Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
What's New?
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
What's New?
Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
What's New?
Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
Analysis on the Sardinal District
Area: 261.43 km2 / Population: 21,237
Sardinal District: The hot heart of the Gulf of Papagayo
The Sardinal District, part of the Carrillo canton in the Guanacaste province, Costa Rica, is a community in full transformation, where rural traditions intertwine with tourism and infrastructural development.
With an estimated population of 21,237 inhabitants in 2025, Sardinal represents 42.2% of the population of the Carrillo canton.
Administrative data:
Administrative center: City of Sardinal
Climate: tropical savanna climate (Aw)
Altitude: ~46 m
Localities: 25
Neighborhoods and cities (most famous)
• Artola
• Cacique
• Coco
• Guacamaya
• Huaquitas
• Libertad
• Matapalo
• Nancital
• Nuevo Colón
• Obandito
• Ocotal
• Pilas
• Playa Hermosa
• Playones
• San Blas
• Santa Rita
• Zapotal
✅ Strengths:
- Access to improved health and education services
- Modernized road infrastructure
- Active community and cultural traditions rich
- Proximity to popular tourist destinations
⚠️ Challenges:
- Sustainable management of natural resources in the context of tourism development
- The need to continue investing in public infrastructure
- Maintaining the balance between economic development and preservation of community values
Main income
Agriculture, tourism, construction
Development & infrastructure
Roads, drinking water, internet, public transport, electricity
Standard of living
Medium to high.
Recommendations
Suitable for families looking for peace and access to nature
Observations
Traditional community, with values related to family and work
Sardinal District
Investment Opportunities
Sardinal offers fertile ground for entrepreneurial initiatives
Why Sardinal?
The Sardinal district, part of Carrillo Canton, has become one of the most dynamic areas on the Pacific coast, attracting the attention of local and international investors. Its strategic location near Liberia Airport, the ongoing development of infrastructure and the constant flow of tourists contribute to a favorable economic climate. From tourism and real estate to ecological projects and services for expat communities, Sardinal offers fertile ground for entrepreneurial initiatives.
What types of investments are promising here?
🔶 Tourism and hospitality
- Boutique hotels, cabinas or hostels (especially in Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal)
- Vacation homes and Airbnbs – high demand from expats and tourists.
- Local travel agents – tours, snorkeling, diving, ATV, sport fishing, etc.
- Themed restaurants and cafes – many niches are still underexploited.
🔶 Real estate and construction
- Residential development for expats (eco-village, gated communities)
- Land for sale/purchase for developers or individuals
- Construction-related services: hardware, solar installations, swimming pools, gardening, tropical architecture
🔶 Agriculture and eco-projects
- Agritourism and organic farms (mango, papaya, pineapple, cocoa farms)
- Hydroponic or solar crops (growing demand among residents looking for local food)
- Reforestation and carbon offset projects – also supported by NGOs
🔶 Education and services for expats
- Bilingual private schools or Montessori kindergartens
- Online learning centers or educational hubs
- Relocation services, translations, legal advice and immigration
🔶 Technology and remote work
- Coworking spaces (in Playas del Coco or surrounding areas)
- Internet and IT Services – high demand for maintenance services, networks, digital security
- Creative services: web design, marketing, tourist photography, promotional video
🔶 Environment and sustainability
Solar energy – ideal for households and hotels
Community – recycling or composting projects
Electric transportation – electric bike/scooter rental
temperatures between 30 and 38°C
Climate in Sardinal: the sun as a lifestyle
The Sardinal District, part of the Carrillo canton in the province of Guanacaste, has a dry tropical climate, with temperatures frequently fluctuating between 30 and 38°C, especially during the dry season (December–April).
Summer (which, in Costa Rica, is actually the dry season) brings clear skies, warm winds, and sunburnt vegetation — a time when the asphalt becomes almost liquid at noon, and cotton clothes become the locals’ best friends.
The rainy season (May–November) brings short but intense rains, which revive the vegetation and cool the atmosphere, but the humidity increases significantly.
