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 15 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.
But roads have improved and transportation shifted to the steadily improving road system.
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.
The rancho has vanished in Cobano center
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 quickly returns to its sleepy roots and few foreigners are left on the streets.
Still you mustn't expect Cobano to be a big town but the rapid growth of the beach villages has its effect on Cobano. The big rancho, usually a traditional meeting point of locals in each small Costa Rican town has been torn down in 2007 and is replaced by a commercial center.
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 small bank 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 are from Monday to Friday 8:30 - 15:45. Outside the bank building is also an ATM which is open 24 hours.
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.
Medical Assistance:
In Cobano there is a pharmacy, several dentists, a small hospital and a private ambulance. Serious cases will be transferred 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.