Why Quepos
Quepos is the town most people drive through on the way to Manuel Antonio, and that is a mistake. It is where the marina, the boats, the fishing fleet, the supermarkets and the cheaper restaurants are, and it sits just 6.7 km from the gate of the most visited national park in Costa Rica. Sleep on the Manuel Antonio hill or in town; either way, Quepos is your base.
Top things to do in Quepos
Manuel Antonio National Park
Sloths, capuchins, toucans and white-sand beaches inside the park. Go early with a guide and a scope. From $30
Guided park tour →
Catamaran and the sea
Sail the coast from the Quepos marina, snorkel and look for dolphins. Humpback whales from December to March.
Whale season →
Night tour
Red-eyed tree frogs, two-toed sloths and kinkajous after sunset. Runs on Tuesdays too. From $50
Night tour →
Damas mangrove
A boat through the estuary north of Quepos: caimans, boas, mangrove birds and monkeys.
Mangrove tour →
Canopy and adventure
Zip lines, canyoning, rafting on the Savegre and horseback riding in the hills behind town.
Adventure options →
A Tuesday plan
The park is closed every Tuesday. That is your day for the boat, the mangrove, the beach outside the park or the night walk.
Full list →Plan your days
Day 1: national park at opening time with a guide, beach inside the park, lunch in Manuel Antonio, sunset from the hill. Day 2: catamaran or mangrove in the morning, Quepos town and the marina in the afternoon, night tour after dark. Day 3: adventure day or a slow beach day. Hour-by-hour versions are in this 1, 2 and 3-day itinerary.
Questions about Quepos
Where is Quepos?
Quepos is a small port town on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, in Puntarenas province. It is the gateway town to Manuel Antonio National Park, which starts 6.7 km south along route 618.
Is Quepos the same as Manuel Antonio?
No. Quepos is the working town with the marina, banks, supermarkets and bus station. Manuel Antonio is the hillside strip of hotels and beaches between Quepos and the national park gate. Most visitors sleep on the Manuel Antonio road and come into Quepos to eat, shop and catch boats.
How many days do I need in Quepos?
Two full days is the sweet spot: one morning in the national park and one day for the sea (catamaran, mangrove or whale watching in season). Add a third day for the night tour, canopy or a beach day.
Is the national park open every day?
No. Manuel Antonio National Park is closed every Tuesday. Plan boats, the mangrove or the night tour for Tuesdays.
When is the best time to visit Quepos?
The dry season, December to April, has the most sunshine. Humpback whales pass the Central Pacific from December to March. The green season (May to November) is cheaper, lusher and has afternoon rain.