It is an ideal climate for those who love the heat and strong sunlight, but challenging for those unaccustomed to the “tropical fry”. However, the locals know how to adapt: ”la sombra se vive mejor” — in the shade, life is better.
☀️ Dry season (summer)
Months: November – April
Characteristics: clear skies, intense sunshine, moderate wind (especially in December – February)
Average temperatures: 28°C – 36°C daytime
Humidity: low
Precipitation: almost non-existent
🌧️ Rainy season (winter)
Months: May – October
Characteristics: frequent afternoon or evening rains, lush green vegetation
Average temperatures: 26°C – 32°C
Humidity: very high
Precipitation: 1,500 – 2,500 mm/year, peaking in September and October
⚠️ Other useful details
Trade winds from the northeast influence the weather during the dry season.
Low risk of hurricanes, due to the protected geographical position of the Pacific.
Local microclimates: Coastal areas (e.g. Playas del Coco) can be drier than those inland.
No filters - No superficiality
Personal Observations
To make a comparison… you don’t sweat, you fry yourself straight away! Sardinal and especially the Playas del Coco area are the kind of places where: the shade is gold, the asphalt turns to lava at noon and if you leave a banana in the sun, when you come back you have chips 🤦♀️🤣
In Fortuna where I live you have heat + humidity, but you still have forest, trees, volcano clouds… in Sardinal, in the dry season it’s as if the jungle has fled to vacation. Cracked earth, dust everywhere, and everything that doesn’t have deep roots… dries up, but they have the ocean to cool off. They’re used to it — and they also say “qué rico el calor” 🥵.
real estate investments
Real estate sector in the Sardinal District
It is booming and offers significant opportunities, especially due to tourism development and growing interest from foreign investors. Here is an overview:
A corner of paradise with potential
Sardinal, with its close beaches and the relaxed atmosphere typical of Guanacaste, is attracting more and more people who dream of a simple life, but rich in nature, sun and community.
The real estate sector here is constantly developing, offering a wide range of opportunities for those looking for a vacation home, a permanent retreat or an investment with growth potential.
From affordable plots of land in quiet areas to villas with ocean views or modern residential projects, Sardinal is becoming an increasingly popular choice, especially due to its proximity to Playas del Coco and Liberia International Airport.
🔸 To remember:
Even though the area is booming, it is important to check the legal status of the land (some may be in protected or restricted areas), analyze the safety of the neighborhood, and consult a lawyer or local expert before any transaction.
Also, infrastructure can vary from one area to another – so it is a good idea to make sure you have access to electricity, water, and internet where you want to invest.
Possible investment types:
🔹 Growing demand
The proximity to Playas del Coco, one of the most popular beaches in Guanacaste, makes Sardinal a strategic point for investment in residential and tourist properties.
Demand is driven by both tourists seeking vacation homes and expats seeking a permanent relocation to an area with a warm climate, proximity to the sea and developing infrastructure.
🔹 Diversity of options
From building plots in more accessible areas to luxury villas with ocean views, the real estate offer is varied.
Modern, eco-friendly residential projects are being developed, as well as apartments or houses in secure condominiums.
🔹 Competitive prices
Compared to other more consolidated areas in Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Flamingo), Sardinal offers more affordable prices, but with a high potential for property value appreciation in the medium and long term.
🔹 Attractiveness for investors
Investors are focusing on:
- development of airbnbs and tourist accommodation;
- mixed real estate projects (housing + commercial space);
- organic farms or properties for rural tourism.
🔹 Infrastructure in improvement
- Road connectivity to Liberia and the international airport is a great advantage.
- Investments are being made in basic services, electricity, internet and drinking water, which supports the development of the area.
Socio-economic context
Essential aspects for everyday life
🧾 Social and cultural aspects
Sardinal maintains a strong community culture, with rural traditions and an active social life.
The community is characterized by solidarity and civic engagement, aspects that contribute to maintaining a low level of crime compared to more crowded urban areas.
🏗️ Infrastructure and development
The municipality of Carrillo recently invested 700 million colones in road infrastructure in Sardinal and other localities, improving connectivity and road safety.
