Your Guest Guide
Everything you need to make the most of your Costa Rica adventure
Everything you need to make the most of your Costa Rica adventure
Welcome to Dos Playas. Now let's make sure you have the best trip possible.
Dos Playas sits on Calle Ocotal — the bustling, local road connecting Coco and Ocotal. It's lively, full of character, and genuinely what Costa Rica looks like when you get off the resort strip. It also has serious potholes. Here's how to navigate it all like a local.
The most flexible option and our top recommendation. We exclusively rent from Adobe Rent a Car — they pick you up at the airport and their office is conveniently located heading toward Coco, not away from it like most other companies. That alone saves you an hour on arrival day.
Book through mytanfeet.com for the best rates. Budget roughly $700/week in high season, $300/week in low season. A standard car handles everything — and if you can, try to get the Jimny. It's a tiny 4x4 and an absolute blast to drive around Guanacaste.
✓ Our top recommendation — book AdobePerfect for Coco, Ocotal, and casual beach days. Fun, easy, and very local. Book well in advance — gas carts sell out fast in high season. Electric carts cannot be charged at the property.
✓ Great for shorter staysLocal taxis are readily available in Coco and reliable for evenings out when you don't want to drive. Uber note: Uber works well further south in Tamarindo and Flamingo, but availability in Coco itself can be hit or miss — don't count on it as your primary plan. When in doubt, ask a local restaurant to call you a taxi, which is fast and very affordable.
↑ Taxis are your safest bet in CocoMore than just a walk — it's a little adventure. Follow along Calle Ocotal and keep to the left at the split. On the way down you'll pass an amazing fruit and veggie stand that's there every single day — bring your colones, the prices are fantastic and the produce is fresh. Continue down the hill and you'll hit Bar Matapalo, a great local bar right at the beach. From there you can walk the entire beach line all the way into downtown Coco — a really fun stroll.
Local tips: Ask around about beach bonfires — they happen sometimes and are magical. And on Sunday mornings there's often a small group doing a beach cleanup — they'll hand you a bag if you want to join in. A lovely way to give back to a place that gives so much.
✓ Worth doing at least onceThis is the real magic of staying here — you're not on a single beach, you're in the heart of one of Costa Rica's most adventure-rich regions. Here's how we'd spend a week.
A crescent bay with calm, gentle waves — quieter than Coco, more local, and consistently beautiful. Drive all the way to the end of the beach and park near La Casita del Marisco to escape the crowds and find the best stretch of sand. One of our favorite easy days out.
↑ Go on a weekday for the most peaceful experience. La Casita del Marisco is a great lunch spot while you're there.
The beach locals try to keep to themselves. Head north past the Papagayo Peninsula for a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise water that stays empty while the famous beaches get crowded. No shops, no restaurants, no crowds — bring a cooler and everything you need.
Make a full day of it: start with lunch at the Marina in Papagayo before heading to Cabuyal. The marina restaurant is super yummy, totally worth the drive, and pairs perfectly with an afternoon on the beach. One of the best days you can have in Guanacaste.
↑ The roads are in great shape the whole way — no special vehicle needed. Go on a weekday and you may have the entire beach to yourself.
One of Guanacaste's most beautiful beaches — white sand, calm turquoise water, and an upscale, relaxed vibe that feels like a world away. Take the Monkey Trail down (weather permitting — skip it in heavy rain). It's bumpy, a little wild, and genuinely fun — not the most scenic drive, but absolutely worth it for the adventure.
Here's the real secret: arrive at Coco Loco around 4pm, get a table on the beach, order a margarita, and just sit there and watch the sunset come in. One of the best sunsets in all of Guanacaste — runs around 5:30pm in dry season and closer to 6:15pm in green season. You do not want to miss it. And while you're waiting, look up at the palapa roof — there's a resident raccoon family living up there that tends to make an appearance right around sunset. 🦝 Then order dinner. The coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin skewers are extraordinary.
Coco Loco gets busy — reserve ahead via email and specifically request a beach table. Worth every bit of the planning.
↑ The Monkey Trail is bumpy and a total blast — ask locally about road conditions before you go, especially in rainy season. Book your table early and ask for the beach.
Reserve a beach table at Coco Loco →Walk the famous Las Pailas trail to witness bubbling mud pots, steamy fumaroles, and volcanic geysers that hiss and pop. The dry forest offers incredible birdwatching, and hidden waterfalls are perfect for cooling off. The closest volcanic experience to Coco and an absolute must for anyone who loves nature and adventure.
↑ No walk-ins — tickets must be booked in advance. Start early, afternoon clouds roll in fast. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
Book tickets at rincondelaviejapark.com →This isn't just a waterfall — it's a true expedition. Hike through forest and wade through a spectacular winding river canyon to discover a secluded pool of vibrant, mineral-rich turquoise water fed by a stunning waterfall. One of Guanacaste's genuine hidden gems.
