Short Drive
Note: you should be able to find the house on Google Maps. Search for ‘Casa Frederick Playa Ocotal’ (Google doesn’t know about the name change yet). Following the prompts of Google maps, Waze or other services is helpful in a country short on street names and mailing addresses. The roads are good, with Rt 21 and Rt 151 two lane highways with only the occasional speed bump near schools to slow you down. Driving in Coco is interesting, and expect bicycle and pedestrians to share the road. Repeat to yourself “Pura Vida!” The neighborhood around Villa Ocotal Oasis is served by narrower streets, some with generous potholes.
From the airport of nearby car rental pickup, drive West on Rt. 21, then follow signs for Coco on Rt. 151. Once in Coco, look for signs for ‘Playa Ocotal’ (Hint: left at ‘Taste of Texas’). If you reach Coco beach, you’ve gone too far. Next Right (not a lot of street signs here, but fairly obvious to stay on this road), then at the three way intersection veer to the left. Stay on this road (pass Camino del Cielo unless you want to go to the Monkey Farm,) and pass the Neighborhood guardhouse (currently unstaffed). Continue on this road. There is a split with a sign pointing to ‘Father Rooster’, ignore (for now) and take the road on the left. Continue, following signs for the Hotel Pura Vista. Villa Ocotal Oasis is about 50 yards past this hotel on the left.
Near the beach
As the parrot flies, we are less than 4/10s a mile from the beach. Unable to take such a direct route, walking or driving will add an extra 2/10s of a mile to your trek. From the house, this is mostly downhill, just be prepared from some steeper sections on the way back.
Parrot directions to beach
Non parrot directions to beach
From the gate, head right. Follow the road as it sweeps down and towards the left until you see signs for ‘Father Rooster’. This beach bar is located at the entrance to the beach. There is another entrance to the North of this, this one has a playground area and it is located near the Playa Ocotal Beach Club.
More: Why Playa Ocotal