Sardinal is also crossed by several national routes, such as Route 151 and Route 255, facilitating access to other regions.
🌿 Environment and challenges
Intense tourism development has brought challenges related to natural resource management.
Projects such as the expansion of the aqueduct to serve luxury tourist complexes have generated concerns among the local community regarding equitable access to water and the impact on the environment.
💼 Local economy
The economy of Sardinal is based on two main pillars: agriculture and tourism. Agriculture includes crops such as melons and sugar cane, and tourism benefits from the proximity to popular beaches and luxury hotels, providing jobs in hotels, restaurants and related services.
🏦 Banks and financial services
Sardinal hosts branches of Costa Rica’s major banks, including Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica, providing residents and visitors with access to banking services and ATMs.
🏠 Real estate market
The real estate market in Sardinal is diverse, offering options for different budgets. Prices range from around $75,000 for land to over $2 million for luxury properties. This diversity attracts both investors and people looking for a permanent or vacation home.
🏥 Health and medical services
Sardinal benefits from a modernized public clinic, which provides essential medical services for the community.
Also nearby, in Playas del Coco, there are private clinics that provide additional medical services, helping to improve access to healthcare for residents and tourists.
🏫 Education and school infrastructure
In the field of education, Sardinal has primary and secondary schools that serve the local community.
Recent projects, such as the El Coco Educational Center in Carrillo, financed with the support of BCIE, have improved the educational infrastructure, providing a safe and adequate learning environment for students.
rural tranquility combines with the influence of tourism
Safety in the Sardinal District
In the first 5 months of 2025, 62 crimes were registered in Carrillo Canton, Sardinal District.
The most common are simple thefts and burglaries, but there is also a lack of robberies and vehicle thefts.
Official data from the OIJ shows:
- Simple theft – 21 cases
- Robbery – 7 cases
- Vehicle theft – 9 cases
- Aggravated theft – 17 cases
- Vehicle theft – 6 cases
- Homicide – 2 cases
🔴 High-Risk Areas
- Sardinal is not among the 36 “hot spots” identified by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security
🟡 Note: It’s good to be careful especially in the center, in commercial areas and in parking lots.
Especially in the evening. It’s not a dangerous place in itself, but it is “targeted” by thieves and opportunists.
From fishing roots to a booming tourist destination
History of Playas del Coco
Playas del Coco, one of the most famous beaches on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, has no written history in official documents. Its story is passed down from generation to generation, built from oral accounts and empirical discoveries.
To date, no major archaeological sites have been identified on Coco itself, but pottery fragments discovered on the beach indicate the presence of an unknown indigenous population.
Jade and gold objects have been found in the vicinity, evidence of an ancient trade network, and the Chorotega tribes, known for their mastery of pottery, are considered part of this heritage.
To this day, in nearby villages, their descendants continue this traditional art.
The first inhabitants
According to the first local newspaper, El Coqeño (1982), and based on interviews with families in the area, the recent history of Playas del Coco begins in 1856, with the arrival of Agapito Barrera.
Legend has it that Agapito came by boat from Nicaragua and fell in love with the natural beauty of the beach.
He built a house where the central market is today and planted rows of coconut palms on the seashore. He called the place “El Coco”, thus giving rise to the current name.
Fishing and harvesting of pearl oysters were the first important economic activities in the area.
Agapito founded a small fleet that collected these valuable oysters, and the connection with the rest of the country was made on foot, by horse or ox cart, as far as Sardinal or Liberia.
Pearl industry
This early industry brought divers to Coco from the surrounding area, especially from Sardinal. Among those who lived through the rise and fall of the industry is Gilberto Espinoza Cruz, born in 1908 in Coco to a family of divers.
He recounts how, in his youth, the entire west coast of Costa Rica was full of pearl oysters.
The dives were done without equipment – no masks, no fins – just with their eyes open in the water and their hands searching for shells on the seabed. They often descended to depths of over 40 feet (15 m).
“We would go into the water naked, with nothing on,” Gilberto says, “and we would look for shells with our hands. With our eyes open, we could only see a little bit of the bottom.”
