About Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas
If you’re a nature lover looking for a new Costa Rica adventure, lace up your hiking boots and visit the one-of-a-kind Playa Cocalito.
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Located in Montezuma, Puntarenas Province, Playa Cocalito is a white-sand beach cove with bright blue waters, and a surprise: a unique waterfall that flows from a cliff into rock pools and the ocean. Did you know that there are only 7 waterfalls in the world that fall straight into the ocean like this? El Chorro in Playa Cocalito is one of them!
It’s a sight to see, and it makes the 2-hour trek worth it. If you go at the right time, the waterfalls can even reflect rainbows and look like an absolutely stunning dream.
Playa Cocalito is inaccessible by car, and the only way to get there is through a rather long 13km (8mi) hike. The trek includes a mix of sandy beaches and shady jungle trails, with palm trees lining the coastline.
Note: Don’t get your playas confused! Playa Cocalito and El Chorro Waterfall are in Puntarenas Province on the Nicoya Peninsula, but there is another Cocalito Beach in Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula.
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Best Time to Go to Playa Cocalito & El Chorro Waterfall, Puntarenas
The best time to hike to Cocalito Beach and El Chorro Waterfall is first thing in the morning, and when the tide is low, the sun isn’t too high, and there are fewer people. By mid-afternoon, expect company as more adventurers will show up on the trail.
The most important thing is to plan your hike around the tides. Low tide is ideal, as you can walk along the beach for the majority of the route.
If the water level rises, you can walk down the jungle trails instead. But reach high tide and you’ll have no sand to walk on, and the strong currents often bring along lots of driftwood–not ideal conditions for the hike at all.
As for the time of year, both dry and wet seasons have their pros and cons. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the dry season is from December to April, while the rainy season is from May to November. The water level in the waterfall may be lower in the dry season, but the rainy season can make crossing rivers and climbing down rocks a little more challenging.
How to Get to Playa Cocalito & El Chorro Waterfall, Puntarenas
There are a number of ways to head to the Playa and El Chorro Waterfall, depending on your level of commitment to the hike. It takes 2 hours one way, or at least 4 hours both ways, but there are alternate routes you can consider.
By Ferry
If you’re coming from mainland Costa Rica, the Paquera Ferry can take you from the port of Puntarenas on the central Pacific Coast to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula.
The ride takes about 75 minutes and can accommodate vehicles and passengers. Once at the port, the drive to Montezuma should take about 50 minutes.
By Car
This route has the least amount of hiking included. Take a taxi or drive to Tango Mar Hotel, and follow the road past their gate until you see a sign that says “Waterfall Cascada.”
Follow the road for about 10 minutes or until you find a small car park. From there, the El Chorro Waterfall is an easy 10-minute walk with a well-defined trail. This route is easy, and no 4×4 is required.
On Horseback
A fun way to get to the El Chorro Waterfall is on horseback, which starts at USD $60.
You’ll depart from Montezuma and go horseback riding as you ride north past Playa Grande, and pass by beaches and jungle trails until you reach Cocolito Beach. Horseback riding cuts down the travel time by an hour each way, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the beach.
On Foot
One-Way: You can take a taxi to Tango Mar, and head back to Montezuma while walking on the beautiful beach. We recommend this route so your hike ends back in the centre of the town. This covers approximately 6.5km (4mi) and will take up to 2 hours.
Both Ways: From Montezuma, you’ll walk north on the beach or jungle path. Some landmarks you’ll pass along the coastline are Piedra Colorada, Reserva Natural Absoluta Nicolas Wessberg, Playa Grande, and the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Romelia.
Right before you pass the waterfall, you’ll reach a river called Rio Bonito. From there, you’ll have to cross through some big stones before finally arriving at Playa Cocolito and El Chorro Waterfall.
You can go back the way you came, covering a total of 13 km (8mi) and taking about 4 hours or more.
Parking & Facilities at Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas
Cocalito Beach and El Chorro Waterfall are in a secluded location along the beach without any road access. The trail is kind of deserted, so you won’t find any amenities along the coastline.
Make sure you have all your hiking essentials, like sunblock, insect repellant, waterproof bag, towel, swimming attire, etc. Don’t underestimate the amount of food and water you’ll need after a 2 or 4-hour hike. Bring snacks and even a meal to be on the safe side.
Note that there are no toilets along the way, not even along Playa Grande or the nature reserves. Don’t forget to go on a bathroom break in Montezuma town before setting off on the trail.
Things to Do at Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas
Take Your Time on the Trail
The hike itself is the main attraction, so take in the beautiful views if you’re going the longer, scenic route. Piedra Colorada (“coloured rock”) is a popular spot for taking photos with the many piles of coloured rocks stacked together. The beach in this area also has a freshwater river that leads to the sand, and you can stop for a dip in calmer water. Walk farther away from the ocean and you’ll find small waterfalls and larger pools to swim in.
