Cobano, Costa Rica
Cobano is the local hub for the whole southern part of Nicoya Peninsula. Roads to all beaches pass through this little town and in many cases you will have to backtrack through Cobano when going from one beach village to another.
Only 20 years ago, Cobano was little more than the crossroads of a cattle raising region. The coastal villages were supplied by boat
from Puntarenas, because roads didn't exist or were unpassable by car.
However, roads have improved continuously during the last years and transportation 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 however Cobano returns to its sleepy roots and few foreigners are left on the streets.
Local hangout in Cobano
In Cobano there is a variety of family-run restaurants, department stores, supermarkets, and a few low-key cabina places. When staying overnight
make sure that there isn't a Karaoke event next door (unless you are eager to perform yourself).
A funky Gallery /Coffeshop in the center offers local tourist information along with fast internet, movies and book exchange.
In addition to the normal Costa Rican schools Futuro Verde
offers a bi-lingual kindergarten and elementary school in Cobano, and a High School will start in 2011.
The Bank in Cobano:
The Banco Nacional in Cobano has long been the only bank on the whole southern Nicoya Peninsula, and the waiting times were notorious. Since 2007 there is now another Banco Nacional and a Banco de Costa Rica in Santa Teresa /Mal Pais.
Keep in mind that for all bank affairs in Costa Rica you need your passport, no copy will do. Open hours of Banco Nacional in Cobano are from Monday to Friday 8:30 - 15:45. Outside the bank building is also an ATM which works from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Post:
The post office at the side of the police station is the only one in the whole 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 for X-rays you would have to go to the vet (no kidding). For major exams and injuries you must go to Puntarenas or San José.
Proud horse and rider in Cobano
Fiestas Civicas de Cobano
A major attraction of Cobano are the annual Fiestas Civicas held in February or March.
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 big fair with
colorful booths and circus, food stalls and cumbia dancing at night.