The Best Things to Do in Quepos Costa Rica

A small city on Costa Rica’s central pacific coast about two and a half hours from San Jose, Quepos is known for being the gate to Manuel Antonio National Park. With rich forest only about 4 and a half miles south of the city, the amount of outdoor activities awaiting you is limitless! Spend a day at Manuel Antonio, take a kayaking voyage down the river, explore the caves to the north, or even try your hand at horseback riding. Quepos is even a top destination for sport fishing! Catch marlin, sailfish, snapper, and much more in the mighty ocean off the shores of Quepos.  

What are the Top Attractions to Visit in Quepos?

Manuel Antonio National Park

Recommended by locals and tourists, a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best things to do in Quepos, Costa Rica. As Quepos is known as the gateway to Manuel Antonio, we couldn’t agree more and we can confidently say that it is the top attraction in Quepos. Perfect for all ages and abilities, you can choose from a selection of flat hiking trails, ziplines, and for the more experienced hikers, climbing Mount Chirripó- the highest peak in Costa Rica! Grab a local guide to show you all of the native flora and fauna, and see for yourself why this is the top attraction in Quepos, Costa Rica.

Marina Pez Vela

For a city specializing in sport fishing, there must be an impressive marina to match! Marina Pez Vela is one of the top attractions in Quepos. This enormous marina can dock up to 200 different vessels and is the meeting point for fishing trips, catamaran tours, paddle boat tours, and any tour associated with the ocean in Quepos. Even if you are not a fisherman at heart, this impressive circular marina is a site in itself and one of the best things to see and do in Quepos, Costa Rica. While you’re at the marina you must have a meal at Gabriella’s, where locals and tourists alike come to dine with a stunning view of the ocean. 

Quepos Farmers Market

Maybe you’re taking a break from nature adventures and one of the things you would like to do in Quepos is explore the city. One of the best things to do in Quepos is to head down to the local farmers market, where you can meet a few locals and try some fresh Costa Rican fruit at a great price! Open every Friday and Saturdays until noon, you can see what this quaint market has to offer, we recommend trying every native fruit to Costa Rica, as those will be the most fresh and most unique. Take the rambutans, for example, a small red fruit with what looks like spiky hair growing on the outside. It may be strange at first, but it is one of the best things to try and do in Quepos, Costa Rica.

What are the Best Outdoor Activities in Quepos?

Manuel Antonio National Park

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The best thing to do in Quepos Costa Rica is explore the neighboring Manuel Antonio National Park. The national park facilitates everything you would want to do while exploring the rainforest, while providing a safe haven for all of the native wildlife. Join a local guide and take the park’s guided tour where you will be trekking through the forest on easy access trails, spotting the native wildlife as you make your way through the forest. Once the tour is complete, you will be able to swim and relax on one of the beautiful beaches lined with lush jungle. Or, head over to the wildlife sanctuary, where you will be animals enclosed in cages. Taking an unconventional but more practical and humane approach, this wildlife sanctuary will have you walking through tunneled cages as the different monkeys (squirrel, whiteface, howler to name a few) and animals (including sloths, frogs, and birds) climb all around you, while staying in their natural habitat. And, if you’re more into thrill seeking activities, the park also provides adventure tours! You can zipline, skydive, and go white water rafting in this vast and expansive park. There are many things to do and much to see during your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the best things to do in Quepos Costa Rica! 

Beaches of Quepos

Two of the best beaches in Quepos Costa Rica are Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla. These two beaches create the largest stretch of beach in Quepos. Playa Manuel Antonio is a crescent beach within the national park and Playa Espadilla is the largest stretch of beach that backs up to the national park. You can relax on the warm white sand and enjoy the waves lapping on the shore from the Pacific Ocean. Or, you arrange a day activity, such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, and even jet skiing. The beaches in Quepos are as relaxing as they are fun, making them some of the best things to do in Quepos during your stay! 

Things to do Near Quepos Costa Rica

Damas Caves

While there are plenty of activities to do in Quepos, there is also adventure waiting just outside the city and national parks. Damas Caves is one of the best things to do near Quepos Costa Rica, as it provides a unique cave experience the whole family will enjoy. About 20 km north of Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica these caves have not been set up to accommodate tourists as much as the other caves have. So, grab your flashlight and explore the stalactites and stalagmites while thousands of bats flutter in the high ceilings of the caves, as this is one of the best things to do near Quepos. 