↑ Aim to arrive between 10–11am — by the time you reach the cave, the sunlight will be shining directly down into the canyon for a magical effect. Wear shoes you don't mind getting completely wet. Ask for Jeremy — he's the best guide on site.
Book your tour at leonawaterfall.com →One of Costa Rica's most iconic destinations — misty cloud forest, hanging bridges, zip lines, and incredible biodiversity. The El Tigre Waterfall trail is one of the most memorable hikes in the country, and the Monteverde Brewery is the perfect way to end the day. Best as an overnight rather than a day trip.
↑ Best as an overnight — 3+ hours each way. Book accommodation and activities well in advance, especially in high season.
You're perfectly positioned between Coco and Ocotal — but don't stop there. Guanacaste has some of the most varied and beautiful beaches in Central America within easy reach.
Your nearest beach — lively, local, and full of character. Great for a casual afternoon, cold drink in hand. More of a town beach than a pristine paradise, but the energy is fun and authentic.
~1 km · 15 min walk or 3 min drive
Stunning on a weekday when it's quiet. At the fork in the road, stay right and go down — don't go left up the hill. Park at the end of the road near the playground. There's often a parking attendant — $1 USD is plenty and they'll keep an eye on your things. Plenty of shaded spots to settle in, and the snorkeling here is genuinely excellent. Father Rooster is right on the beach — the food is overpriced but it's your only option unless you bring lunch. Don't leave without trying the Mint Lemonade.
~1.2 km · 5 min drive
A neighboring crescent bay with calm, gentle waves — ideal for swimming, kayaking, and a long, lazy beach day. Less crowded than Coco, more local, and consistently beautiful. One of our top picks for a full day out.
~25 min drive
One of Costa Rica's most unique beaches — the "sand" is entirely composed of millions of tiny crushed shells, creating a spectacular turquoise and white effect unlike anywhere else. Beautiful, memorable, and worth the drive.
~35 min drive
One of Guanacaste's most beautiful — white sand, calm turquoise water, upscale vibes. Stay for the sunset (~5:30pm dry season, ~6:15pm green season) and a margarita at Margaritaville. Keep an eye on the roof — a resident raccoon family tends to appear right around sunset. 🦝
~45 min drive
A beautiful, wide open beach with a completely different energy to Coco. Surf lessons, horses on the beach, great shopping, tons of restaurants and bars right on the sand. High energy, very touristy, and a total blast for a full day out. Go early — plan to head back around 4:30pm.
~45 min drive
Beautiful, calm bay — but most tourists make one mistake: they park at the bottom of the hill right when they come in. Don't do that. Take the curve to the right and keep your gaze to the left — you'll spot a side road that takes you directly to the beach, bypassing the tourist parking entirely. You'll be parking with the locals. Say Hola and Pura Vida and you'll fit right in. 😄
~15 min drive
The beach locals try to keep to themselves. A stunning expanse of white sand and turquoise water with almost no one on it — ever. No shops, no restaurants, no crowds. Just pure, untamed Guanacaste coastline. Bring a cooler, your favorite book, and prepare to feel like you have all of Costa Rica to yourself.
↑ The roads are in great shape the whole way — no special vehicle needed. Pack everything you need as there are no facilities on site.
~40 min drive · Worth every minute
You don't always have to drive far for a great day. Some of the best activities in the area are practically on your doorstep.
A genuinely impressive adventure park close to the condo. Zip lines, a wildlife sanctuary with sloths, big cats and monkeys, ATV tours, a waterslide, and a beautiful beach club — all in one place. A great half or full day, especially for a group with a mix of adventure-seekers and beach lovers.
↑ Book in advance — it gets busy in high season. Check their website for combo packages.
diamanteecoadventurepark.com →One of the closest attractions to the condo — almost embarrassingly easy to get to. A small, intimate animal sanctuary where you can get up close with monkeys, sloths, and other rescued Costa Rican wildlife. A wonderful hour or two, especially first thing in the morning. Kids and adults both absolutely love it.
↑ Go early — the animals are most active in the morning and it's cooler for everyone. A short, sweet, and memorable experience right on your doorstep.
A lesser-known national wildlife refuge that most visitors walk right past. A protected coastal wetland and estuary teeming with birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for a quiet morning walk, birdwatching, or anyone who wants to experience Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity without the crowds of the big parks.
↑ Go early morning for the best wildlife sightings. Bring binoculars if you have them — the birdwatching here is exceptional.
sinac.go.cr — official park info →Playa del Coco is one of the best departure points on the Pacific coast for ocean adventures. You can book a sunset catamaran sail right out of Coco — cold drinks, stunning Pacific views, and a sky that turns every shade of orange and pink. Or head out at dawn for deep sea fishing — the waters off Guanacaste are world-class for marlin, dorado, and tuna.
