We wrapped up our Costa Rica adventure with a relaxing stay in Playas del Coco, a laid-back beach town known for its golden shores and coastal charm. Our home base was a beach front house, a breezy Airbnb just steps from the sand – perfect for unwinding after the action-packed days in Arenal and Potrero. We kicked things off with a lazy afternoon soaking in the Pacific vibes and gorgeous sunset. The next morning we set off to explore the powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters of Calzón de Pobre. This beach was the perfect peaceful sendoff to our week in paradise.

💡Travel Tips for Playas del Coco

• 🏖️ Stay beachfront if you can – Places like Cayo Coco Beach Front House give you instant access to the sand and unbeatable ocean views.
• ☕ Try chorreador coffee at Ticoffia – This local café is a great spot for traditional Costa Rican coffee and fresh pastries before a beach day.
• 🩴 Wear water-friendly shoes – Some access points are rocky, so water shoes or secure sandals come in handy.
• 🧘 Take it slow – Coco is all about laid-back vibes. After a busy week, this is the place to sleep in, stroll the shore, and enjoy the pura vida lifestyle.
• 🌅 Catch sunset from the beach – The golden hour over the Pacific is stunning – bring a drink, a towel, and soak it all in.
• 🛒 Stock up before beach hopping – Grab snacks and drinks in town before heading to the smaller beaches where there aren’t any vendors.
• 📷 Have your camera ready for wildlife – Keep an eye out for iguanas, sea birds, and the occasional howler monkey in the trees.

Itinerary

This itinerary is based on the Playas del Coco portion of our 2019 trip from January 21-23.

🌴 Day 1 – Coastal Vibes

• 🏡 3:00 PM: Check-in to Cayo Coco Beach Front House Airbnb in Playas del Coco
• 🍻 Drinks at Potrero Brewing Company
• 🌴 Relax on Playas del Coco beach
• 🍽️ Dinner in downtown Playas del Coco

🐚 Day 2 – Coffee & Beaches

• ☕ 8:00 AM: Coffee @ Ticoffia (21 min walk / 4 min drive, try chorreador coffee, pastries available)
• 🏝️ 9:30 AM: Chill at Calzon de Pobre (white sand beach)
  • Drive (15 min) or kayak (~30 min)
  • Great snorkeling near rocks
  • Nearby Playa Penca is also an option
• 🍽️ Dinner and sunset @ The Lookout

🛬 Day 3 – Travel Home

• 🚗 Drive (~50-min) to airport
• ✈️ 3:10 PM – 6:55 PM: Flight from LIR to HOU (Southwest WN 817)
• ✈️ 9:55 PM – 11:50 PM: Flight from HOU to STL (Southwest WN 1575)

See Arenal (La Fortuna) and Potrero (Pacific Coast) blogs for tips on these areas.

Pictures

Cayo Coco Beach Front House 360

Playas del Coco Beach 360