Right before Playa Cocolito and El Chorro Waterfall, there’s Rio Bonito. It’s a river with a lagoon-style pool coming out from the jungle. If you stop for a dip, you can actually see the El Chorro Waterfall as it’s just a short walk away. During the dry season, the water in the river is cool on the surface but warm on the bottom.
Spot Wildlife on the Jungle Trail
Along the route, a variety of animals will greet hikers, depending on your luck. Capuchin monkeys, anteaters, and tropical birds are just some of them, while closer to the beach, there are stingrays, crabs and more. You never know what you’ll find, so keep an eye out while you walk along the trail.
Beach Picnic
Reward yourself for a well-done hike by bringing picnic provisions and laying them out on the white sand beach at Cocalito. Catch your breath, lounge around, and enjoy the beach and waterfall view before heading back.
FAQs:
Can you Swim at Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas?
Strong waves and currents don’t make Playa Cocalito a great place for swimming. If you go there on foot, the second section near Piedra Colorada is better suited for swimming.
Can you Fish at Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas?
No, there is no fishing at Cocalito Beach.
Can you Surf at Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas?
While you can’t surf on Cocalito Beach, you can take a detour to the nearby Playa Grande for some surfing. The waves can get pretty big, and you’ll mostly find locals catching some waves.
Is Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas Safe for Families?
Yes, Cocalito Beach is safe for families, although the hike can range from moderate to challenging.
If you’re travelling with kids, we recommend heading to Tango Mar and walking the 10-minute trail to El Chorro as it’s easier, shorter, and safer.
READ NEXT: Sustainable Guide to Visiting Montezuma, Costa Rica
Where to Stay near Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas
Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel
Just a 10-minute walk from Cocalito Beach and El Churro, Tango Mar is a 4-star hotel with a range of accommodations.
There are suites good for 2, and villas that can sleep up to 10 guests. The rooms are minimalist-style, and air conditioned, and each has a balcony with either a beach or garden view. Each room comes with a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, and toiletries, plus a flat-screen cable TV, a coffee maker, and a mini-bar.
The hotel has 2 restaurants that serve local and international cuisine, plus a snack bar by the outdoor pool. There are lots of activity spaces too, like sun terraces, gardens, tennis courts, a spa and wellness centre, a fitness centre, and a 9-hole golf course.
Unicorn Luxury Villas
For something more high-end, Unicorn Luxury Villa is probably the most luxurious property at Playa Cocalito.
The villa has 2 spacious bedrooms that sleep up to 8 and features hand-crafted wooden furniture, a seating area, a dining area, and a kitchen complete with a toaster and kitchenware. There’s an outdoor dining area where guests are served breakfast every morning.
There’s also an on-site coffee shop and BBQ-making facilities. Despite being in a secluded area, the villa gives you access to tons of activities like spa, wellness, and beauty services, yoga classes, hiking and walking tours, and more. The property is also solar-powered and operates on sustainable practices.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near Playa Cocalito, Puntarenas
From Cocalito Beach, you can find a variety of dining options in the nearby town of Montezuma, ranging from beachside sodas to fancier resort restaurants.
Soda Tipica Las Palmeras
Soda Tipica is a great reminder that you don’t need to break the bank for a delicious meal with a fantastic view. They serve authentic Costa Rican dishes like casados, gallo pinto, and empanadas, which go great with their fresh fruit smoothies. Enjoy your hearty meal with the beach in front of you, and neighbouring monkeys and birds around you.
Playa de los Artistas
Playa de los Artistas is a casual restaurant that lets you soak up all the beach vibes. Their food is freshly made and delicious, and the must-tries include the tasty ceviche, melt-in-your-mouth pork rib, and roasted chicken with vegetables.
Ylang Ylang Restaurant
Ylang-Ylang is a restaurant at a beautiful resort of the same name in Montezuma. They have an extensive menu that offers fresh seafood, sushi, local Costa Rican and international dishes, along with vegetarian, vegan, raw and gluten-free options. You can add fish or chicken to most of their plates, like sandwiches, wraps, enchiladas, and more. Good to know: they don’t serve any red meat or pork here.
If you’re in the mood for a gorgeous adventure in Costa Rica, Cocalito Beach is worth going out of your way for. Whether you go for the 15-minute route or the full 4-hour experience, you’ll catch a glimpse of nature and wildlife at the beach that will make it worth it.
It’s a great choice for outdoorsy travellers, or those staying in nearby towns who want to go on a day trip. Just make sure it’s the right Cocolito Beach!