Nauyaca Waterfall

About 45 minutes south of Quepos you can visit a tranquil waterfall within one of the many tropical forests of Costa Rica. Nauyaca Waterfalls is the perfect place to seek out adventure in a more secluded area of the forest. Marvel at the 20 meter high, staggered falls that drop into a beautiful pool, where you can swim and thoroughly enjoy the surrounding nature. If you’re wanting to give your feet a rest, you can explore the forest a couple different ways. The most popular ways to reach the falls are the 4×4 tours and horseback riding tours, these unique ways to reach the waterfall are one of the best things to do near Quepos. 

The best things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco hugs the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and is known for its miles of sandy beaches and perfect surf. If you’re planning a trip to this restful resort city, it’s always hard to know where to begin. Maybe you’ve found yourself clutching a laundry list of things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica but haven’t been able to nail down your itinerary. Or maybe you know exactly what you’d like to do and just need to know how to get from Jaco to San Jose

The world is your oyster, so have a look at some of the ideas below to help you plan your trip to this beautiful Central American city. You’ll find some useful tips and inspiration so you’ll know what to do in Jaco, Costa Rica. 

What is Jaco Costa Rica known for?

First things first, it’s important to ask yourself, “What is Jaco, Costa Rica known for?” Jaco has endless beaches and waves and draws beach bums and boogie board enthusiasts from landlocked San Jose. The swells are perfect for beginners and many surf schools offer lessons throughout the day.

A 10-minute drive from the center of Jaco brings you to popular Hermosa Beach. More advanced surfers gather here year-round to hang ten or hang out on the black sand shores. This picturesque beach hosted the ISA Billabong World Games in 2009 and continues to welcome surfers with a bit more experience. Check out some of the best beaches around the region if you’re still trying to figure out where to go in Costa Rica.

Hotels in Jaco Costa Rica

Maybe you’ve explored a bunch of accommodation options and haven’t found just what you’re looking for. There are endless choices ranging from surf camp bungalows to boutique hotels. Jaco is a popular tourist destination but If you’ve scoured the web asking is it safe in Jaco, Costa Rica, you might set your mind at ease staying at an all-inclusive resort such as Best Western Jaco Beach. You can’t go wrong with a hotel on beautiful Jaco Beach. 

Is Jaco Costa Rica expensive?

Jaco is pricier than other Central American countries but can easily be explored on a backpacker’s budget. With so many travellers running to the coasts, and with Jaco’s close proximity to San Jose, it is a fairly budget-friendly destination. Alcohol in bars can be a splurge in Costa Rica but there are plenty of happy hours around town to swing by. Bring along your own sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself and save some cash. 

Prices surge during peak season from December through April. Find accommodation early and plan accordingly to stretch your dollar. 

Getting from San Jose to Jaco and back again

A stone’s throw away from San Jose, many locals make their way from San Jose to Jaco for a weekend at the beach or some outdoor adventures. It takes between 1.5 to 2 hours from San Jose to Jaco depending on your mode of transportation. There are a few daily bus options leaving every few hours throughout the day. With fewer options from Jaco to San Jose, other services such as Daytrip offer travellers flexibility. 

What to do in Jaco Costa Rica

See the waterfalls near Jaco Costa Rica

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If surfing isn’t your speed but you’d still like to take a dip, there are plenty of waterfalls near Jaco, Costa Rica to hike and explore. Canyoning is a popular adventure sport that takes you through rivers and down waterfalls with an experienced guide. You’ll be able to cliff dive into chilly pools and splash your way through the forest all afternoon. There are plenty of tours for people looking for a more relaxed jaunt past some falls as well, so it’s easy to find the perfect Costa Rica waterfalls.

Fishing in Jaco Costa Rica

Sport fishing is a popular activity in Jaco which shouldn’t come as a surprise. The cool Pacific Ocean is full of sailfish and more. Charter a boat from one of the marinas to explore for the day and lure in your catch. Each year, Jaco hosts tournaments for dedicated fishermen and women as well as some ameteur anglers.