón de Pobre usually crowded?
Playa Calzón de Pobre is typically quieter compared to the more popular beaches in the area. Its small size and hidden location keep the crowds away, so it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a peaceful beach day.

5. Are there any restaurants or facilities near Playa Calzón de Pobre?
There are no restaurants or facilities directly on Playa Calzón de Pobre. It’s a secluded beach, so it’s best to bring your own snacks and drinks. For dining, you can head to nearby Playas del Coco or Playa Hermosa.

6. Is Playa Calzón de Pobre easy to find?
Playa Calzón de Pobre can be a bit tricky to find as there are no large signs directing you to it. It’s often accessed through a small dirt path off the main road. Using a map or GPS is recommended.

7. Can you snorkel at Playa Calzón de Pobre?
Yes, snorkeling is possible at Playa Calzón de Pobre, especially near the rocky areas on either side of the beach. You can spot fish and other marine life, but it’s a more casual snorkeling experience compared to some other beaches.

8. What is the best time to visit Playa Calzón de Pobre?
The best time to visit Playa Calzón de Pobre is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and dry. It’s less crowded during weekdays, making it an ideal time to visit.

9. Is Playa Calzón de Pobre family-friendly?
Yes, Playa Calzón de Pobre is considered family-friendly due to its calm waters and less busy beach.

August 1, 2021
Ocotal Beach: Crystal Clear Water

Playa Ocotal is a small beach located in Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. It’s well known for its super relaxing atmosphere and crystal clear water. In this blog post we’ll go over what you need to know before you go, and some videos of the beach.

If you’re visiting Costa Rica, check out our Packing List of stuff I find useful while I’m traveling and filming in Costa Rica. We have great stuff like roll on sunscreen and bug repellant for your adventures.

How To Get There

It’s likely you’ll be arriving at the Liberia International Airport if you’re heading to Ocotal. Playa Ocotal is about an hour drive with average traffic conditions. All the roads to Ocotal are paved and passable with any car. Along the route there’s many convenience stores and supermarket to get some food and drinks at. You’ll see them on the road.

Simply drive to Playas del Coco to begin. Both Waze App and Google Maps will take you on the best route. Once you arrive in Coco, you’ll head down the main strip. Before reaching the beach, you’ll see Rich Coast Diving on the left, and a T-junction. You’ll turn left at this junction.

Following this road, you’ll cross a small bridge. Stay to the right and continue on the paved road all the way out to Ocotal. There’s a few roads leading off but they aren’t paved. You should have no problem staying on the main road. Be careful though, this stretch is narrow and often has children and animals within the roadway.

At Ocotal, there’s two small roads which lead down to parking areas at the beach. The first parking area is on the road in front of the development called “Los Almendros de Ocotal”. There’s a small playground here for children. The second entrance to the beach and parking area is at Father Roosters restaurant.

Pick up a pair of these awesome water shoes. I’ve been using them all over Costa Rica during my travels. They have vented soles so water drains right out the bottom!

Welcome To The Beach!

Where ever you decide to park, you’ll be steps away from the beach. In the video posted below, high tide was approaching so the water was both farther up the beach and a bit more choppy. It’s also taken on a Sunday, so there’s lots of families out enjoying the water and sun.

As you can see in the video, the wildlife is more abundant on this beach. We see a White-Throated Magpie-Jay, which looks strikingly similar to a Blue Jay. These birds are a bit bigger and have very unique features on their neck and tails. We also quickly see a Sting Ray jumping out of the water. If you happen to watch the water for a bit you’ll always see rays and fish jumping just off shore.

Howler monkeys will also frequent the beach at Ocotal to forage through the trees. These monkeys often stay high up and just look around. They don’t try to hide though, so you can usually get some great photos of them.

The Best Snorkeling

Playa Ocotal often has perfect condition for snorkeling. The water is so calm that you can easily glide around looking for fish. The calm water also means that there’s better visibility, so you can spot the unique fish.

