If you’re asking what makes Playa del Coco and Playa Hermosa so popular, the simple answer is variety. Calm swimming beaches, world-class ocean adventures, wildlife encounters, waterfalls, and vibrant seaside nightlife all sit within 20–30 minutes of Liberia International Airport. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, solo explorer, or group of friends, this stretch of Guanacaste coastline delivers.
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Here are ten especially good attractions and activities in the Playas del Coco / Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) area, mixing things you can do right in the beaches with top nearby day trips.
1. Playas del Coco beach and town
- Walk the long horseshoe-shaped Coco beach, swim, and watch sunsets from the sand or a beachfront bar.
- The town behind the beach has lots of restaurants, nightlife, and tour operators, so it works well as a base for excursions.
2. Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
- Just north of Coco, Playa Hermosa is a calmer, family-friendly bay with soft sand and gentler waves, great for swimming and relaxing.
- You can join snorkeling, catamaran, and sport‑fishing tours that leave directly from Hermosa’s bay.
3. Diving and snorkeling (Bat Islands & Catalina area)
- The Coco area is one of Costa Rica’s main scuba hubs, with boats heading to Bat Islands and Catalina Islands to see rays, sharks, and rich marine life.
- Even if you do not dive, there are half‑day snorkel trips to nearby reefs and coves in the Gulf of Papagayo.
4. Sunset sailing / catamaran cruises
- Late‑afternoon sailing trips along the Papagayo coast include open bar, snacks, snorkeling stops, and sunset views over the Pacific.
- Many tours depart from Coco or pick up in Hermosa and head to secluded beaches only reachable by boat.
5. Beach‑hopping in the Gulf of Papagayo
- The Gulf is dotted with about a dozen smaller, semi‑hidden beaches that you can reach by boat, kayak, or sometimes by rough roads and trails.
- Popular spots from Coco include Playa Ocotal and other small coves ideal for a quieter swim or snorkel.
6. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- A classic day trip from Coco/Hermosa with hiking trails, waterfalls, bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and wildlife in a dry‑forest volcano setting.
- Many combo tours add hot springs, mud baths, and a stop at Oropendola Waterfall for swimming in a turquoise pool.
7. Diamante Eco Adventure Park
- Large coastal adventure park near the Papagayo resorts, known for a long ocean‑view zipline, hanging bridges, animal sanctuary, and botanical and butterfly gardens.
- Day passes often bundle ziplining, wildlife exhibits, lunch, and access to a calm beach area with kayaks or paddleboards.
8. Congo Trail Canopy Tour
- Inland from Hermosa/Coco, Congo Trail offers ziplining through tropical dry forest, hanging bridges, and family‑friendly canopy experiences.
- Some packages also include ATV rides or horseback riding in the hills above the coast.
9. Río Celeste & Llanos de Cortés waterfalls (day tour)
- Full‑day excursions take you to Tenorio Volcano National Park to hike to the sky‑blue Río Celeste waterfall, plus a stop at Llanos de Cortés, a broad falls with a swimmable pool.
- These tours are longer days from Coco/Hermosa but are often rated among visitors’ favorite experiences in the region.
10. Palo Verde river wildlife safari
It’s a good complement to all the beach time, especially if you want an easier wildlife experience without lots of hiking.
Tours to Palo Verde National Park focus on a boat trip along the Tempisque River to see crocodiles, monkeys, waterbirds, and wetlands scenery.
What are the best things to do in Playa del Coco and Playa Hermosa?
The best experiences combine beach relaxation, snorkelling, sunset cruises, wildlife adventures, waterfall hikes, diving, fishing, and vibrant seaside dining.
Why should travellers choose this region?
Because it balances calm swimmable beaches with exciting outdoor adventures and convenient airport access.
Can you combine relaxation and adventure in one trip?
Yes — mornings can be spent exploring waterfalls or snorkelling reefs, while evenings are perfect for sunset sails and waterfront dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Playa Hermosa quieter than Playa del Coco?
Yes. Playa Hermosa offers calmer waters and a more relaxed atmosphere, while Coco provides nightlife and activity.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April offers sunny weather. Green season brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
Are these beaches family-friendly?
Yes, particularly Playa Hermosa due to its gentle surf.
How far are they from Liberia International Airport?
Approximately 20–30 minutes by car.
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