Playa Del Coco, Hermosa & Riu
We visited Coco many times to see friends; it was also our first stop when we moved to Costa Rica. Coco is very touristy with a lot of restaurants — just not many on the beach — and it's a good base for day tours. Playa Hermosa is more laid-back, with a lot of people living in the hills above; we liked Hermosa.
Nearby are the two Riu resorts, and we stayed at both at different times — very typical all-inclusives, good if that's your thing. We didn't mind our trips to Coco, we just couldn't live there — it's way too touristy and you don't get the real Costa Rica feel. There's also a skatepark right next to the beach.
Watch Playa Del Coco, Hermosa & Riu
What we'd tell a friend
- Stay at a Riu for a couple of days if you like all-inclusives — but get out and stay in Coco or Hermosa too.
- Coco is a party scene, and there are drug dealers walking around.
- Hermosa is very chill.
Who should come here?
- You want the all-inclusive option
- You're looking for a party scene
- You want variety in activities and to be close to the airport
- You don't want to be bugged to buy stuff — including drugs
- You want white sand (the sand here is dark, especially the black sand at Coco)
- You want a variety of restaurants right on the beach
The Dufresnes Verdict
Questions we actually get
Is Playa del Coco worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want convenience, nightlife, and proximity to the airport. We visited many times — just know it's very touristy and doesn't have the real Costa Rica feel.
How many days do you need?
A week or more if you want to split time across Coco, Hermosa, and a Riu resort.
Do you need a car?
No — the area is walkable and you can arrive by shuttle. A car helps if you want to move between Coco, Hermosa, and the resorts.
What's the difference between Coco and Hermosa?
Coco is the busy, touristy party town with lots of restaurants; Hermosa is more laid-back and residential. We preferred Hermosa.