As you look out towards the water, the right side of the beach (north) has a large rock formation that juts out into the ocean. There are deep crevasses and boulders that you can explore. The waves on this side can be stronger, and its better for more experienced snorkelers.

The left side of the beach (south) is more protected from the waves. There’s a very shallow area that’s between the beach of Ocotal and a small island. This spot has lots of cool fish swimming around, like needlefish and pufferfish. This side is great for small kids who want to explore.

I suggest bringing a snorkel set with you to Costa Rica. With your own set in hand you can explore Ocotal and many other nearby beaches without having to rent equipment. I use this Cressi set which is available on Amazon.

Be Safe & Stay For A While

Use caution with the water, as always, the water presses in on this beach heavily at high tide. Many kids were having a blast just getting thrown about in the water as it broke, but just be sure to keep a close eye on young ones.

If you’re staying in the area, there’s many short term rentals available in the hills around Ocotal. Just be sure to have the proper plans for getting to town if you’re going to need groceries often. A rental car will do, and many people will rent golf carts for getting to/from Ocotal.

Be sure to comment on YouTube with your own experience, tips or questions. Subscribe To Our Channel to get more videos of locations and destinations!

FAQ for Playa Ocotal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

1. How do I get to Playa Ocotal from Liberia Airport?
Playa Ocotal is about a 1 hour drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR). You can easily rent a car at the airport or take a taxi. Many visitors also arrange for shuttle services ahead of time.

2. Is Playa Ocotal a good spot for snorkeling?
Yes, Playa Ocotal is well-known for its clear waters, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. You can see various marine life close to the rocky areas on either side of the beach.

3. What is the best time to visit Playa Ocotal?
The dry season from December to April is the most popular time to visit Playa Ocotal, as the weather is sunny and warm. However, visiting during the green season (May to November) offers lush scenery and fewer tourists.

4. Are there any hotels or accommodations near Playa Ocotal?
Yes, Playa Ocotal has a range of accommodations, including hotels and vacation rentals. The nearby town of Playas del Coco offers more options within a short drive.

5. What activities can I do at Playa Ocotal?
At Playa Ocotal, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beachcombing. The calm waters are also perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.

6. How far is Playa Ocotal from Playas del Coco?
Playa Ocotal is located about 10 minutes from Playas del Coco by car, making it easy to visit both beaches during your trip.

7. Is Playa Ocotal safe for swimming?
Yes, Playa Ocotal has calm waters and is generally safe for swimming. However, it’s always best to be cautious and check local conditions, especially during high tide.

8. Can you find restaurants and bars near Playa Ocotal?
Yes, there is a beachfront restaurant at Playa Ocotal. For more dining options, you can drive to Playas del Coco, which offers a wider selection of eateries.

9. Is Playa Ocotal crowded?
Compared to nearby beaches like Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal tends to be quieter and less crowded, making it a good spot for a peaceful day by the sea.

10. What wildlife can you see around Playa Ocotal?
You might spot monkeys, iguanas, and various bird species around Playa Ocotal. In the water, sea turtles and colorful fish are common sights for snorkelers and divers.

July 27, 2021
Liberia, Guanacaste: Culture and Convenience

Liberia is a large town in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. If you’re planning a vacation in the part of Costa Rica with the best beaches, it’s likely you’ll be landing in the nearby international airport. Liberia is a hub of activity and opportunity, with many restaurants, shopping and things to do.

Before you book your flights to Costa Rica, check out our Packing List. These are things that I find useful when I’m travelling around Liberia and Guanacaste Province.

Great Shopping

North of San José, there aren’t many towns with the variety of stores like Liberia. You’ll find many large department stores like Walmart and Pequeno Mundo. There’s a Pricemart, which is members only Costco like store. You can also find a store that I like, El Rey. This store has lots of different things like clothing and food at a very low price. The El Rey in Liberia is located in the middle of town.