On a good day, a diver could collect up to 100 pounds of shells. But pearls? That was a matter of luck. There was a hierarchy of pearls: pink ones were the rarest and most valuable, followed by white ones, and then gray ones.
Gilberto got lucky. He found an 18-carat pearl, valued at 3,600 cents—an enormous sum at the time. By comparison, in 1926, Agapito Barrera sold half of Coco Island for just 1,000 cents.
The decline of the industry
In 1928, a Venezuelan company arrived with large boats, modern equipment, and well-trained crews.
In a single year, they harvested a massive amount of oysters, which they boiled on the beach in huge pots to make it easier to extract the pearls. When they left, they took the wealth of the sea with them.
Within four years, everything changed. In 1932, between November and December, a catastrophe struck: all the pearl oysters on the west coast died.
No one knows for sure why. Some have blamed poisons released by the Japanese or Germans to eliminate natural competition from the new cultured pearl industries.
But Gilberto doesn’t buy that theory: “Neither the fish nor other marine life died—just the pearl oysters. It was a plague, an unknown disease.”
Since then, the oyster harvest has become a distant memory. Occasionally, a few more specimens are discovered, but the abundance of the past has never returned.
The Months of March – Coco’s Most Picturesque Era
At the beginning of the 20th century, the rough road from Sardinal to Playas del Coco was so difficult that only horses could travel.
At that time, apart from the diving camp, there were only a few houses belonging to the families who decided to settle here: Joseana Canales, Cervando and Dario Espinoza, as well as Seferino, Jose and Ramon Mendez — all from Sardinal.
In 1913, Isabel Gutiérrez de Barrera died, and Agapito was left alone in the large house on the north side of the beach. He continued to take care of his coconut plantation and his corn, rice and peanut crops.
The road to Coco gradually improved, allowing the passage of oxcarts. This is how the first families of carters began to arrive, including Juan Felix Morales, in 1918 — the grandfather of the García family, who had settled on the south side of the beach.
In 1926, Agapito, at the age of 70, sold all the land in the north—from the hills to the sea—for the symbolic sum of 1,000 cents. The large house on the beach remained standing long after his death, and in 1930 was used by the police to house visitors.
For eight months of the year, Coco was completely isolated from cities like Liberia. Only a few dozen families lived here permanently, dedicating themselves to subsistence farming and fishing for their own consumption.
There was no market for local produce, and the locals eagerly awaited the arrival of summer, when visitors would arrive.
Some bought food, thus supporting the residents, as was the case with Balvina de Barrera, Rosa Rivas, Jesus Guillen, and Lidia Angulo. A full day’s worth of meals was sold for just 5 cents to wealthy visitors and 1.25 cents to those coming from the surrounding area.
This was the period in which the most picturesque season in Coco’s history was born: the “March Moons”, marked by spectacular tides and a special effervescence.
Entire families would come from Liberia with oxen carts full of utensils and supplies. Once they arrived, they would build improvised clearings where relatives, friends and guests would gather to spend days and nights in celebration.
Music was the order of the evening. Groups with guitars would play in each clearing, and later marimbas would appear, accompanying folk dances.
The musicians would stretch a rope that demarcated the area for those who had paid a “peseta” (25 cents) — the only condition for participating in the dance. At the end of each song, they would repeat the chorus as a courtesy to the dancers.
The celebrations were animated by campfires and rich meals, with roasted game or fish. Fishermen in Coco sold lobsters for just 1.35 cents per pound, and visitors had everything they could want.
Some arrived, others left, and the season culminated with Holy Week, when Playas del Coco became crowded.
Even though the infrastructure was limited, just 3 kilometers from the virgin beach, the hospitality of the locals transformed Coco into a true holiday paradise.
After Easter, with the arrival of the rains, visitors retreated. Another eight months of silence followed, but in the souls of those who had experienced those moments, vivid, colorful, nostalgic memories remained.
This is how Playas del Coco looked until 1954 — an isolated, simple place, but deeply alive in the memory of those who had the privilege of knowing it in that authentic form.
