Passing through Barra del Colorado Airport? A layover in Pococi is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave BCL:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Costa Rica. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Pococi takes about 60 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is CRC. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Pococi:
Start with Short Wildlife Boat Tour on Canals. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Explore Barra del Colorado Village. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BCL, you can spend time at Airstrip Observation Deck (Informal) or try Nature Immersion & Birdwatching. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Getting to Pococi from the Airport
From BCL, the local transport gets you to Pococi in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Restaurant at Rio Indio Lodge and Restaurant at Laguna Lodge are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Pococi.
- At the airport: Airstrip Refreshments & Snacks and Local’s Basic Bites (Informal Vendor) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Pococi Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Pococi might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$8 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$23 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Pococi, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BCL, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Pococi itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Costa Rica that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at BCL may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Pococi’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, BCL has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Pococi genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.