The downtown area of Liberia is very walkable and has loads of things to see. You can find shops for just about any purpose, like electronics and swimwear. While you’re walking there’s a lot of restaurants and snack shops. There’s even a Macdonald’s standalone ice cream stall.

In the walking video posted below, we’ll begin at the corner of Av 1 and Calle 1, which has the Central Church of Liberia on one corner. We’ll check out the Church and Welcome to Liberia sign, then head over to Parque Mario Canas Ruiz.

You’ll notice that Liberia is quite busy, although there are still families and kids walking around. Some of the main roads can be busy with car traffic, but overall it’s a relaxing place to stroll around and hang out.

I use this sling backpack when I’m travelling in Costa Rica. It has a zipper lock to secure your stuff. I like the sling as I can flip the bag to the front for easy access.

Museum & Parques!

Across the street from the park, there’s Museo de Guanacaste. If the front door is open you can go in and see if there’s any exhibits. A few streets further west we’ll check out Parque Hector Zuniga Rovira. This is a nice green space with some body weight exercise equipment installed. There’s a grocer at the corner of Calle 8 and Av 1 which has lots and lots of fresh produce. It’s a nice place to stop for a cold drink.

Back towards the main road, Av 25 de Julio, there’s bigger stores and government buildings. Very well kept and clean appearance. There’s cool statues lining the median of the street as well.

Our walk ends when we go under the Inter American Highway. This is a raised bypass highway that is the main conduit from north/south. Around this area, there’s a gas station and many fast food shops you’d be used to seeing in North America(like KFC and Burger King).

Worth The Trip!

Liberia is a great place to stay if you’re planning on visiting and renting a car. It’s centrally located to both the beaches of El Coco and Tamarindo, as well as National Parks. You can also drive to Samara area or La Fortuna for a bit longer trips.

Be sure to comment on YouTube with your own experience, tips or questions. Subscribe To Our Channel to get more videos of locations and destinations!

FAQs About Liberia, Guanacaste

1. How far is Liberia from the beach?
Liberia is about a 30 to 40-minute drive from popular beaches like Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. It’s an easy trip if you’re staying in the city and want a day by the ocean.

2. What is the best way to get around Liberia?
Most people find that renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Liberia and the surrounding areas. Taxis and local buses are also available, but a car gives you more flexibility to visit nearby attractions.

3. Is Liberia a good place to stay for visiting national parks?
Yes, Liberia is a great base for visiting national parks like Rincón de la Vieja and Santa Rosa. These parks are known for their hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife, and are easily accessible from Liberia.

4. What are the best restaurants in Liberia?
Liberia has a variety of restaurants offering everything from traditional Costa Rican food to international cuisine. Some popular spots are Jauja and Toro Negro Steakhouse.

5. How safe is Liberia for tourists?
Liberia is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any travel destination, it’s wise to take standard precautions, like not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

6. What can I do in Liberia if it rains?
If it rains during your stay in Liberia, you can visit the local museum, enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes, or explore indoor markets. The Guanacaste Museum is a good option for learning about the region’s culture and history.

7. Where can I buy souvenirs in Liberia?
You can find souvenirs at local markets and shops in the city center. The Mercado Central is a good place to start, offering a range of items like handmade crafts, jewelry, and local foods.

8. Are there any cultural events or festivals in Liberia?
Yes, Liberia is known for its cultural events, especially the annual Guanacaste Day on July 25th, which celebrates the annexation of Guanacaste. The city also hosts various rodeos, parades, and traditional dance performances throughout the year.

9. How close is Liberia to the airport?
Liberia is just a 15 to 20-minute drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), making it a convenient location for travelers flying in and out of Guanacaste.

10. What are some must-see attractions near Liberia?
Must-see attractions near Liberia include the Rincón de la Vieja National Park for hiking and hot springs, the Llanos de Cortés Waterfall for a refreshing dip, and the historic La Ermita La Agonía church in the city itself.

July 25, 2021