Diving and snorkeling charters also depart from Coco — the nearby dive sites including the Catalina Islands are excellent for spotting manta rays, sea turtles, and sharks. One of the best diving areas on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
↑ Book any ocean activity through a reputable operator in downtown Coco — there are several good ones along the main strip. Book at least a day ahead in high season.
A fantastic option for a resort-style day without the resort price tag. The Club at Coco Bay offers day passes with access to their pools, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and beach facilities. Close to the condo, well-maintained, and a great way to mix up your beach routine with some friendly competition on the courts.
↑ Day passes are available — check their website for current pricing and availability.
theclubatcocobay.com →Coco has a surprisingly good food scene for its size. Here are our honest picks for different moods — from lazy beach lunches to proper dinner nights out.
A few things worth knowing before you arrive so nothing catches you off guard.
Coco has a surprisingly good selection of grocery stores and we typically visit a few of them for different things. Here's our honest breakdown:
Auto Mercado (just outside Pacifico) — the nicest and most upscale option in the area. Think of it as the Whole Foods of Coco. The prices reflect that — a pint of coconut ice cream will run you $14 USD — but it's worth a visit for things you can't find elsewhere. We always pick up Gallo Pinto for the week here, plus cheeses and specialty produce that the other stores don't carry.
New China (on Calle Ocotal, just after the main drag of Coco — practically on your way home) — this is our personal go-to for everyday shopping. Better prices on coffee, wine, bread, and water bottles than most other stores in the area. Convenient, affordable, and easy to stop at on your way back from the beach.
Super Buen Precio, Luperon, and others — your everyday staples at everyday prices. Stock up on arrival day, especially before long weekends when shelves can thin out.
Important: Stores in Costa Rica do not provide bags — it's the law. This is exactly why we leave a complimentary Dos Playas tote bag hanging by your door. If it's not there when you arrive, please contact our property managers and they'll get one to you right away.
ATMs are available in downtown Coco. Most places accept credit cards — but be aware that a 10% service charge plus 13% VAT is automatically added to your bill. You do not need to tip on top of that — it's already included. Just pay and go. Also: make sure your credit card has no foreign transaction fees before you travel. It makes a real difference over a week.
Dry season: December–April. Green season (aka rainy season): May–November. Green season means afternoon showers, not all-day rain — mornings are usually beautiful. Green season is lush and peaceful.
Tropical climate means tropical creatures. Bring insect repellent, especially for evenings outdoors. Don't leave food out. The occasional ant is part of Costa Rica — embrace it.
Costa Rica power can be intermittent during storms. Hot water is electric — if it goes cold, check the breaker panel. WiFi is fast under normal conditions.
Need something practical? The Do It Center in Comunidad is the closest thing to a Home Depot in the area. Well stocked and easy to find — a good resource if you need anything from tools to cleaning supplies during a longer stay.
Farmacia Santa Lucía in Coco handles most minor needs. Liberia has the nearest hospital (~45 min). Recommended: travel insurance with medical coverage for any trip to Costa Rica.
The complex cannot charge electric vehicles or electric golf carts. If you need a golf cart, reserve a gas-powered one well in advance — they book out fast in high season.
WiFi is strong throughout the condo. For data on the go, a local SIM (Kolbi or Claro) is cheap and available at the airport or downtown Coco. WhatsApp works great for staying in touch. Waze is solid and reliable for navigation throughout Costa Rica — download it before you arrive and use it for every drive.
Tips to make your stay as comfortable as possible from day one.
Pool hours: 8am–10pm daily. The two-tier pool has a jet section for relaxing and a larger area for swimming. Outdoor shower nearby for rinsing off after the beach.
The patio: Your front patio is semi-private and faces the tropical gardens. The BBQ grill, zero-gravity chairs, and outdoor dining table are all yours to use.
A/C: The primary bedroom has A/C and a ceiling fan. The second bedroom has A/C and a floor oscillating fan. The living room also has A/C. Costa Rica nights can be warm — use it freely.
Kitchen: Fully equipped with everything you need — pots, pans, blender, rice cooker, microwave, coffee maker. Local Costa Rican coffee is a must-try.
In-room safe: Located in the primary bedroom. Use it for passports, cash, and valuables — especially on beach days.
Smart TV: Log into Netflix, YouTube, Amazon or any streaming service. Or bring a Roku/Firestick. Perfect for a green season afternoon when the rain rolls in.
Complimentary tote bag: Your Dos Playas tote is hanging by the door — perfect for beach days and farmers markets. It's yours to keep.
Noise: The complex is peaceful and quiet. Please be mindful of neighbors, especially after 10pm. This is a restful community — not a party destination.
No pets: While the complex itself is pet-friendly, we have chosen not to allow pets in our unit. Thank you for understanding.
Parking: Secure, gated parking is available within the complex. The complex is fully fenced and monitored.