That year, when the roads were once again filled with huge puddles and were becoming real challenges for those who traveled them on foot or horseback, a commercial transaction began to change things.
For the sum of 3,500 cents, paid in installments, Lidia Angulo sold her beach house, which also operated as a small business, under the name “Las Quince Letras” (The Fifteen Letters).
The buyer had some experience in the tourism sector and big dreams, but was facing serious financial difficulties. So, although the intentions were good, in the next five years there were no notable changes in Playas del Coco.
However, with the support of the inhabitants, the first efforts were made to improve the road: the puddles were drained, and the muddiest areas were paved with stones using ox carts, picks, and shovels.
Fourteen footbridges were built, and the route connected to the rural road that led to Sardinal and Comunidad, built with the support of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
The road from Sardinal to Coco had become passable even in the rainy season, thanks to the efforts of the local community and the contributions of the first occasional visitors to the Central Mesa area. Until the early 1980s, no support was received from central or local authorities for the maintenance of this access road.
In the meantime, “Las Quince Letras” evolved and changed its name to “Casino Playas del Coco”. A small gasoline-powered power plant was installed, which provided lighting in the early hours of the night.
At the same time, a rudimentary sanitary system had been set up, with a 500-gallon tank and a 300-foot-long, ¾-inch-diameter pipe fed by a hand-dug well—a modest start, but a promising one for the future.
Influential figures in national politics began to visit the area and show interest in the problems of the locals. By 1960, five years after the sale of “The Fifteen Letters,” Coco was already showing clear signs of progress.
The first known tourist businesses had been established: Luna Tica, managed by Freddy and Emilia de Barahona, was making its way alongside the Casino Playas del Coco, despite great economic difficulties.
A gas station and two ice factories were also opened during this period, but they failed to survive due to financial constraints. However, by 1960, a sense of change was felt. At least twenty families from Central Mesa were already living in Coco.
The village school offered education up to the second grade, and the locals were making their first attempts at marketing their fish.
Although no one was able to achieve real success at the time, the initiative laid the foundation for a new direction for the area’s future development – a starting point for the visible growth that would come between 1960 and 1970.
Strangers, Adventurers
A piece of local history, rarely recorded in writing, is the story of the first foreigners to arrive in the area. In the 1950s, Maury and Alma Gladson anchored in Playas del Coco aboard their sailing schooner, the Doubloon.
Not speaking the language, they were helped by a young local, Milton Gutierrez, to buy supplies and fuel.
Milton later attended UCLA and lived with the Gladsons in the Los Angeles area. Instead, Maury and Alma lived in a house built by Milton (who, at the time, was co-owner of a Pizza Hut franchise) right on Coco Beach. Alma died in the 1980s, and Maury in 1998.
Maury was a radio operator and was known for his morning cruise shows, offering advice to those sailing to the bay.
Among the long-time foreigners who still live here is the Bragg family. Wilson (Rusty) owns and operates R&R Tours, Lighthouse Realty, as well as boat and home building businesses.
Mike runs Papagayo Seafood Fish Exports, several fishing boats, the Papagayo Seafood restaurant, a real estate agency, and a construction company.
Rick Bragg is Mike’s trusted man, handling the fishing business, and Roy Bragg manages Papagayo Marine Supply. When they arrived, the exchange rate was 5 colones to the dollar.
Ramona Reid is one of the younger, long-established residents of Coco. Her parents, Walter and Teresita Reid, came as Peace Corps volunteers in the late 1960s. Ramona was born in Costa Rica and works as a freelance teacher in the town.
By the early 1970s, the exchange rate had reached 8.54 colones to the dollar (a 1,000 colones bill was worth $117.10, and a beer cost 3 colones). Several cruise ships were anchored in the bay, and the number of foreigners reached about 20.
Most were young Americans (and one Australian), who met in the evenings at Claudio’s (the Casino) to admire the sunsets and the movement of yachts in the waves that hit the shore.
There had been a road in front of the houses on the eastern side of the beach, but it was swallowed up by the waves of a winter storm.
