Popular things to do in and around Coco:

  • The Beach: Spend your days lounging on the beautiful volcanic-sand shores of Playa del Coco or exploring nearby beaches like Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal, Playa Flamingo, Playa Bueno and Playa Conchal.
  • The Pool: Relaxing by the pool offers a perfect blend of tranquility and enjoyment. Surrounded by lush greenery and tropical vibes, you can unwind on a lounge chair, sip on a refreshing drink, and soak up the sun. Whether you’re taking a dip to cool off or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere, the poolside experience complements the vibrant beach scene perfectly.
  • Beach Club: If you’re craving a luxurious beach day that feels like an all-inclusive resort escape, look no further than the Pacifico Beach Club. Nestled near the popular Las Palmas neighborhood—just a short stroll down La Chorrera from Java Coffee —you’ll find a premier spot that redefines beachfront relaxation.
  • Snorkeling & Diving: Explore the underwater beauty, rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs at nearby sites like the Catalina Islands, the Bat Islands and all of the above listed beaches, where you can see tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays and so much more.
  • National parks: Explore Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and enjoy various outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife observation at National Parks such as Guanacaste, Rincon de la Vieja or Santa Rosa National Parks.
  • Zip-lining: Experience the thrill and exhilaration of zip-lining through lush canopies, enjoying breathtaking views of the rainforest, mountains, or the ocean in nearby parks such as Rincon de la Vieja, The Congo Trail, Monteverde Cloud Forest & Diamante Adventure Park.
  • Hiking: Explore the numerous hiking trails in Playas del Coco, or visit somewhere like Rincon de la Vieja National Park for hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, volcanic craters, and natural hot springs.
  • Wildlife Observation: Costa Rica is teeming with wildlife! Consider taking a boat tour in nearby Palo Verde National Park, where you can see a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. Additionally, there are numerous National Parks within a 1-to-2-hour drive from Coco such as Guanacaste National Park, Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Marino Las Baulas National Park, Llanos de Cortés Waterfall and La Leona Waterfall, which all offer excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and stunning scenery. Don’t miss seeing the sloths at Bijagua de Upala
  • Fishing: Experience the thrill of sport fishing in the Pacific waters! Charter a boat for exhilarating deep-sea fishing trips and experience catching Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Roosterfish, Snapper, Grouper, Mahi-Mahi (Dorado), and many more.
  • Surfing: Head to nearby beaches like Playa Hermosa for great surfing conditions, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. More experienced surfers may want to visit Witch’s Rock, located off the coast off Playa Naranjo or Ollie’s Point, located at Potrero Grande Beach. 
  • ATV Tours: Embark on an adventure through the jungles, rolling hills and stunning beaches surrounding the area on an ATV tour. It’s a thrilling way to explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica while enjoying the excitement of off-road driving!
  • Hot Springs: Relax and unwind in the natural hot springs near Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste Hot Springs or Rio Perdido. For a more extensive hot springs experience, consider taking a longer trip to La Fortuna or Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa.

We’ve visited Pacifico Beach Club multiple times and it never disappoints—think attentive service, delicious food, and stunning ocean views. Whether you’re lounging by the pool with a cocktail or enjoying fresh and delicious meals in the dining room or beachfront, it’s a guaranteed slice of paradise.

Alternatively, just a few doors away, Café de Playa, offers an equally inviting vibe with its chic, tranquil setting and fantastic menu. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon, a romantic evening or even a sunset yoga session by the sea.

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A little bit of everything (please visit websites for further information)

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Diamante Eco Adventure Park Experience a variety of activities including zip-lining, an animal sanctuary (featuring sloths, parrots, snakes, iguanas, and more that have been rescued and can no longer survive in the wild), a cultural tour, ATV tours, horseback riding, a jungle course & beach activities on Playa Matapalo

Visit website for details:
Diamante Eco Adventure Park | Ziplining & Adventure Costa Rica

The Congo Canopy

The Congo Trail Experience a variety of activities including zip-lining through the treetops, ATV tours, horseback riding and an animal sanctuary featuring snakes, turtles, crocodiles, parrots and more

Visit website for details:
Welcome to the Congo Canopy, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. Your home for Zip-lines, ATV, Horseback, Monkeys and more.

Bijagua de Upala

Bijagua de Upala is a stunning destination, rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. A tour with Jungle Life offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the area’s unique wildlife, including sloths and frogs, and enjoy activities like bird watching, chocolate and coffee tours, and exploring a butterfly garden. Note, as this is a rainforest, located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Coco, so you may need a light rain coat/poncho, even during the dry season in Coco.

Visit website for details:
Bijagua, Costa Rica

Rio_Celeste_River_Tenorio_National_Park_Costa_Rica

Rio Celeste is a stunning river located in Tenorio National Park, Costa Rica. Known for its striking turquoise-blue color, the river gets its hue from a natural reaction between volcanic minerals and the river’s water. There is a majestic waterfall that cascades into a beautiful blue pool, hiking trails and hot springs. It is also only about 15KM from Bijagua de Upala, so perfect proximity to see both places in one day!

Visit website for details:
Tenorio Volcano National Park

La_Leona_Waterfall

La Leona Waterfall Experience breathtaking La Leona Waterfall which offers hiking trails, ziplining & white-water river tubing and it’s just under an hour away from Coco. The hike itself will take approximately 3 hours.

Visit website for details:
La Leona Waterfall

Poza_Los_Coyotes

Poza Los Coyotes (Coyote pool) Discover Poza Los Coyotes, a fantastic spot less than an hour away from Coco. You can walk upstream with the provided tube and float down the lazy river, enjoying the serene surroundings. For a bit of an adventure, walk to the opposite end and swim against the current to reach the waterfall! It’s a fun and rewarding experience for those looking to enjoy nature and some exercise!

Visit website for details:
Poza Los Coyotes

Llanos de Cortez (Cortez Waterfalls)

Llanos de Cortez (Cortez Waterfalls) A stunning waterfall known for its picturesque beauty and lush surroundings. The waterfall cascades over a rocky ledge into a large, shallow pool, creating a beautiful spot for swimming. There’s also a trail leading to the top of the waterfall, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the cascades below. About halfway up the trail, there’s another path (to the left) that leads to a natural pool, perfect for a refreshing jump!

Visit website for details:
Llanos de Cortez (Cortez Waterfalls) (Link is Facebook page, please Google for additional info)