Cobano, Costa Rica
Cobano is the local hub for the entire southern area of the Nicoya Peninsula. Roads to all beaches pass through this small town and in many cases Cobano is the central access point when traveling from one beach village to another.
Center crossroad of Cobano
Twenty years ago, Cobano was little more than the crossroads of a cattle raising region. The coastal villages received
supplies by boat from Puntarenas because roads didn't exist or were unpassable by car.
Today, the roads have greatly improved and transportation has shifted from boat to land. More and more tourists are
traveling to the beautiful beaches of the southern Nicoya Peninsula and Cobano has quickly developed into a lively little town.
During the day, the town fills up with travelers, Ticos and expatriates from surrounding villages and beaches, who take care
of their business. By sundown, Cobano returns to its sleepy roots and few tourists remain.
Cobano street life
In Cobano there is a variety of family-run restaurants, department stores, supermarkets, and a few low-key cabinas. When staying overnight make
sure that there isn't a Karaoke event next door (unless you are eager to perform yourself).
In addition to the normal Costa Rican schools there is a private bi-lingual kindergarten and elementary school in Cobano on
the way to Montezuma.
A bit out of Cobano, after the gas station, a road goes to your left and continues for 3.5 km until an adventure park where
kids and adults can ride on a 2 km track through the forest on mountain boards, bmx bikes and E-motorcycles. The EcoRide Adventure
Park is open every day from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The Bank in Cobano:
For a long time, the Banco Nacional in Cobano had been the only bank to serve the entire southern Nicoya Peninsula. In 2007, another Banco Nacional and a Banco de Costa Rica opened in Santa Teresa /Mal Pais, eliminating the trek and long waits to do banking in Cobano.
Keep in mind that for all bank affairs in Costa Rica you will need your passport. Traveler's cheques are rarely used in Costa Rica and most hotels will decline them. Open hours of Banco Nacional in Cobano are from Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Outside the bank building is an ATM which works from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Post:
The post office to the side of the police station is the only one in the area. Open from Monday to Friday 8:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:30.
The postal code (zip-code) of Cobano and surrounding beach villages is 60111.
Medical Assistance:
In Cobano there is a pharmacy, several dentists, a private ambulance, and a small public hospital. There are however no lab facilities and if X-rays are needed, you would have to go to the vet (no kidding). For major exams and injuries you must go to Puntarenas or San Jose.
Proud horse and rider in Cobano
Fiestas Civicas de Cobano
A major attraction of Cobano is the annual Fiestas Civicas held in February.
It begins with the tope, a parade of horse riders from all the surrounding villages and far away ranches.
From Cobano the parade proceeds to the Plaza de Rodeo where the fiesta runs for three days, with bull riding, a fair with
colorful booths, food stalls and cumbia dancing at night.