A Perfect day in Playas del Coco for under $20

Many of you might say that a day at the beach in Playas del Coco is very expensive. I would like to give you a few secrets to make it a wonderful day at the Beach all for under $20 for two people.

Head directly to the Malecon (Boardwalk) in Coco and stroll down the beach either left or right. You can buy a snack of meat on a stick with a fresh Pipa for about $3.  As you walk down the Malecon to the right towards the Pier you might be lucky enough to see a Hawk that you see in the picture (tell me what you think it is - in my bird book it could be either a Peregrine Falcon or a Roadside Hawk).

You could keep going north until you come to the Pacifico Beach Club where you will find fine dining and an upscale ambiance but that is not for today.

We chose to stroll back up into town browsing through the souvenir and clothing shops finally coming upon a pleasant surprise?.

Le Coq is an authentic Lebanese Food Cart, Playas del Coco style, permanently located next to Hotel Coco Beach and Casino. We ordered a side of Hummus and Pita Bread with a Pork Entrée. It was plenty for 2 and provided a tasty departure from the normal Costa Rica fare - all for about $12.

From the vantage point of the stool seating surrounding the kitchen, we enjoyed the normal late afternoon people-watching scene that is a favorite pastime in Playas del Coco. Believe me, you can see all walks of life and it all seems perfectly normal.

To close the day with a golden brush and to offset the tangy spice of the Lebanese food we strolled up to the "Heladeria Italiana" Italian Ice Cream Shop. This is run by ex-pat Italians and if you have ever enjoyed a cone of Italian Ice Cream on a hot summer afternoon in Rome than you will begin to understand the pleasure that can be had. With 2 Dozen flavors to choose from, all freshly made with local ingredients, it is not a stretch to remember the exquisite flavors you tasted while in Rome.

We had Chocolate and Coffee on one cone and Coconut with Chocolate on the other. Nothing is better than Costa Rican Coffee and Chocolate and how can you go wrong with Coconut if you are in Playas del COCO!!

We could have opted for any number of exotic fruit flavors or Italian standards.

Cost for two double cones $5.

As the sun goes down you can either enjoy your ice cream inside the nicely appointed and air-conditioned café or outside on the shaded terrace overlooking the main drag in Coco.

A Perfect day in Playas del Coco