The road from the Tamarindo exit to Coco was only paved in 1978, a moment celebrated locally in the presence of the then President of Costa Rica, Daniel Oduber.
Rick Wallace arrived in the early 1970s and rented one of the islands in front of Coco, where he lived for a while. An adventurer and surfer from California, Rick was among the first developers of the Playa Ocotal area. Today, he is active in the construction and real estate sectors.
Tom Epling and his wife, Leslie, drove to Coco in 1974. After delivering a sailboat from the port in Jamaica, they returned to settle in the area. Tom became partners with brothers Rafael and Fernando Hurtado in opening the first Papagayo bar, known today as Papagayo Pura Vida.
At that time, only Claudio’s and Papagayo were attracting tourists from San José. Tom brought several fiberglass pangas from El Salvador and played a key role in supporting scientists, tourists, and locals, acting as a guide and experienced navigator.
He collaborated with anthropologists excavating in Culebra Bay, geologists mapping the formations of Papagayo Bay, marine biologists studying turtles in secret locations, taxonomists concerned with species dispersal, toxicologists who asked him to capture sea snakes for confidential purposes, and the original owners of the beach.
Nacascolita, for transporting construction materials. He guided surfers, fishermen, divers, and tourists eager to discover what were once called Secret Places—isolated areas of pure natural beauty.
He also brought sea kayaks for tourists from San José, who arrived in groups of up to 30 buses.
He built several homes and even the original Pronto Pizzeria building, located across from the pharmacy in Coco.
Tom passed away in 2001, and Leslie still lives in Coco, where she is active in the community through CATUCOCO and as an artisan.
Susan Fletcher came with her family in the late 1970s and settled in Playa Panama. She currently manages the Gourmet Shoppe at Super Luperon. Her daughter, Liana, is married to Kristian, the son of the owners of the Luperon supermarket.
Jim Procter arrived in Coco by sailboat in 1974 and, after a while, began building what would become known as Rancho Armadillo, a property appreciated and visited by many.
Over time, he sold this place, but remained involved in the community, managing various properties in the area. He currently divides his time between Costa Rica and Panama, where he also has other activities.
These foreigners – some dreamers, others entrepreneurs or simple seekers of tranquility – have contributed, each in their own way, to shaping the current identity of Playas del Coco.
These foreigners – some dreamers, others entrepreneurs or simply seekers of peace – have contributed, each in their own way, to shaping the current identity of Playas del Coco.
They came out of curiosity or the desire to live differently, at a pace closer to nature. With each house built, each business started or boat pulled ashore, they subtly influenced the dynamics of a community that, although small, began to open up more and more to the world.
In the 80s and 90s, the wave of foreign visitors and residents grew. Those who stayed often did so out of love for the landscape, for the simple and warm people or for that rare feeling of freedom that only places untouched by the rush of modernity still retain.
In addition to their economic or tourist contributions, these people brought with them different stories, ideas and visions. Some supported educational initiatives, others promoted the protection of marine fauna or opened the door to sustainable development in the area.
Over time, they became part of the local fabric – not as mere visitors, but as neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
An ending that is actually a new beginning
Conclusion! Roots preserved, new horizons
In the years that followed, the presence of these foreigners contributed not only to the diversification of the Playas del Coco community, but also to its transformation into a center of interest for tourists, researchers, and investors. Interaction with the locals was often marked by mutual respect and collaboration, although not without challenges or cultural misunderstandings.
As infrastructure developed – such as the paving of the main road in 1978 – access to Coco became easier, paving the way for further expansion. Local businesses began to flourish, and foreign initiatives, such as the introduction of fiberglass pangas, kayaks, and professional tour services, raised standards for visitors and provided new employment opportunities for locals.
Involvement in scientific activities – such as geological mapping, marine fauna studies, and biodiversity exploration – led to a better understanding and conservation of the natural environment. Also, through personal and community efforts, homes, restaurants, and tourist structures were built, which shaped the current appearance of the region.
These contributions were essential in transforming Coco from an isolated fishing village into a vibrant destination with a mixed identity, where local tradition intertwines with visions from other corners of the world.
Neighboring districts in the region
